Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Slick Rock Golf Course in Horseshoe Bay is more than just a beautiful layout — it’s a living piece of golf history. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course opened in 1971 as the flagship course of what would become the world-class Horseshoe Bay Resort. Among its 18 memorable holes, one stands above the rest — the famous “Million Dollar Hole.”

A Course Rooted in Hill Country Heritage

When Jones first laid out Slick Rock, he wanted to create a course that celebrated Central Texas’s natural terrain. Rolling granite outcroppings, creeks, and oak-lined fairways defined the routing. True to his design philosophy of “hard par, easy bogey,” every hole was crafted to challenge the seasoned golfer while still rewarding smart play.

Over the decades, Slick Rock has remained the most beloved of Horseshoe Bay’s four championship courses — revered for its charm, playability, and scenic drama. Golfers from across the country make the trip to experience the Hill Country the way Jones envisioned it: strategic, natural, and unforgettable.

The Million Dollar Hole: A Masterpiece of Golf Architecture

The course’s 14th hole — famously known as the Million Dollar Hole — is one of the most photographed and talked-about golf holes in Texas. This par-4 masterpiece is a showcase of Jones’s creativity and the resort’s commitment to making golf both challenging and visually stunning.

At first glance, the tee shot seems straightforward. But then you notice the 35-yard waterfall cascading over Slick Rock Creek — a signature feature that gives the hole its name and its fame. Golfers cross the creek via a cart path that literally runs behind the waterfall, immersing players in a sensory experience found nowhere else in golf.

The second shot demands precision, with a narrow approach and guarded green framed by bunkers and natural slopes. It’s a hole that blends strategy with spectacle — and it’s been doing so for more than half a century.

Why It’s Called the “Million Dollar Hole”

When the hole was originally constructed, the resort invested heavily in creating its now-iconic waterfall feature. The result was a dramatic, one-of-a-kind experience that not only elevated the course’s visual appeal but also became a cornerstone of Horseshoe Bay’s identity. Locals quickly nicknamed it the Million Dollar Hole — a reference to both the construction cost and the priceless experience of playing it.

The Legacy of Slick Rock and Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed more than 400 golf courses worldwide, but Slick Rock stands as one of his most enduring examples of blending man-made artistry with natural beauty. Every hole tells a story — from the elevated tee boxes that reveal sweeping Hill Country views to the rock-lined creeks that define the course’s rhythm.

Jones’s philosophy was simple: a golf course should test every club in the bag and engage both mind and imagination. The Million Dollar Hole does exactly that — it’s a test of nerve, execution, and appreciation for golf as a form of art.

Visiting Slick Rock Today

Today, Slick Rock Golf Course remains the heart of Horseshoe Bay Resort, offering golfers an unforgettable journey through history and design. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the 14th hole never loses its magic.

When you drive through that waterfall, you’re not just crossing a creek — you’re stepping into a piece of Texas golf history.