2010 Fat Guy Update:  The Lajitas website now lists their golf course as being called Black Jack's Crossing designed by Lanny Wadkins.  I can't tell if this is a remodel of the orignal Bechtol & Russell course below, or if the resort has been sold and renamed, or if maybe I somehow posted a weblink to the wrong resort.  Some further research on your part may be required.

Architects: Roy Bechtol & Randy Russell
7042 yards

T&L Golf Magazine Review (summarized by Fat Guy): You've read about Lajitas, TX, but you don't remember it. Recall back in 2001, there was a whole town up for sale? Well, it was Lajitas (which has a goat for a mayor… literally). The town was bought by TX telecom tycoon Steve Smith for $4.2 million. He has since wagered another $50 million on converting this TexMex-border town into a high-end badlands golfing destination, dubbing it "The Ultimate Hideout."

The new golf course is surrounded by stark, soul-inspiring beauty complimenting wide Bermuda fairways and pristine Bent-grass greens. Despite the 7,000 yards plus from the El Jefe tees, the opening quintet lulls you into confidence. Winding through holes with names like "Ante Up", "Quick Draw", and "Quick Sand" to the 6th, 7th, & 8th called "The Good", "The Bad", and "The Ugly", the last being a 470 yard par 4 with a vast reed-filled marsh right and a long, wicked sand trap left. The 10th marks the first of 4 holes on an island on the Rio Grande, while the 11th can be played as a unique international "par 1", with an alternate green across the river in Mexico, tilted back-to-front and funneling toward the permanent cup. This hole was named as one of Golf Magazine's 2003 "50 Coolest Places In Golf". A 32,000 sq. ft. clubhouse opened in '03, and a second course called the Outlaw is on the drawing board.

Where to Grub & Booze, On Resort: An old stone house that overlooks the river has been expanded into the spectacular Ocotillo Restaurant (915-424-5035). With a menu of local dishes, you'll find the deer and the antelope playing on the grill, along with rattlesnake cakes, cabrito enchiladas, and wild boar quesadillas. Atop the restaurant's 3-story stone tower is the Look Out Bar. Outlaws enjoying the canopy of desert stars can chase away a winter's evening chill with the outdoor fire pits, Indian blankets, and aged tequila.

Where to Grub & Booze, Off Resort: In "downtown" Lajitas, there's great grub at Candelilla Cafe (915-424-5030), serving perfectly grilled T-bones with garlic mashed potatoes and blue-cheese chipolte butter. Afterwards, move next door to the porch of the mayor's hangout, the Thirsty Goat Saloon (915-424-5033), to watch thunderstorms rumble in over the lights of Paso, Mexico across the river. You half-expect Butch and Sundance to ride up at any moment.

The neighboring town of Terlingua is home to an eclectic bunch of artists and desert rats, as well as the oldest chili cook-off in the country. Head for the underground cool of the bar at La Kiva (915-371-2250). Or, try the tiny Phoenix Cafe (915-371-2251), surprisingly serving very authentic Italian.

Further Diversions: Check out the resort's indoor-outdoor Agave Spa, set magnificently on a hilltop overlooking the Rio Grande.

Getting There: Fly your private Gulfstream jet into the new 7,500 ft. runway at the Lajitas airport. Or, fly into El Paso, rent a pick-up, and gun it for 5 or 6 hours down 10E, 90E, 67S, and FM 170 E.

Where To Stay: The resort features 4 star accomodations.

Don't Wanna Leave?: No problem. Mountain-top homesites at the resort start at the $1 million mark.

What To Read: Anything by Louis L'Amour.