I have driven by the outer wall of the Escondido Golf & Lake Club many times. The Tuscan-themed rock wall and the smattering of visible houses hint there is more to the property than what you see from the road. What I found blew me away. This review is about the course, not so much the amenities. Fazio had a lot to work with here. Rolling land, creeks, and live oaks. He did a masterful job of routing this course to take advantage of it. The fairways are wide, the greens are well protected, and mistakes are costly. The course was in perfection condition. The greens roll true and quick. Every hole was fun to play. The scenery of the course left me speechless many times. Not a lot of views; its just each hole has attributes that can be appreciated by a discerning player. Service is top-shelf and the Smoke Shack cook at the 10th hole was engaging and funny. This is a private course and play with a member is required. Where there is a will there is a way for non-members. Worth every bit to play.

I have played here a few times and I am always impressed by the conditions and the hospitality. I was at the resort for a party and we were lucky enough to play 2 rounds. If you play in July....it is HOT. There was a small wind but the weather is absolutly draining. I was exhausted after the round. There are tons of water stops on the course and you will use them. Staying hydrated is a must,

The course is long and FAST!! I hit a drive on #4 that went over 350. I am not a long hitter but got massive roll out of the fairways. If you have ever played off zoysia you will understand. This course requires accuracy off the tee and a daft short game. The par 3's are challenging, and the greens are as fast as I have ever putted on.

If you get the chance to play....do it! It is the best in the Hill Country.

We had the opportunity to spend the day at Escondido, known to be one of the Hill Country's most exclusive and opulent clubs. Unlike some of the other area clubs built around the time of the economic downturn like nearby Summit Rock, pretty much all the facilities are built out here, and conceptualized extremely well. Each facility is better than the next, and the locker room is a sight to behold.

Service is off-the-charts good. It's also one of these "no tipping" clubs, and staff is at your beck-and-call throughout your day. We had coffees delivered out to us, before I left they shined my shoes, and valeted and cleaned my car.

So how's the course? It's a Fazio design that is a little more mellow compared to some more up-and-down Hill Country designs. It's very much a club-feel with a compact and easy to walk routing with no holes that will really kill you. The finishing holes are really good and the 18th is a tough par 5 that plays along a river tee-to-green.

But as good as the course is, it's the overall experience here that is going to blow you away. It's dues are priced among the top country clubs in Texas and there are some state icons who are members here. Suffice to say, chances are you can't afford to join here but anytime you're invited out, do not pass up the opportunity. There is also a Dave Pelz Scoring School held here at various times of the year, a popular way for non-members to get inside the gates.