Riverside Golf Austin TX Offers Scenic Play Along Colorado River
Premier Course Along the Colorado River
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers golfers a chance to play on historic grounds where legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite honed their skills. Located just minutes east of downtown, this 18-hole course designed by Perry Maxwell opened in 1950 and features 6,562 yards of golf from the longest tees.
Riverside Golf Course provides excellent value for Austin golfers, with affordable rates and a welcoming atmosphere for walkers and walk-ups alike. The par-71 layout has a course rating of 70.3 and a slope rating of 122, offering a fair challenge for players of various skill levels.
Visitors can enjoy the Texas history embedded in the course while experiencing quality golf at reasonable prices. With its convenient location and storied past, Riverside Golf Course remains a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Austin golfing experience.
History of Riverside Golf Course
Riverside Golf Course holds a special place in Austin's golfing heritage. This historic course has been a training ground for legendary players and a cherished venue for golf enthusiasts since its inception.
Inception and Design
Riverside Golf Course opened its doors in 1950, making it one of Austin's earliest public golf facilities. James P. Maxwell and Perry Duke Maxwell, renowned golf course architects, designed the layout. The course features 6,562 yards of play from the longest tees, with a par of 71.
The designers incorporated the natural terrain, creating a gently rolling landscape that challenges players of all skill levels. Stately oaks, pecans, and maples line the fairways, adding to the course's scenic beauty and strategic complexity.
Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite's Influence
Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, both Austin natives and golf legends, honed their skills at Riverside Golf Course during their formative years. Their connection to the course significantly boosted its reputation in the golfing community.
Crenshaw and Kite's success on the professional circuit brought national attention to Riverside. Their experiences playing the course influenced their later careers and contributions to golf course design.
Harvey Penick's Legacy
Harvey Penick, one of golf's most respected teachers, left an indelible mark on Riverside Golf Course. As a longtime instructor in Austin, Penick's teachings and philosophy permeated the local golfing culture.
Penick's influence extended beyond individual lessons. His approach to the game, emphasizing simplicity and fundamentals, shaped the playing style of many Riverside regulars. The course became a living testament to Penick's golfing wisdom, attracting players eager to experience the environment that nurtured his teachings.
Overview of the Course
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers a classic 18-hole layout with distinct features on the front and back nines. The course presents a mix of challenging holes and scenic views along its 6,562-yard span.
The Front and Back Nine
The front nine at Riverside Golf Course provides a relatively open layout with generous fairways. Golfers can ease into their round here, with opportunities for solid scoring. Water hazards come into play on a few holes, adding strategic elements.
The back nine tightens up considerably. Tree-lined fairways demand more accuracy off the tee. Elevation changes become more pronounced, affecting club selection and shot planning. The closing stretch of holes tests players' skills and course management abilities.
Signature Holes
Hole 3 stands out as one of Riverside's signature par 3s. At 185 yards from the back tees, it requires a precise tee shot over water to a well-guarded green. The par-4 14th hole is another memorable challenge. Its dogleg left design tempts players to cut the corner, but thick trees punish errant drives.
The par-5 18th provides a fitting finale. At 525 yards, long hitters can reach in two, but a creek bisecting the fairway demands careful strategy. The elevated green offers a satisfying conclusion to the round.
Fairways and Greens
Riverside's fairways feature Bermuda grass, providing good lies throughout the playing season. The course's gently rolling terrain adds subtle contours to many fairways, influencing ball position and stance.
Greens at Riverside are known for their moderate size and subtle breaks. They maintain a consistent speed, typically running at a medium pace. Proper approach shots are crucial, as the greens have enough undulation to challenge putting without being overly severe.
Bunkers guard many greens, adding a layer of difficulty to approach shots. The course's maintenance team keeps the sand consistent, allowing for reliable play from these hazards.
Amenities and Practice Facilities
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers golfers a range of amenities and practice facilities to enhance their experience. The course provides well-maintained areas for warming up and honing skills, along with dining options and pro shop services.
Pro Shop Offerings
The pro shop at Riverside Golf Course stocks essential golf gear and accessories. Golfers can find clubs, balls, tees, and other equipment needed for their round. Rental services are available for clubs, pull-carts, and golf carts. The staff provides assistance with tee time bookings and tournament registrations.
Merchandise featuring the Riverside Golf Course logo is also sold in the shop. Visitors can purchase branded apparel like shirts, hats, and jackets as souvenirs of their Austin golf experience.
Dining and Clubhouse
The Blue In Green Grill and Watering Hole serves as the main dining facility at Riverside Golf Course. It operates seven days a week, offering full-service meals and beverages. Golfers can enjoy breakfast and lunch options from the grill's menu.
The clubhouse bar provides a selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer and cocktails. Food and drink service extends to the golf course, allowing players to order refreshments during their round.
Outside alcohol and personal coolers are not permitted on the premises.
Driving Range
While Riverside Golf Course does not have a traditional driving range, it offers practice facilities for golfers to warm up before their round. A spacious putting and chipping green is located near the pro shop, allowing players to work on their short game.
Hitting nets with mats are positioned close to the first tee. These nets provide an opportunity for golfers to take practice swings and loosen up before starting their round.
The practice areas are maintained to the same high standards as the golf course, ensuring a quality experience for all visitors.
Membership and Access
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, TX offers various membership options and public access opportunities. Golfers can choose from different membership types or book tee times as public players.
Membership Types and Rates
Riverside Golf Course provides several membership categories to suit different preferences and playing frequencies. Annual memberships typically include unlimited green fees and discounted cart rates. Senior and junior memberships are available at reduced rates. Family memberships allow couples and their children to enjoy the course together.
Membership rates are competitive compared to other Austin-area courses like Austin Country Club. Members receive priority tee time booking privileges and access to member-only events. The club may offer seasonal promotions or trial memberships for those interested in testing the waters before committing.
Public Access and Tee Time Reservations
Non-members can easily book tee times at Riverside Golf Course. The course welcomes public players seven days a week. Tee times can be reserved online through the club's website or by phone. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend and holiday play.
Public rates vary by season and time of day. Twilight and super twilight rates offer discounted green fees for late afternoon play. The course accepts credit cards for payment. Walking is permitted, and cart rentals are available. Riverside maintains a pace of play policy to ensure an enjoyable experience for all golfers.
Playing at Riverside Golf Course
Riverside Golf Course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole course features 6,562 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 71.
Etiquette and Regulations
Golfers at Riverside are expected to maintain a pace of play no longer than four hours and fifteen minutes. This ensures a smooth flow for all players on the course. The Blue In Green Grill and Watering Hole provides full-service seven days a week, delivering food and beverages directly to golfers on the course.
Alcohol is now available for purchase in the pro shop and on the golf course. However, outside alcohol and personal coolers are not permitted. This policy helps maintain a safe and controlled environment for all patrons.
Proper golf attire is required. Players should repair divots, rake bunkers, and keep carts on designated paths when instructed. Respect for the course and other golfers is essential for an enjoyable experience at Riverside.
Tips for Beginners and Advanced Golfers
Beginners should arrive early to warm up on the practice facilities. Focusing on proper grip, stance, and swing fundamentals will help improve their game. It's advisable to start with irons before progressing to woods and drivers.
Advanced golfers can challenge themselves by playing from the back tees. The course's 70.3 rating and 122 slope offer a test of skill. Strategic club selection is crucial, especially on holes with water hazards or tight fairways.
For all skill levels, the Bermuda grass provides consistent playing conditions. Reading greens carefully and adapting to wind conditions will lead to better scores. Golfers should take advantage of local knowledge by consulting with the pro shop staff for course-specific tips.
Events and Tournaments
Riverside Golf Course in Austin, Texas offers a vibrant calendar of golfing events and tournaments throughout the year. The course provides opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate in competitive play and social gatherings.
Annual Competitions
Riverside Golf Course hosts several annual tournaments that attract local golfers. The City Senior Championship is a popular event held in September, bringing together experienced players from around Austin. This two-day competition showcases the skills of seasoned golfers on the well-maintained fairways and greens of Riverside.
The course also features junior tournaments, providing young players a chance to develop their competitive edge. These events help foster a love for the game among the next generation of golfers in Austin.
Hosting Private Events
Riverside Golf Course welcomes private events and corporate tournaments. The professional team at Riverside is dedicated to ensuring successful outings for groups of any size. They offer hassle-free event packages that can be customized to meet specific needs.
Organizations can choose from a variety of options for fundraising events, team-building exercises, or client entertainment. The course's scenic setting along the Colorado River provides an ideal backdrop for memorable golfing experiences.
Riverside's staff assists with planning and execution, from initial concept to final wrap-up. Their commitment to service helps create smooth and enjoyable events for all participants.
