A 20-Year Tradition Worth Celebrating

By:
Kolby Oliphant, Director of Golf

The 2026 C-Star Member-Guest was contested April 16–18 and marked a milestone moment for The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, as we celebrated both the Club’s 20th Anniversary and the 20th playing of this signature event.

Over three days, the C-Star once again delivered everything it has become known for — great competition, memorable moments and an unmatched atmosphere both on and off the golf course.

The format remained a player favorite: a Thursday practice round and putting competition, followed by five 9-hole round robin matches within each flight, all building toward Saturday’s Lone Star Shootout to determine our Overall Champions. The 60-team field was divided into flights, where every match carried weight and momentum could shift quickly.

As is often the case in the Texas Hill Country, the weather was a storyline throughout the week. Forecasts hinted at rain and potential delays for Saturday, and while we prepared for every scenario, Mother Nature ultimately held off when it mattered most. Conditions allowed for a full and uninterrupted championship — something we certainly did not take for granted.

Friday’s three-match gauntlet set the tone for the event, testing both endurance and focus. Matches swung late, leads disappeared quickly, and by the end of the day, very little had been decided. Heading into Saturday, nearly every flight was still up for grabs, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Following the final round of match play, our 10 flight winners advanced to the Lone Star Shootout, contested over the tough stretch of holes 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. This year’s Shootout presented a unique and demanding challenge, as players teed off into a steady 20 mph north wind — creating a dynamic rarely seen on holes 10 and 11. What are typically scoring opportunities quickly turned into tests of control and discipline.

2026 C-Star Champs
Brett Nichols & Brady Shivers

Hole 11 showed its true character. With the wind directly in the players’ faces, it forced 12 tee shots from just 8 teams, a testament to both the difficulty of the conditions and the pressure of the moment. It was a reminder that in the Shootout, nothing comes easy and every shot matters.

With spectators lining the finishing holes and the energy building across the property, the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion.

In the end, it came down to a defining moment.

Under the pressure of a weather delay and with the championship on the line, Brady Shivers, guest of Brett Nichols, stood over a 10-foot putt for birdie. With the entire field watching, he calmly rolled it in to secure the team’s victory.

Congratulations to our 2026 C-Star Champions, Brett Nichols and Brady Shivers, on an impressive performance and a clutch finish when it mattered most. Their names will now be etched into the tradition of C-Star and added to the Champions Gallery.

While the competition is always at the forefront, C-Star continues to stand apart because of the experience surrounding it. From the Tree Bar and The Cave keeping players fueled throughout long match days, to the camaraderie built within flights, to the energy of the Stag Party and the buzz of the Shootout, the event consistently delivers a complete experience for members and guests.

Saturday evening provided the perfect conclusion, as the field gathered for the Awards Dinner and 20th Anniversary Celebration. It was a special night recognizing not only this year’s champions, but also the people, traditions and moments that have shaped C-Star over the past two decades.

The evening was capped off in memorable fashion with a drone show that lit up the Hill Country sky — a fitting tribute to 20 years of tradition and a celebration that will not soon be forgotten.

As we look ahead, the foundation of this event remains as strong as ever. C-Star continues to evolve while staying true to what makes it special — a balance of competition, camaraderie and an experience that keeps members and their guests coming back year after year.

Thank you to all who participated in making the 2026 C-Star Member-Guest another unforgettable chapter in the Club’s history.

We look forward to doing it again next year!

Flight Results

Alamo Flight:
Brett Nichols & Brady Shivers

Cordillera Flight:
Perry Rickel & Chris Egan

Guadalupe Flight: 
Richard Jackson & Rick Derauf

Hill Country Flight: 
Barry Harkness & Mike Harkness

Lonestar Flight:
Herb Fisher & Charles Fisher

 

Nicklaus Flight: 
Tony Coleman & Paul Crumley

Riverwalk Flight: 
Mike Stock & Andrew Stock

Hemisfair Flight: 
Shawn Gosdin & Dean Davenport

Rodeo Flight: 
John Vassilaros & James Taylor

Wrangler Flight: 
Jason West & Brian Miller

Kolby Oliphant is the Director of Golf at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at koliphant@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.4653.

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