Austin Golf Tee Times Provide Access to Premier Courses
Best Courses and Booking Tips
Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, boasts an impressive array of golf courses nestled in the scenic Hill Country. From historic municipal links to challenging championship layouts, golfers of all skill levels can find their perfect tee time in this golfing paradise. Golf ATX operates six public golf courses and one short-practice course, offering convenient online booking options for locals and visitors alike.
The city's public courses, including the beloved Lions Municipal and Morris Williams, provide affordable and accessible golfing experiences. These courses blend rich history with well-maintained fairways and greens, attracting players year-round. For those seeking more variety, Austin's surrounding areas feature numerous private and semi-private clubs, each with its unique character and challenges.
Booking tee times in Austin has never been easier, thanks to online platforms like GolfNow. These services allow players to browse available slots across multiple courses, compare prices, and even score discounted "Hot Deals" for significant savings. Whether you're planning a casual round with friends or a competitive tournament, Austin's golf scene offers something for everyone.
The History of Golf in Austin
Golf has deep roots in Austin, Texas, dating back to the early 20th century. The sport's popularity grew rapidly, shaping the city's recreational landscape.
In 1924, Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as "Muny," opened as Austin's first public golf course. This marked a significant milestone in making the sport accessible to a wider audience.
The University of Texas played a crucial role in Austin's golf scene. The university's golf program produced notable players and contributed to the sport's growth in the area.
Harvey Penick, a legendary golf instructor, left an indelible mark on Austin's golf history. His "Little Red Book" became a golfing bible, offering wisdom to players of all levels.
The Texas Hill Country's unique terrain influenced course designs, creating challenging and picturesque golfing experiences. This natural beauty attracted both local and visiting golfers.
Austin's golf culture flourished over the decades, with new courses opening and tournaments being held. The city's passion for the sport continues to thrive, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Today, Austin boasts a diverse array of golf courses, from municipal links to exclusive country clubs. This rich history and variety cement Austin's status as a premier golfing destination.
Iconic Austin Golfers
Austin has produced several legendary golfers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. These players honed their skills on local courses and went on to achieve greatness on the national and international stage.
Tom Kite's Legacy
Tom Kite emerged as one of Austin's most successful golfers. Born in 1949, Kite attended the University of Texas, where he played collegiate golf. He turned professional in 1972 and quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour.
Kite's career highlights include:
19 PGA Tour victories
1992 U.S. Open champion
1989 Vardon Trophy winner
7-time Ryder Cup team member
Known for his precision and work ethic, Kite revolutionized golf fitness and practice routines. He worked closely with renowned instructor Harvey Penick, who helped shape his game.
Ben Crenshaw's Impact
Ben Crenshaw, another Austin native, became a golfing icon through his skill and charisma. Like Kite, Crenshaw attended the University of Texas and learned under Harvey Penick's tutelage.
Crenshaw's notable achievements include:
19 PGA Tour wins
2-time Masters champion (1984, 1995)
4-time Ryder Cup team member
World Golf Hall of Fame inductee (2002)
His smooth putting stroke earned him the nickname "Gentle Ben." Crenshaw's emotional 1995 Masters win, shortly after Penick's death, remains one of golf's most touching moments.
Jordan Spieth's Rise
Jordan Spieth represents the new generation of Austin golf excellence. Born in 1993, Spieth played golf for the University of Texas before turning pro in 2012.
Spieth's rapid ascent includes:
3 major championships before age 24
2015 FedEx Cup champion
Youngest U.S. Open winner since 1923
13 PGA Tour victories
His early success drew comparisons to golf legends. Spieth's short game prowess and competitive drive have made him a fan favorite and a worthy successor to Austin's golfing legacy.
Guide to Austin Golf Courses
Austin offers a diverse range of golf courses to suit players of all skill levels. From affordable municipal options to exclusive private clubs, the area provides numerous opportunities for golfers to enjoy the sport.
Top Public Golf Courses
Roy Kizer Golf Course stands out as a popular public option in Austin. This 18-hole course features a links-style layout with numerous water hazards. Morris Williams Golf Course, another municipal facility, offers challenging play at reasonable rates.
Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as "Muny," holds a special place in Austin's golfing history. The 6,001-yard par 71 course provides a classic layout that appeals to both novices and experienced players.
Harvey Penick Golf Course presents a shorter 9-hole option for those seeking a quick round. Its central location makes it convenient for Austin residents and visitors alike.
Golf Courses near Austin
Lago Vista and Point Venture, located northwest of Austin, offer scenic golfing experiences with views of Lake Travis. These courses combine challenging play with beautiful Hill Country landscapes.
In Leander, just north of Austin, golfers can enjoy The Golf Club at Crystal Falls. This course features dramatic elevation changes and picturesque holes cut through limestone canyons.
Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet provides another option for those willing to venture slightly farther from Austin. Its well-maintained greens and fair pricing make it worth the short drive.
Exclusive Private Clubs
The University of Texas Golf Club represents one of Austin's premier private golfing experiences. This championship course designed by Bechtol Russell offers members a challenging layout and top-notch facilities.
Austin Country Club, founded in 1899, stands as one of the oldest existing clubs in Texas. Its current course, designed by Pete Dye, has hosted professional tournaments and provides members with a prestigious golfing environment.
Barton Creek Resort & Spa features multiple private courses, including designs by Tom Fazio and Arnold Palmer. These exclusive tracks offer members varied and high-quality golfing options within a luxury resort setting.
Booking Tee Times in Austin
Austin offers golfers numerous options for securing tee times at its public and municipal courses. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person depending on the facility. Peak and off-peak hours vary seasonally, impacting both availability and pricing.
How to Reserve a Tee Time
Many Austin golf courses allow online booking through their websites or third-party platforms like GolfNow. This provides 24/7 access to tee time reservations. For municipal courses, phone bookings open at 7 AM daily.
Some facilities, like Lions Municipal Course, take in-person reservations when the pro shop opens. This can be advantageous for securing popular slots.
Booking policies differ between courses:
Municipal courses: 7-day advance booking
Private clubs: 14-day advance for members
Resort courses: 30-60 day windows for guests
It's advisable to book early for weekend mornings and holidays, as these fill quickly.
Best Times to Play
Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and faster pace of play in Austin. Weekday afternoons typically have more availability and lower rates.
Seasonal considerations:
Spring/Fall: Prime golfing weather, book in advance
Summer: Early morning or twilight rounds recommended
Winter: Midday tee times provide warmer conditions
Many courses offer twilight rates in the late afternoon, providing affordable options for budget-conscious golfers. These times often include golf cart rental in the reduced fee.
Municipal courses like Riverside Golf Course tend to be more affordable than resort options. They provide quality play at accessible prices throughout the week.
Golf Amenities and Services
Austin golf courses offer a range of amenities to enhance the playing experience. These facilities cater to golfers of all skill levels and provide essential services for a day on the links.
Driving Range Facilities
Many Austin golf courses feature well-maintained driving ranges for practice and warm-up sessions. These ranges typically offer grass tees and artificial mats, allowing golfers to perfect their swings in varied conditions.
Some facilities provide covered hitting bays for comfort during hot or rainy days. Ball dispensers and target greens are common features, helping players gauge their distances and accuracy.
Driving ranges often sell buckets of balls in different sizes, accommodating both quick warm-ups and extended practice sessions.
Golf Cart Rentals
Golf cart rentals are widely available at Austin courses, offering convenience for players who prefer not to walk. Most facilities provide electric carts equipped with storage for clubs and personal items.
Rental fees are usually charged per round or by the hour. Some courses include cart fees in their green fees, while others charge separately.
Many golf carts now feature GPS systems that display course layouts and provide accurate yardage information to greens and hazards.
Skill Level Accommodations
Austin golf courses cater to players of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned pros. Multiple tee boxes on each hole allow golfers to choose an appropriate starting point based on their skill level.
Courses often provide scorecards with handicap information and recommended tees for different player categories. Some facilities offer lessons and clinics for those looking to improve their game.
Par-3 courses and practice areas are available at select locations, providing less challenging options for novice golfers or those seeking a quick round.
Golf Course Maintenance Practices
Golf courses require regular upkeep to maintain optimal playing conditions. Two key practices are aerifying and overseeding, which help ensure healthy turf year-round.
Understanding Aerifying
Aerifying involves creating small holes in the turf to alleviate soil compaction and promote root growth. This process is typically performed 1-2 times per year, often in spring and fall. Specialized equipment removes small cores of soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone.
Benefits of aerifying include:
Improved drainage
Enhanced nutrient absorption
Reduced thatch buildup
Better resistance to heat and drought stress
Golf courses often schedule aerification during slower periods to minimize disruption to play. The process may temporarily affect putting surfaces, but greens usually recover within 1-2 weeks.
Seasonal Overseeding
Overseeding is the practice of planting new grass seed over existing turf. It's commonly done in autumn to maintain green coverage during winter months when warm-season grasses go dormant.
Key aspects of overseeding include:
Timing: Usually performed in late September to early October
Grass selection: Cool-season varieties like ryegrass are often used
Preparation: Existing turf is mowed short and debris is removed
Seed application: Specialized equipment ensures even distribution
Overseeded areas require careful irrigation and reduced traffic to promote seed germination. Golf courses may adjust their maintenance calendars to accommodate this practice, temporarily closing certain areas or altering mowing schedules.
Rules and Etiquette
Golf courses in Austin have specific rules and etiquette guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players. These cover proper conduct on the course and interactions with other golfers.
Course Rules Overview
Austin golf courses enforce several key rules. Players must have their own set of clubs. Sharing clubs is generally not allowed. Golfers should adhere to the dress code, which typically prohibits denim, t-shirts, and tank tops. Proper golf attire includes collared shirts and golf shoes.
Tee times must be booked in advance. Most courses require players to check in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Groups are limited to four players maximum per tee time. Pace of play is crucial - groups should complete 18 holes in about 4 hours.
Golfing Etiquette
Proper etiquette is essential on Austin golf courses. Players should be quiet and still when others are hitting. Avoid walking in someone's line of sight when they're preparing to putt. Repair divots on fairways and ball marks on greens.
Always play ready golf to maintain pace. Be prepared to hit when it's your turn. If you're holding up the group behind, let them play through. Replace divots, rake bunkers after use, and keep golf carts on designated paths. Respect the course and other players to ensure a pleasant round for everyone.
Planning a Golf Event in Austin
Austin offers excellent options for hosting golf events, from casual outings to structured tournaments. The city's diverse courses and event services cater to various group sizes and skill levels.
Golf for Bachelorette Parties
Golf provides a unique twist for bachelorette parties in Austin. Several courses welcome group bookings and offer special packages. Lions Municipal Golf Course is a popular choice, with its historic charm and central location. Parties can reserve consecutive tee times to keep the group together.
Some courses provide golf carts decorated for the occasion. Beginners can opt for a group lesson before hitting the links. After golfing, many clubs have on-site restaurants or partner with local caterers for post-round celebrations.
Corporate Golf Outings
Austin's golf courses are well-equipped to host corporate events. Riverside Golf Course offers tournament services, including scorecards, pin contest markers, and cart signs. Their professional staff assists with event planning and execution.
Companies can choose from various formats like scrambles or best-ball tournaments. Some courses provide meeting spaces for presentations or award ceremonies. Customized packages often include green fees, carts, and catering options.
Tee times for corporate groups are typically available on weekdays, with early morning starts preferred. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons.
Visitor Information
Austin offers excellent golfing opportunities with convenient access and accommodations. Visitors can easily reach the city's golf courses and find comfortable lodging options in the surrounding area.
Directions to the Course
Golf ATX operates six public courses in Austin. Morris Williams Golf Course is located at 3851 Manor Rd, about 10 minutes east of downtown. To get there from I-35, take the Manor Rd exit and head east for 2 miles. The course entrance will be on the right.
Lions Municipal Golf Course, known as "Muny," is at 2901 Enfield Rd in West Austin. From MoPac Expressway, take the Enfield Rd exit and go east for half a mile. The course is on the left.
Other Golf ATX courses have similar easy access from major roads. Check the Golf ATX website for specific directions to each course.
Staying in the Texas Triangle
Austin forms part of the Texas Triangle along with Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. This region offers numerous lodging options for golf visitors. In Austin, downtown hotels provide convenient access to urban courses. For a quieter stay, consider accommodations in nearby Hill Country towns like Dripping Springs or Wimberley.
San Antonio, 80 miles south, has its own renowned golf resorts. Dallas and Houston, each about 3 hours away, expand lodging and golfing choices for longer trips. Many visitors combine Austin golf with stops in other Triangle cities for a diverse Texas experience.
