Six-hole par-3 course in Austin, designed by Longhorns Bechtol and Spieth, is fun and challenging
AUSTIN, Texas — The Spieth Lower Forty, a six-hole course that doubles as an amenity and a practice facility at the University of Texas Golf Club designed by golf architect Roy Bechtol and multiple PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth, has been named the 22nd best private short, par-3 or non-traditional course in the United States in a recent ranking by Golfweek magazine.
Building short courses to either augment or, in some cases, supplant full-sized 18-hole course has become commonplace of late at clubs and courses as attitudes change concerning traditional golf practices.
The Spieth Lower Forty, named after the three-time major winner and former University of Texas standout, was ahead of that trend, opening in Fall of 2017 and maintaining a spot on Golfweek’s rankings of short courses ever since.
“We are honored to be in such ‘high cotton’ company, especially since we’re one of only two six-hole courses in the ranking,” Bechtol said. “Jordan and I are so happy we were able to create a venue for lovers of the game of all handicaps.”
Built on 5½ acres between the members’ range and the first hole at the University of Texas Golf Club, the course has four different types of grasses and features holes that range from 80-125 yards. The holes end on putting surfaces that are up to 4,000 square feet in size, with several of the greens patterned after those of famed par 3s, including the 16th at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth and, most prominently, the sixth at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif, the course in which the Longhorns won their first NCAA men’s championship in 40 years.
Spieth was a member of that winning team that earned Texas’ first golf title since 1972. Then-sophomore Toni Hakula aced the par 3 sixth hole at Riviera with a 7-iron in the second round of stroke play to help the Longhorns earn that championship.
The name “Spieth Lower Forty,” also is a nod to the term “Forty Acres” that is used colloquially to refer to the University of Texas campus as whole. Spieth’s design contributions to the project included everything from the placement of the green complexes to elevations and contours.
The “grip-it-and-rip-it” sensibility loved by so many golfers highlights the game at the college level as well. But Bechtol, who — in partnership with Randy Russell — also designed the par-71 championship course at the University of Texas Golf Club, understands that long drives are meaningless unless they translate into scoring chances on the golf course.
The Spieth Lower Forty, which is only 552 yards in total length, has helped the Longhorns’ players hone that aspect of their game.
The Spieth Lower Forty has tee boxes that can be adapted to the individual’s needs, the demands of the weather conditions and to regulate usage, and thus maintenance. The concept is also excellent for time-intensive outings that can facilitate member events and even draw new golfers to the club.
“The Spieth Lower Forty is an incredible venue for all levels of golfers to hone their short game in a championship setting,” said Bechtol, who is also an alumnus of the University of Texas. “Just about every golf course has five or six acres they could turn into a facility like this – one that’s fun and challenging and gets golfers excited about practicing and getting better.”