San Antonio

-a golf getaway 

by Edward R. Leos

------In England, "tea time" is a revered time of the day to relax and relish a cup of tea. In South and Central Texas "tee time" has a meaning just as reverent. Here, you grab your golf bag, head to the nearest stretch of fairways, greens and sandtraps to experience one of life's simple pleasures - golf.

------"We are starting to get the golf infrastructure in place. All we have to do is get the word out and it will pay dividends," says Tony Piazzi, executive director of the San Antonio Golf Association.
"San Antonio is one of the most beautiful cities in the country - which makes a lot of people take a good look at golf in our city."

------San Antonio is fast becoming the next great golfing area with its scenic views, wonderfully-moderate temperatures and world-class golf courses, especially for the northern tourists who venture south for the winter.
------"We have seen a rise in golf play here at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort every year since 1993," says Paul Earnest, head golf professional for the award-winning resort. "We are seeing the birth of San Antonio's golf reputation. Our city keeps adding great golf courses and that is what the travelers want."

------During the past few years, the Alamo City has added such magnificent courses as Tapatio Springs, the Quarry, the Hyatt Hill Country Resort, La Cantera Golf Course and the newest - Silverhorn Golf Club. The city however is not resting on its laurels. A $100 million Westin hotel will be developed next to La Cantera Golf Club; Loews Resorts will be building an $80 million golf resort across from the famed Dominion Country Club; and Courage Creek Golf Course is scheduled for opening in 1998.

------"I believe within the next 20 years, there will be 60 destination golf courses or resorts in and around San Antonio," says Jack Parker, CEO of Club Consultants, Inc., the owner of Tapatio Springs Resort and the renowned Quarry Golf Club. "When I travel, I promote all of San Antonio's golf courses because it will benefit all of us. We have to remember that golf is more than just a game, it's an industry." But for those who only see it as a game, here are the hottest golf courses in and around San Antonio.