Riverside Golf Austin Texas Offers Scenic Play Along Colorado River
Premier Course Along Lady Bird Lake
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, Riverside Golf Course offers a unique blend of history and challenging play. This 18-hole par 71 course has a rich legacy, having served as the training ground for golf legends Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite under the guidance of renowned coach Harvey Penick.
Riverside Golf Course provides excellent value for golfers seeking quality play at affordable rates in Austin. The course, designed by James P. Maxwell and Perry Duke Maxwell, features well-maintained fairways and greens set against picturesque Texas scenery. Golfers can enjoy amenities such as driving ranges and detailed yardage maps to enhance their experience.
Located at 1020 Grove Blvd in Austin's 78741 zip code, Riverside Golf Course welcomes both seasoned players and newcomers. The facility accommodates walkers and walk-ups, making it accessible for spontaneous rounds. With its competitive pricing and historical significance, Riverside has become a favorite among local golf enthusiasts and visitors alike.
History and Legacy
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas boasts a rich history intertwined with legendary golf figures and course designers. The course's legacy spans decades, shaping the local golf scene and nurturing future champions.
Perry Maxwell's Vision
Perry Maxwell designed Riverside Golf Course in 1949, bringing his expertise to Austin. Maxwell, known for his work on prestigious courses like Southern Hills and Colonial, crafted a layout that maximized the natural terrain. His design philosophy emphasized subtle contours and strategic bunkering, creating a challenging yet fair test of golf.
Maxwell incorporated the rolling hills and native vegetation into the course, resulting in a layout that blended seamlessly with the Texas landscape. His attention to detail and respect for the land's natural features set Riverside apart as a prime example of golden age golf architecture in Texas.
Press Maxwell's Contributions
Press Maxwell, Perry's son, played a significant role in refining Riverside Golf Course. Following his father's initial design, Press made several enhancements to the layout. He focused on improving drainage systems and updating bunker designs to maintain the course's playability and aesthetic appeal.
Press's work ensured that Riverside remained a challenging and enjoyable course for players of all skill levels. His contributions helped preserve the original design intent while adapting to modern golfing needs and maintenance practices.
Golf Legends and Riverside
Riverside Golf Course has been a breeding ground for golf talent, most notably Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite. These future champions honed their skills on Riverside's fairways during their formative years. The course's varied holes and strategic design provided an ideal training ground for developing their games.
Crenshaw and Kite's success on the professional tour brought national attention to Riverside. Their achievements, including major championship victories, solidified the course's reputation as a nurturing environment for golf excellence.
Harvey Penick's Influence
Harvey Penick, one of golf's most revered instructors, left an indelible mark on Riverside Golf Course. As the head professional at Austin Country Club, which once occupied the Riverside site, Penick mentored countless golfers, including Crenshaw and Kite.
Penick's teaching philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and fundamentals, became synonymous with golf instruction at Riverside. His presence attracted aspiring golfers from across Texas, eager to learn from the master. Penick's legacy continues to inspire golfers who play Riverside, making it a pilgrimage site for those seeking to connect with golf history.
The Course
Riverside Golf Course offers a classic layout with tree-lined fairways and challenging holes. The par 71 course stretches 6,562 yards from the back tees, providing a test for golfers of all skill levels.
Front Nine Overview
The front nine at Riverside sets the tone for an engaging round. It features a mix of doglegs and straightaway holes, requiring accurate tee shots. The 2nd hole, a par 4, demands precision as players navigate around mature oaks.
Hole 4 presents a risk-reward opportunity, tempting long hitters to carry a water hazard. The 7th, a picturesque par 3, is framed by stately pecans and offers a brief respite before tackling the challenging 8th and 9th.
Back Nine Insights
The back nine at Riverside ramps up the difficulty. It boasts a slightly higher slope rating, testing players' skills and course management. The 11th hole, a long par 4, often plays into the wind, making club selection crucial.
A standout on this side is the 14th, a par 5 that snakes between towering maples. The closing stretch from 16 to 18 can make or break a round, with strategically placed bunkers and subtle greens.
Signature Holes
Riverside's signature 5th hole is a par 3 that plays over water to a well-guarded green. It demands nerves of steel and a precise iron shot. The 16th, a par 4, is another standout. Its elevated tee offers panoramic views of the Austin skyline.
The finishing 18th is a strong par 4 that doglegs left. A good drive sets up a challenging approach to a two-tiered green, providing a fitting end to the round.
Flora and Fauna
The course's natural beauty is enhanced by its diverse flora. Stately oaks line many fairways, providing both aesthetic appeal and strategic challenges. Pecans and maples add to the variety, their leaves creating a colorful display in fall.
Wildlife is abundant at Riverside. Golfers often spot deer grazing near the quieter holes. Various bird species, including cardinals and blue jays, call the course home. The occasional armadillo may even make an appearance, adding to the quintessential Texas golf experience.
Facilities and Services
Riverside Golf Course offers a range of amenities to enhance the golfing experience. The facility provides essential services and practice areas to support players of all skill levels.
Pro Shop Essentials
The pro shop at Riverside Golf Course stocks a variety of golfing necessities. Golfers can find clubs, balls, tees, and other equipment for purchase. The shop accepts credit cards for convenient transactions. Staff members are available to assist with tee time bookings and provide course information. Rental clubs may be available for those who need them. The pro shop operates daily, closing at 7:30 pm during daylight savings time and 6:30 pm in other months.
Dining and Relaxation
The Blue In Green Grill and Watering Hole serves as the course's dining hub. This full-service establishment operates seven days a week, offering food and beverages to golfers. Players can enjoy meals before or after their rounds. The grill also provides on-course delivery, allowing golfers to order refreshments during play. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in the pro shop and on the course. The grill's proximity to downtown Austin makes it a convenient spot for post-round relaxation.
Practice Areas
Riverside Golf Course maintains dedicated practice facilities for golfers to hone their skills. A spacious putting green is located near the pro shop, allowing players to warm up before their rounds. Adjacent to this is a chipping area where golfers can practice their short game. Hitting nets with mats are positioned near the first tee for those looking to work on their full swings. These practice areas are maintained to the same high standards as the course itself, ensuring quality conditions for skill development.
Playing the Course
Riverside Golf Course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features Bermuda grass and allows walking, providing good value for players in Austin.
Course Conditions
The course maintains Bermuda grass throughout, which thrives in the Texas climate. Fairways are generally well-kept, offering good lies for approach shots. Greens roll at a moderate speed and hold approach shots reasonably well.
Bunkers are strategically placed and contain sand of consistent quality. The rough can be thick in spots, adding difficulty to errant shots.
Water hazards come into play on several holes, particularly on the back nine. These features add both beauty and challenge to the course layout.
Strategies and Tips
Playing Riverside effectively requires careful club selection and course management. Aim for the widest parts of fairways on doglegs to set up better approach angles.
The par-3 holes demand accuracy, with well-protected greens. Club selection is crucial here, as wind can be a factor.
On longer par-4s and par-5s, consider laying up short of hazards for safer play. The course rewards strategic thinking over pure power.
Pay attention to pin positions on the greens. Some hole locations can be tricky, so adjust your approach accordingly.
Local Rules
Riverside follows standard USGA rules with a few local exceptions. Drop zones are available on certain water hazards - check the scorecard for details.
Ground under repair is clearly marked. Free relief is granted from these areas.
Cart paths and other man-made obstructions provide free relief. Be sure to take proper drops when utilizing these rules.
The course allows preferred lies in closely mown areas during wet conditions. This rule is posted when in effect.
Pace of play is emphasized. Groups are expected to complete 18 holes in 4 hours and 15 minutes or less.
Visitor Information
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers affordable rates, convenient hours, and a prime location. Golfers can enjoy a quality round without breaking the bank at this public course known for its value.
Admission and Fees
Riverside Golf Course provides some of the Best Golf Value in Austin. Green fees are competitively priced, with weekday rates starting at $20 for 18 holes and weekend rates from $25. Twilight and super twilight discounts are available in the afternoons. Cart rentals cost an additional $15 per player. The course offers a loyalty program for frequent players, providing further savings. Credit Cards Accepted for all transactions, including pro shop purchases and food service. Tee time reservations can be made online or by phone, with a small booking fee for advanced slots.
Operating Hours
The course opens daily at 7:00 AM, allowing early birds to hit the links. Closing times vary seasonally:
Summer (April-September): 8:00 PM
Winter (October-March): 6:00 PM
The driving range and practice facilities follow the same schedule. The pro shop and clubhouse open 30 minutes before the first tee time and close with the course. Food service is available from 8:00 AM until one hour before closing.
Location and Accessibility
Riverside Golf Course is situated at 1020 Grove Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741. The course is conveniently located just 3 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Easy access from major highways:
5 minutes from I-35
10 minutes from US-183
15 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Ample free parking is available on-site. Public transportation options include Capital Metro bus routes with stops near the course entrance. For those with mobility needs, the course offers ADA-compliant facilities and golf cart paths throughout the property.
