The 18-hole course first opened in 1917 and is the second oldest golf course in Texas. Until recently, Brackenridge was also home of the lowest round ever posted in a PGA Tour event, a 58. The course is fairly short, measuring 6,185 yards from the championship tees, but there are plenty of trees and water to keep players from getting too greedy with the driver. Several holes require a long iron shot off the tee in order to stay out of trouble. Any golfer that visits San Antonio should play this course at least once. Tee times aren't necessary, but they are highly recommended, especially in the winter months when tourists are in town.

Keith Foster designed this San Antonio masterpiece, which opened in 1993 and has since garnered quite a reputation. A unique course carved out of an abandoned quarry, it placed among the top ten of "America's Top State Golf Courses" in Golf Digest magazine. It offers some of the best views of the city, but don't get caught sightseeing, or this course will eat your lunch. The front nine is pretty open and filled with streams throughout. Upon making the turn, you quickly find out how the course got its name. Nestled within the abandoned quarry, several holes have greens that are bordered on three sides by 100-foot cliffs, with trouble waiting on the other side. In fact, the names given to two of the holes on the quarry side, "Escape from Alcatraz" and "Reload," pretty much tell the story of the back nine. Call for tee times and more information.

Another of the truly fine courses that San Antonio has to offer, SilverHorn is a popular place for the better players in the area to congregate. Opened in 1996, this Randy Heckenkemper-designed course is one of the more challenging in the area. The 18-hole Tifdwarf-grass course has all of the challenges that South Texas is known for: creeks, jagged rocks and lots of trees. Fast, hilly greens give even the better players fits when lining up those par putts. A fully stocked clubhouse and a friendly, knowledgeable staff round out this fine course.

This beautiful golf course in the Westin La Cantera resort was designed by Arnold Palmer and spreads across 225 acres (91 hectares) of green land. Open to the public since 2001, the Palmer course has several signature holes and a state-of-the-art ParView GPS system that assists golfers in planning their strategies. With a waterfall, a lake and the Winnie Palmer Memorial Bridge, the Palmer Course is also a major tourist attraction. Relax in its clubhouse with your favorite drink, while watching your spouse play a game or two.