Golf tracks by Brauer and Colligan highlight trip
GLEN ROSE, Texas – When I consider the charming town of Glen Rose, my first thoughts always go back to its duo of fabulous and highly regarded golf courses at Squaw Valley Golf Club, one of area’s true economic engines.
But after spending a weekend in Glen Rose and Somervell County in the fall, I found there’s a whole lot more to like about this quaint berg of about 3,000 folks set about an hour southwest of Fort Worth.
Again, the initial attraction for me was Squaw Valley GC, 36 holes of golf designed by noted Texas-based architects and former partners Jeffrey D. Brauer and John Colligan.
Starting as an 18-hole championship course designed by Brauer in 1992, Squaw Valley GC was, in 2001, expanded to 36 holes with the addition of a new course fashioned by Colligan. Now the club and its two tracks are consistently rated among the top public-access courses in the Lone Star State. The two courses have their own personalities, and each is really fun to play.
Squaw Valley offers golfers a serene and satisfying golfing experience. The club and its two tracks feature beautiful vistas of century-old oak trees that define rolling plains, while Squaw Creek meanders through both courses, creating carries over water on numerous holes.
The club’s site and its two courses are a study in contrast. The eastern portion of the property is virtually flat and treeless, while the western half contains large native live oak, pecan and bur oak trees.
The routing allowed the site’s existing ranch house and barn to be converted into the clubhouse and cart storage, saving the county hundreds of thousands of dollars while adding character to the project.
“We believe our two courses are fun and challenging for all levels of golfers, and that’s what leads to the acclaim they receiver, the full tee sheets we enjoy and the repeat play and strong word of mouth we get,” said Duff Cunningham, Squaw Valley GC’s head golf professional. “There’s a little bit of everything in the courses – from drivable par 4s, reachable-in-two par 5s and long and short par 3s.”
In addition, Squaw Creek moves through the western half of the site, cascading over several small waterfalls and making for some challenging carries off the tee.
There’s plenty to do off the courses, including Barnard’s Mill & Art Museum, the building that started this area as established by Charles Barnard in 1849; the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, ranked No. 3 in the nation as the “Best Wildlife Safari Park;” and Dinosaur Valley State Park, one of Texas’ top State Parks, and a place where children of all ages can walk in the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs.
“I fell in love with Glen Rose almost 20 years ago as a visitor because of its quaint charm and hospitality,” said Kelly Harris, Somervell County’s Tourism, Promotions, and EDC director. “After moving here 10 years ago Somervell County has become my forever home.
“I love the history that makes up the county, the heart that its locals have and the warm hospitality that you will find at all of the attractions, shops and restaurants.”
Other favored attractions are: the Eagle Eye Ranch and Carriage Company (for horseback riding in the park, hayrides, and carriage rides); Dinosaur World, where 150 life-size dinosaurs are displayed in a unique setting; and the Creation Evidence Museum, with its 25-foot replica of Noah’s Ark, a biosphere, and artifacts and scrolls.
The county, which has more than 30 unique bed and breakfasts, cabins and Vacation rentals as well as six hotels and at least as many RV Parks, is beloved for its scores of Mom-and-Pop restaurants and shops.
Then there’s tubing, canoeing and fishing and on select weekends there are music festivals as well as the well-received Somervell County Expo, with its equestrian events in a climate controlled arena.
There’s never a bad day in Glen Rose, so it’s time for you to saddle up and head to Somervell County.
