Played on 5/13/06 - The Course is an architectural disappointment because they could have made much better use of the terrain around Lake Travis. There are several canyons around the course, but for the most part, they do not even come into play. Rather than using the canyons to add to the difficulty and aesthetic value of the course, they seemed to me just to add to the beauty of the cart ride from one hole to another. The only explanation I can think of as to why they did not utilize this gorgeous terrain is to sell more lot space closer to the lake. This is understandable, I guess, if you are planning a sub-division to make money and not to have a fantastic golf course. The golf course itself is rather boring, extremely easy (I'm an 11 and shot a 75 and didn't play all that great) and not as pretty as it could be.
With that rather harsh review, I will add a BIG positive. THE GREENS ARE PHENOMENAL! It's been a long time since us Austinites enjoyed bent grass in the Hill Country. The Hills, BC and ACC used to have them, but with the heat and constant upkeep, they all went to Bermuda. The Bent Grass greens at Lake Cliff were smooth, read true, held the ball and rolled purer than any of the aforementioned bent grass ever did (in my opinion). Not enough good things can be said about the putting surfaces.
Fairways were decent, bunkers playable and all around good manicuring of the course. Pro Shop was great and very little traffic on the course added more to the good time. It was a nice round, but I can't imagine anyone paying a $25,000 initiation fee and $300/month dues for that course. I guess that's why they are offering so many "deals" now.
I recommend you go, if only to putt on the bent grass, but don't expect an overwhelming experience.