Briggs Ranch Golf Club
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Architect: Tom Fazio (2001)
7,247 Yards / Par-72
74.7 Course Rating / 135 Slope
When Briggs Ranch opened in 2001 it was the first new private facility to come into existence in the immediate San Antonio area in 20 years.
The $10 million Tom Fazio designed layout benefits immensely from its location on gentle rolling land and is well-served by a thoughtful routing that takes golfers on a fun journey providing a mixed range of golf shots needed for scorecard success.
In 2017, the facility was purchased by The Dormie Network, a national network of private destination clubs via a single membership which provides full access to all clubs in the portfolio with on-site lodging included.
A consistent aspect of a Fazio design is how well the holes are crafted. The eye-candy dimension is a constant connection that inspires players with each golf shot faced. But unlike a number of Fazio courses where the eye-candy dominates, Briggs Ranch has a number of engaging holes that require top-shelf execution for ultimate success to be posted on one’s scorecard.
One of the core attributes for Briggs Ranch is how the golf is neatly sequestered without any clutter via housing and other intrusions.
The round commences in strong fashion so word to the wise – be sufficiently warmed-up beforehand. The 1st is a dog-leg left par-4 of 455 yards, well-protected by an inside fairway bunker located perfectly at the turning point. Be mindful the bunker is quick to grab hapless plays like the swimmers swallowed up by the hungry shark in Jaws. Unless you have sufficient firepower, it’s best to give it a wide berth.
The best angle for the approach comes from the left side — those who venture far enough away from the aforementioned fairway bunker are left with a far longer second shot and one in which the angle is harder because of a greenside bunker that cuts into the diagonally-situated putting surface. There are also perplexing internal contours that require keen reading. Those walking off the green with a four on the scorecard will be off to a good start.
The 2nd reverses direction and plays slightly uphill. Bunkers flank the drive zone and while some may opt to land before the bunkers, the net increase in yardage to get to the green will be a test as the putting surface is elevated.
The 3rd is a demanding long par-3 over 200 yards. One can bounce an approach in from the right side but anything missing left will face a serious hurdle to escape with a 3 on the scorecard.
Briggs changes direction with the quality short par-4 4th. There is a risk element in which a player can attempt to drive over a right fairway bunker and if successful, be left with a simple pitch to the green.
The next two holes — a 510-yard par-5 and 438-yard par-4 — both play into the prevailing wind. The former is a birdie hole opportunity and the latter a challenging two-shot hole with a pond left of the target and an internal spine that separates the left and right sides.
The final trio of holes on the outward side are a good mix with a par-5, par-3 and par-4 combination. All generally play with the prevailing wind.
The inward half commences with a downhill dog-leg left mid-length par-4 of 411 yards. Players can be aggressive down the left side provided the tee shot is played with sufficient length and placement.
When reaching the 11th — you encounter the first of two lengthy par-5 holes on the back nine. The hole plays 595 yards and moves slightly uphill. Once again, the drive zone is defended and the hole generally plays into the prevailing wind. The green is set diagonally and requires a deft touch.
The 12th follows at 466 yards and is also generally played into the same prevailing wind. The hole is the most difficult of the long par-4 holes.
The layout then reverses direction — a long par-5 at hole 13 plays 603 yards. Players can get near the green in two shots but birdies are not yielded easily.
A quality short par-4 follows — just 314 yards. Players can attempt the big drive down the left side but placement wins the day as a tree complex is located within a large bunker that fiercely protects the entire left side. The drive zone narrows so placement is crucial. There is a tiny alleyway on the left side and players successfully able to squeeze a tee shot through the area can reap a major reward.
The best par-3 at Briggs follows with hole 15 at 206 yards The tee shot plays to an elevated target with a false front. The diagonally positioned green is well-defended with a deep bunker on the right side. Those missing too far left will do themselves little favor. The green runs away from the back third. When the pin is cut either in the very front and extreme rear area, it takes a well-executed approach to find the landing area. Leave the hole with a par made and you will certainly gain ground on your opponents.
Hole 16 is another fine two-shot hole. Bending to the right on the drive zone and generally players will hit less than driver to secure the right landing spot.
The penultimate hole is the last of the four par-3 holes. Playing just under 200 yards, the requirements are straightforward — a quality approach to a slightly elevated target to a well-defended green.
The closing hole ends the round in fine fashion. A two-shot par-4 of 440 yards. The hole starts from a slightly elevated teeing area and moves slightly to the right. The optimum landing area is protected by bunkers on the right side. The approach is testing to a green with plenty of back-to-front movement. When the pin is tucked on the far-right side it takes a gutsy play to both land and remain there.
Overall, Briggs Ranch provides sufficient diversity of holes and is located on terrain that adds to the overall experience. There’s sufficient challenge without matters turning into a deadly dull slog.
Credit Tom Fazio especially for a routing that keeps you on your toes. The wind patterns test players to choose wisely with club selection throughout the round.
Briggs Ranch is certainly well worth checking out for those able to access the course when in San Antonio.
Verdict: Birdie+
Images courtesy of The Dormie Network.
***
Ratings AssessmentDouble Eagle Not a hole to be missed. Compelling architecture throughout testing mental and physical resolve. Your heart bumps with exhilaration from 1st tee to 18th green. Eagle + Superior shotmaking values in tandem with related turf quality melding an experience of the highest order. Eagle Like its namesake – flies high in the clouds. Consistent variety with strategic holes demonstrating brilliance at various moments. Birdie + Engaging design providing thoughtful intersections with creative results front and center. Birdie Quality architecture exists but held back by limited standout holes encountered. Par+ Has several holes of note but too many pedestrian ones subtract from the experience. Par Enjoyable but like vanilla ice cream – mainly ordinary. Bogey Little substance of note – has design fumbles that are more prevalent than need be. Double-bogey A total mistake — in need of upgrades with substandard holes, inferior routing and substandard conditioning. Triple-bogey An utter mess. Avoid the pain of the experience and the loss of time / money. ***
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