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The Grassy Issue · Austin Golf Guide · Updated August 2026

The Austin
Golf Guide.

Everything you need to play golf in Austin — the five municipal courses and how to play them, where to go for a special day, where to practice, where to eat after the round, what events to know about, and the best courses within driving distance. All in one place, updated quarterly.

By Lenny Harrington · Living guide · Updated quarterly · ~15 min read
Aerial view of Lions Municipal Golf Course with the Austin skyline in the distance
In this guide
Municipal Courses Special Day Courses Practice & Ranges After the Round Events & History Day Trips Quick Reference
Quick answers — if you only read this far
Visiting for the weekend.
PlayLions MuniHistoric, neighborly, scorable
Just moved here. Becoming a regular.
PlayMorris WilliamsThe local's course. Real character.
Got three hours. Play something.
PlayHancock9 holes, $20, done by lunch
Taking out-of-town friends.
PlayRoy KizerLinks-style, let the driver rip
Want a big course to yourself.
PlayJimmy Clay6,931 yards. Rarely crowded.
A note on pricing

Here's the thing about Austin municipal golf: the four 18-hole munis all charge the same price. $35 Monday through Thursday, $41 Friday, $44 on weekends and holidays. $28 after the sunset cutoff. Which means when you're choosing between Lions, Morris Williams, Roy Kizer, and Jimmy Clay — price isn't the question. Character is.

City of Austin rates · Effective Oct 1, 2025 · Hancock is $20 flat, the outlier

The Municipal Courses.

Five public courses · The backbone of Austin golf
Water hazard framed by live oaks on a golden afternoon at Lions Municipal Golf Course
Lions Municipal · Austin, TX
No. 01 · Since 1924
Lions Muni.
The historic one. Central. Short. The one you play first.
Best for: Walkers, visitors, good vibes

Lions plays like a neighborhood. Austin High kids practicing on the range, walkers carrying their own bags, a putting green complex at the clubhouse that's genuinely one of the best at any muni in the state. You feel the vibe before you tee off — pulling up on a Saturday morning, the place just feels like Austin.

The course itself is scorable in a way that rewards a regular. Front nine and back nine have distinct personalities — the transition between them is one of the nicest things about the round — and a run of pars and birdies feels earned rather than handed to you. At 6,001 yards par 71 from the tips, it's the shortest of the Austin 18-holers, which sounds like a feature until you try to keep a driver on the narrow tree-lined fairways.

Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite learned here. One of the first courses in the South to desegregate, in 1951 — years before Brown v. Board. It sits on UT land that's been quietly fought over for a decade; "save the Muny" is a sincere Austin cause.

Par / Yards
71 · 6,001
Built
1924
Walking
Yes, easy
Vibe
Classic, close, contested
Book a tee time ↗ Course info ↗
How to play it
  • Off the teeLeave the driver in the bag more than you think. Fairways are tight and tree-lined — a 3-wood or hybrid to the center of the fairway beats a 280-yard slice into the oaks every time.
  • ApproachThe greens are small and well-guarded by mature trees. Favor the fat part of the green rather than chasing pins. Miss to the center, not the edge.
  • TempoWalk it. Lions is the most walkable muni in the system — flat transitions, short distances between greens and tees. The pace is part of the experience.
  • Local tipSpend 20 minutes on the putting green before your round. The practice complex at Lions is genuinely one of the best at any muni in Texas, and the greens on the course roll the same speed.
#6
Signature hole · HCP 1
A dogleg that punishes the bold.
Par 4 · 367 yards · Dogleg right
The #1 handicap hole on the card — and it earns it. The tee shot looks simple until the fairway bends right through a corridor of live oaks. Aim at the left rough and work a fade around the dogleg; catch it right and you're 130 out with a wedge. Pull it or stall the fade and you're hacking sideways out of the trees. Every Lions regular has a history with this hole.
Full hole guide →
View of the downtown Austin skyline from an elevated tee box at Morris Williams Golf Course
Morris Williams · Austin, TX
No. 02 · Since 1964
Morris Williams.
The local's course. East side. Real character.
Best for: Regulars, real golfers, elevation junkies

Morris Williams is the most elevation you'll find on an Austin muni, and you feel it in your legs if you walk it — which you should. This is the one that plays like real golf: longer holes, better green complexes than anywhere else in the muni system, and a conditioning standard that doesn't apologize. Some of the best downtown skyline views too, from the back nine.

Leon Howard design from 1964, opened as Austin's third public course, home to the UT golf team during the Kite and Crenshaw years under coach George Hannon. At 7,023 yards par 72 from the Black tees it is both the longest and the toughest test in the muni system — small elevated greens, real contouring, rolling terrain that actually uses central Texas geography. Water runs through holes 11 to 14. The clubhouse has rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the course and is not trying to impress anyone, which is exactly the point.

Par / Yards
72 · 7,023
Built
1964
Walking
Yes, rolling
Vibe
Serious, lived-in, East
Book a tee time ↗ Course info ↗
How to play it
  • Off the teeDriver is fine on most holes, but the elevated greens will punish you if you're out of position. Pick a side and commit — there's usually a clear bail-out on every hole if you know where to look.
  • GreensThe green complexes are the best in the muni system. They're small, contoured, and elevated — expect more chips and pitches than usual. Dial in your 50-to-80-yard game before you come here.
  • Walk itIt's hilly, so cart riders miss half the fun. Walking Morris Williams is a workout, but the elevation changes are the whole personality of the course. Hydrate in summer.
  • Local tipPlay holes 11 through 14 with extra focus — water comes into play on all four and that stretch makes or breaks your card. Also: grab the rocking chairs on the clubhouse porch after the round.
#7
Signature hole · HCP 1
The blind tee shot that rewards trust.
Par 4 · 404 yards · Blind tee shot
The #1 handicap hole at Morris Williams — and the most "MW" hole on the course. You stand on the tee aiming at a ridge you can't see past. The ball disappears for three seconds before it reappears on the other side — or doesn't. The fairway narrows beyond the crest, trees pinch both sides, and the green sits below in a natural bowl. Trust the 3-wood, trust the line, walk up and see what the golf gods left you.
Full hole guide →
No. 03 · Since 1899
Hancock.
The oldest course in Texas. Nine holes. $20.
Best for: Casual rounds, beginners, 90-minute afternoons

Hancock is as casual as Austin golf gets — no need for a polo or anything. It's smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood so try not to hit a car. Weekends crawl, but on off times you can get around in under 90 minutes. Show up solo and jump in a group of random guys; it's always super fun. There's a tricky par 5 toward the end that'll surprise you the first time through.

Nine holes, $20 flat every day of the week, tucked into a central-Austin neighborhood that's been here since Reconstruction. Walking only. The oldest golf course in Texas, doing what it's done since 1899.

Par / Yards
35 · 2,633 (9 holes)
Built
1899
Walking
Only walking
Vibe
Neighborhood, 1899, mellow
Course info ↗
How to play it
  • Club choiceYou can play the whole course with 5 clubs — a hybrid, 7-iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a putter. Don't overthink it. The holes are short but demand accuracy over distance.
  • PaceShow up solo or as a twosome on a weekday afternoon and you'll be through in 75 minutes. Weekend mornings back up — arrive early or wait until after 2pm.
  • HazardsCars parked along the street are in play on a couple holes. The neighborhood is the hazard. Hit it straight and you're fine; miss wide and you're apologizing to someone's windshield.
  • Local tipNo driving range, no warm-up area. You step up to the first tee cold. Stretch in the parking lot and hit your first swing with confidence — everyone who's played Hancock knows the feeling.
#1
Signature hole · HCP 1
The oldest first tee in Texas.
Par 4 · 324 yards · Opening hole
The #1 handicap hole on the card, and the oldest first tee in the state of Texas. At 324 yards it's technically drivable — oaks lining both sides of a narrow fairway say otherwise. No range, no warm-up swings. Just step up and hit. The green is small and slopes away. Locals will tell you a par on the first at Hancock is earned, not given. It's the hardest hole on a course that's been humbling people since 1899.
Full hole guide →
Panoramic view of links-style fairways, bunkers, and water at Roy Kizer Golf Course
Roy Kizer · Austin, TX
No. 04 · Since 1994
Roy Kizer.
Links-style. Flat. Cinematic at sunset.
Best for: Drivers of the ball, walkers, a clean test

Kizer feels different from every other muni in Austin — links-style, wide fairways, flat as a table. You can let the driver rip without thinking twice, and losing a ball here takes actual effort. Walking is the way to go. If you've been stuck at tight tree-lined courses for a month, Kizer is where you go to remember what a full swing feels like.

The 16th is the course's brain-twister — just outside driver distance, with a deep bunker short of the green that will keep you coming back until you figure out the right club. Play it on a Saturday during UT football season and you'll get the Longhorn flyover directly overhead, which is the kind of thing you can't plan for but never forget.

Randolph Russell links-style layout, opened 1994. 6,819 yards par 71 with 57 acres of lakes and wetlands threaded through the fairways. Named for the long-time Lions Muni superintendent who retired in 1973. Wind is the real hazard — don't come on a 25 mph day unless you want character-building. Come at 5:30pm in April with your phone in your pocket.

Par / Yards
71 · 6,819
Built
1994
Walking
Yes, flat
Vibe
Open, scenic, windy
Book a tee time ↗ Course info ↗
How to play it
  • Off the teeThis is your driver course. Wide fairways, minimal trees, room to miss. Grip it and rip it — you'll rarely be punished for length here, only for direction when water's in play.
  • WindThe number one variable at Kizer. The course is flat and exposed, so a 15 mph south wind turns a 150-yard approach into a 170-yard club. Check the forecast before you pick your tees.
  • Water57 acres of lakes and wetlands weave through the course. Know which side of the fairway the water is on before you tee off — the mistake isn't the water, it's not knowing it's there.
  • Local tipBook a sunset tee time in spring or fall. The light at Kizer between 5:30 and 7pm is unlike anything else in Austin golf. Also: the 16th is a brain-twister — just lay up short of that deep bunker.
#15
Signature hole · HCP 18
The prettiest par 3 you'll ever bogey.
Par 3 · 137 yards · Bunkers + wind
The easiest hole on the scorecard by handicap — and somehow half the foursome walks off with bogey. Only 137 yards, stock wedge territory, but the wind at Kizer always has something to say. Bunkers guard the left and right sides of the green. The green itself is wider than it looks from the tee but slopes in ways that turn a 30-footer into a three-putt. At sunset, it's the most photographed hole on the south side. Stick it close and you'll forget every bad shot that came before.
Full hole guide →
Tree-lined fairway stretching through the south Austin landscape at Jimmy Clay Golf Course
Jimmy Clay · Austin, TX
No. 05 · Since 1974
Jimmy Clay.
Longest of the munis. South. Underrated.
Best for: Sunset rounds, long hitters, south-siders

Jimmy Clay is the muni that's quietly overlooked, which is a shame because it holds up. A handful of fun holes on the front, and a back nine that's genuinely lovely — reason enough to drive south even on days when Kizer has tee times available. This is the course to play at sunset: big Texas sky, long shadows, the kind of light that makes even a bad shot feel like part of the round.

Joe Finger design from 1974, tucked along Williamson Creek on the south side of town, part of the 36-hole complex it shares with Roy Kizer. 6,931 yards of traditional tree-lined fairways, par 72, and the quietest tee sheet in the muni system. A 2007 renovation added a water feature and an island green; a second renovation in 2015 reshaped four greens.

Par / Yards
72 · 6,931
Built
1974
Walking
Yes, long
Vibe
South, empty, serious
Book a tee time ↗ Course info ↗
How to play it
  • Off the teeAt 6,931 yards, Jimmy Clay rewards length. Play from the tees that match your game — this is the only Austin muni where the back tees can genuinely add a full hour to your round if you're not hitting it 250+.
  • Front nineA few forgettable holes mixed with a couple of genuinely fun ones. Don't let the front lull you — the back nine is where the course wakes up and the scoring windows close.
  • Back nineThis is the reason to play Jimmy Clay. The stretch from 12 through 16 is the best back-nine run in the muni system. Williamson Creek comes into play, the light gets good, and the holes have real character.
  • Local tipThis is the least crowded 18-hole muni in Austin. If you want a quiet round without a wait, book Jimmy Clay on a weekday afternoon. Pair it with Kizer for a 36-hole day — they share a parking lot.
#6
Signature hole · HCP 11
The island green you don't expect at a muni.
Par 4 · 316 yards · Near-island green
Part of the 2007 renovation that reshaped three holes and brought real water into play. At 316 from the blacks, it's a short par 4 — but the approach is the whole story. The green is nearly an island, surrounded by water on three sides. The tee shot is a positioning play; the second shot is the one that separates a birdie from a triple. Miss the green and you're fishing. Hit it and you feel like you pulled off something you had no business pulling off. The best surprise on the south side of town.
All five, side by side.
Green fees current as of July 2026 · Updated quarterly
Course Holes Par Yards Built Price Walk
Lions 18 71 6,001 1924 $35–$44 Yes
Morris Williams 18 72 7,023 1964 $35–$44 Yes
Hancock 9 35 2,633 1899 $20 Only
Roy Kizer 18 71 6,819 1994 $35–$44 Yes
Jimmy Clay 18 72 6,931 1974 $35–$44 Yes
Sunset rates $28 at all four 18-hole courses. Junior, senior, and 9-hole rates also available. Spot a mistake? Tell us.
02
Special Day Courses

When you want something a step up.

The munis are the backbone of golf in Austin, but they're not the whole story. Within 30 minutes of downtown there are public and semi-private courses that feel like a different world — better conditioning, bigger budgets, designs by architects you'd recognize. These are the places you book for a birthday, a bachelor round, when friends visit from out of town, or when you just want a Saturday that feels like an occasion.

None of these replace the munis. They're additions — for the days when you want to dress a little nicer, pay a little more, and play something that was designed to impress. Prices range from $50 to $180+ depending on the day, so check rates before you book.

Limestone ledge overlooking a creek at Falconhead Golf Club
Falconhead Golf Club.
Public · Bee Cave · 25 min from downtown
The closest thing to a destination course within Austin's city limits. The par-3 8th sits on a limestone ledge cantilevered above a creek — one of the most beautiful holes in Texas. The rest of the layout is carved through Hill Country terrain with real elevation, mature oaks, and a level of conditioning that the munis can't match. Dynamic pricing means weekday afternoons can be surprisingly affordable; weekend mornings run north of $150. Excellent practice facilities.
Par / Yards72 · 7,108
DesignerPGA Tour Design
WalkingCart included
Best forBirthdays, visitors
Book a tee time ↗
Limestone ravine and fairway at Avery Ranch Golf Club
Avery Ranch Golf Club.
Semi-private · Cedar Park · 30 min from downtown
Holes winding through limestone caverns, live oaks, streams, and ravines — this is what happens when you give a Jack Nicklaus associate natural Hill Country terrain to work with. Five par 3s and five par 5s give it a different rhythm than most courses, and the 7th is a signature hole you'll remember. The TopTracer-equipped driving range and Brushy Creek views from the bar make the whole trip feel like more than a round of golf. Conditioning is consistently excellent.
Par / Yards72 · 7,121
DesignerAndy Raugust (Nicklaus)
WalkingAvailable
Best forCouples, bachelor rounds
Book a tee time ↗
Rolling fairway through Hill Country at Grey Rock Golf Club
Grey Rock Golf Club.
Semi-private · Southwest Austin · 20 min from downtown
Technically part of the Golf ATX system but operated at a semi-private level — higher green fees, membership options, and a Jay Morrish design that plays like a significant step up from the munis. Grey Rock has the Open Range with TrackMan-equipped bays, a golf academy, and a Biergarten that's become a post-round destination in its own right. The course itself uses the southwest Austin Hill Country terrain to full effect — elevation, water, and mature trees throughout. The closest "upgrade" course to downtown.
Par / Yards72 · 6,909
DesignerJay Morrish
WalkingAvailable
Best forRegular upgrade, weekday treat
Book a tee time ↗
White sand bunkers and rolling fairway at Star Ranch Golf Club
Star Ranch Golf Club.
Public · Hutto · 30 min from downtown
One of the best values in the Austin area — an all-inclusive package that covers green fees, cart, range balls, and breakfast and lunch. The course sits on a hill built around a central lake, with 60+ white sand bunkers, wide fairways, and a links-influenced front nine that plays very differently from the tree-lined back. Ranked among GolfPass's Top 50 US Public Courses. The kind of place where you play 18, eat lunch at the turn, and feel like you got a full day for what you'd pay at Falconhead for just the round.
Par / Yards71 · 7,017
DesignerMorrish / Bechtol / Russell
WalkingCart included
Best forAll-day golf, groups
Book a tee time ↗
Elevated tee box with distant fairway at ShadowGlen Golf Club
ShadowGlen Golf Club.
Public · Manor · 20 min from downtown
If you want the hardest public course in the Austin area, this is the one. A slope of 139 from the tips, 7,174 yards, and a back nine that uses elevation changes more aggressively than anything in the muni system. The front nine plays more links-like; the back tightens through trees and drops. Reviewers consistently mention the drive-thru bar at the turn. Despite the difficulty, it's surprisingly accessible — the five tee sets range from 4,898 to 7,174 yards, so there's a setup for everyone. One of Austin's genuine hidden gems.
Par / Yards72 · 7,174
DesignerBechtol & Russell
WalkingAvailable
Best forLow handicaps, toughest test
Book a tee time ↗
Scenic view across rolling terrain at Crystal Falls Golf Club
Crystal Falls Golf Club.
Public · Leander · 35 min from downtown
Water on 12 of 18 holes, real elevation changes, and a target-golf layout that plays tougher than its 6,654 yards suggest. Crystal Falls is the kind of course where a straight hitter with a 7-iron can outplay a bomber who can't find the fairway. The views from the elevated tees are Hill Country through and through. Reasonably priced for the quality — you're paying muni-plus rates for semi-private conditioning. A strong choice when you want something better without the sticker shock.
Par / Yards72 · 6,654
DesignerJack Miller
WalkingAvailable
Best forShotmakers, budget upgrade
Book a tee time ↗
Lush resort fairway winding through Texas landscape at Wolfdancer Golf Club
Wolfdancer Golf Club.
Resort · Lost Pines · 30 min from downtown
The resort play. Wolfdancer sits at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and feels like two courses in one — the first 12 holes roll through open prairie, then the final six drop into a river valley. Arthur Hills designed it to show off the terrain, and it works. GPS-equipped carts, iced towels, and the kind of service you don't get at a muni. The 3rd hole — a 603-yard par 5 from an elevated tee — is the "wow" moment. Best for a weekend trip with the family or a round that feels like a getaway without driving three hours.
Par / Yards72 · 7,029
DesignerArthur Hills
WalkingCart included
Best forResort golf, special occasion
Book a tee time ↗
Rolling Hill Country fairway at Omni Barton Creek Resort
Omni Barton Creek Resort.
Resort · West Austin · 20 min from downtown
The big one. Four 18-hole championship courses at a single resort — Fazio Canyons (ranked top 35 in Golf Digest), Fazio Foothills, Crenshaw Cliffside, and Palmer Lakeside. This is where Austin golf becomes a destination. Fazio Canyons is the headliner — a recently renovated Tom Fazio design through Hill Country canyons with views that make you stop mid-backswing. Crenshaw Cliffside is the most playable of the four, with wide fairways and massive greens designed for enjoyment over punishment. Full resort amenities: spa, four restaurants, three pools. The most impressive golf experience within Austin city limits, no question.
Courses4 × 18 holes
DesignersFazio · Crenshaw · Palmer
WalkingCart included
Best forBig occasion, resort golf
Book a tee time ↗
03
Practice & Ranges

Where to sharpen your game.

Austin has better practice infrastructure than most cities its size. Driving ranges with real grass tees, dedicated short game areas, and a growing number of indoor sim spots for when summer heat hits triple digits or winter rain rolls through. If you want to work on your game without committing to a full round, you have options.

The practice scene has gotten surprisingly good in the last few years. New facilities have opened on the south side, established ranges have upgraded their tech, and the indoor sim market has exploded. Whether you need an hour on the range or a full swing analysis session, it's covered.

Golfer practicing at a driving range with lush green turf
Practice · 8 Spots
8 Best Practice Facilities Around Austin
The best driving ranges, short game areas, and practice setups across the Austin metro — from the range at Harvey Penick to the new spots popping up on the south side.
Read the guide →
Indoor golf simulator bay with screen and launch monitor
Simulators · 7 Spots
7 Indoor Simulators for Austin's Gross Rainy Days
When it's 105° or sideways rain, these sim spots keep your swing alive. TrackMan bays, leagues, and full-bar setups across town.
Read the guide →
Golfer hitting balls at the Round Rock driving range
Practice · Summer
The Summer Practice Guide — Where to Hit Balls at 105°
Ranges with shade and misters, short-game areas that stay open in August, and the indoor bays that earn their keep when it's genuinely too hot.
Read the guide →
04
After the Round

Where to eat, drink, and decompress.

Austin's post-round scene is as good as the golf itself. This is a food city, and golfers here have it figured out — BBQ joints with short waits, burger spots five minutes from the course, evening bars that don't card you for still wearing golf shoes. The 19th hole in Austin isn't a clubhouse; it's a whole city.

We’ve mapped the best spots to every course in the system, ranked the on-course food options (somebody had to), put together evening plans for when the round turns into a night, and worked out what to drink when it’s a hundred degrees at the turn. All of it below.

Sliced brisket and smoked ribs on butcher paper at an Austin BBQ joint
BBQ · 12 Spots
The Austin BBQ Field Guide — 12 Spots After the Round
Twelve BBQ joints mapped to which course you just played. Proximity, wait times, what to order. The definitive post-round BBQ list.
Read the guide →
Stacked smash burger with melted cheese and crispy edges
Burgers · 10 Spots
10 of the Best Post-Round Burgers
Ten burger spots across Austin that hit right after 18 holes. Smash burgers, patty melts, the works.
Read the guide →
Hot dogs and snack bar food at a golf course turn counter
On-Course · Ranked
Ranking the Muni Grub — Every On-Course Food Spot in Austin
Every snack bar, hot dog stand, and turn-counter across all five munis — ranked, reviewed, brutally honest.
Read the guide →
String lights over an outdoor patio at an Austin bar on a warm evening
Post-Round · 7 Moves
7 Post-Round Moves in Austin
What to do after the round — patio beers, swimming holes, live music, and the drive that makes the whole day.
Read the guide →
Neon signs and warm light at an Austin bar at night
Evening · 5 Spots
5 Post-Round Evening Spots in Austin
Five bars and restaurants for when the round turns into a night out. Low-key, walkable from downtown courses.
Read the guide →
Outdoor seating at Radio Coffee and Beer in South Austin
Coffee · 18 Shops
The Pre-Round Pour — 18 Austin Coffee Shops for Golfers
Eighteen independent shops for the drive to the first tee. Institutions, roasters and patio spots, sorted by which course they're actually near.
Read the guide →
A basket of saucy chicken wings from an Austin wing spot
Wings · 16 Spots
The Best Wings in Austin — 16 Spots After the Round
From Wingzup's 28 sauces to the dive-bar orders nobody writes about. Sixteen spots, ranked, with the closest course to each.
Read the guide →
A wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Bufalina in Austin
Pizza · 10 Spots
The Best Pizza in Austin — 10 Spots After the Round
Ten pizzerias that justify the detour, from Bufalina's 900° wood-fired Neapolitan down to the by-the-slice places open late.
Read the guide →
A stacked deli sandwich cut in half on butcher paper
Sandwiches · 12 Spots
Sandwiches Before the Round — 12 Paired to a Muni
Twelve of the best sandwiches in Austin, each matched to the municipal course closest to it. Eat first, then go play.
Read the guide →
The Launderette neon sign at dusk in East Austin
Date Night · 15 Spots
Date Night After 36 — Where to Take Them When You Played All Weekend
Fifteen spots at three volumes, from a Michelin star to fifty-year-old queso. For when the golf ran long and dinner is the peace treaty.
Read the guide →
Electrolyte drink mix and a water bottle for a hot Austin round
Hydration · 100° Rounds
The Hydration Edit — What to Drink for a 100° Austin Round
Powders, tablets and bottles that actually work in an Austin August. What to carry when the heat index beats your score.
Read the guide →
05
Events & History

What's happening and what came before.

Austin muni golf has real history — over a century of public golf, events that have been running for decades, and renovation projects that are reshaping the entire system. This isn't a city that just built courses and left them alone. The stories behind these places are part of what makes playing them feel different.

This section covers the events calendar and the stories behind the courses. From the Firecracker Open — 81 years running at Lions — to the Gil Hanse renovation that's about to transform the Muny, there's always something happening in Austin golf.

Scenic golf course on a bright summer day — home of the annual Firecracker Open
Event · Annual
The Firecracker Open — 81 Years at the Muny
The longest-running golf event in Austin history. Every Fourth of July at Lions Municipal since 1945.
Read the story →
Golf course under renovation with earth movers reshaping the landscape
News · Renovation
Lions Muny Is Getting a World-Class Renovation
The historic course is getting a full redesign from Gil Hanse. What's planned, what's changing, and when it's happening.
Read the story →
Fans watching a soccer match at a packed bar during the World Cup
Guide · World Cup
Where to Watch the World Cup in Austin
Austin is a host city in 2026. Where to watch matches, grab a pint, and still make your tee time.
Read the guide →
The ninth green at Hancock Golf Course in central Austin
History · Hancock
Hancock Golf Course — The Oldest Course in Texas
Opened 1899 and one of the oldest courses in Texas. Nine holes, par 35, $20 to walk, and the ground Harvey Penick learned the game on.
Read the guide →
Links-style fairway and pond at Roy Kizer Golf Course
History · Roy Kizer
Roy Kizer — From Sewage Plant to Links-Style Gem
Built on a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant in southeast Austin, and somehow the best-looking muni in the system.
Read the guide →
06
Beyond the City

When you want something different.

The Hill Country and surrounding area have courses that are a completely different experience from the munis — resort-style layouts, Hill Country views, and designs from architects whose names you'd recognize. Some are 20 minutes outside the city limits. Some are a full day trip. All of them are a reason to get in the car.

These aren't replacements for the munis — they're additions. When you want elevation changes that make Morris Williams look flat, or fairways carved through live oak canyons, or the feeling of playing somewhere that was designed to be a destination, this is the list.

Scenic golf course with rolling elevation through the Texas Hill Country
Day Trips · 8 Courses
8 Special Day Rounds Near Austin
Eight courses within driving distance that feel like a weekend getaway — Wolfdancer, Vaaler Creek, ColoVista, and more.
Read the guide →
Open Texas highway stretching through Hill Country under a wide sky
Texas · 10 Courses
10 Texas Courses for the Trip
Ten courses across the state that are a reason to book a tee time and a hotel room. From the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast.
Read the guide →
At a glance
Answers to questions you haven't asked yet.

The best deal in Austin golf.

  • Sunset rates, any 18-hole muni$28 flat
  • Sunset cart rental$12
  • Same course, same turf, half the waitAny day

The longest and the shortest.

  • Longest: Morris Williams7,023 yds
  • Shortest 18: Lions6,001 yds
  • Shortest total: Hancock2,633 yds

Best for a first time golfer.

  • HancockNine, gentle
  • Roy KizerWide fairways
  • Lions, twilightShortest test

Best for photos.

  • Roy Kizer at sunsetCinematic
  • Lions under the live oaksSpring mornings
  • Morris Williams, skyline viewBack porch

When courses are busiest.

  • Saturday 7–10am, all coursesRush
  • Sunday afternoon at LionsPacked
  • Tuesday 2–5pm, anyEmpty

Maintenance days to know.

  • Lions · 3rd Monday monthlyClosed
  • Morris Williams · 2nd Monday monthlyClosed
  • All courses · Check before you goGolfATX.gov

Best special-day courses by vibe.

  • Birthday roundFalconhead
  • Bachelor partyStar Ranch (all-inclusive)
  • Full resort experienceOmni Barton Creek
  • Toughest testShadowGlen

The casual plays.

  • Butler Pitch & PuttPar 3, downtown
  • Joe Balander Short Course$5, wedge practice
  • Hancock after 2pm$20, 75 minutes
Honorable mentions
Also on your radar.
Butler Pitch & Putt.
Public · Par 3 · Downtown
Austin skyline seen from Butler Pitch and Putt at dusk

Nine par-3 holes downtown on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, walk-up rates, a beer stand at the turn, and the Austin skyline as your backdrop. Not a serious test of golf — closer to a first date or a weeknight hang than a real round. But it's an Austin institution, and it's the correct answer to "where can I play in jeans right now without a tee time." Bring a few clubs, grab a beer, and enjoy the sunset. One of the best casual golf experiences in any city.

Joe Balander Short Course.
Part of the Kizer complex · Par 3 practice

A nine-hole par-3 practice course at the Roy Kizer / Jimmy Clay complex. $5 adults, $3 juniors. Under the radar, open to the public, good for dialing in your wedges or teaching a beginner without the pressure of a full round. Walk only.

Vaaler Creek Golf Club.
Public · Blanco · 50 min from Austin

The Hill Country day trip. Ranked #10 in Texas by the Dallas Morning News, Vaaler Creek is in Blanco — about 50 minutes west of Austin. Michael Lowry design with 6,946 yards of beautifully conditioned fairways, a restored 1860s ranch house for a clubhouse, and a shaded deck overlooking the 18th. Not close enough to be a regular play, but absolutely a reason to get in the car for a Saturday morning.

ColoVista Golf Club.
Public · Bastrop · 35 min from Austin

A wild ride of a course in Bastrop overlooking the Colorado River. The signature 15th — a 191-yard par 3 off a cliff with a 200-foot drop to the green — is one of the most dramatic holes in central Texas. The front nine plays links-style, the back nine uses extreme elevation through rugged terrain. Ranked #1 Hidden Gem by the Houston Chronicle. Check recent reviews for condition updates.

Harvey Penick Golf Campus.
Public · 9 holes · Northeast Austin

Nine holes at par 30 — three par 4s and six par 3s — on 112 acres off Ed Bluestein, crossing Walnut Creek three times. It reads like a sixth muni but it is not one: the campus is owned and run by First Tee – Greater Austin, a non-profit, on land leased from the East Communities YMCA. It opened in 2005. Eighteen dollars to walk Monday through Thursday, $20 Friday through Sunday and holidays, and seniors 55 and over walk for $13 on weekdays only. Juniors are $10. GolfATX members and City of Austin employees pay $5. There is also a grass-only range, a three-hole short course, and an 18-hole FootGolf course — the first in Austin. About a two-mile walk and ninety minutes.

Riverside Golf Course.
Public · Southeast Austin · 10 min from downtown

The most under-appreciated piece of golf history in the city. Riverside is a Perry Maxwell design — built with his son Press, announced in the Statesman in March 1947, open for play by 1949 — and it was Austin Country Club's second home, from 1949 until the club moved to the Pete Dye course at Davenport Ranch in 1984. Which means two of the three ACC sites are now public golf you can walk on: Hancock was the first, Riverside the second. Eighteen holes, par 72, 6,359 from the blue tees. Thirty-three dollars to walk on a weekday morning and $21 after 4pm. The land is owned today by Austin Community College.

Plum Creek Golf Course.
Public · Kyle · 30 min south

Par 71 and just over 7,100 yards from the black tees, which makes it one of the longest cards near Austin. Toptracer range, three acres of short game, and it is the home course for Texas State's men's and women's teams. Pricing is dynamic and starts at $70 Monday to Thursday and $100 Friday to Sunday, with a super-twilight rate that drops to $35 after 5pm on weekdays. Book plumcreekgolf.com — note that plumcreekgolfclub.com is an entirely different club.

Forest Creek Golf Club.
Public · Round Rock · under 30 min north

A Dick Phelps design from 1990, owned by the City of Round Rock and run by KemperSports — a muni under private management. At 7,147 yards from the Gold tees with a 139 slope it is the longest and hardest course in this guide, munis included. There is no rate card at all; pricing moves with demand and the tee sheet opens 30 days out, so expect anywhere from about $40 on a twilight weekday to $100 for a weekend morning. Booking early genuinely costs less.

Kissing Tree Golf Club.
Semi-private · San Marcos · 45 min south

A Gary Stephenson design that opened in October 2018, managed by Troon, certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary and irrigated entirely with reclaimed water. Par 72, 6,572 from the back. The thing to know: the surrounding community is 55-and-over, but the golf course is not — Kissing Tree runs a separate public tee sheet alongside resident play, and anyone can book it. Public 18s ran $93 to $127 through late August. Read the rules before you go: no non-playing riders, two players per cart, no private carts unless you live there, and check in no more than sixty minutes before your time.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about golf in Austin.

Where can I play golf in Austin?

Austin has five municipal golf courses open to the public: Lions Municipal, Morris Williams, Hancock, Roy Kizer, and Jimmy Clay. Green fees range from $20 to $44, making them the most affordable option in the city. Beyond the munis, there's the semi-private Grey Rock Golf Club, the par-3 Butler Pitch and Putt downtown, and a handful of private clubs. For most people, the munis are where it starts.

How much does it cost to play golf in Austin?

The four 18-hole municipal courses all charge the same rate: $35 Monday through Thursday, $41 on Friday, and $44 on weekends and holidays. Sunset rates drop to $28 at all four. Hancock, the 9-hole course, is $20 flat every day of the week. These are the most affordable 18-hole options in the city — and the pricing is identical across Lions, Morris Williams, Roy Kizer, and Jimmy Clay.

What is the best public golf course in Austin?

It depends on what you're looking for. Morris Williams is the toughest test with the best green complexes and real elevation. Lions Municipal is the most historic and beloved — Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite grew up here. Roy Kizer is a wide-open links-style layout, great for big hitters. Morris Williams is also the longest at 7,023 yards. Jimmy Clay is the least crowded. And Hancock is a $20, 9-hole neighborhood classic and one of the oldest courses in Texas.

Are there indoor golf simulators in Austin?

Yes — and the scene is growing fast. Austin has seven-plus indoor simulator venues across town, equipped with TrackMan, Foresight, and Full Swing systems. Options range from standalone sim bays to full bar-and-lounge setups with leagues and events. We've reviewed all of them in our simulator guide.

What should I do after a round of golf in Austin?

Austin's post-round scene is one of the best in the country. Hit a BBQ joint near whatever course you just played — we've mapped 12 spots by proximity. Grab a smash burger, head to a patio bar, or check out our full list of post-round moves for swimming holes, live music, and more.

Where should I play for a special occasion in Austin?

For a birthday or celebration, Falconhead in Bee Cave is the go-to — its par-3 8th on a limestone cliff is unforgettable. For a bachelor group, Star Ranch in Hutto offers an all-inclusive package with green fees, cart, range, and meals. For the full resort experience, Omni Barton Creek has four Tom Fazio, Crenshaw, and Palmer courses at one property. For the toughest public test, ShadowGlen in Manor has a slope of 139 from the tips. All are within 30 minutes of downtown. See our full special day section for eight courses.

How do I play the Austin munis well?

Each muni rewards a different approach. At Lions, leave the driver in the bag — it's short and tight, so accuracy beats distance. At Morris Williams, bring your short game — the elevated greens are the best in the system. At Kizer, rip the driver but respect the wind. At Jimmy Clay, play the right tees and save energy for the back nine. At Hancock, bring five clubs and enjoy the walk. We've added detailed "How to Play It" strategy tips to every course in the municipal section.

Is Austin good for golf?

Austin is one of the best muni golf cities in the country. Five affordable public courses with real character, eight-plus practice facilities, a growing indoor simulator scene, 300-plus days of playable weather, and a food and bar culture that makes the post-round as good as the round itself. Whether you're a beginner or a single-digit handicap, there's something here for you.

What are the best golf courses in Austin?

For everyday golf, the five munis — Lions, Morris Williams, Hancock, Roy Kizer, and Jimmy Clay — are the backbone of Austin golf, all between $20 and $44. For a step up, our special-day section covers the area's semi-private and upscale daily-fee courses. And if you're willing to drive, some of Texas's best public golf is within a few hours — covered in our Texas road-trip list and the Austin Golf Road Trip.

What is the cheapest golf in Austin?

Hancock — $20 flat, every day, for the oldest course in Texas (1899), walking only. Next best value: sunset rates at the four 18-hole munis drop to $28. Butler Pitch and Putt downtown is the budget short-game option, and range sessions across the city's practice facilities start around $10 a bucket.

Is Austin a top golf city?

GOLF Magazine has called Austin the best golf city in America, and the case is easy to make: year-round playability, five public munis with shared history back to Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite's junior days, a booming practice-and-simulator scene, and the best post-round food in the sport. This guide exists because the city's golf culture deserves the documentation.