Golf is apparently popular everywhere across the country, but in semi-tropical areas like San Antonio, where the game can be played year-round on fairways lined with palm trees, it’s even more of an obsession. The city boasts more than two dozen golf courses—private, public, and municipal—drawing hordes of golfers, often the husbands of wives who spend the day shopping on the River Walk.

For a comprehensive list of courses throughout the city, including directions, ratings, green fee information, and golfers’ comments, visit www.sanantoniogolf.com. Those looking for a scenic and somewhat-challenging round of golf may want to consider the following San Antonio stalwarts.

One of the most popular courses in the region is The Quarry (444 E. Basse Rd., 210/824-4500, www.quarrygolf.com), rated one of “America’s Top State Golf Courses” by Golf Digest and located just 10 minutes from downtown. The front nine has long, open holes with several water hazards, and the back nine winds through a former rock quarry, with 100-foot walls as a backdrop.

Another noteworthy public course near downtown is Pecan Valley (4700 Pecan Valley Dr., 210/333-9018, www.pecanvalleygc.com), which, as its name implies, contains groves of giant pecan trees along a scenic winding creek. Locals make regular tee times to take advantage of the challenging course layout and well-maintained grounds.