Let’s Play Crystal Falls

Crystal Falls golf course is one of those courses that after you play it a few times you will probably develop a love-hate relationship with. Located on the north side of Leander, Crystal Falls is about a 25 minutes drive from Mopac and Parmer Lane in North Austin. Built in the 1980’s by the City of Leander, it is still owned and operated by Leander.

It did take a long time for the course to gain any popularity because it was a very unforgiving.

The fairways are very narrow and hilly and most are bordered by heavy brush, water or gullies and after 18 holes you were literally worn out from having to search for your ball. Every shot required you to be accurate and precise about where you put your shot. In addition, the hilly terrain pretty much negated this being a walking course.

But Leander has made some pretty good changes to the course that make it more playable and it is in a beautiful setting in the hills west of Austin. During your round you will see abundant wildlife because the area is a haven for deer and wild turkeys. The heavy brush also makes it a haven for snakes! So when you are searching around in the brush for a ball, carry a club to defend yourself and keep a sharp lookout for a rattle snake! Also, a recent surge in housing has seen a lot of really beautiful homes built around the course. Prices begin in the $300k range. Most have great views and the sunsets in the hills can be spectacular!

Back to the course....The holes that I think make this a course worth playing often are: # 1 - It’s a 500+ yard par 5 that is easily reachable in 2 if you have a good drive. Your drive needs to be down the left side of the fairway and your second shot must be aimed at the left side of the green. The right side of this hole is protected by trees or a deep gully that borders the left side of the green. #2 � It�s a short to mid distance par 3 that’s all downhill. Short you are in the brush and long you’re in the water.

You can’t see the green from the back tees. #4 - It’s a pretty short par 4 but you must hit a 5 or 3 wood and also keep it to the left. Aim for the middle of the hill that runs down to the fairway.

Hit a good shot and you can reach the green with a short iron. #6 - Another short par 4 that requires a well placed 3 or 5 wood. #11 - A long par 3 again all downhill. Short is ok but long is a killer. Again a blind shot from the back tees. #12 - A short par 5 reachable in two with two well placed and precise shots. #18 - The #2 rated hole on the course! Two long shots down the left side allow you to go for the green in 3..I’ve never seen anyone make the green in two. Even with two good shots you may have to make a blind 3rd shot into the green. As Crystal Falls gets older it seems to get better. The new club house is very nice and if you are a senior you can play for $25.00 (m-f), cart included.

Enjoy and see you on the 19th green!