Fantastic Fairways
Championship Golf and Lasting Connections at
The Club At Sonterra
By Amy Morgan
Golf is a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, bringing together recreation, competition and community. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, spend more time outdoors, or connect with family and friends, golf offers something for players of
all ages.
If you are considering the sport for your family, look no farther than The Club At Sonterra. It’s one of the premier private golf clubs on San Antonio’s far north side. Only members have access to its well-groomed greens, but you don’t have to live inside the gates to join. More than 50% of The Club At Sonterra’s membership comes from the surrounding area.
With 36 holes across two 18-hole championship golf courses, members enjoy greater tee time availability and less crowded playing conditions, said General Manager Nick Gillespy. Another unique feature of The Club At Sonterra is that its two distinctly designed courses offer a variety of playing experiences not found elsewhere. The South Course was built as Canyon Creek Country Club in 1954, while the North Course and the clubhouse itself were added in 1985.
The South Course features a typical Hill Country style with plentiful oak trees, narrow fairways and fewer sand traps. “You have to imagine how you are going to hit a shot to get the ball low under a tree,” said Harold Oliver, who serves as Chairman of the Board and has advocated for continued
upgrades to The Club At Sonterra’s golf experience. Before taking the lead role, he served a term as Vice Chair, as the Men’s Representative and on the Greens and Grounds Committee.
Although the North Course’s fairways are wide and open with fewer trees, the greens are elevated, and there are more sand traps to avoid. “When you are flying a ball onto the green, you can’t run it up because the green’s fronted by a sand trap,” Harold added.
The club enlisted Mike McCarty as Director of Agronomy in the spring of 2024 to upgrade the courses. He revived several wells to fill the irrigation ponds, allowing them to be used to fullest capacity, Nathan said. Mike also implemented premium turf management practices that have further enhanced course conditions. The bunkers on the North Course were recently refreshed, and new Bermuda grass collars are being added to the South Course to further enhance conditions around the greens, Nathan added.
New members can schedule an evaluation with the golf pro to assess their skill level and receive recommendations on groups to join. There’s always someone to play with, whether through men’s groups, ladies’ associations, couples’ events, leagues or junior programs. “We know everyone and can determine who might be a good fit,” Nathan said. “More than golf, it’s a family. The relationships built on the course often continue in the card rooms, at the 19th Hole, and throughout the club.”
Members also can take advantage of the fully equipped golf shop featuring popular brands such as Black Clover, Peter Millar and FootJoy, along with shoes and clubs. The club has hosted Calloway, Ping, PXG and Titleist fitting days to help members find equipment that best fits their game. You can find just about any golf accessory, many of which can be customized with a company name or logo.
Lessons, camps and clinics run throughout the summer, and a thriving junior league starts in the fall for ages five-14. Whether you are new to the game or a lifelong golfer, The Club At Sonterra offers opportunities for every member of the family to enjoy the sport and build lasting connections. Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour and see how your family could benefit from community and connection.
