McLay Kidd enters Lone Star State

Loraloma Private Club and Estates, a Texas Hill Country community near Austin is adding an 18-hole golf course designed in collaboration with architect David McLay Kidd of DMK Golf Designs.

Kidd has also designed courses at Bandon Dunes in Oregon, Gamble Sands in Washington, and the Castle Course at St Andrews among many others. This is his first in Texas.

“Partnering with David McLay Kidd to bring this signature course to life was a natural fit,” Loraloma managing director Joe Rentfro said, “and we’re proud to offer a community that not only celebrates the beauty of Texas but elevates the lifestyle experience for our residents and members."

Set across 120 acres, the par-72 championship course stretches 7,400 yards from the back tees, offering a dynamic mix of holes — from demanding par-4s to risk-reward par-3s — for golfers of all skill levels. More than half the holes trace the cliffs of the Pedernales River, while others ascend to elevated ridges, providing sweeping panoramic views of the Hill Country and the Balcones Escarpment.

The course is immaculately maintained with Stadium Zoysia on the tees and fairways, Zeon Zoysia in the rough and Lazer Zoysia on the greens, a cutting-edge variety developed by Texas A&M University. Loraloma is among the first courses in the nation to showcase zoysia wall-to-wall and only the second in the United States to feature Lazer Zoysia greens.

Among the course’s signature holes, No. 2 immediately captures attention with an expansive double green that demands accuracy and strategic play, setting the tone early in the round. No. 8 rises to a dramatic cliffside par-5, offering sweeping vistas of the Pedernales River and surrounding Hill Country. No. 18 is a memorable 590-yard par-5 that combines length, elevation changes and a thoughtful layout to deliver a satisfying finish.

“Designing Loraloma’s championship course has been an extraordinary opportunity,” McLay Kidd said. “We aimed for each hole to have its own character while drawing players into the stunning natural landscape. I designed this course to create memorable moments at every turn, whether you’re an experienced golfer or just beginning your journey in the game.”