In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, just west of Austin, a remarkable destination is quietly transforming the way golfers experience the game. Loraloma—a private club and residential community—has unveiled its crown jewel: an 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Scottish architect David McLay Kidd. Known for his work on iconic courses like Bandon Dunes and the Castle Course at St Andrews, McLay Kidd brings his signature philosophy of minimalism and harmony with nature to this one-of-a-kind Texas project.
“Designing Loraloma’s championship course has been an extraordinary opportunity,” McLay Kidd shared. “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”.
Loraloma is more than a golf course—it’s a sanctuary for those who seek serenity, challenge, and connection with the land. The name itself, derived from “lore of the hills,” evokes a sense of timelessness and reverence for the region’s rugged beauty. Club + Resort Business.
The Soul of the Course
Spanning 120 acres of undulating terrain, the Loraloma golf course is a masterclass in restraint and reverence. McLay Kidd’s design doesn’t impose itself on the land—it listens to it. The course flows organically through limestone cliffs, native grasses, and the winding contours of the Pedernales River. More than half the holes trace the river’s edge, while others climb to elevated ridges that offer panoramic views of the Balcones Escarpment and the surrounding Hill Country.
This isn’t your typical Texas golf experience. You’ll find yourself hitting over dramatic ravines, threading shots through groves of live oaks, and pausing to take in vistas that stretch for miles. “You will be hitting over 100-foot ravines, which is not typical Texas golf,” said Tom Hogan, co-founder of Areté Collective, the development firm behind Loraloma loralomaclub.com.
The course is a par-72 layout stretching 7,400 yards from the back tees, but it’s designed to be playable and enjoyable for all skill levels. McLay Kidd’s approach ensures that every golfer—whether a seasoned competitor or a weekend wanderer—feels both challenged and welcomed. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that golf should be fun, inspiring, and deeply connected to its environment.
A Living Canvas of Zoysia
One of the most fascinating aspects of Loraloma’s golf course is its pioneering use of Zoysia grass. The entire course is maintained with 100 percent Zoysia—Stadium Zoysia on the tees and fairways, Zeon Zoysia in the rough, and Lazer Zoysia on the greens. This cutting-edge variety, developed by Texas A&M University, offers a lush, resilient playing surface that thrives in the Texas climate.
Loraloma is among the first courses in the nation to showcase Zoysia wall-to-wall and only the second in the U.S. to feature Lazer Zoysia greens. The result is a velvety texture underfoot, consistent ball roll, and a visual richness that enhances the natural beauty of the course. It’s a detail that most players might overlook at first—but once you’ve played on it, you’ll never forget the feel.
More Than Golf: The Loraloma Lifestyle
Beyond the fairways, Loraloma offers a lifestyle that blends luxury, wellness, and community. The residential offerings are as thoughtfully curated as the course itself. From expansive homesites to the exclusive Private Residences Club, members enjoy seamless access to the full suite of amenities.
The Private Residences Club features six fully furnished homes along Hole 18, each offering six weeks of residence annually. It’s a unique ownership model that combines flexibility with the prestige of golf-front living. For those seeking a permanent retreat, 29 homesites along Hole 15 provide rare opportunities to live directly on the course—one of only eight holes in the community with this distinction.
Amenities at Loraloma are designed to nourish both body and soul. The Clubhouse and Golf House offer refined dining and social spaces, while the Wellness & Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for movement and mindfulness. A Meditation Garden invites quiet reflection, and the Pool Terrace and Event Lawn create vibrant gathering spaces for families and friends. There’s even a Pickleball Court for those who enjoy a lively match off the greens.
A Course That Tells a Story
What sets Loraloma apart isn’t just its design or its amenities—it’s the feeling it evokes. McLay Kidd’s work here is deeply personal, shaped by his belief that golf should be a journey, not just a sport. “We’re passionate about working with the land,” he said. “The views will be absolutely spectacular.”
Every turn of the course reveals a new perspective, a new challenge, a new moment of awe. It’s a place where the game slows down, where conversations linger, and where the rhythm of the Hill Country becomes part of your swing.
And here’s something most people wouldn’t know: Loraloma’s course was designed with sustainability at its core. McLay Kidd’s low-impact approach means minimal earth movement, preservation of native flora, and a commitment to ecological harmony. It’s a celebration of what’s already there, rather than a reinvention. That ethos permeates every blade of grass, every stone, every breeze that moves through the trees.
Discover Loraloma
For golfers who crave more than just a scorecard, Loraloma offers a rare invitation. It’s a place where the game meets the land, where luxury meets authenticity, and where every round feels like a story waiting to be told.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or seeking a new home in the Hill Country, Loraloma welcomes you with open fairways and open hearts. Come for the golf. Stay for the life.
Photo Courtesy of Loraloma
