
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is a 20,000-acre golf resort in Lajitas, Texas, owned by Texas businessman Kelcy Warren, who is also an energy billionaire. Warren bought the resort from previous owner Steve Smith while the business was facing financial distress. The resort is located on the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Owner | Texas businessman Kelcy Warren |
| Previous Owner | Steve Smith |
| Location | Brewster County, Texas, United States |
| Area | 27,000 acres |
| Nearby Attractions | Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park |
| River | Rio Grande |
| Bordering Country | Mexico |
| Airport | Lajitas International Airport |
| Number of Rooms | 112-117 |
| Restaurants | Multiple |
| Other Amenities | RV Park, Equestrian Center, Swimming Pools, Flat Rock Theatre, Agave Spa |
| Golf Course | Black Jack's Crossing |
| Golf Course Designer | Lanny Wadkins |
| Golf Course Ranking | #1 Course You Can Play in Texas |
| Golf Course Ranking | #38 Resort Course in the USA |
| Golf Course Ranking | #1 Most Beautiful Course in Texas |
| Ballot Initiative | Creation of "Lajitas Utility District" |
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What You'll Learn

Current owner: Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren
The current owner of the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren. Warren, an energy billionaire, purchased the 20,000-acre resort in 2007 from previous owner Steve Smith, an Austin businessman. Smith had owned the resort in the Big Bend area of Texas, but it was going through financial distress when Warren acquired it.
Since taking over the property, Warren has made significant improvements and additions to the resort. He hired Hall of Fame golfer Lanny Wadkins to redesign the golf course, which sits above the Rio Grande and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Warren has also made the resort more accessible and welcoming to all types of travellers, including the addition of an RV park.
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is located in a remote area of Texas, bordering Mexico and situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The resort boasts a world-class 18-hole golf course, known as "Black Jack's Crossing," as well as a variety of other amenities and activities for guests. These include an equestrian centre for horseback riding, shooting ranges, hiking trails, and a spa.
The resort also features a unique mix of accommodations, ranging from rooms in the Badlands Hotel to private villas, each with its own charm and décor themed around the Old West. Warren's ownership has transformed Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa into a premier destination for golfers and travellers seeking a luxurious and tranquil getaway in the heart of Texas.
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Previous owner: Austin businessman Steve Smith
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is currently owned by Texas businessman Kelcy Warren. The resort was previously owned by Austin businessman Steve Smith, who bought the resort in 1989. Smith is an entrepreneur with a focus on various brick-and-mortar businesses, including banking, oil and gas exploration, and real estate.
Smith's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur began in 1989 when, at the age of 46, he started working for Excel Communications in Dallas. He commuted to Dallas from Austin every Monday and returned to his family on Fridays. Through his marketing prowess, Smith rapidly expanded Excel Communications, and soon he was able to purchase a house in Austin for his family.
During this time, Smith's fortune grew, and he acquired seven different homes across the country. However, his absence while building his empire was challenging for his wife, Sarah, and their children. Despite the challenges, Smith's passion for entrepreneurship drove him to pursue his dreams.
Smith's ownership of the Lajitas Golf Resort is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. The resort, located in a remote area of Texas, is known for its natural beauty and rugged desert environment. It offers a world-class 18-hole golf course, equestrian activities, and other attractions.
When Kelcy Warren purchased the resort from Smith, it was going through financial distress. Warren made significant improvements, including adding an RV park and redesigning the golf course, making it more welcoming to all travelers.
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Location: On the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is a 20,000-acre golf resort business in Lajitas, Texas, owned by Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren. The resort is located on the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The Rio Grande is a majestic river that forms a natural border between Texas and Mexico. The resort is situated on the eastern end of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Lajitas is an unincorporated community in Brewster County, Texas, known for its unique location and proximity to the Mexican border. The area is named after the Boquillas flagstone found in the region, with "Lajitas" translating to "little flat rocks" in Spanish. The community has a small population, with only 75 residents as of 2010. Due to its remote location, the resort is served by the Lajitas International Airport, a private airport with a 6,503-foot concrete runway.
The resort's golf course, Black Jack's Crossing, is renowned for its dramatic design by Hall of Fame golfer Lanny Wadkins. The course sits above the Rio Grande, offering elevated tee boxes with breathtaking views of mesas, mountains, and buttes. The fairways are tucked between rocky slopes, creating a unique and challenging golf experience. The course has received numerous accolades, including being ranked the "#1 Course You Can Play in Texas" and the "Most Beautiful Course in Texas".
In addition to the golf course, the Lajitas Golf Resort offers a variety of accommodations and activities to suit every need. Guests can choose from rooms in the Badlands Hotel, private villas, Cavalry Post, La Cuesta, Officer's Quarters, Lakeside Cottages, and Boardwalk Condos. Each room features a unique theme and décor that transports visitors back to the days of the Old West. The resort also offers activities such as zip-lining, equestrian experiences, mountain biking, the Agave Spa, shooting sports, hiking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
The location of the Lajitas Golf Resort, on the Rio Grande bordering Mexico, provides a unique and remote getaway experience for guests. The natural beauty and rugged desert environment of the area, combined with the resort's world-class golf course and diverse offerings, make it a sought-after destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure in the heart of Texas.
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Attractions: 18-hole golf course, spa, horseback riding, saloon
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is a 20,000-acre golf resort in Lajitas, Texas, owned by Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren. The resort offers a range of attractions, including an 18-hole golf course, a spa, horseback riding, and a saloon.
The golf course, Black Jack's Crossing, is a world-class 18-hole course designed by PGA Hall of Fame golfer Lanny Wadkins. It offers stunning views of the Rio Grande, mesas, mountains, and buttes. The course is ranked as the "#1 Course You Can Play in Texas" and the "Most Beautiful Course in Texas".
The Agave Spa at the resort offers a range of relaxing treatments, including massages, providing a tranquil escape for guests. The resort also features an equestrian center, where guests can enjoy horseback riding with trails suitable for all skill levels.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Lajitas offers sunset horseback rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. The resort also houses the Thirsty Goat Saloon, a unique watering hole with an eclectic mix of patrons, from wealthy golfers to bearded bikers.
Lajitas Golf Resort truly offers something for everyone, from golf and spa experiences to horseback riding and saloon camaraderie. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway with a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.
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Size: 20,000 acres (or 27,000 acres)
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is a large golf resort in Texas, covering 20,000 acres of land, although one source states that the resort covers 27,000 acres. The resort is located on the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is owned by Texas businessman Kelcy Warren, a billionaire who has owned the resort since 2007. Warren purchased the resort from previous owner Steve Smith, an Austin businessman, during a period of financial distress.
Lajitas Golf Resort is known for its solitude, natural beauty, and rugged desert environment. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms in the Badlands Hotel, private villas, Cavalry Post, La Cuesta, Officer's Quarters, Lakeside Cottages, and Boardwalk Condos. Each room features a unique theme and décor that transports visitors back to the Old West. The resort also boasts a world-class 18-hole golf course, "Black Jack's Crossing," designed by PGA Hall of Fame golfer Lanny Wadkins.
In addition to the golf course, the resort offers a range of activities such as horseback riding, shooting sports, mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, and an Agave Spa. It also includes multiple restaurants, a general store, and an international airport. The resort has about 112 rooms and operates its own municipal water and sewer system, holding a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) wastewater permit.
Lajitas is an unincorporated community in Brewster County, Texas, with a unique history. For many years, the purported mayor of Lajitas was Clay Henry III, a "beer-drinking" goat, and goats have been mayors of the community ever since. The resort is accessible by a 600-mile drive or a charter flight, providing stunning views of the Chihuahuan Desert and high mountain peaks.
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Frequently asked questions
Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren currently owns the Lajitas Golf Resort.
Warren bought the resort from previous owner Steve Smith.
It is unclear why Kelcy Warren bought the resort, however, since acquiring it, he has made it more welcoming to all travelers and added an RV park.










































