Encounter the Unexpected at San Angelo Golf Courses
golf, golf courses, recreation,
Like the direction of a Texas tumbleweed, golf in San Angelo often changes with the wind.
When playing from the back tees at the public Quicksand Golf Course, for example, a round of golf on a gusty day can be “very interesting,” says Brandon Sanders, a local golfer who grew up playing in San Angelo and also played at Baylor University.
The wind speeds reach up to 40 mph, he says, varying how the courses play from day to day.
But Quicksand offers more than just a tailwind to drives on this 7,100-yard course. The 19th Hole, Quicksand’s food stop that serves sandwiches, hotdogs and other refreshments, promises shelter from any outdoor condition.
Another great public course is Riverside Hills Golf Course, where Sanders often played during high school.
“Riverside Hills is a fun course to get several golfers together for a skins game,” Sanders says. This par-72 course lies beside the Concho River and reaches 6,400 yards.
If you prefer to play at a private course, head across town to San Angelo Country Club. The rises and slopes amid the tree-lined fairways and thin grass greens of SACC yield a splendidly scenic course.
A par 71, SACC may also be the area’s most challenging course. “It requires a lot of target golf,” Sanders says.
Depending on the course conditions, the greens can be difficult to get up and down,” he says.
About five miles away from SACC is another private course at Bentwood Country Club. As houses have popped up around this course through the years, the appearance of Bentwood has evolved, and its difficulty has increased, Sanders explains. At more than 6,900 yards, Bentwood is one of San Angelo’s longest and most challenging courses.
While playing at Bentwood, he says, “It seems like you use a driver most of the way around.”
Meanwhile, the play at Santa Fe, San Angelo’s municipal golf course, is a welcoming nine-hole experience.
The course plays very straightforward, according to Sanders, inviting golfers of all ages and skill levels to the tee box.
Holes on this course present river views.
Tee times aren’t necessary at Santa Fe, making it easily accessible. “Santa Fe is where a lot of people go play after work,” he says.
In short, San Angelo provides golfing experiences you may not expect to find in West Texas, Sanders says.
Whether you prefer the exclusiveness of a private club or the affordability of a municipal course, you’ll find what you’re looking for and discover new challenges at San Angelo golf courses.
“I like to play them all,” Sanders says. “It depends on what kind of challenge you’re wanting.”
Story by Ryan Vaden
