Around the Green

TGA Texas Two-Step Coming Soon

A new Texas Golf Association casual team competition is coming this fall, one with a creative twist that is welcoming to golfers of all levels of ability.

The Texas Two-Step is set to debut Nov. 10-12 at Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville, as part of the TGA’s popular Fun Golf Series. The new event is a retooling of the old Texas Stableford Handicap tournament to make it more accessible to a wider range of players who want to experience the excitement of playing in a good-natured competition in a relaxed environment.

Many of the same features that made the Texas Stableford so appealing are incorporated in the Texas Two-Step, including playing with a partner, using handicap indexes and flight divisions, host venue, and overall laid-back atmosphere. What has changed is how the tournament is conducted. Instead of using a Modified Stableford scoring system, the Texas Two-Step will feature styles of play that are more familiar and inclusive.

“We wanted to provide another opportunity for TGA members to get together on a great course to compete and have a good time,” said Brian Fry, TGA Foundation/Outreach Manager. “We believe the Texas Two-Step fits the bill perfectly and will be a unique and rewarding tournament experience for the players.”

The Texas Two-Step is open to all TGA members with an up-to-date WHS Handicap Index® and will have gross and net flight divisions for men’s, women’s and mixed teams. The creative twist to the new 36-hole, two-person team competition is its novel format, which will feature two different tournaments in one. On Day 1, teams will play 18 holes of best ball, then on Day 2 the format switches to an 18-hole scramble. Prizes will be awarded on both days to the lowest team scores in each division after the conclusion of play.

In a two-person best ball, each player on the team plays his or her own golf ball throughout the hole and the team uses the lowest score on the hole. In a two-person scramble, each player on the team hits a tee shot, selects the one in the better position, then both players hit their second shots from that spot. The better of the second shots is determined, and then both play their third shots from that spot, and so on until the ball is holed. The scramble format allows for each player on a team to contribute good shots and putts while minimizing an individual’s poor shots.

“These two different formats are among the most fun and entertaining ways to play a team event and will provide an enjoyable outing for everyone involved,” Fry said. “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the first Texas Two-Step ever and I know that Riverhill Country Club will be an ideal host site for the event and will roll out the red carpet for the players.”

Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Byron Nelson and Joe Finger, Riverhill opened for play in 1974. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the par-72 course offers beautiful scenery and atmosphere as it winds its way through rolling terrain, groves of centuries-old trees, and natural water features. With numerous combination tees and yardages, Riverhill is the perfect setting for a memorable test of golf for players of all ages and abilities.

Registration for the Texas Two-Step will open at 9 a.m. on Sept. 1. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the TGA this fall for a casual weekend getaway filled with competition and camaraderie at wonderful Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville. For more information about the Texas Two-Step, click here.