The state that boasts being the home of the most U.S. presidents also is the home of one of America’s greatest courses. Firestone Country Club is a legendary golf mecca in Akron, Ohio. Home to 54 holes of championship golf across three iconic courses, steeped in PGA Tour history with the famous “Monster” South Course that has tested the game’s greatest players. Tucked away in lush, rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and that classic Midwest charm, it’s now accessible via exclusive stay-and-play packages. Perfect for reliving tournament drama, chasing birdies on hallowed ground, and enjoying upscale resort perks.

Quick Facts

  • Three championship 18-hole courses: South (RTJ Sr. redesign, “The Monster”), North (water features galore), Fazio (links-style openness, formerly West)
  • Tournament pedigree: Hosted multiple PGA Championships, World Golf Championships, and current home of the Kaulig Companies Championship (Senior PGA event)
  • Year-round appeal: Prime spring/fall play; summer for long days; mild Ohio weather with great conditions
  • Stay-and-play access: Non-member packages make it possible. Luxury villas/rooms, priority tees, dining, and more
  • Top-ranked: South Course often #1 public-access in Ohio (Golfweek/Golf Digest lists), national top-100 playable status

If you’ve noticed that the Firestone Country Club logo uses the same font as the tire and rubber company of the same name, that’s because they were founded by the same man. Harvey Firestone: a man we salute for his phenomenal taste in golf, and also his tires.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-course days (play all three, replay options), post-round steaks or beers reminiscing about Tiger’s wins or Arnold’s “Monster” nickname, and easy Akron-area hangs
  • Families: Upscale accommodations with views, pools/spa vibes, casino nearby; more forgiving North/Fazio for varied skill levels

Top Standout Courses

South Course (Robert Trent Jones Sr. Redesign)

The legend, nicknamed “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer after the 1960 PGA. Over 7,400 yards, tree-lined, demanding ball-striking with narrow fairways, elevated greens, bunkers everywhere, and iconic holes like the long par-4 16th and water-guarded finish. Hosted 70+ pro events; pure history and challenge, bucket-list must.

North Course

Scenic beauty showcase, water on over half the holes, rolling terrain, meticulously maintained fairways, and natural splendor. More playable than South but still strategic and rewarding; great for groups wanting variety and stunning Midwest views.

Fazio Course (Formerly West)

Links-style gem by Tom Fazio, wide-open, rolling landscape with breathtaking vistas, strategic bunkering, and player-friendly yet thoughtful design. Emerging as a favorite for its openness and fun; complements the tighter South perfectly.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Firestone Country Club on-site: Luxurious villas and club rooms with course/golf views; premium accommodations in golf-front villas
  • Packages like Buddies (2 nights/3 rounds), Ultimate Buddies (3 nights/4 rounds with replays), or custom group options; include lodging, golf on all courses, carts, breakfast, and perks
  • Nearby Akron perks: Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, dining, and more for off-course fun

All Key Firestone Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • South Course (“The Monster”, tournament icon)
  • North Course (water & natural beauty)
  • Fazio Course (links-style openness)
  • Plus practice facilities, pro shop, and historic clubhouse vibes

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via invitedclubs.com (Firestone section) or specialists; customize for group size, rounds, and add-ons; South upgrades often extra
  • Fly into Akron-Canton (CAK) for closest access, or Cleveland (CLE) approximately 45-minute drive
  • Pair golf with Ohio classics: local steaks, craft beer, Hall of Fame visit, or Akron eats
  • Use carts for terrain; forward tees on South for fun; embrace the history and walk in legends’ footsteps

Time to conquer “The Monster,” chase history on championship fairways, and reset at this Ohio golf institution. Firestone Country Club is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

Horseshoe Bay Resort is a Texas Hill Country work of art. Perched on the shores of Lake LBJ just a short drive northwest of Austin, it features three championship courses designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., plus a members-only Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Dramatic granite outcroppings, rolling hills, elevation changes, lush fairways, and panoramic lake and Hill Country views make it a premier resort escape with luxury lodging, spa, marina, dining, and that signature Texas hospitality.

Quick Facts

  • Three RTJ Sr. championship courses: Slick Rock, Apple Rock, and Ram Rock, plus private Summit Rock (Nicklaus), all with bentgrass greens for premium play
  • Hill Country drama: Rugged terrain, rock formations, water hazards, bunkers galore, and stunning Lake LBJ vistas
  • Year-round play: Mild winters for escapes; peak spring/fall for best weather (60s-80s°F); summer mornings beat the heat
  • Resort luxury: Stay-and-play packages with priority tees, shuttles, unlimited options; recognized as one of “America’s Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Magazine
  • Iconic features: Home to the famous “Million Dollar Hole” and multiple Texas State Open hosts

The three pristine golf courses are collectively known as the “Texas Triangle.” All offering a different experience, but each one complements the others. Expertly designed with something for everyone.

Perfect For

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days tackling the Texas Triangle (Ram Rock for challenge, Slick Rock for fun), post-golf steaks or beers with lake views, casino vibes nearby, and Hill Country nightlife
  • Families: Lakeside pools, marina for boating/fishing, spa, kids’ activities; more playable options on Slick Rock; non-golfers enjoy wineries, BBQ, or lake adventures

Top Standout Courses

Slick Rock

The most player-friendly of the trio, par-72 with rolling fairways, water on 12 holes, 70+ bunkers, and classic RTJ “hard par, easy bogey” philosophy. Famous for the “Million Dollar Hole” (No. 14): a tee shot across a 35-foot waterfall bridge, one of Texas’ most photographed holes. Renovated and always in top shape.

Apple Rock

Often called the most scenic, a par-72 routed through high rocky terrain on the front, dropping to Lake LBJ shores on the back nine for breathtaking views. Dramatic elevation changes, over 50 bunkers, and challenging yet beautiful; previously “Best New Resort Course” by Golf Digest and Texas State Open host.

Ram Rock

Nicknamed “The Challenger,” par-72 (or 71) with narrow fairways, island green par-3 (No. 4), rugged rock outcroppings, deep bunkers, and tough greens. Demanding test (hosted Texas State Open multiple times); Ben Crenshaw called it one of Texas’ hardest. Pure adrenaline for skilled players.

Stay-and-Play Options

  • Horseshoe Bay Resort on-site: Lakeside hotel rooms, suites, condos with views; marina, spa, multiple restaurants
  • Packages include lodging + rounds (often unlimited or multi-course), carts, breakfast, shuttles; options for all-inclusive or spa/golf combos

All Key Horseshoe Bay Golf Courses

  • Slick Rock (playable with iconic Million Dollar Hole)
  • Apple Rock (scenic Lake LBJ drama)
  • Ram Rock (toughest challenger)
  • Summit Rock (private Nicklaus Signature, members-only)
  • Whitewater 18-hole Bermuda putting course (one of few in North America)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via hsbresort.com or specialists; multi-round deals and unlimited options shine here
  • Fly into Austin (AUS) for an easy 1-hour drive; rent a car for Hill Country exploring
  • Pair golf with Texas Hill Country musts: BBQ, wineries, lake boating, or Fredericksburg charm
  • Morning tees in summer; use shuttles; forward tees make Slick Rock/Apple Rock forgiving

Time to conquer the Texas Triangle, soak in Lake LBJ sunsets, and reset amid Hill Country beauty at Horseshoe Bay Resort.