New Travis Club course at Lake Travis aims to produce great memories, not just great golf
LAKEWAY — Beau Welling perched on a spot high above Lake Travis on Tuesday and talked very little about what is likely to be a breathtaking golf hole.
Welling, the architect of the Travis Club, where ground was officially broken this week in Lakeway, insisted what drew him to this project was the idea that a golf course can do more than just determine a handicap. In fact, he said in his first meetings about the property, the conversation had more to do with experience than it did layout.
“We didn't talk about golf holes," Welling said. "We talked about what this project could mean to the community, even the greater community of Austin and the Hill Country, and I immediately was attracted to that."
Welling, 54, said in his introductory speech Tuesday that his best playing days are behind him, but that he still finds happiness playing golf.
“The light bulb that went off was that golf was something that attracts people together to have these human moments, create memories and be together," he said. "And I think we all learn kind of going through the pandemic that we as a species, like, we need to be around other people. Well, golf is an incredible fosterer of that. And that's kind of what we talked about in some of our initial conversations.
“I think about my life and half the memories of my father on the golf course, half my friends come from the golf course. And I think what's driven our practice really is trying to take our craft, the golf course design, and create golf experiences that allow people to have these human moments.”
Welling also crafted one of the two courses at Fields Ranch, the PGA of America's new masterpiece in Frisco, as well as Bluejack National outside Houston and Escondido near Marble Falls.
And while he talked primarily about relationships, he did add that the piece of property where the signature fifth hole sits — the site of Tuesday’s groundbreaking — should be special. The hole will probably max out at about 221 yards from the back tee, offering a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings.
“You look here at this setting like this — when the lake fills back up it's going to be super dramatic. It's super dramatic right now with this big ravine, this big canyon,” Welling said. “Alister MacKenzie, the designer of Augusta National, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne, he said that the chief consideration of any good golf hole is this idea of drama or overcoming a hazard and that all good golf holes have that. And so, we will have tons and tons of drama throughout the experience that will be the Travis Club.”
The first phase of the project, which has 106 home sites, is about half sold, and the remaining sites, which range from a half-acre to just under 3 acres, start at about $800,000.
"We are thrilled to introduce this new lake and golf community on Lake Travis. What sets this project apart is the unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Lake Travis offers. We have designed Travis Club intentionally by taking great care to preserve and complement the local environment and surroundings, with over 50% of the property dedicated to golf, open space, or conservation areas,” said Leisha Ehlert, CEO of the Travis Club. “We have integrated the stunning lakeside views and lush landscapes with the development of exceptional facilities, providing members and their families the ability to enjoy the serenity of lakeside living while having access to a world-class golf and recreation experience.”
Birdies and bogeys
Eyes on the Coodys: Among the things to watch at this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which features a unique format, is the pairing of Parker and Pierceson Coody, who played at Texas. The twins are starting to pick up the pace early in their careers and each has top-25 finishes this season (Parker has three, including a T-6 last week in Puntacana). The teams will play fourball (best ball) in the first and third rounds and foursomes (alternate shot) for the second and fourth rounds.
Ellis/Stuart win at Lions: Alex Ellis and Seth Stuart captured last weekend's Spring Partnership Champions tournament at Lions Municipal. The duo finished 15 under par by posting rounds of 63-64, edging the teams of Kody King and Matt Fisher, William and Daniel Martinez, and Tommy Norris and Jack Cersosimo by one stroke.
Korda on hold: Nelly Korda’s quest for six straight victories will have to wait. The world No. 1 announced on social media that she has withdrawn from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles. On Sunday, Korda became the third woman in LPGA history to win five consecutive starts on tour, making her fifth a major title at the Chevron Championship in The Woodlands. “It was not an easy decision,” she posted. “After the unbelievable week at The Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Korn Ferry returns: The Korn Ferry Tour returns to Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington for the fourth playing of the Veritex Bank Championship. Miles Russell, a 15-year-old amateur and the 2023 AJGA Rolex junior player of the year, will make his second Korn Ferry Tour start after a T-20 finish at last week’s LECOM Suncoast Classic. Last Friday, at 15 years, 5 months, 18 days, he became the youngest player to make the cut in Korn Ferry Tour history. Two days later he became the youngest player on record (since 1983) to record a top 25 on either the Korn Ferry Tour or the PGA Tour.
Tim Schmitt is the managing editor for Golfweek and golf coordinator for the USA Today Network. He lives in Round Rock. Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Officials highlight new Travis Club golf course at Lake Travis
