Barton Creek Resort - Fazio Foothills

When Barton Creek Resort and Spa opened in 1986, the Fazio Foothills was the first Tom Fazio-designed golf course in the state of Texas. The layout was carved through rugged Hill Country terrain west of Austin, taking advantage of dramatic elevation changes, natural limestone outcroppings, and dense canopies of live oaks and cedars.

Over the decades, the resort expanded to four championship 18-hole courses: the original Fazio Foothills, the Fazio Canyons added in 1999, the Coore-Crenshaw Cliffside, and the Palmer Lakeside. Together they made Barton Creek the undisputed golf capital of Texas. The resort is now operated by Omni Hotels and Resorts.

The Fazio Foothills underwent a comprehensive renovation that updated the playing surfaces while preserving Fazio's original routing. The course features Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda fairways and TifEagle Bermuda greens, providing excellent conditions year-round.

The Fazio Foothills is best described as a roller-coaster ride through the Texas Hill Country. The course features dramatic elevation changes of up to 100 feet, with tee shots launching from ridgelines and approaches playing to greens tucked into valleys or perched on plateaus. Waterfalls, natural limestone caves, and green-side mounds add visual drama.

At 7,085 yards from the back tees with a slope of 138, the course demands long and accurate drives down the Bermuda fairways. The small greens require precise iron play.

Elevation changes significantly affect club selection. Downhill holes play shorter than the yardage while uphill approaches require at least one extra club. Pay attention to yardage books rather than trusting your eyes.

The greens are relatively small TifEagle Bermuda surfaces that can be firm and fast, especially in summer. Approach shots that land short and roll on are often more effective than flying the ball to the pin.