Golf: Swinging in Texas
Two of the best courses in Texas state are in Las Colinas, only a short drive from Dallas’ DFW Airport. Look for two superb but very different courses at the Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas. First, the Tournament Players Course is a challenging green that is the site of the annual Verizon Byron Nelson Classic each spring. Recent million dollar renovations have made the course even more ambitious and attractive. If the tournament level TPC course proves too arduous, look just across the street to the resort’s second course, Cottonwood Valley, for a true Texas experience. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the first hole features a huge green shaped like the Lone Star State. The approach shot is over a large lake resembling the Gulf of Mexico and the monstrous sand trap behind the green is the shape of our neighbor north of the Red River, Oklahoma.
The Four Seasons also is host to the Byron Nelson Golf School, a program that boasts a $1 million practice facility and caters to business groups around the world. Not just for golfers, the Four Seasons Resort offers a lavish spa and an extensive sports club.
After the links, you can partake of trendy restaurants and lively entertainment venues, many of which cater to the Dallas Cowboys who practice nearby at Texas Stadium in Irving. The Las Colinas complex , an ultramodern, multi-use complex on 12,000 acres features an Equestrian Center, farmer’s market, movie studio, business facilities, hotel, restaurants and shops. Mandalay Canal Walk, one level below street is an European style canal walk featuring Venetian-built water taxis. Don’t miss the striking Mustangs of Las Colinas, located in the center of Williams Square. The striking sculpture showcases nine mustangs that appear to be splashing through a stream of water. The bronze mustangs are one and a half times life size making them the largest equestrian sculpture in the world. Lastly, visit the spectacular Las Colinas Flower Clock at Texas 114 and O’Connor Road. Flowers are planted at least eight times a year for eye-popping displays and great photos year round.