The Hideout Golf Club & Resort is perfectly named. The 1,400-acre property on the northern environs of the Texas Hill County is a strong two-and–half hour drive from downtown Austin, so indeed, one has to want to get there. But spend a few days at playing golf at The Hideout, boat on nearby Lake Brownwood, and explore the eclectic shops of downtown Brownwood, and you will forget all about the drive.
Rustic in spots but never shy on Hill Country hospitality, the resort struggled in the 2000’s. Now, however, under Troon management, its future is as bright as the Texas summer sun.
After all, you have to like a resort whose barbecue smoker is just a few feet away from the golf bag drop off. Not to mention a chef (Prashanth Ramphal), who serves the best breakfast (don’t pass on the bacon) this side of Shilo’s in San Antonio. By the way, Ramphal also serves a mean Prime Rib.
“We’re off the beaten path a bit, that’s for sure,’’ said Sam Brookman, the resort’s director of golf and a native of Lubbock, “A laid-back vibe. It gets nice and quiet here in the evenings.’’
You get the feeling that’s just the way guests like it – although weekends generally fill up with families and golf buddy trips occupying the resort’s Lodge Rooms, Family Cabins and Ranch Houses. Most of the accommodations have porches that provide great places for stargazing at night, given the lack of ambient light around the property. The deck on the second floor of the clubhouse also offers great views of miles and miles Texas – night and day.
In addition, the clubhouse deck has panoramic views of the Hideout’s parkland-style, 6,981-yard, par 72 course. The resort’s centerpiece – designed by Bill Johnston – shows off the Texas Hill Country’s giant line oaks, red oaks, and winding streams. Off the tees, it’s wiser on most holes to play for position rather than length. The small greens complexes take a bit of getting used to in regards to approach shots, but the greens roll true.
The Hideout closes with two memorable holes – a 412-yard (tips) par-four that most often plays hard into the wind; and the 18th, a 374-yard par-four that from the tips requires an accurate tee shot 155 yards over water. To get the best out of this hole, play it from the elevated back tees. It’s a fun and entertaining way to finish the round.
All told, the Hideout is a excellent resort layout (open to the public) that doesn’t beat you up and gets better with each round as you get to know its nuances – particularly on the small greens. Brookman and resort General Manager Matt Weeks are working on plans to improve the course’s turfgrass, and eventually add a spa and real estate component. The resort offers Stay and Play packages ideal for golf buddy trips and corporate events. A large swimming pool near the clubhouse is a fun gathering place for families.
The Hideout Golf Club & Resort is located within easy drives of Midland, Odessa, Abilene and Lubbock. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a two-and–half-hour to three-hour drive.
“We’re reaching out to a lot of markets,’’said Brookman, a veteran of several Troon-managed properties. “A lot of those people know us and come back.’’
A lot of those people, too, take the 15-minute drive into Brownwood, which during World War II was home to Camp Bowie – one of the nation’s larger U.S. Army bases.
Although not as well-known as other Hill Country towns, such as Fredericksburg, Boerne, Wimberley, San Marcos and Luckenbach, Brownwood is worth a visit. Stop by Intermission Bookshop, where owner Kim Bruton will tell you how she converted a War era movie theater into one of the more unique bookshops you’ll ever visit; buy a jar of salsa and some old-style drugstore candy at Shaw’s Marketplace; grab a slice and a cold craft beer at Pioneer Pizza; and definitely order the Wagyu steak at Lucille & Mabel Kitchen, one of the best restaurants in Texas.
Impossible Bookshop in Brownwood, Texas
Kohler and 3M each operate manufacturing facilities in Brownwood’s south side. “Gilligan’s Island’’ star Bob Denver graduated from Brownwood High School.
The Texas Hill Country spans 31,000 rugged square miles across 18 counties. There are great stories to be found – and told – everywhere. The Hideout Golf Club & Resort – and Brownwood – are among them.
Feature Photo Courtesy of The Hideout Resort & Golf Club