Lajitas Golf Resort - Black Jack's Crossing

Black Jack's Crossing sits between Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande within the vast 27,000-acre Lajitas Golf Resort in remote West Texas. Lanny Wadkins designed this dramatic par-72 layout through rock canyons and dry washes, replacing the previous Ambush at Lajitas course that was destroyed during a catastrophic flood in 2008.

Named after U.S. Army General "Black Jack" Pershing, who pursued Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa through this borderland territory over a century ago, the course occupies terrain steeped in frontier history. Mexico lies directly across the Rio Grande, where illicit border crossings occurred during the Wild West era.

Why Play Black Jack's Crossing?

It is one of America's most dramatic desert landscapes. The only significant golf course for miles around Big Bend offers a unique combination of mountainous elevation changes and Rio Grande views unavailable elsewhere in Texas.

History of Black Jack's Crossing

The original Ambush at Lajitas was destroyed by what locals termed a "2000-year flood" in 2008. Lanny Wadkins, the 1977 PGA Championship winner and eight-time Ryder Cup team member, designed the replacement course on elevated terrain to avoid future flooding. Black Jack's Crossing opened in September 2011, utilising the mountainous sections that the previous layout had avoided.

Wadkins incorporated the historic Lajitas Trading Post (built in 1899) as the clubhouse, pro shop, and Longhorn Museum. This frontier building survived the battles between Pershing's forces and Villa's revolutionaries, and bullet holes from those conflicts remain visible in the building's facade today. The Trading Post originally served cowboys and miners who bartered for supplies during the day and drank whiskey together at night.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

Black Jack's Crossing measures 7,313 yards from the championship tees with four different tee options ranging down to just over 5,000 yards. The course routing takes advantage of dramatic elevation changes, particularly on the back nine, which overlooks the Rio Grande and features numerous elevated tees.

Wadkins utilised paspalum turf throughout to withstand the harsh desert conditions, including extreme wind, drought, and occasional flooding. The layout has generous fairways framed by intimidating desert backdrops.

The 14th hole showcases the Rio Grande, Lajitas Peak in the distance, and the border of Big Bend National Park to the left. Several par-threes feature dramatic downhill shots, including one 138-yard hole that plays significantly shorter due to the elevation drop. The par-fives offer varying strategic options, whilst some par-fours present driveable opportunities alongside more demanding tests.

Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Black Jack's Crossing is the sole significant golf course within the remote Big Bend region. The nearest comparable facilities lie approximately 265km (165 miles) north in Alpine or Fort Stockton, making this a unique destination rather than part of a multi-course itinerary. The isolation contributes to the course's bucket-list appeal for travelling golfers seeking an extraordinary experience.

Practical Planning

Advance booking proves essential given the limited accommodation and remote location. The resort offers 117 themed rooms across various buildings, from the historic Badlands Hotel to modern villas.

Stay-and-play packages provide the most practical arrangement, as the nearest substantial town (Alpine) lies 95km (59 miles) away. The resort includes multiple dining options, spa services, and adventure activities to complement golf.

Transport Information ✈️

Midland International Airport: 265km (165 miles), approximately 4 hours 25 minutes driving via US-67 South and TX-118 South. Major car rental facilities with direct motorway access.

Lajitas International Airport: 6km (4 miles) private airport with a 6,500-foot runway accommodating various aircraft sizes. Complimentary tie-downs and resort transportation available.

Charter Services: Regular jet service operates from Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, and Midland-Odessa airports.

Ground Transport: Access via TX-118 South to FM-170, following well-marked routes through Alpine. Open highway speeds of 75-80mph reduce journey times from major Texas cities.

Seasonal Timing

Spring: Optimal conditions from March through May with comfortable temperatures and desert blooms. Advanced booking is required during peak season.

Summer: July-August may provide the best course conditions with lush turf, though temperatures reach extreme levels. Early morning tee times recommended.

Autumn: September through November offers excellent weather with fewer crowds. Ideal for combining golf with Big Bend National Park exploration.

Winter: December through February provides comfortable daytime temperatures for golf, though desert nights can be cold.

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Black Jack's Crossing: The Verdict

Black Jack's Crossing delivers championship golf with stunning natural beauty in one of America's most remote golf destinations. The dramatic elevation changes, Rio Grande views, and historic clubhouse create a bucket-list experience that justifies the journey. Wadkins successfully crafted a layout that challenges accomplished players while remaining accessible from forward tees, all within a landscape unlike almost anywhere else in golf.