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B ig Easy Ranch, the private luxury sporting club on Brunes Mill Road in Columbus, Texas (about 34 miles southeast of Round Top), is preparing to unveil its new 18-hole golf course dubbed The Covey — and it's already attracting national attention. Scheduled to debut in late November, the course promises to become the centerpiece of the 2,000-acre property, which also offers whitetail deer and exotic hunting, upland bird and duck hunting, fishing, sporting clays, fine dining, and overnight lodging. Designed by master of golf-course designer Chet Williams (who honed his talents at Nicklaus Design), the course features 80-foot elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, natural running creeks, beautiful native vegetation, and waterfalls. To make Big Easy Ranch owner Billy Brown's vision a reality, Williams created a course where nine of the holes require a shot over water. The par-four eighth hole is particularly daunting, with two fairways separated by a stream running from tee to green. In total, The Covey course will measure more than 7,400 yards, unspooling over the picturesque Texas countryside. "While there are quite a few remodels and renovations in progress across the country, this will be one of the very FORE! BIG EASY RANCH EXPANDS few new courses under construction," Williams says. "The ideal property provides the framework for what will be one of the best courses in the state and the country." This new Covey course complements an existing nine-hole golf course, also designed by Williams. Golf-practice facilities and a teaching center are available to Big Easy Ranch members. Construction on a second clubhouse with 360-degree views of the golf courses and the scenic Texas Hill Country is currently underway, with full-service bar, dining options, and wine room. Stay tuned. Candice Cowin Big Easy Ranch, 2400 Brunes Mill Road, Columbus, 979.733.8635, bigeasyranch.com. The Covey, a new 18-hole course, prepares to open at the Big Easy Ranch. 111