HORSESHOE BAY, Texas – On my most recent trip to the U.S., I had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Horseshoe Bay Resort, less than an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas. This sprawling retreat truly has something for everyone—families, sun seekers, and especially golfers, with its three championship 18-hole courses (more on those in a moment).
My accommodations were in the resort’s tower, where I enjoyed a spacious, comfortable room overlooking the pool. Conveniently, all I had to do was take the elevator down to J’s Restaurant, which serves up an excellent breakfast (both buffet and à la carte), along with lunch and dinner. Beyond the dining, the property offers multiple pools, including a family-friendly option and, just a short walk or shuttle ride away, a floating pool on Lake LBJ—the perfect spot for a cocktail at sunset.
One evening, I embarked on a private sunset cruise across the lake. As we glided past countless multimillion-dollar mansions, our captain shared fascinating stories about the region’s history. Back on shore, I capped off the evening with a delicious dinner at the Waterfront Bar & Grill, conveniently located by the dock and floating pool.
Although I didn’t make it to the spa this time, I heard glowing reviews from other guests. One visitor told me: “My experience at the Horseshoe Bay Spa was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I arrived, the staff created a warm and welcoming environment, going above and beyond to ensure I felt cared for. My spa specialist introduced me to cupping, which worked wonders on my shoulders. Afterward, I soaked in the hot tub, relaxed in the sauna, and enjoyed the steam room—pure luxury. I can’t wait to return.” Clearly, it’s an experience worth carving out time for.
For a lighter round of fun, I played the Whitewater Putting Course, an 18-hole, all-grass layout set among waterfalls, rose gardens, and exotic birds. It’s a must for first-time visitors—ideal for families or, as in my case, for grabbing a drink while sneaking in some exercise before dinner at the nearby Whitewater 360 Sports Club.
Of course, the main reason I came to Horseshoe Bay was for the golf. I began at the resort’s impressive Golf Academy, home to two climate-controlled indoor bays equipped with TrackMan, Toptracer, and high-speed cameras, plus eight outdoor covered stations. Under the expert eye of Bobby Steiner, the resort’s Director of Instruction, I had a lesson that improved my swing dramatically in less than an hour—just in time to tackle the courses.
After a quick lunch at the Cap Rock Cabana—arguably the coolest clubhouse I’ve ever seen, complete with two swimming pools—I took my new swing to Apple Rock, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design featuring dramatic elevation changes and water on seven holes. My highlight was the 10th, a par 5 teeing off from a perch high above with sweeping views of Lake LBJ.
The next day, under the sweltering Texas sun, I teed it up at Slick Rock, another Robert Trent Jones, Sr. creation with over 70 bunkers and 12 water hazards. The star here is the iconic 12th hole—the “Million Dollar Hole”—which sends players across a 35-foot waterfall, equal parts scenic and exhilarating.
Sadly, I ran out of time before I could play Ram Rock, the resort’s third 18-hole course, which shares its clubhouse with Apple Rock. But that simply gives me another reason to return to Horseshoe Bay on my next trip to the Lone Star State.
