Crystal Falls, Avery Ranch clubs prepare for fall season

The game must go on at Crystal Falls Golf Course and Avery Ranch Golf Club despite more than four months combined of temperatures topping 100 degrees in each of the past two summers.

Last summer's heat wave took a particularly heavy toll on the area golf courses, resulting in damage that will take more than a year to recover from despite the comparatively cooler year so far, said Wes Skaggs, Crystal Falls Golf Course head professional.

"Last year's weather was tough. It really was—not just on us but everybody," he said. "You're worried about conditions, then economics, and then you start opening your eyes to the regional water supply, crop damage and the overall well-being of the community."

Fairways and tee boxes have recovered faster than greens, Skaggs said, because of the putting surface's shorter grass. Fortunately, thanks to cooler weather and early July storms, there has been more water available to help the grass replenish itself.

In fact, Avery Ranch Golf Club is using 10 percent to 15 percent less water than last year to maintain its beauty, General Manager Brent Brown said. And with fall approaching, the course often sees an uptick in golfers as temperatures cool—a welcome increase from last year, he said.

"We're very fortunate to have our water supply right next to the clubhouse, so we don't really have water issues—that's one thing that's very advantageous for us," he said. "The only bad thing is that when we get drought conditions and the more we water, the more expensive it gets, while at the same time, revenue goes down."

The Avery Ranch course turned 10 years old in June, splitting its usage during the years to 40 percent public golfers, 40 percent private members and 20 percent outside tournament play, Brown said. The clubhouse also benefits from non-golf revenue by hosting wedding services, corporate events and family get-togethers, he said.

The biggest challenge, Brown said, is convincing non-members they can golf at the semi-private course.

"We're probably the nicest public golf course in Austin," he said. "It's like being in a country club for a day."

Crystal Falls, which opened in 1990, prides itself on strong customer service not afforded at busier municipal courses or resort-style clubs, Skaggs said. The scenic Leander golf course is open throughout the fall and winter months except during major holidays and extreme weather, he said.

"Winter brings its own challenges because a particularly dry winter is bad for us," Skaggs said. "Fortunately, the long-range forecast suggests a wet winter."

Weather is not the only concern throughout the fall and winter, Brown said.

"Texas is such a football state, so it definitely competes with golf," he said.

Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club Drive, Austin, 248-2442, www.averyranchgolf.com

Crystal Falls Golf Course, 3400 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, 259-5855, www.crystalfallsgolf.com