DALLAS, TX — The Vaquero Club, located on former ranch land west of the DFW airport in the affluent Westlake community, has reopened following a stunning transformation by golf course architect Andrew Green. The renovation has breathed new life into this iconic course, and according to Green has “uncovered the potential of the property and utilized the amazing topography.”
Vaquero’s redesign incorporates its unique landforms, including a majestic hill on the front nine that offers unparalleled vistas of the surrounding area, making it a distinct focal point of the course: The 3rd and 7th greens, along with the 4th and 8th tees, showcase these views. The remainder of the layout features rolling terrain with dramatic edges and slopes, adding variety and a distinctive character to each hole.
“As the Club President, I am delighted to announce the triumphant completion of our new golf course, a masterpiece crafted in collaboration with the visionary Andrew Green. The course stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we take pride in providing our esteemed membership with a world-class golfing experience,” said Mike Bevill, Club President.
Calling the result a “brand-new golf course,” Green aimed to make it enjoyable for a wider range of players, challenging the many low handicappers who’ve made it a local favorite, while welcoming beginners, higher handicap, and experienced golfers.
The redesign has introduced more variety off the tees, added width, and rerouted some holes to provide increased flexibility. The acreage of the bunkers was reduced from 6.95 acres to 2.58 acres, but the total number of bunkers was increased from 61 to 92. These changes will encourage players to carefully consider shot placement and strategy for each hole.
The greens have been entirely redesigned, adding unique contours and shapes that give each putting surface a distinct personality. Most of the greens are now accessible along the ground, allowing players to bounce the ball on and recover by putting, chipping, and using a hybrid or other clubs.
Green said, “The goal was to encourage members to play the golf course more than they ever did previously, while making them better players.” Members will constantly face different types of shots and will have to find new and different ways to navigate the golf course. Each day, the course should be “a wonderland of variety, fun, and challenge, so even if their score doesn’t reflect it, they’ll have a ton of fun,” he added.
Among the notable hole changes are an entirely new first hole, playing in the opposite direction from its previous design. Golfers are welcomed by a wide fairway with a challenging line down the right side, which shortens the hole significantly. The left side offers more room but extends the approach.
The par-four fourth hole, at around 330 yards from the back tees, is drivable for those who can carry the ball over a series of bunkers and use the rolling fairway to push it onto the putting surface.
On the par-five seventh hole, approximately 70% of the existing sand has been removed. The remaining bunkers have been strategically relocated, providing a more visually appealing and challenging experience.
The all-new short par-3, 16th hole—labeled “devilish” by Green—is only around 130 yards or less for most players. But it plays slightly uphill between two post oaks, with a green featuring different levels and contours, offering a challenge for those who aim for the flag.
The work at Vaquero represents a significant milestone for this prestigious golf course, promising a fresh experience for its active and engaged membership. The course’s transformation emphasizes diversity, fun, and challenge, ensuring that every visit is a memorable adventure.
Vaquero is currently ranked in the top 20 courses in Texas by Golf Digest. The club occupies 525 acres of what was once the Hunt brothers’ Circle T Ranch in Westlake, one of the most sought-after communities for residents, businesses, and visitors in Texas. An impressive 42,000 square toot clubhouse was renovated and expanded in 2018. Vaquero is located 15 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and offers ample shopping and dining in the neighboring towns of Southlake, Trophy Club and Roanoke.
For additional information, access the website at www.vaqueroclub.com.
Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908/963-6013
