Best Golf Courses in Austin, Texas

Updated February 2024 to update booking information

I love Austin, Texas.  Everything about it.  Its food, its culture, its music, its scenery, its youthful vibrancy.  I could go on and on.  You know what I love most about it though?  Yeah, you’re right… It’s the golf.  I know I’m a golf geek but maybe you are too and that’s why we get along so well.

I’ve spent a healthy amount of time in Austin and played a good bit of golf.  So has one of our writers.  In conjunction with our loyal readers, we’ve compiled our list of the top ten public courses in this great city.

Hook ‘Em Horns and let’s get on with it.

 

 

Settled on 200 acres southeast of downtown Austin, the Roy Kizer Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a picturesque and well-maintained setting for a rewarding day on the green. Named after the longtime superintendent at nearby Lions Municipal Golf Course, Roy Kizer Golf Course is a gem in the heart of the Capital City. Owned by the city and always in impeccable condition, this course provides a wide variety of holes that offer both risk and reward, making it a popular choice for a day of golf with friends.

Golfers at Roy Kizer Golf Course can revel in the history of Austin, Texas, as they play on this renowned course. This area is home to the legendary Harvey Penick, a celebrated golf instructor, and writer. The course also hosts Junior Golf programs, making it an excellent place for young enthusiasts to hone their skills. Located near Brushy Creek and the East Side of Austin, this course is a convenient option for both locals and visitors, especially during events like ACL Fest.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Roy Kizer Golf Course provides an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of Texas.

 

As you continue your exploration of Austin’s top golf courses, the Harvey Penick Golf Campus stands out as a unique and welcoming destination that pays homage to the city’s rich golfing heritage. Named after the legendary golf teacher, Harvey Penick, this municipal course is located on a sprawling 112-acre property. It’s home to the First Tee of Austin, an organization dedicated to introducing young people to the game of golf. Additionally, it features the city’s first Footgolf course, adding a fun and recreational dimension to the traditional golfing experience.

The Harvey Penick Golf Campus isn’t only a place for golf enthusiasts but also a relaxed and family-friendly facility. It serves as a tribute to Harvey Penick and his profound impact on Austin’s golf culture. With its emphasis on community and inclusivity, this public golf course provides an excellent opportunity for both beginners and seasoned golfers to enjoy the sport in a laid-back environment.

No matter if you’re a local resident or visiting the area, this Austin gem offers a unique experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Texas Hill Country.

 

Grey Rock Golf Club offers golfers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic views and challenging yet enjoyable course layout.

When you visit the Grey Rock Golf Club, you can expect:

• Expansive Views: The club is considered the best public golf course in Austin, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, creating a serene and picturesque setting for your game.
• Ancient Oak Trees: Situated on 160 acres of West Texas hill country, the course is lined with ancient oak trees that not only add to the natural beauty but also act as guides along the fairways, enhancing the golfing experience.
• Affordable Private Club-Like Experience: Despite being a private club, Grey Rock Golf Club offers an affordable pricing structure, making it a popular choice for a day of golf with friends, where you can enjoy a high-end experience without breaking the bank.
• Suitable for All Skill Levels: With a wide variety of holes for risk and reward, the club caters to golfers of all skill levels, providing an opportunity for improvement and enjoyment regardless of your proficiency.

Grey Rock Golf Club is truly one of the best golf courses in Central Texas, designed to elevate your game while immersing you in the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Located in the heart of Austin, Texas, ShadowGlen Golf Club offers golfers a challenging and scenic West Texas links-style experience. The course is renowned for its well-placed bunkers and water hazards, providing a test of skill for golfers of all levels.

ShadowGlen Golf Club features a Player Development Program, led by top-notch teaching professionals, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their game. The back nine offers a more secluded and challenging terrain, adding an extra layer of excitement to the round. With a wide variety of holes that offer risk and reward, this club is a popular choice for a day of golf with friends in Austin, Texas.

The club’s charming setting and challenging course make it a standout among the best golf courses in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re looking for a Riverside Golf Course experience or a resort-style round, ShadowGlen Golf Club has something to offer.

If you’re in the area, this course is definitely worth a visit, especially if you enjoy a West Texas links-style challenge.

Just within the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, Wolf Dancer Golf Club offers a challenging and rewarding course for golfers of all skill levels. When you step onto the course, you’ll encounter large greens with tricky pin positions designed to test your skills.

The club provides numerous amenities for the whole family, making it a highly recommended destination within Lost Pines Resort. Wolf Dancer Golf Club is known for its high rating and lightning-fast undulating greens, making it one of the toughest tests in Texas. It boasts a premier golfing experience in the greater Austin area, attracting golf enthusiasts from far and wide.

 

If you’re ready to take your golfing experience to the next level after tackling Wolf Dancer Golf Club, the pretty Lakecliff Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, awaits you with its stunning 12 lakes and challenging par three holes, offering a perfect escape from the city in the serene Lake Travis area.

This gem, nestled on the west side of Lake Travis, provides a breathtaking backdrop for a memorable game. The course, crossing the Pedernales River, showcases Palmer’s design prowess, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking a blend of natural beauty and challenging play. The short course and the presence of 12 lakes add an element of excitement and strategy to your game.

Lakecliff Golf Club, with its strategic layout and impeccable maintenance, is a testament to the renowned Texas golf scene. After enjoying the serene beauty and challenging play at Lakecliff, you might want to explore other notable Texas golf courses such as Avery Ranch Golf Club, Falconhead Golf Club, and the renowned Barton Creek, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Tom Crenshaw, offering a perfect golfing retreat in the heart of Texas.

 

The Golf Club at Star Ranch invites golfers to experience its undulating fairways and white sand bunkers, offering a challenging and visually stunning course just a drive away from Austin. The course demands precision with full shots, despite its wide fairways, making it an ideal spot for honing your skills.

The Golf Club at Star Ranch provides attractive golf specials and deals, adding extra value to your golfing experience. The scenic views and challenging play make it worth the drive from Austin for a memorable round at The Golf Club at Star Ranch.

Here are some reasons why this course stands out:

• Undulating fairways and white sand bunkers offer a visually stunning and challenging experience.
• Wide fairways require precision with full shots, making it an ideal spot for skill improvement.
• Attractive golf specials and deals enhance the overall golfing experience.
• The course’s scenic views and challenging play make it a memorable destination for golfers.

The Golf Club at Star Ranch stands out as one of the best public golf courses west of Austin, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy a round of golf.

 

Perched atop the scenic hills of Texas, Teravista Golf Club offers golfers a breathtaking setting and a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. The panoramic views spanning over 50 miles make for a truly unforgettable golfing experience.

Designed to be forgiving from tee to green, the course is suitable for golfers of all abilities. The elevation changes and contoured fairways add an exciting dimension to the game, ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable round. The club’s designation as a Beginner Friendly Course reflects its commitment to inclusivity and making golf accessible to all.

Teravista Golf Club is renowned for its wide range of holes, providing a diverse and engaging golfing experience that keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this Austin, Texas gem promises a memorable day on the course.

With its stunning natural surroundings and carefully crafted layout, Teravista Golf Club is a must-visit for any golfer seeking an exceptional round in the Lone Star State.

Another outstanding option in the town of Round Rock is Forest Creek Golf Club.

Newly opened after an extensive renovation, this hill country layout has been met with critical acclaim.  That makes sense since it was named “Best Public Golf Course in Central Texas” by Golf Digest after the renovation was complete. 

This course is traditional and straightforward.  However, the shot values are both fun and challenging for golfers of all abilities. 

If you have an aspiring junior golfer in your family, look into the Junior Golf Academy.  It’s one of the most reputable in the state.

The Spanish name of this track literally translates to Lake View.  And that’s exactly what you’ll find. 

A little-discussed hill country gem, Lago Vista is a course I play whenever I’m in the area.

Situated on a pristine peninsula on the north shore of Lake Travis, this track has been waiting to be discovered for more than 30 years.

The atmosphere here is casual and welcoming.  Maybe that’s why I love it so much.

As far as the golf course is concerned, you won’t be disappointed.  Originally opened as a nine-hole track in 1971, it’s now been expanded to 18 memorable holes.

Relax when you come to play this special place.  Chances are, you’ll see big whitetail bucks, coyotes, and breathtaking views of Lake Travis which makes for a memorable day regardless of how you play.

Conclusion

When can I go back?  That’s what I keep asking myself about Austin and all there is to see and do.  I could use some hearty BBQ right about now and I haven’t played much golf as of late.

The question remains, not if I go back, but when.  And if you’ve never been to Austin, you need to go.  It’s as simple as that. 

Kind thanks to all of our readers that contributed to the creation of this article.  I hope to see some of you out on the links next time I’m in town.  Until then, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.