Located between Austin and San Antonio in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Vaaler Creek Golf Club at Rockin Ranch is an escape from the big cities to a serene setting of challenging and enjoyable golf. The course, which is named after war veteran Jack Vaaler (who served with Rockin Ranch owner Colonel Lee Roper), opened all 18 holes in 2007 (the first nine opened two years earlier). Designed by Michael Lowry and J.R. Newman, the course features well-placed bunkers and beautiful water features to provide a challenging yet relaxing round of golf. From the tips, it plays 6,946 yards, but there are four sets of tees, starting out at 4,577 yards to ensure that every level of golfer will enjoy the layout. Greens are far more undulating on the front side, while they are more tame on the back. There's a great variety of holes, too, with plenty of doglegs and trees. The par-5 10th is one of the highlights. It has a split fairway as golfers must choose between an upper and lower landing area around a middle that's filled with tall grass. In addition to the course, Vaaler Creek offers excellent practice facilities, which includes full driving range and short-game area. The clubhouse is a small, renovated ranch house from the 1860s, but there is a 5,500-square-foot shaded deck that overlooks the 18th hole and pond that comes into play on the finishing hole. A well-stocked golf shop is also available for the latest in golf apparel, accessories, gifts and equipment. And the clubhouse restaurant, The Vaaler Creek Grill, has an outdoor grill and serves breakfast tacos, sandwiches, wraps, wine, and beer.