Destination Spotlight – The Rawls Course

Since spring is upon us and the temperature is on the rise, it only seemed fitting to have the Destination Spotlight for March be one that celebrates being outside. For golf lovers far and wide, The Rawls Course at Texas Tech University is very well-known, for both its beautiful design and challenging course.

The Rawls Course, home to leading NCAA golf teams from Texas Tech, logs an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 rounds per year and remains one of Lubbock’s favorite golf courses. But don’t just take our word for it. Its accolades include Golfweek Magazine’s No. 2 Best Course you can Play in Texas for 2013 and No. 2 University Golf Course in America for 2013, as well as Golf Digest’s No. 2 New Affordable Public Golf Course in the U.S.

Architect
First to note is the designer of the course, Tom Doak. This renowned golf course architect from Traverse City, Mich. designed his first course at the ripe age of 26, and he hasn’t stopped since. Doak has designed many courses over the years and stepped out of his usual minimalist style when approaching the Rawls drawings in 2003. In fact, Doak and his team at Renaissance Golf moved 1.3 million yards of topsoil to sculpt a course described by the architect as “probably the most complicated one we’ve done to date.” The result is a 7,207-yard, par-72 feat of engineering that is the Rawls Course.

Course
The course features immaculate, lush holes that sit 3,200 feet above sea level. The irrigation system is the most sophisticated ever designed, so you know the greens are good. In fact, the 2,500 sprinkler heads deliver up to 4,500 gallons a minute, keeping these greens in tip-top shape.

The driving range is one to be admired. It spans 55 acres and is one of the largest anywhere in the country.

The Rawls Course recently played host to the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship Regional Competition in 2015.

Food
After a satisfying game of golf, Jerry’s Grill offers up hunger-satisfying options for breakfast or lunch. Their menu includes mouthwatering favorites like breakfast burritos, Ginger Salmon Salad, Chicken Philly, Popcorn Shrimp Basket and more. And if you’re thirsty, stop by for a fresh margarita or Bloody Mary.

Shop
The best place to pick up any Texas Tech golf gear, along with regular golf apparel and equipment, is The Rawls Course Custom Apparel Shop. Here you’ll find polos, golf clubs, golf products, hats and much more.

Quick Facts:

• Driving range open Monday – Sunday from sunrise to 1 1/2 hours prior to sunset (exceptions are for inclement weather)
• Prices for the public vary from $48 – $65
• 3420 4th St.
• 806.742.4653

For more information on outdoor recreation in the “Hub City,” including golf courses, click here.