Golf - Public Course · 18 Holes · Par 72
Leander
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Review of Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander
Wow, Crystal Falls Golf Club is a fantastic course - one of those that you say, "where have you been all my life?" and that you really regret finishing the 18th hole. The course opened in 1991 and is currently owned and operated by the City of Leander.
Crystall Falls Golf Club is a course that other courses should aspire to be when they grow up - it's fair but challenging, every hole (specifically on the front nine) is different from the others, some holes are stunning, it requires good course management and strategic play, and the rates are very reasonable. If only the conditions were a little better - but the terrain makes watering very challenging.
Part of what makes this course so fun to play is that the course designer carved the fairways out of some beautiful rolling hills just north of Austin. As such during your round you get to experience several dramatic elevation changes, rolling and contoured fairways, creeks and ponds, and greens that have settled in and use the natural terrain to provide slope, tiers, ridges, and contour.
The fairways are lined by trees and bluffs, 6 ponds, and a creek that lines and or crosses the fairways on 7 holes. You won't find any homes or barking dogs guarding the fairways but several big beautiful homes do dot the hillsides and overlook some of the holes, but they won't come into play. It's just you, some beautiful terrain, nature, and wildlife. However, you may hear balls ricocheting off the trees or some fellow golfers giving high fives or some wind whipping through the trees. What a beautiful property and unexpected for this area.
There are only three tee boxes with yardages ranging from 5194 to 6654 and you may think you're in for a walk in the park because it's so short. But the first time you play Crystal Falls Golf Club don't get overconfident. This layout throws a lot at you and the greens will cause trouble both on the approach shots as well as putts. This is a course where you need to manage the slope and elevation and tight fairways, play conservatively, and do whatever it takes to stay in the fairway. Club selection and course management are critical.
Don't let all of that scare you away - Crystal Falls is demanding but fair and it's a blast to play. Here are our reasons why Crystal Falls Golf Club is on Texas Outside's list of the Top Public Courses in Texas:
The front nine of Crystal Falls is the most scenic and challenging, and it's a nine that you'll want to play again. Dramatic elevation changes (both up and down), water, wind, challenging greens, and sloping fairways can impact your score. Every hole on the front is different and will throw something at you to keep you on your game. Some of the holes we really loved include:
The back nine has some good elevation changes (#11 is a beautiful 192-yard par 3 with a dramatic downhill shot to a contoured green), blinds shots, challenging greens, a couple risk-reward opportunities, and some wide-open let-er-rip to tight fairways. Club selection, course management, and precision approach shots are critical on this nine - but it's easier than the front nine and it's your opportunity to turn in a low score.
The greens at Crystal Falls Golf Club were in good condition and ran at a good speed of around 9 or so. But they are very challenging - lots of significant slope, contour, and ridges; most are raised; and several are surrounded by trouble - mounding, swales, water, or trees. The slope makes it hard for the ball to hold the green and several times we watched in horror as what seemed to be a great shot rolled off the green and down the hill toward or into trouble. You need to come in high and soft and try to manage the green's slope and firmness. Bump and runs won't work because the greens are raised.
The fairways were in fair condition and all have some significant slope and lots of contour. They were firm and hard creating lots of extra roll. The rough was pretty rough and a mixture of dirt, rocks, and grass - but playable! Miss the rough and you're in the trees, thick native brush, or wet.
Bottom line - a demanding but fair 18 where every hole is a little different and requires some thought, course management, and good club selection - a very reasonable rate and a must play!
Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|
Blue | 6,654 | 73.4 | 131 |
White | 6,164 | 70.6 | 126 |
Red | 5,194 | 71.0 | 124 |
Approximate Weekend
Rates: $40.00 to $55.00
Service is good and very friendly, the pro shop has the basics and the practice facilities are adequate. The grill has burgers, dogs, and sandwiches and beer. The pace of play can be a little slow as fellow golfers look for lost balls. When we played on a Saturday, there was no cart service and no marshall.
Here's How Texas Outside Determines the Scorecard RatingThe Texas Outside rating scale ranges from 1 to 10 – a perfect 10 course would be something like this: links along a cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean and bordered by tall trees; lush fairways on rolling hills with lots of natural hazards; water (which is crystal clear) on most of the holes; immaculate greens (but they are undulating and tough); lots of variety and character (each hole is completely different and includes blind shots, elevation changes, doglegs, and significant challenges); perfectly manicured traps with the whitest and prettiest sand you’ve ever seen; a nice club house with great food and a 19th hole; a GPS; plenty of beverage carts or your own cooler and ice; and it only costs $40 bucks! What this means is that you probably won’t find any 10s in Texas – try Cabo San Lucas, Pebble Beach, or some of the Hawaii courses!
All of the above determines the overall score for the golf course. In other words, we like courses that are pretty, fun, very challenging with a lot of variety, and fairways and greens in excellent condition – all for $40. We also tend to play the courses that are affordable for the masses, which means in the $30 to $80 range. We rate hard and we haven’t found a 10 in Texas yet – don’t worry we haven’t given up and we’re still looking.
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