Kissing Tree Golf Club opened in October 2018 as the first new semi-private course to be built in Texas for six years. Located in San Marcos, this Gary Stephenson design demonstrates how contemporary architecture can embrace environmental stewardship whilst delivering championship golf across authentic Hill Country terrain.
History of Kissing Tree Golf Club
The course emerged from the vision of creating an amenity for a distinctive 55+ residential community spread across 1,500 acres in San Marcos. Built as an amenity for a residential community for 55 and overs, Kissing Tree will also be available for daily-fee play, making it the first new public course to open in the state for six years, according to Golf Course Architecture.
The name itself carries local historical significance. The name Kissing Tree recalls Sam Houston's gubernatorial speech in 1857 in front of a mighty oak tree in San Marcos, where he famously kissed several of the female attendees, creating a bit of a local legend.
Gary Stephenson, the nationally recognised Texas-based architect, was selected to create a design that would honour the natural Hill Country landscape. His approach emphasised environmental harmony over dramatic alteration, establishing the foundation for what would become an Audubon International certified facility.
Course Layout & Playing Experience
Texas resident Stephenson has created a design that embraces the course's location in Texas Hill Country, bringing the slopes and contours of the landscape into the fairways and greens. The layout demonstrates restraint and environmental sensitivity, working with rather than against the natural topography.
The layout, which can be played from 5,200 to 6,600 yards, follows the natural movement of the land, with wide playing corridors and green complexes reachable from various angles. This extensive tee system ensures golfers of varying abilities can enjoy strategic golf without compromising the design's integrity.
The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes, including a tee positioned on the highest point in San Marcos, providing panoramic views across the Hill Country. Elevated tee boxes, wide fairways, and several fun short par 4s are just some of the player-friendly features of Kissing Tree Golf Club.
Water features strategically on five holes without creating forced carries, reflecting Stephenson's philosophy of challenge without punishment. Although Stephenson didn't insert many sand traps into the layout, where he did, the bunkers are often large and horseshoe shaped.
Notable Architectural Features
Stephenson's design philosophy centres on what Golf Course Architecture describes as bringing "the slopes and contours of the landscape into the fairways." This integration creates natural playing corridors that feel indigenous to the Hill Country rather than imposed upon it.
The areas around the greens will be closely cropped, providing a variety of options in the short game. This design choice enables ground game approaches and rewards creative shot-making around the putting surfaces.
The green complexes themselves represent perhaps the design's greatest achievement. Kissing Tree Golf Club s receptive greens roll smoothly but can be tough to read, offering sufficient size to accept well-struck approaches whilst maintaining subtle undulations that reward precision putting.
Tifway 419 bermudagrass has been used on the tee boxes, fairways and rough, while greens are TifEagle bermudagrass, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the Texas seasons.
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Travel & Planning
Regional Golf Context
San Marcos provides exceptional access to both Austin and San Antonio metropolitan areas. Austin to San Marcos is 31 miles (50km), which takes about 34 minutes to drive, whilst San Antonio to San Marcos is 50 miles (80km), which takes about 51 minutes to drive.
Within 30km (19 miles):
- Plum Creek Golf Course, Kyle - only 10 minutes north of San Marcos, offering championship golf across Hill Country terrain designed for 18 championship holes
- Texas State Golf Course - 9-hole university layout recognised among Texas's premier short courses
30-60km (19-37 miles):
- The Bandit Golf Club, New Braunfels - an easy 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, featuring Keith Foster's acclaimed design along Lake McQueeney
Natural Combinations: The proximity between courses enables same-day golf or extended Hill Country holidays. Combine Kissing Tree with Plum Creek for varied architectural experiences, or extend stays to include The Bandit's lakeside holes.
Practical Planning
Make your tee time now--Kissing Tree Golf Club is a very popular course that regularly draws players from both San Antonio and Austin and it is a must-play if you are anywhere near San Marcos. Advanced booking proves essential, particularly during peak Hill Country seasons.
The course operates under Troon Golf management, ensuring consistent service standards and operational excellence. Professional management extends to agronomy, with Golf course management company Troon is overseeing course operations and agronomy.
Transport Information ✈️
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 31 miles (50km), approximately 34 minutes via Interstate 35 South - with direct motorway access.
San Antonio International Airport: 50 miles (80km), approximately 51 minutes via Interstate 35 North - efficient interstate routing
Public Transport: Amtrak operates direct daily service between San Antonio and San Marcos, taking approximately 1 hour 32 minutes. Similarly, direct service connects Austin to San Marcos in approximately 43 minutes.
Car Rental: Interstate 35 provides seamless access between major airports and San Marcos, facilitating multi-course golf holidays throughout the Hill Country region.
Seasonal Timing
Spring (March-May): Peak golf season with comfortable temperatures and renowned Hill Country wildflower displays. Book well in advance for optimal tee times during bluebonnet season.
Summer (June-August): Early morning and late afternoon tee times recommended. Extended daylight hours accommodate flexible scheduling for travelling golfers.
Autumn (September-November): Ideal conditions with mild temperatures and reduced humidity. Consider autumn the premium period for Hill Country golf holidays.
Winter (December-February): Generally mild with year-round play availability. Occasional cool fronts provide variety without extended closures.
Kissing Tree Golf Club: The Verdict
Kissing Tree Golf Club demonstrates how modern golf architecture can honour environmental principles whilst delivering memorable golf experiences. Stephenson's design successfully integrates Hill Country terrain with championship-level play, creating a layout that serves both daily-fee golfers and discerning travellers.
The environmental certification from Audubon International underscores the course's commitment to sustainable golf, whilst Troon Golf's management ensures operational excellence. This is a course that gives players a chance to shoot a good score, reflecting both design philosophy and maintenance standards.
For travelling golfers planning Hill Country holidays, Kissing Tree represents an essential stop. The combination of accessible championship golf, environmental stewardship, and convenient location between Austin and San Antonio creates compelling reasons for extended stays in this scenic Texas region.
