State of the week: Texas

text size

Where are we? The Lonestar State. Also known as the Republic of Texas, this Southern state is loud and proud with some of the nicest residents you could ever meet. With a state beer labeled as the "National Beer of Texas," an alternate state nickname of "The Republic of Texas" and a state slogan of "Don't mess with Texas," you better believe this state means business. But there's more to the Lonestar state than a large expanse of land and an even larger attitude. Read on to find out why everything is bigger in Texas.

The Alamo in San Antonio (Special to PGATOUR.com)

Texas history: Though the land mass has been around for longer than you can count, Texas' history as we know it today began in the 1820s when European immigrants (and the new Americans) first started to settle the area. Joined by Hispanic "Tejanos" already living there, the settlers successfully revolted against Mexican ownership and formed their own sovereign nation. The Republic of Texas only existed for about 10 years, however, before it joined the union as the 28th state in 1845. Texas later seceded during the civil war and became a Confederate state in 1861 but was readmitted into the union in 1870. Today, Texas is known for rodeos, music, oil, banking and George W. Bush. Quite the mixture.

Texas on the course: The great state of Texas in all its giant glory has more golf courses than even the most avid of players could plan to play, so why not choose a course that has the best 18 holes in America? You're asking how I could label one course as having the best 18 holes in America right now, yes? Well, it's not one course. It's a compilation of courses in one place. It's all the famous holes, from Pinehurst's No. 3 to TPC Sawgrass' No. 17 to Augusta National's Amen Corner. And don't forget about Doral's No. 18, Oakmont's No. 3, Pebble Beach's No. 14 and Harbour Town's No. 18 -- among others. If you have always wanted to know what's it's like to safely reach the 17th green at Sawgrass or successfully navigate holes 11, 12 and 13 in Augusta, then this is your chance. You will have a blast at Tour 18 in Humble (near Houston), so make sure you work it into your plans. And start practicing.

Texas off the course: Just like with golf courses, a state this size has plenty to keep you occupied on the "what am I going to do today" front. I love Texas, so this was a tough decision for me, keeping in mind that I also have two Texas tournaments to write to-do lists for later in the year. This time, I think I'll go with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. At Reliant Stadium in Houston every year in March (this year from March 3-22), the show, also known as Rodeo Houston, is the largest rodeo in the world. If you've ever wanted to don a cowboy hat or a giant belt buckle or cowboy boots or Wrangler jeans, but you live in the wrong state, now is your chance. Almost everyone will turn up in traditional Texas gear, and it's not a costume party; it's just regular wear down there. So grab your Stetson and settle down for a lineup of barrel racing, lassoing, bronco riding, calf chasing and bull riding followed up by a concert or two. This year at the rodeo, catch performances from John Denver, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Brooks and Dunn, Fergie and Pat Green (among many others). Also, a full fair takes place outside the stadium so save time for the Ferris wheel and some funnel cake.

Texas resort: If it's a golf-based trip you're making, then book no other hotel than the Barton Creek Resort and Spa on Lake Travis, just outside of the state's capital -- Austin. Set in Texas' hill country, the four-star Barton Creek has four fabulous courses; the Fazio Foothills course, the Palmer Lakeside course, the Crenshaw Cliffside course and the Fazio Canyons course. The resort's proximity to the capital also leaves you with a variety of options for entertainment. Austin is one of the coolest cities I have ever visited. You'll love it.

Texas eats: If anyone ever tells you that there is a more important must-eat Texas food than barbecue, then that person is off their rocker. Though I am partial to North Carolina barbecue, Tejas comes in a very close second. Whether you like the spicy sausage, the smoked brisket or the smoked ribs the best (or maybe the giant slice of Texas Toast on the side), you will never leave a table hungry at a Texas barbecue restaurant. Bear in mind that I love Mexican food and have never tasted better in this country than I did in Texas (but more on that when we revisit Texas later this year), so telling you to go for BBQ is a pretty big deal. My favorite? The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas, just outside of Austin.

Ben Hogan at the 1953 British Open (Getty Images)

Texas culture: To see Lonestar State culture at its finest, swing by San Antonio and pay a visit to the Alamo. I don't think I have to tell you what that is. If I do, then Davy Crockett will throw his coonskin cap at you. The structure that began construction in 1724 still stands beautifully in the middle of the city, surrounded by modern streets and buildings like a striking reminder of the past. While you can learn all about the famous battle that took place on this soil by touring the Alamo, you can almost just stand in the middle, looking around you and feel it. The place is steeped in history that seems real enough to touch. And if you're traveling with kids, it's a fun place for them to run around and explore (as long as they don't climb the walls or jump into the cordoned-off areas).

Texas golfer: This Southern wonder has produced many major golfers, but how could we name anyone but Ben Hogan? Born out there in the middle, in Stephenville in 1912, Hogan grew up in the town of Dublin, which is about halfway between Waco and Abilene. He had 64 victories during a 21-year TOUR career -- a record Tiger Woods is creeping up on at 63 wins, just surpassing Arnold Palmer's 62 last weekend. Hogan garnered nine major championships during that career, his first coming at the 1946 PGA Championship (after 30 TOUR victories). The golf legend was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974 and passed away at almost age 75 in 1997.

Next week: Their namesake college basketball team attained the No. 1 spot in the country for the first time in school history very recently.