The Creeks at Beechwood
Fort Worth, TX
Greg Norman
'03 Fees: $45-$65
Golf Magazine Review: One of Norman's more natural designs, it's tight, long, and tough, winding from tee to green through big oaks and mesquites to greens cut into natural hollows. If the creeks don't get you--a big "if"--then you'll find more than enough frustration in the woods or even in the fairways, where you may find your approach blocked by a towering tree that Greg couldn't bear to part with. The result is target golf that clearly rewards conservative play. When the rough is fully grown out, you may as well leave the driver in the trunk. On the whole, Shark deserves special recognition for sculpting the course to fit the land, unlike Fazio's design at nearby Stonebriar.
Where To Grub: In and around Dallas, Golf Magazine recommends the BBQ at hole-in-the-wall Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse (open 10-3, get there early before they run out of brisket); the state's best Tex-Mex green chile enchiladas at Chuy's; or the local favorite, upscale steakhouse Bob's Steak & Chop with multiple locations in Dallas and Plano. At Bob's, expect crowds of beautiful people standing 4-deep at the bar for big drinks, big steaks, and a big bill to match. It may take your whole foursome to polish off an order of Bob's wicked onion rings, a fantastic bleu cheese salad, and a prime 20-ounce bone-in ribeye. Steak lovers also like III Forks (972-267-1776), which makes some Best Steakhouses in the U.S. lists.
Where To Stay: Golf Magazine says immerse yourself in the lap of TX luxury at several top-notch Dallas area golf resorts. Try the Westin Creeks @ Beechwood, north of Fort Worth, or the Westin Stonebriar in Frisco. Both hotels feature Westin's "Heavenly Bed"--the premeir choice for those who have trouble sleeping in hotels--and high speed modem connections. The Westin Stonebriar Hotel is built of TX limestone and features large, comfy rooms. Furniture is made of native oak and pecanwood. The lagoon-style pool and fitness center are big plusses, as is the proximity to high-end shopping at the glitzy new Stonebriar Mall. OR, the finest lodgings in the Metroplex are still found at 4 Seasons R&C @ Las Colinas, in Irving. Impeccable 4 Seasons service & comfort at cushy villas with TPC 18th green views, at a relatively bargain rate. Byron Nelson himself is a regular presence at the 4 Seasons, lunching with most of the classes at his namesake golf academy. Soak up the sun at giant free-form pool, wind down with a hot rocks massage at the spa, or hit the 3-story sports club, with indoor hoops hosting surprisingly good pick-up games. Strap on the feedbag at the 4 Season's new Cafe' on the Green, with a sleek and elegant desiqn befitting the New American cuisine of Chef Christof Syre', wooed from the Regent Hotel in Hong Kong. Order the braised lobster at dinner, but the Must-Eat is the sumptuous breakfast buffet.