|
By Carl Mickelson
A 90-minute drive northwest of San Antonio to the rolling Hill Country and the chilly banks of the Frio River reveals a place as “uniquely Texas” as any golf property you might ever find. The final design collaboration of recently-split Austin-based architects Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell, ConCan Country Club winds through a lush valley completely surrounded by towering green Hill Country that you might as well call “Texas mini-mountains” (it’s as close to the Smoky Mountains as our Hill Country offers).
The vision of real estate developer Kenneth Arthur and his wife Barbara, this long-anticipated layout is the last puzzle piece to an outdoorsman’s paradise that includes a cabin resort right on the Frio, miles of recreational river access, a huge hunting lease (where quail, deer and wild hogs are fair game), one of the best restaurants in a 100-mile radius and a full-service spa (for the outdoorsman’s in-door significant other).
“You couldn’t ask for better views in the Hill Country or a better golf retreat,” says Bechtol. “It’s all about the setting. You’re surrounded by 360-degree views of hills and green landscapes.” Once you see it, you’ll, at times, liken it to the Northern California Wine Country or the mountains of Central America, but just know ConCan looks little like the flat, arid Texas plains Yankees roll their eyes at while watching Western movies.
The hottest thing to hit Uvalde County since jalapeno sausage, ConCan Country Club has opened to rave reviews from golfers who are, in a word, ‘surprised’ to see such an eye-catching and solid golf course in, basically, the middle of nowhere. Just eight miles from popular river rat and camping haunt, Garner State Park and cooled by the rippling waters where George Strait “learned to swim”, ConCan is a one-of-a-kind hideout, now with a superb golf course set to attract a whole new breed of vacationer.
A stout test at 7,333 yards, ConCan is one the few Central Texas courses to feature Zoysia fairways which grew in nicely last year that, along with dense (and penal) native-grass roughs give the new course a finished, grown-in look. Large crowned green complexes and well-defined short-rough and apron areas add to the layout’s Tour-caliber look.
“This golf course appeals to the traditionalist in me,” says John Junker, president of Southern Golf Properties (which manages the golf operations at ConCan). “There are such great, memorable shots values on every hole here. It’s a fair test, but you’re definitely going to be tested.”
Bechtol and Russell have craved out a fun, dramatic pacing of holes at ConCan, opening with an innocent-looking 413-yard par that requires a well-struck iron shot to a green closely bordered by a winding creek. A miss-hit here insures an unhappy beginning to your round.
“We were fortunate with the property, Bechtol says. “We discovered some creeks and some land that had far more roll in it than we expected from a valley at the foot of Hill Country. I think people are going to find this course has kind of a classic routing with some great visual features.” The main visual feature is the instant realization that the property has panoramic views of the surrounding hills from ANY point on the course.
One of the most memorable stretches of the golf course starts on the uphill approach into the elevated green on the 620-yard, par-5 13th. A forced carry third shot over a meandering creek into this gently sloping green leaves a tough fight for par or birdie. A heavyweight contender for signature hole appears as you reach the southeastern edge of the golf course (the entire course is bordered by a nature preserve) and the ruggedly handsome 177-yard, par-3 14th which plays over a rocky creek bed that winds in front of and around the left edge of the flat green. The view of the mini-mountains here and on the short risk/reward par-4 15th is particularly stunning. “We were able to use the mountain backdrop to frame the hole and the lines of the ridges to help golfers align their shots,” Bechtol says.
The round closes with two reachable par 5s at 16 and 18. “We think this will set up great for tournaments and for recreational rounds,” Bechtol adds. “You have a chance for some lat birdies or to redeem yourself for the damage done earlier in the round.”
After your round, you can relax on the beautifully landscaped patio behind the clubhouse or mosey over to the House Pasture restaurant for fresh seafood, steaks or wild game. You’ll have a new favorite chef after eating the House Pasture’s wide variety of continental fare and you’ll also want to stay for the live music at the restaurant’s outdoor pavilion that could, at any time, include the likes of popular acts like Willie Nelson, Roger Creager and Reckless Kelly. If you’re not hungry or ready to dance, take a dip in the Frio. It’s right there, after all.
“The Arthurs have created a culture here of sincere hospitality and a family environment that you just can’t fake. This place is True Texas and people simply love spending time here,” says Junker.
For those who fall madly for ConCan, 99 homesites were placed near the golf course, all featuring underground utilities and easy access to the resort’s various amenities. With lot sizes from half an acre to 1.75 acres, the Mountain Valley development invites families of all sizes to join in the fun. Call 830-232-4471 for real estate details or tours.
Whether you stay a weekend or settle in ConCan for life, you’ll agree with Bechtol when he says, “It’s just such a memorable, cool place, it stays with you. It gets in your soul!”
Green fees at ConCan are a reasonable $49 on weekdays and $59 on weekends
Stay and Play packages are available in the $149 per-person/per-night range but vary due to the many types of accommodations at ConCan, like the upscale ranch-style houses (some that sleep up to 15 people) found adjacent to the clubhouse as well as the Arthur’s Frio Country cabin resort just down the road. Call 830-232-4471 to customize a custom golf package for your group or family that may include other recreational activities or treatments at the full-service Spa at Mountain Valley.
Visit www.concangolf.com or www.friocountry.com for more information.
|
