Top 10 Golf Courses in Austin, TX – Best Public Golf You Need to Play in the Texas Hill Country
austin Texas live music capital barbecue haven and home to some of the most unique public golf courses in the Lone Star State whether you’re a scratch golfer or just looking for a laid-back round under the Texas sun Austin’s public courses deliver a blend of challenge scenery and that unmistakable keep Austin weird vibe with so many options which ones truly stand out today we’re counting down the top 10 public golf courses in Austin these are the courses that bring the beauty the fun and the unforgettable rounds let’s tee it up number 10 Hancock Golf Course kicking things off at number 10 is Hancock Golf Course established in 1899 it’s the oldest course in Texas still operating on its original site this compact 9-hole muni is perfect for a quick round with rolling fairways and mature trees right in the heart of the city what makes Hancock special isn’t just its history but its accessibility at just over 2,600 yd it’s perfect for beginners seniors and those looking to work on their short game the Par 35 layout features narrow fairways lined with pecan and oak trees that have witnessed more than a century of Austin Gulf don’t be fooled by its length though the small sloping greens demand precision and the signature seventh hole a 165 yd par three with a two-tiered green has humbled many experienced players for those seeking a slice of Austin history with their golf Hancock is an essential stop number nine Roy Kaiser Golf Course at number nine Roy Kaiser Golf Course this municipal layout is known for its wide fairways forgiving rough and a link style design with plenty of water hazards and native grasses bird watchers love it almost as much as golfers do thanks to the abundant wildlife around the ponds and wetlands designed by Randy Russell and opened in 1994 Roy Kaiser spans 200 acres with 35 acres of wetlands and 22 acres of lakes the course plays to 6,576 yards from the back T’s but offers five sets of T’s to accommodate all skill levels what sets Roy Kaiser apart is how it balances challenge with playability the open layout mitigates the notorious Texas winds while strategic bunkers and water hazards keep you honest the par 515th stretching to 561 yd with water along the entire right side is particularly memorable after your round the hill country views from the clubhouse patio make for a perfect Austin afternoon number eight Forest Creek Golf Club coming in at eight is Forest Creek located just east of Austin in Round Rock this course is a shotmaker’s delight with treelined fairways strategic bunkering and some of the best conditioned greens in the area designed by Dick Phelps in 1990 Forest Creek plays to 7,147 yards from the Championship TE’s the front nine is more forgiving letting you find your rhythm before the back nine brings the drama with water in play on several holes the course’s signature hole is the par 412th where your T-shot must thread between massive oaks before approaching an elevated green guarded by bunkers forest Creek also boasts exceptional practice facilities including a double-ended driving range and short game area that make it popular with serious players looking to improve number seven Morris Williams Golf Course at seven it’s Morris Williams known locally as Mo Willie this MUN is a favorite for its classic design affordable rates and proximity to downtown the course features rolling terrain elevated greens and a layout that rewards smart play over brute strength named after a local golf champion who died serving in the Korean War Morris Williams reopened in 2013 after a major renovation by J morris the redesign modernized the course while respecting its 1964 roots creating a par 72 layout that stretches to 6,637 yd the course’s highlights include the challenging par4 fifth hole which plays uphill to a wellprotected green and the picturesque par 316th over water what gives Morris Williams its character is the elevation changes uncommon for Austin courses and the panoramic city views from several tees and greens number six Avery Ranch Golf Club number six is Avery Ranch this semi-private course is famous for its dramatic finish with the par418th playing alongside a scenic lake expect rolling fairways challenging bunkers and some of the best public greens in Austin designed by Andy Rogugust and opened in 2002 Avery Ranch blends hill country characteristics with traditional golf architecture playing to 7,21 yards from the tips the course offers five sets of TE’s to accommodate all skill levels the front nine routes through residential areas but maintain a secluded feel thanks to strategic landscaping the back nine opens up with more dramatic holes culminating in a three-hole finishing stretch that ranks among the best in Austin the par 317th playing over a natural limestone quarry to a well bunkered green is particularly photogenic avery Ranch stands out for its exceptional conditioning and service the practice facilities are comprehensive and the GPS equipped carts help first timers navigate the occasionally tricky layout it’s a popular spot for tournaments and weekend warriors alike number five golf club at Star Ranch cracking the top five is Star Ranch located just northeast of Austin in Hutau this course offers wide fairways riskreward holes and a welcoming atmosphere the signature 18th is a reachable par five that can make or break your round designed by Carter Morish and opened in 2001 Star Ranch plays to 7,017 yds from the back tees across gentle rolling prairie the link style course features strategic bunkering native grasses and water hazards on eight holes the par4 9th with its approach over water to a wellprotected green and the riskreward par 51 18th which tempts long hitters to go for the green in two despite the watery grave awaiting errant shots are highlights of any round at Star Ranch number four Falcon Head Golf Club at four it’s Falcon Head designed with input from the PGA Tour Falcon Head blends rolling hill country terrain with a championship caliber layout the course features dramatic elevation changes challenging greens and a back nine that’s as scenic as it is tough opened in 2003 this PGA Tour Signature Series design plays to 7320 yd from the Championship TE’s the front nine introduces you to the property’s varied terrain while the back n ramps up the difficulty with more elevation changes and strategic challenges falcon Head’s signature hole is the par4 17th where your T-shot must carry a ravine before approaching an elevated green with trouble lurking on all sides throughout the course natural limestone outcroppings and mature oaks frame holes beautifully while creating strategic challenges number three Wolf Dancer Golf Club number three is Wolf Dancer set along the Colorado River east of Austin this course takes you through three distinct ecosystems prairie forest and river valley with dramatic elevation changes and stunning views designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 2006 Wolf Dancer plays to 7,25 yd from the back tease the course begins in higher elevation prairie land winds through a heavily wooded ridge and concludes along the river valley creating a journey that showcases the region’s diverse landscapes the par 312th playing from an elevated tea to a green set against the backdrop of the Colorado River is one of the most photographed holes in Texas the closing stretch particularly the riskreward par five 17th that tempts players to challenge the river along its entire right side creates memorable finishing drama what makes Wolf Dancer special is the isolation each hole feels like its own world with native wildlife abundant throughout the course the comprehensive practice facilities include a unique 13-hole pitch and putt course that’s perfect for improving your short game or settling bets after your main round number two Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa Fatsio Foothills the runner up is Fatsio Foothills at Barton Creek this Tom Fatsio design is a hill country classic with dramatic elevation changes cliffside fairways and some of the most scenic holes in Texas opened in 1986 and renovated in 2018 Fatsio Foothills plays to 7,125 yards from the Championship TE’s the course is carved through limestone cliffs and features natural waterfalls caves and indigenous flora that create a distinctly Texan golf experience the signature par4 tenth hole requires a T-shot over a limestone canyon to a fairway that bends right toward a green perched on the edge of a cliff throughout the course elevation changes of up to 200 ft create breathtaking views and challenging club selections what elevates Fatio Foothills is the attention to detail immaculate conditioning strategic options on every hole and service that matches the premium setting for many Texans this course represents the pinnacle of public golf in the state on one Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa Fatio Canyons and taking the top spot Fatsio Canyons consistently ranked among the best public courses in Texas Fatsio Canyons delivers a tour level experience with rolling fairways natural limestone outcroppings and breathtaking hill country views designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1999 Fatsio Canyons plays to 7,153 yards from the back tease the course winds through Hill Country terrain with Short Springs Branch Creek influencing play on 13 holes despite its championship pedigree five sets of TE’s make the course accessible to players of all abilities what makes Fatsio Canyon special is how it balances challenge with playability the generous fairways give you room off the tea but approaches to the wellprotected greens demand precision the par 416th with its T-shot over a canyon to a fairway that dog legs sharply right followed by an approach to a green nestled against a limestone cliff epitomizes the riskreward essence of the course the layout is challenging but fair with riskreward parses and memorable finishing holes if you only play one public course in Austin make it this one that wraps up our countdown of the top 10 public golf courses in Austin Texas whether you’re planning a golf weekend or just sneaking in a Twilight 9 these courses capture the spirit of Austin laid-back a little quirky and always unforgettable did your favorite make the list let us know in the comments and tell us which course you think should have been number one hit that like button subscribe and turn on notifications more Golf City guides are coming your way soon see you out there soon
Austin, Texas isn’t just the live music capital of the world—it’s also home to some of the best public golf in the Lone Star State. With rolling Hill Country landscapes, top-tier course architecture, and year-round golf weather, Austin is a hidden gem for golfers of all levels. In this video, I’m counting down the top 10 public golf courses in Austin, from iconic layouts to local favorites.
📌 Please note: Some footage in this video may not be of the actual courses mentioned but is included to enhance the viewing experience.
Courses Featured:
🏌️♂️ Omni Barton Creek – Coore Crenshaw & Fazio Foothills (resort access)
🏌️♂️ Falconhead Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Avery Ranch Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Wolfdancer Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Morris Williams Golf Course
🏌️♂️ Lions Municipal Golf Course (historic muni)
🏌️♂️ Grey Rock Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Teravista Golf Club
🏌️♂️ Harvey Penick Golf Campus (great for all levels)
🏌️♂️ Roy Kizer Golf Course
Why You’ll Love These Courses:
✅ Hill Country Views & Natural Terrain
✅ Great Mix of Championship & Casual Layouts
✅ Historic Courses + Modern Design
✅ Affordable & Accessible for Locals and Visitors
✅ Golf + Live Music + BBQ = Perfect Weekend
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