The Hideout Golf Club

Review and Rating of The Hideout Golf Club in Brownwood, TX

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort was a very pleasant surprise and we can't wait to get back and enjoy the Stay & Play, the good food, the Resort amenities, and another round of golf!  The course has been around for over 25 years and is reminiscent of older designs. In 2008 the designer Bill Johnston added a second nine and his design is best known for it's naturalness because the course seems to seamlessly "meld it's way through the trees and around the ponds in a comfortable match with the natural terrain"   In 2014 a new golf management company took over and made significant improvements some of which include: improving the course conditions; adding a new clubhouse/lodge with a bar and grill, patio with a stunning view, and a pro shop; creating an unbelievable infinity pool complex; and adding 6 stay and play rooms in the lodge and 4 stay and play cabins.  Read our review about our stay & play at The Hideout Golf Club and Resort.  

The course can best be described as 6900 yards of trees and nature with some great par 3s, a good mix of dog legs left and right, water that can come into play on 8 holes, some tight fairways, and small fast greens.  Although the course has a slope of 120 to 139 there are 4 sets of tee boxes plus a kids/seniors tee box and if you play smart (do what it takes to stay dry and in the fairway) you'll have a fun and low scoring round. 

Some of the holes that we really enjoyed included:

• #1 is a fun 502 yard par 5 that dog legs right around a tree and bunker leading to a long skinny green with a big pond on the left side, a hidden pond on the right and a bunker guarding the green
• #7 is the #1 handicap hole and its a fun 575 par 5 –  called the "Billabong" (defined as an "Aussie Pond") because of the pond that crosses the fairway about 175 yards in front of a  raised green with left and right side bunkers
• #14 is a 420 yard par 4 with an excellent risk reward opportunity if you think you can avoid a cluster of trees and the natural area to stuff it on the fairway on this 420 yard dog leg right par 4
• #16 is the #2 handicap and it's a challenging 567 yard par 5 that's long and straight and a tad tight with a pond close to the green on the left side, and a creek that cuts across the front of the huge green which has a long tier around the right and back side of the green – it's critical that you place the ball on the same level as the pin

When we played in early April the tree lined fairways and first cut were in very good condition.  The fairways are a tad tight and if you miss the playable rough you're in the dense natural area and most likely lost.  The fairways are mostly flat and firm which means lots of extra roll.  You don't have to worry about any back yards (currently only two homes on the course), barking dogs, or sirens – it's very peaceful and quiet.

The greens had just been aerated and were a little bumpy and sandy and all but three (which will be redone) were in very good condition.  Most are a tad small and have a little slope except for number 16 with it's nasty tier.  The greens normally run around 11, they are soft and hold the ball well, and run true.  Some are slightly raised but most are suitable for a bump and run.

The bunkers were excellent with soft, thick, fluffy sand.  The lips are thin and you might get lucky and roll out, but don't count on it.  All but a handful of the bunkers guard the green. 

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort is perfect for a golf stay and play getaway – the rate includes unlimited golf, the lodging is very comfortable, the pool complex is excellent, the food is very good, and it's affordable!  Read our review of our Stay & Play at The Hideout Golf Club.