Horseshoe Bay Resort
Austin, USA
Horseshoe Bay Resort overview
Located on the shores of Lake Lyndon B.Johnson (Lake LBJ) in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort is one of America's premier golf destinations. It features three championship courses designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., plus a luxurious resort with lakeside accommodations, restaurants, and spa facilities. The perfect setting for a Texas golf vacation.
Surrounded by rolling hills, rocky terrain, and panoramic lake views, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers a unique golf and leisure experience just 55 miles northwest of Austin. Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or a relaxing getaway, this resort blends world-class golf with Southern hospitality.
Travel tip: The spring and fall months (March-May and September-November) are the most comfortable times to play, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Golf Courses
Golfers can take on three distinctive Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses on-site, each with its own personality and challenges:
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Ram Rock Dubbed the “Challenger,” Ram Rock is a par-72 course that features narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and the iconic island green on the 4th hole. Known for its “hard par, easy bogey” design, it’s a true test for experienced players.
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Apple Rock Opened in 1985, Apple Rock is a scenic par-72 layout that winds through Hill Country terrain before finishing along the Lake LBJ shoreline. Its elevated tees and sweeping views make it one of Texas' most picturesque courses.
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Slick Rock The most player-friendly of the three, Slick Rock is a par-72 design that offers 170 acres of rolling fairways, water hazards, and bunkers. It's famous “Million Dollar Hole” 14th features a tee shot across a waterfall-walled bridge - perfect for a photo op.
Renovated in 2016, the course remains a cornerstone of Horseshoe Bay Resort, helping earn it recognition from Golf Magazine as “one of America’s best golf resorts.”
Travel Tip: Book early tee times in summer to avoid the Texas heat and enjoy calmer morning conditions on the course.
Accommodation
Horseshoe Bay Resort offers a variety of accommodation options:
- Guest rooms & suites – Comfortable spaces, many with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake LBJ.
- Villas – Spacious layouts perfect for groups, offering a home-away-from-home feel.
- Tower rooms – Ideal for couples seeking modern amenities and lake views.
Restaurant & Bars at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences:
- The Yacht Club – Upscale seafood and steakhouse dining with spectacular lake views.
- Whitewater 360 Sports Club – A casual sports bar with pizza, burgers, cocktails, and direct access to the unique 18-hole Bermuda-grass putting course.
Pro Tip: Make Yacht Club reservations in advance - weekend tables fill quickly with both locals and resort guests.
Spa & Leisure at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Beyond golf, the resort offers a wealth of activities:
- Bayside Spa - A lakeside sanctuary with massages, body treatments, and beauty therapies
- Fitness center - Fully equipped with cardio and weight training, plus daily group classes like yoga and zumba
- Water sports - Jet skiing, boating, and paddleboarding on Lake LBJ
- Recreation - Tennis courts, multiple pools, and scenic walking trails
Where is the resort located?
Horsheshoe Bay Resort is conveniently located just 55 miles northwest of Austin, Texas, and within easy driving distance of San Antonio.
Travel tip: Renting a car is the best option - allowing arrival to be simple but also allows you to explore Texas Hill Country wineries, barbecue spots, and small towns nearby.
Did you know?
Horseshoe Bay is home to one of only four real Bermuda-grass putting courses in North America. Located next to Whitewater 360, this floodlit 18-hole putting course is open day and night.
Our View
The resort stands out as one of the top golf destinations in Texas. Here are a few highlights of what Horseshoe Bay has to offer:
- Three Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship golf courses
- Signature holes, including Slick Rock’s “Million Dollar Hole”
- Luxury lakeside accommodations with suites and villas
- Excellent practice facilities for golfers of all levels
- Spa, water sports, tennis, and leisure activities for non-golfers
- A variety of dining options from fine dining to casual sports bars
- Convenient location near Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
Golf courses at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Apple Rock Golf Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Apple Rock at Horseshoe Bay incorporates some of the highest, most spectacular land in the area, starting in the natural rocky terrain and ending on the beautiful shoreline of Lake LBJ. Whether professional or amateur, it provides a challenge for any golfing ability, with fifty bunkers and seven holes bringing water hazards into play. The beautiful Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens make it one of the state’s top courses.
Ram Rock Golf Course
The Ram Rock Course at Horseshoe Bay Resort is a challenging Par-72 layout. The course includes 62 deep bunkers and ten water hazards, making it a true test of your golfing ability. There are numerous teeing options allowing golfers to choose a length that suits their ability and offers maximum enjoyment. Utilizing the native landscape and natural dry creeks, the Trent Jones design has narrow fairways and swift elevation changes, living up to the designer’s philosophy of “hard par, easy bogey”.
Slick Rock Golf Course
The Slick Rock course at the Horseshoe Bay Resort spans 170 acres of land in one of Austin’s most scenic locations. The course has 71 sand traps and 12 water hazards, creating a classic Robert Trent Jones design of “hard par, easy bogey.” However, with a large range of tee boxes, players of all abilities can enjoy this stunning Austin course. Look out for the “Million Dollar Hole” par-4 14th – the signature on Slick Rock that plays across a waterfall. It’s a great photo opportunity!
Book your package at Horseshoe Bay Resort
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Check in / check out Horseshoe Bay Resort
Guests can check in from 4:00 PM (16:00).
Guests need to check out by 11:00 AM (11:00).
