Ryan B.
Yelp
I've played at Forest Creek many times over the years. It's always been a decent, respectable track. However, since I started playing in their Central Texas Amateur Championship a few summers ago, my opinion has drastically improved.
From what I can tell, this change in overall attitude and level of professionalism is a result of Head Golf Professional Matthew Marx's management. My experience in the Cen-Tex Am the last few years has been worth the entry fee without a doubt, and the same goes for every weekend round in between.
That is, however, until this year. There was a new, older "gentleman" who was in the shop during the event. In what seemed to be a frustrating situation for the regular staff (who still handled everything with patience and professionalism), this guy, seemed to be on a mission to do everything his way. From the passing out of cart keys, to handing out range balls, and everything else along the way, he did everything opposite to how it had always been done, and was clearly set up for prior to the event. He was rude to the players, their family members who came to see them play, and to his co-workers, without concern for who heard. Any question anyone had, he seemed to give them this blank stare, and then say something either rude, or completely irrelevant to what they asked. It was truly surreal.
Now, even with this guy, I would still highly recommended Forest Creek Golf Club. Their prices are about the same as the Austin Muni's, but it's a much better design and the conditions, especially the greens, are much better. I still plan to play in the Cen-Tex Am next summer, but I hope it's fully back in the hands of Matthew Marx and the regular staff.
If so, I'll bump my review up to 5 stars!