La Cantera Golf Club- Palmer Course

Golf in Texas' Hill Country provides the recreational golfer with a multitude of quality courses. Flying into either San Antonio or Austin, travelers seeking a diversity of course will certainly find them throughout the Hill Country. Our foursome chose to play a PGA Tour-caliber tract in La Cantera, which hosted the Valero Texas Open from 1995 to 2009. The La Cantera Resort, which consists of the Palmer Course and the Resort Course, consistently ranks among the top golf resorts in America. Although we did not stay at the Resort, we were able to experience the Palmer Course and take in views of the hilltop lodging available to resort guests.

Expansive views of the Hill Country exist throughout the course

La Cantera Resort is visible from the Palmer Course

La Cantera is situated on the North side of the San Antonio metro area, which made it a logical stop for our foursome en route to Austin. Players gain an immediate sense of appreciation for the elevation changes characteristic of the course. Walking out from the clubhouse, players can see the difference in elevation from the 18th green to the 18th tee measures easily 100 feet or more. Using a cart at La Cantera is certainly advisable. Walking the course is certainly feasible, but for pace of play and enjoyment, a cart is likely preferred. The course is only 6926 yards from the professional tees, but its defenses lie in the form of large elevation changes (which challenges club selection), greens guarded by large bunkers, and occasional forced carries.



Although weather may be a factor when navigating La Cantera in the Summer, as our group did, it certainly should not stop any potential visit to the course. The thunderstorms were intermittent, and eventually passed. The course appeared to drain well, with defined collection areas for water out of the way of key areas of the course such as tees and greens.





The views throughout the course represent one of La Cantera's highlights. From many holes, players can visualize the Hill Country and San Antonio proper with almost unlimited visibility. Many holes offer a picturesque view from tee box to green, which allows players to adequately visualize potential shots. Beyond golf, the course contains a well stocked snack shop when making the turn and a restaurant with views of the 18th hole and beyond. Any golfers in the San Antonio area should highly consider a round at La Cantera, for both the quality of golf and the stunning landscape on which the
course sits.


La Cantera should be on any foursomes' itinerary when golfing in Texas Hill Country

Cost: $$$
Playability: 4
Condition: 4
Prestige: 4


Overall: 4







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