Tee Off On The 13 Best Golf Courses In Austin

Austin, Texas offers a range of public golf courses and private courses for golf enthusiasts. From the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country to local municipal courses, there’s an option whether you want to plan a golf retreat at an upscale resort or just hit some balls with a couple of buddies. Grab your bag rat and head out to the carpet — maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get that elusive hole-in-one — at one of these best golf courses in Austin.

The Best Golf Courses in Austin

1. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines – Wolfdancer Golf Club

This public golf course is just 20 miles east of Austin in Texas Hill Country. Featuring three different membership options, golfers can tee off and enjoy an afternoon swinging along the lower Colorado River and through heavily wooded ridgelines dotted by native pecan trees. After a round of golf, relax and unwind at the award-wing spa on site.

2. Teravista Golf Club

Terravista is a semi-private golf course featuring superb amenities and outstanding service. The 18-hole golf course provides a challenging 7,200 yard-layout and offers five different tees to suit golfers of different abilities. If you join the players club, you’ll get access to weekly clinics free use of the practice area anytime.

3. Lion’s Municipal Golf Course

Lion’s is a historic Austin golf course that has hosted golf greats from Ben Hogan and Ben Crenshaw to Sandra Hayes and Byron Nelson. Opened in 1924, this muny was one of the first golf courses in Austin (Hancock being the oldest). Today, the course offers an affordable option for golfers of all levels to get out and play golf. A large bucket of range balls will set you back a measly $7 and a regular round of golf is just $26 Monday through Thursday.

4. Jimmy Clay-Roy Kizer Municipal Golf Courses

The Jimmy Clay and Roy Kizer golf courses combine to make a 36-hole complex that is affordable for all golfers. Spread out over 200 acres, the course features 35 acres of lakes along with extensive wetlands, making it a beautiful spot to enjoy a round of golf.

5. Omni Barton Creek Resort

This golf hotspot is one of the best resorts in Austin. The resort offers not one, but four championship golf courses that allow you to play like the pros. The four courses include Fazio Canyons, Fazio Foothills, Coore Crenshaw, and Palmer Lakeside. One of the most sought-after golf resorts in the country, Omni has garnered recognition for GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest.

The Coore Crenshaw course was designed by Ben Crenshaw and architect Bill Coore, focusing on highlighting the architecture of nature. The course features sweeping, lush fairways lined by densely packed trees and is one of our all-time favorites.

The Fazio Foothills course is the brain-child of Tom Fazio and is a shot-maker’s heaven. The course is 7,125 yards long, demanding accurate, long drives that will delight avid golfers.

Palmer Lakeside is located about 45 minutes drive from the actual resort. It’s situated on a high hilltop with views of Lake Travis and the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the resort course features a beautiful clubhouse retreat and the chance to catch a glimpse of whitetail deer. Pull your phone out at the 11th hole, you’ll want to capture the beauty of the signature waterfall and native plants.

A membership at the Barton Creek Country Club provides access to four award-winning golf courses along with tennis courts and a fitness center. As with all good clubs, you can also partake in dozens of social gatherings every month.

6. Avery Ranch Golf Club

Avery Ranch is one of the best luxury courses in Central Texas. The 18-hole course was designed by Andy Raugust who emphasized features including live oak trees, limestone caverns, and stunning water features. The course has partnered with Terravista and Falconhead for a Tri Club Membership option that offers great bang for your buck if you’re an avid golfer.

7. Falconhead Golf Club

Putt and drive to your heart’s content at the Austin golf course where you can also arrange your own tournaments. The Falconhead course is designed by the architects at PGA Tour Design so you’ll play a quality course designed just like the ones for the professionals.

8. Grey Rock Golf Club

Grey Rock Club was purchased by the city of Austin and features the benefits of a public course with the facilities worthy of a private golf club. Also known as the Circle C golf course, the course was designed by Jay Morrish and Associates and has been recognized in golf magazines for its affordable rates.

9. Riverside Golf Course

Want to learn how to golf or play a course that was home to golf greats and is just a mere three miles from downtown Austin? Riverside Golf is the place for you. Golf legends Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw both learned to play here and you can even see the old home of Harvey Penick from the tee on the fifth hole. The course is a stunning experience where you can enjoy the beautiful weather and admire stately oaks and maple trees along the way.

10. Shadowglen Golf Club

The front 9 at Shadow Glen features a challenging course with multiple elevation changes that will keep you on your toes. Once you hit the back 9, you can settle into your swing as you work your way around water features and smooth, curved fairways. Join the weekly men’s league or sign up for one of their yearly tournaments for a little friendly competition.

11. River Place Country Club

This private golf club caters to families, making it one of the best Austin area golf courses to get everyone in the family into golfing. River Place offers amenities including tennis, a fitness center, and social activities that make it feel like a small, local community. With more than 6,600 yards of course twisting its way past creeks and over rolling hills, you’re sure to enjoy the challenges of this unique course.

12. Onion Creek Club

Onion Creek offers 27 holes of championship-level golf along with social activities and access to fitness amenities. The service is unparalleled and the course is family-friendly. You might even catch a glimpse of Austin’s famous bluebonnets when golfing in the spring.

13. Golf Club at Star Ranch

While technically located in Hutto and not Austin, this course is still close enough that we wanted to include it on the list. The Golf Club at Star Ranch offers a challenging experience dotted with sandy bunkers and fairways that seem to stretch for miles. The cherry on top is the stunning clubhouse, featuring 15,000 square feet of rustic charm.

14. Horseshoe Bay Resort

Home to 72 holes of pure golfing bliss, this resort was designed by two of golf’s greats. The Summit Rock course was created by Jack Nicklaus and you’ll have to be a member to gain access. But for one of the best public golf courses in Austin, you can access one of three additional courses as a resort guest. All three courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones. Our favorite is Ram Rock, which features dramatic greens, tricky water hazards, and stunning scenery just an hour from the heart of Austin.

15. Austin Country Club

Founded way back in 1899 this private golf resort is steeped in history. The property consists of over 180 acres, offering views of the hill country, canyons, and Pennybacker Bridge. Golf great Harvey Pennick spent much of his life at this private resort. As a member, you can play the same holes  and enjoy access to world-class events like the PGA Tour and the World Golf Championships. While pricing isn’t publicly available, a membership here is steep — reportedly in the six figure range — and by invitation only.

16. Morris Williams Golf Course

Tucked just outside of Austin, the Morris Williams Golf Course offers views of the glittering city skyline. Austin’s 3rd public golf course, it’s a great spot for golfers of all skill levels. The gently sloping greens feature several elevation changes, adding a little challenge to the game.

Hit The Links in Austin

Kiss your golf widow, grab your clubs, and show up for tee time at these amazing golf courses. You won’t find any Mickey Mouse courses here. Just high-quality greens, clubhouses, and pro shops that make these spots the best golf courses in Austin. These courses are all within easy reach of Austin whether you’re in the Round Rock area, near the University of Texas or over on the east side. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Jack Nicklaus, you’re in for a treat the next time you hit the fairway.