They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and in the case of the Traditions Club in Bryan-College Station, the desire was bigger than ever when they decided to develop a truly unique private golf club and residential community in a location where tradition is everything. There is certainly no shortage of residential golf communities in the Lone Star State, making it even more important to think outside of the box when this public/private partnership between a private development company and the city of Bryan, Texas was established in 2004.
“Traditions Club is re-defining and revolutionizing the country club experience through innovative products with multi-generational appeal,” says Bill Horton, General Manager of Traditions Club. “We provide a stimulating environment to live, work and play, but we never forget the golf course is central to our vision.”
Location – Location – Location
Being located just minutes from Texas A&M University, Kyle Field and the new Health Science Center, it was meant to be that ownership transferred to four Aggies (current students and alumni of Texas A&M University) in 2009, and the Club has only continued to improve each year under this new management. Nestled among majestic native hardwoods, rolling hillsides, and the natural banks of the Turkey Creek, Traditions is approximately 1,000 acres, and possesses a club environment like no other in the Brazos Valley.
Texas A&M Traditions
While I’m never a fan of referring to definitions when writing, in this case it just seems important to break my own traditions, and look at the meaning of a word that is a defining aspect of the Texas A&M University’s culture. ‘Tradition’ is the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way. In this part of the world, traditions are serious business, and not taken lightly.
Many of the University’s traditions date back as early as the 1890’s, such as the coveted Aggie ring worn by the senior class and alumni that has a design relatively unchanged since 1894; while still creating new traditions along the way, such as the 12th Man Towels introduced with some objection in the 1980’s that is now recognized as an honored tradition. These traditions encourage Aggie Spirit; a sense of loyalty and respect for the school; and dictate many aspects of student life, including how to greet others, how to act at an A&M sporting event, and what words a student may use in conversation. Traditions, both old and new, are at the basis of everyday life in this part of the country.
Tee It Up at Traditions
Golf at Traditions quickly gained a reputation of being some of the best in the state, and for good reason. The course itself was co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II. The par-72, 7,148-yard private golf course (74.6 course rating/151 slope) features stately hardwoods, natural creeks and wetlands throughout the course, and striking vistas of Kyle Field and Texas A&M University. However, the overall fascination by golfers extends beyond just the 18 holes of golf; the practice facility here is second-to-none. Because the course and facilities are so pristine, Traditions Club serves as home for the Texas A&M men’s and women’s golf teams.
It would be rather easy to spend hours working on your game here with all the opportunities at your fingertips. The “golf complex” features a double-sided range with one of the few mobile canopies found in Texas, practice greens, two indoor hitting bays, swing-analysis equipment and a fully stocked clubhouse. Additionally, the practice zone keeps it interesting while hitting balls with not only target flags, but also water hazards, sand pit targets and more. Whether you are simply practicing, or playing a round of golf; the clubhouse has more than enough to offer members and guests. The primary amenities include a 21,000-square foot clubhouse spread out over four separate buildings, men’s and women’s locker rooms, 25-meter junior Olympic lap and sport-leisure pools, and fitness center.
“Our swim center is an example of Traditions Club doing things to stay modern,” says Horton. “Rather than create one large pool for the entire family, we created several pools for each member of the family, plus different areas resembling a high-end resort where family members can relax or entertain themselves with other activities.”
Become a Resident at Traditions
There are certainly a number of options for those looking to build a home, or perhaps even a vacation home within the gates of Traditions to make the most of the golf, social and club opportunities. While there are currently 210 single-family homes occupied, the community will feature approximately 450 homes when completed. Though Traditions is widely known to cater to the younger generation, a cutting-edge 154-unit retirement community is now also under construction, which makes this community ideal for all ages.
Ownership opportunities include Game Day Cottages, Condos, Casitas, Garden Homes, Custom Estate Homes, Villas, Traditional Home sites and Estate Homesites; giving new residents a host of affordable options for the level of services and amenities that come with ownership. For others looking at on-site accommodations, there are currently 20 Casitas, three Cottages, 16 Game-day Cottage Units and 39 Hidden Bridge Condos.
While ATLAS is an extension of the Traditions community, it is very attractive to the younger generation as it offers a trendy live/work setting that caters to pharmaceutical companies and BioPharma manufacturing. Literally at the epicenter of the Texas A&M Biocorridor, ATLAS will provide unparalleled access and proximity to world-class researchers and students. The future is very bright for this area with 300 acres that currently includes Caliber Biotherapeutics, Nutrabolt and Kalon Bioterapeutics (a $91 million national biosecurity asset); multifamily projects in the works that include The Legacy at Traditions, a 240-unit project; a complete town center featuring a lake, parks, trails, restaurants and The Atlas Hotel; and the Atlas I Office Building that will be a 90,000 sq. ft. Class “A” office building located on Cashion Lake.
Final Take with General Manager, Bill Horton
“Traditions Club isn’t just different from other clubs and communities in the area, to the best of our knowledge, it is unique nationally. First, we are located within a couple minutes of Texas A&M University, one of the most progressive and rapidly expanding universities in the United States. Second, we are inexorably tied to the university – Traditions Club is the home of the men’s and women’s golf teams, the Goodman Family Aggie Golf Complex and hundreds of Aggie alumni members and residents. Third, we are a private club with an exclusive resort component offered through our casitas and cottages, available for overnights throughout the year. Finally, there’s nothing country club about this country club. Our members are just as likely to show up in jeans and boots for a beer on game night as they are slacks and loafers. We host ‘Fight Nights’ for regional boxing hopefuls, but also have Wine Spectator Top 100 dinners in our cellar.”
Photos Courtesy of The Traditions Club