Preparing for a state championship is never just about showing up with a solid swing—especially not when the tournament is hosted at a course like Legends Golf Course in Kingsland, Texas. With its championship pedigree, strategic layout, and challenging Bermuda grass greens, Legends demands a well-rounded game and sharp mental preparation.
For high school golfers looking to compete at the highest level, every detail counts—from visualizing the round to managing nerves under pressure. Here’s how top players get tournament-ready at Legends, and what you can learn from their approach.
Get Familiar with the Course
Legends is a Par 72, 6,634-yard test from the blue tees. It’s not just about length here—it’s about knowing where to attack and where to hold back.
- Play a Practice Round
If possible, get out for a practice round. Pay close attention to green contours, fairway landing areas, and typical pin locations. Legends is known for its scorable holes (like Hole 4 and Hole 14), but also has teeth (see: Hole 7 and Hole 13). Knowing the layout can mean the difference between a confident swing and a costly guess. - Study the Scorecard & Layout
Map out a hole-by-hole strategy. Our recent blog post breaking down each hole is a great place to start. Visualize the course ahead of time using Google Earth or a flyover. Think about where you want to place your tee shots, where trouble hides, and what club you'll likely hit from key yardages. - Understand the Grass
Bermuda grass is no joke—especially around the greens. It grabs the club differently and demands clean, committed strikes.
Short Game is Everything
State championships are often won or lost within 30 yards of the green.
- Chip from Tough Lies
Legends' Bermuda surrounds can be tight and sticky. Practice using different clubs—try bump-and-runs with an 8-iron and soft flops with a lob wedge. Mastering these shots will help save par when you miss a green in regulation. - Lag Putting Practice
Legends has large, sloping greens—especially ones like Hole 15 and 16. You’ll need to be comfortable putting from 20–40 feet. Focus on speed control more than line. - Get Comfortable in the Sand
We recently upgraded bunker sand across the course, so expect fresh, fluffy conditions. Work on bunker shots from uphill, downhill, and buried lies.
Want more help with chip shots? Don’t miss our post on Perfecting Your Short Game.
Build a Smart Round Strategy
Smart golfers don’t just swing—they gameplan.
- Play to Your Strengths
If you’re a straight hitter, play conservative off the tee and attack from 100 yards in. Don’t feel like you have to match the longest driver in your group. - Respect the Tough Holes
Legends has a few beastly holes, like Hole 7 (410-yard par 4) and Hole 13 (tight fairway, water nearby). Don’t force hero shots. A smart bogey beats a double any day. - Go Low on the Par 5s
After a solid drive, holes 3, 6, 11, and 18 offer real birdie chances. Build your strategy around capitalizing here.
Mental Game = Big Advantage
Tournament golf is as much about handling pressure as it is hitting fairways.
- Stick to a Routine
Pre-shot routines are crucial under pressure. Need help building yours? Check out our blog post on creating a consistent pre-shot routine. - Visualize Success
See the shot before you hit it. Pick a target—like a tree or edge of a bunker—and commit. For putts, only go behind the ball to visualize the line on longer putts or tricky reads. - Stay Positive
Bring a simple mantra you can say on the course: “Fairways and greens,” “Play smart,” or “Trust the swing.”
Prepare the Body and the Bag
Legends in May? Expect sun, wind, and a good sweat.
- Hydrate Early
Don’t wait until the turn to start drinking water. Begin hydrating the day before and keep it going all round long. - Eat for Performance
Think fuel, not snacks. Eat balanced meals leading up to the round—something with protein and complex carbs. Keep snacks like peanut butter crackers, fruit, or protein bars in your bag. - Double Check the Bag
Rangefinder? Check. Spare gloves? Check. We’ve added new tee markers and driving range mats, so prep for an efficient warm-up, too.
Team Support & Coaching
Golf might be an individual game, but teams win titles together.
- Meet With Your Coach
Your coach knows your game—and this course. Collaborate on a game plan and talk through pressure scenarios. - Simulate Pressure at Practice
Play short-game challenges, stroke-play matches, and “worst-ball” games in practice. The more pressure you create ahead of time, the more confident you’ll feel when it matters. - Keep the Vibe Light
If its okay with other teams, crank music on the range. Warm up with teammates. Enjoy the experience—this is what all the hours of work were for.
Preparing for a state championship at Legends Golf Course takes commitment, strategy, and focus. But the payoff? Competing on one of the finest courses in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by teammates, coaches, and maybe even a few deer grazing near Hole 17 in the evening sun.
Need a refresher on the course? Start with our hole-by-hole guide. Want to work on your game? Stay and play with us by checking out our golf villas and cabins. And if you're a coach or parent reading this, reach out—we’d love to help you and your team prep for championship week here at Legends.