History
STARR HOLLOW
A place shaped by history, care, and continuity
Belle Starr & The Land Before the Ranch
Long before the land became a ranch or a golf course, Star Hollow was already part of Texas lore. More than a century before modern ownership, local history and enduring legend place Belle Starr, the famed “Bandit Queen of the Wild West,” at Starr Hollow. For generations, the property has been associated with stories of Starr using the area as a hideout, and the belief that she may be buried somewhere on the land has become a lasting part of its identity. These stories, passed down over time, give Starr Hollow a sense of place rooted well before recorded ownership.
Founder: Marvin Leonard
Starr Hollow offered what Leonard valued most: space, privacy, and the freedom to experience golf at an unhurried pace. It was designed to be relaxed rather than impressive, intentional rather than grand. In this sense, Starr Hollow was less a project and more a refuge—shaped by enjoyment, friendship, and the simple pleasure of being on the land. He built a lake, a private golf course, and a private, rustic clubhouse all together in the middle of the ranch. The clubhouse overlooked a large green that was planted, cut and shaped to resemble the state of Texas. When he finished building, he invited a few close friends out to play.
Architect: Joe Finger
Finger’s work was defined by a deep understanding of how golf courses interact with their natural environment. His designs emphasized sustainability long before it became a common consideration—courses that drained properly, irrigated efficiently, and worked with the land rather than against it. At Starr Hollow, this philosophy is evident in the way the course follows the terrain, manages water naturally, and remains resilient over time. The result is a layout that feels settled into the landscape, requiring stewardship rather than constant correction, and allowing the game to be played in harmony with nature.
THE LAKE
The lake at Starr Hollow was thoughtfully created by harnessing natural streams within the Brazos River Basin. A carefully constructed dam formed a ninety-acre lake designed to serve the land through irrigation and drainage, allowing water to be managed with long-term care. The lake supports a healthy range of native Texas aquatic life and offers a quiet, private setting for fishing enjoyed exclusively by members.
THE RANCH
Beyond the course, the property remains an active working ranch. Known today as the M6 Ranch, the land continues its agricultural legacy alongside the club. This dual purpose reinforces the character of Starr Hollow—not as a standalone development, but as part of a living, working landscape that has evolved responsibly over generations.
No round at Starr Hollow is complete without a Starr Hollow Cheeseburger. Black Angus cattle raised on the ranch are the source of the beef used to make Starr Hollow Burgers, served fresh from the grill in the SH Clubhouse. Those who get to enjoy a visit to Starr Hollow must be mindful that they are sharing the ranch with deer, turkey, feral hogs, bobcats, fox, rabbits, coyotes, snakes, and all other kinds of wild critters that call Starr Hollow home.
Marty and Madelon Leonard
Starr Hollow continues under the stewardship of Marty Leonard and Madelon Leonard, whose involvement reflects the values established decades earlier. Madelon Leonard Bradshaw manages the ranching side of the business where the tall grass grows freely, while Marty Leonard watches over the clubhouse and golf course. Their commitment ensures continuity, preserving the land’s history while maintaining the care and standards that define the club today. Under their guidance, Starr Hollow remains shaped by consistency, respect for the land, and a long-term vision rooted in stewardship. Together, they work to ensure that at Starr Hollow, the grass really does grow greener on both sides of the fence.
