Bigger In Texas? Golf in the Big Bend National Park area proves ‘It is So’.

This is the first in a series of articles about Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa

When our group first arrived at Lajitas International Airport my first thought was “Where in the world are we?”  Then next was, let’s hit the golf course!

Thanks to Mr. Warren for his hospitality

Now, let’s back up just a bit.  I was among a group of journalists and marketing folks invited for a special preview of the recently redesigned and renovated Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Club, which is part of the redeveloped Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa. 

Lajitas is not easy to get to, but it’s well worth the trip.  We were fortunate to be able to hop a ride on one of the private jets in the fleet belonging to Kelcy Warren, who is the owner of Lajitas. 

Our group met up at the Million Air Executive Terminal in Addison, Texas for the short flight to Lajitas.  If you are offered the opportunity to fly on a private jet, I highly recommend it.  Lucky for us that this was a short trip, though, as the Lavatory could not be accessed due to all of our golf gear being in the way.   And with our duly appointed in-flight bartender taking care to ensure no empty glasses, a longer flight might not have been so friendly.

What a group!

Shortly after wheels up in Addison, we arrived in Lajitas.  The approach to the airfield was breathtaking in of itself.  We were met at the plane by some of the outstanding crew that makes Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa such a special place.  We loaded up the vehicles and made the short trip to the resort.

The GPS says the golf course is just over there!

Upon checking in and getting to our rooms (more on the resort accommodations in an upcoming article), we met up for a nice quick lunch and headed to the golf course.

I’ve been fortunate to play a variety of courses around the globe, and from my experience, there is no other golf course like Black Jack’s Crossing anywhere in Texas.  I only know a bit about the former layout that was washed away for good in the “500 year flood of 2008”, which was the third in less than 100 years!  From what I have been told, the previous layout was very flat and unexciting.  I can tell you this, the Lanny Wadkins version is neither!  

There are at least seven elevated tees, where you can what seems to be hundreds of miles in almost every direction. The mountains, buttes, mesas and other rock formations (lajitas means flat stones) are breathtaking. The tee shots are exhilarating, and Wadkins created a golf course where every hole is memorable. The 7,400-yard course – named for General John “Black Jack” Pershing, who reportedly chased Pancho Villa around in these parts–is unique indeed.            




Tony Vaught is an international golf writer based in Texas.  He currently serves as Vice President of the Texas Golf Writers Association and has been a special contributor to Golfer’s Guide for over 10 years.          

Champions Tour and Former NBA Stars Align in Lone Star State

San Antonio, Texas, October 13, 2011 - As with any typical Pro Am, the field is full of who’s who folk.

For the second day, former NBA legend, Bruce Bowen was teeing it up at the AT&T Championship Pro Am.  Bowen, a three time NBA Champion, played today with his old buddy Sean Elliott.  Yes, the same Sean Elliott who thrust the once mediocre San Antonio Spurs to their first of (so far) 4 NBA titles.
Why all the talk about the NBA on in a golf article on a golf site?  Well, you as you know the NBA is in a downward sprial right now.  And, as any good journalist would do, I took an opporunity to talk to Bowen and Elliott about the current NBA situation.  Unfortunately, both declined to comment.

Today the duo were playing with Corey Pavin, and a couple of local businessmen, from what I was told.  “Lucky for us basketball guys that there are a couple of guys in our group that can play golf.” chuckled Bowen as they came toward the first tee (their fourth hole).

Tomorrow is the start of tournament play, with one of the marquee groupings teeing off at 11:07am; Tom Watson, Fred Couples, and Tom Lehman.  So, those of you in the San Antonio area, make sure you take off early for the weekend and head out to TPC San Antonio and catch some of the excitement of the Champions Tour.