The highest-ranked course at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa has reopened after being closed for seven months, and it’s better than ever.
The Tom Fazio-designed Canyons Course, ranked third in the state among courses that are open to the public by Golfweek magazine, has a brand new look. What started out as a bunker renovation turned into a full-scale redo, with new tee boxes, corridors, added length and irrigation enhancements. The $5 million project, which also included a state-of-the-art practice facility, was done in conjunction with Fazio’s team as well as input from John Fields, coach of the University of Texas’ men’s golf team.
“The Fazio Canyons renovation is the most recent work completed to ensure Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa remains one of the top golf destinations in the country,” said Spencer Cody, corporate director, club and golf operations. “The modernization and re-imagination of the Tom Fazio gem will allow for the same stellar playing conditions members and resort guests have come to expect across the Omni golf portfolio, and will position the facility to host any caliber of event.”
Originally opened in 1999, the Fazio Canyons, which is one of four championship layouts at Omni Barton Creek, sports plenty of picturesque views of the surrounding native landscape with stately Red Oaks, Sycamore trees and limestone cliff sides where the course meanders along the Short Spring Branch – a creek that traverses the course. The new layout got an extra 300 yards or so in length — it now plays more than 7,400 yards from the tips — but more importantly is more playable for all levels of players. Not only were back tees added, but some new forward tees means that shorter hitters can play the course from 4,600 yards now, some 400 yards shorter than it used to be. The last aspect came following input from members, many of which are older.
In conjunction with the new tees, however, bunkers were removed, added and some relocated. They all got new liners and drainage. Corridors were also widened, and attention was paid to all the environmental areas and sensitive areas. About 20 acres were seeded with wildflowers and native plants to make the course even more beautiful.
“It was never intended in the beginning to just touch everything,” said Tony Miller, director of agronomy at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. “But that is what we achieved in the end. Collectively we made modifications to everything.”
But while this course is certainly more playable for the average golfer, make no mistake: it’s still difficult, especially if you climb back toward the back tees. (Slope/rating is 76.0/144 from the Tournament Tees). It’s also a great recruiting tool for the University of Texas golf team, which is why Coach Fields was involved. Longhorn players practice and play at Barton Creek, as well as UT Golf Club a few miles away. They often use the Canyons Course as qualifying events for tournaments
“Barton Creek has been a huge part of our success,” said Fields, whose 18 years with the Longhorns includes a national title (2012), five Big 12 championships. “There’s a major wow factor here.”
The added length of the course will help his team prepare for their big tournaments.
“Some of these tee boxes will take your breath away,” he said “And that’s what I want from these guys, to be challenged.” In addition to the Fazio Canyons course renovation, the Canyons driving range got a major upgrade as well. It now includes the latest Toptracer Range technology, which means members and guests can track all their shots, using the Toptracer app to improve and even play games on the range. TopTracer Range technology gives golfers data on ball flight, swing speed and launch angle, among other variables. The driving range is also home to the Barton Creek Golf Academy and Barton Creek Fitting Studio – making it one of the country’s top destinations for game improvement capabilities.
“Even if you don’t play the golf course,” said Mike Coleman, director of golf at Omni Barton Creek, “you can have an amazing experience out here.”
The Canyons course renovation is the latest installment of a full-resort renovation project including new hotel rooms, renovated convention and meeting space, re-designed spa and eight casual and upscale dining options. The Canyons is one of four golf courses at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. The other three are the Fazio Foothills, Coore Crenshaw Cliffside and the Palmer Lakeside courses.
By Mike Bailey