The first question you might have about Kissing Tree is how the heck did it get its name? The second question might be does it live up to the name? After all, one might suspect that the activity around a Kissing Tree is quite enjoyable, and to that end, the answer to the second question is yes.
You see, Kissing Tree isn’t your run-of-the-mill retirement spot. The 1,600-acre “55-and-better” community by Brookfield Residential Properties out of Canada has a modern vibe that doesn’t put older folks into a sedentary corner, but rather welcomes them into a new chapter of their lives. For example, the centerpiece “Mix” complex at Kissing Tree has a bar, pool tables, video games, and a jukebox. There are also indoor and outdoor pools and a two-story fitness center. And outside you’ll find horseshoe pits, bocce, a putting course, tennis, and dedicated courts for pickleball, which is the fastest-growing sport in America.
Oh, and Kissing Tree is located in a large college town, across from the state’s biggest outlet mall. Squeezed between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos has nearly 70,000 residents these days, and Texas State University has more than 38,000 students, NCAA Division I athletics, including an FBS football program, as well as performing arts, and a vibrant college atmosphere to keep everyone feeling a little younger.
The golf course at Kissing Tree, which opened in 2018, reflects all of the above. Designed by Texan Gary Stephenson, the layout is a pleasure to play from start to finish. And like the community where it’s located, Kissing Tree Golf Club is anything but routine.
The golf course is a 6,600-yard roller-coaster layout that’s enjoyable for players of all ages and abilities. Open to the public as well as local members, it also has the best panoramic views in San Marcos from a few elevated tees and greens. But in case, you were wondering — and we did mention this at the top — there is no “kissing tree” on or near the course. In fact, trees don’t really come into play that much at Kissing Tree. But the reference is historic and somewhat whimsical.
The name, “Kissing Tree,” stems from a famous oak in San Marcos, where none other than Sam Houston delivered a speech in 1857 in front of a mighty oak tree. He then famously kissed several of the female attendees, who presented him with a hand-stitched state flag, on the cheek after the speech.
Golfers, on the other hand, might find themselves wanting to kiss someone after they drive the green on the short par-4 ninth or 18th holes, especially if they can sink their eagle putts. Those are just two examples of what makes this golf course unique and fun.
The golf course starts out fairly easy with a par-4 that’s just 311 yards from the tips, but overall Kissing Tree isn’t as easy as it might appear at first glance. That’s why most players should not tackle it from the tips, even if they think they can hit it far. Because there are some short holes that bring down the overall distance, namely the aforementioned first, ninth, and 18th holes, so most players will find the course plenty challenging even from the “KT” tees at just under 6,100 yards. That helps explain why the KT tees still have a rating/slope of 69.3/126 despite the short distance. There are four sets of tees, by the way, the shortest of which starts at just over 4,000 yards.
The course has plenty of bunkers, but not an overabundance of them, although the horseshoe bunker surrounding the green on the par-5 third can be a little intimidating. The reachable par-5 17th also has some massive bunkers around the green.
There are water features on several holes, including the par-3 second, which can be pretty intimidating. But those who play the forward tees, for example, can get to the green without crossing the water. That theme is common throughout much of the course; the farther back you play, the more these penalty areas come into play. Those who play up can largely avoid them.
“When golfers play at Kissing Tree, they will have an angle of play to get to the green on the ground,” said Stephenson, who drew inspiration from the years he spent studying and playing courses in Scotland for inspiration. “The green complexes have closely mowed run-off areas that allow golfers to play lob wedge, sand wedge, pitching wedge, 9-iron, 7-iron or putter from off the green. This shot variety allows golfers to use their imaginations, play to their strengths and enjoy the round of golf each and every time they play.”
Even on the ninth and 18th holes, players can navigate around the ponds and lakes next to the greens. But for those trying to drive the green and anyone carrying the ball on the approach, the water definitely looms large. On both holes, players who are going for it will have to avoid going right and long to miss the penalty areas. But even if you drive it into the water, you still have a chance to make par if you can get it up and down (areas around the green are marked red). Another reason both nines end with similar risk-reward holes is that many residents will just play nine holes at a time.
“It’s a fun little golf course,” said Sam Brookman of Troon Golf, which operates Kissing Tree Golf Club. “But it has plenty of character. On windy days, it can be pretty challenging.”
One of the best views on the golf course comes on the downhill par-5, 14th. From the tee, you can see much of San Marcos and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. It’s just one of several holes on the back with terrific vistas.
Another contemporary feature of playing a round at the Kissing Tree is the Shark Experience (developed by Greg Norman) on the golf carts. The Shark Experience provides yardages and other entertainment experiences from the cart, including a BlueTooth option to play your favorite tunes from your smartphone.
Kissing Tree also offers a large, fully grassed driving range and a putting green. Lessons are also available from the golf professionals.
While a bigger clubhouse is still in future plans (could be built in 2023), a fully-stocked golf shop and a clubhouse grill are currently in operation.
By Mike Bailey