Looking for a place to tee off in the Austin area? You're in luck! This blog will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the top golf courses in and around Austin based on a 4.4 or higher rating from player reviews on GolfPass. From Barton Creek Country Club to Spanish Oaks, we have you covered. In addition, if you're looking for a new golf community to call home, be sure to check out Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club with the back nine coming soon!
Public
Grey Rock Golf Club
While there are numerous public and municipal courses near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate, Grey Rock Golf Club is the only one with a current rating of at least 4.4 stars based on player reviews on GolfPass. With over 450 reviews as of May 2022, Grey Rock is recommended by over 90% of players, with the highest praise for its conditions, layout, friendliness, and pace. The course spans 160 acres and is known for its stately oaks that present quite the challenge at the first hole. If you also enjoy tennis, this club can serve as your one-stop-shop.
Private
Austin Country Club
Photo Courtesy of Golf Channel
Although it has a limited number of reviews, Austin Country Club, which sprawls across 180 acres near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate, is currently rated with 5 stars on GolfPass, with the highest marks for its layout, value, and amenities. The club is best known for its legacy as one of the oldest clubs in the state since it was founded way back in 1899! This private club is particularly family-friendly.
Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club
Photo Courtesy of Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club
Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club is limited to residents of the Driftwood community near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate, which spans 800 acres. The 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Tom Fazio, who said, "The final four holes at Driftwood are poised to become some of the finest finishing holes in golf." Members can look forward to the driving range that spans 13 acres and the short game practice park that spans 6 acres. Members also have access to a clubhouse encompassing 15,000 square feet, including lounges, dining areas, and locker rooms.
Great Hills Golf Club
While Great Hills Golf Club only has one review on GolfPass, it earned 5 stars for conditions, value, friendliness, pace, and amenities. The club recently opened its new clubhouse, which is two stories tall and includes a board room, banquet room, lounges for men and women, a splash pad for the kids, a teen room, and more! The golf course was established in 1973 and the front nine is known for challenging holes that require you to vary your play depending on the wind. The back nine has multiple par-5 and par-3 holes to really test your skills.
Omni Barton Creek Resort
Photo Courtesy of Omni Hotels
The Omni Barton Creek Resort near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate has not one, not two, but four separate courses for you to play! Pick your favorite: Coore Crenshaw, Fazio Canyons, Fazio Foothills, or Palmer Lakeside. Members also appreciate the ability to improve their game with golf lessons at the Barton Creek Golf Academy.
The Coore Crenshaw course has a GolfPass score of 4.9 stars based on 10 reviews and earned the highest marks for conditions and friendliness. The course was recently renovated and is appreciated for its dense tree cover that is sure to claim a fair share of errant shots. The course is not very long, so it is especially welcoming to beginners, though it also offers a challenge to more experienced players.
The Fazio Canyons course also has a GolfPass score of 4.9 stars, but only has 6 reviews. It received the highest marks for conditions and friendliness. The award-winning course is applauded for its environmental preservation and is the first course in the state to be awarded recognition as an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. The course is great for players of all skill levels.
The Fazio Foothills has 13 reviews on GolfPass but is rated lower than its siblings at 3.7 stars. It earned the highest marks for its layout and pace. The course has recently been renovated, so the player-reviewed score is expected to improve drastically. The renovated course has been described by Matt Ginella of Golf Channel as a "roller-coaster ride through the Texas Hill Country" and is a challenge for both beginners and more experienced players. The renovated course hosted the PGA Professional National Championship in April of 2022, along with its fellow Barton Creek course, Coore Crenshaw.
While not located in Austin proper, the resort's Palmer Lakeside course in nearby Spicewood has a score of 4.4 stars on GolfPass, with players giving it high marks for friendliness, pace, and conditions. This course offers impressive elevation changes that make for a challenging playthrough for golfers of every skill level. Players especially appreciate the waterfall at the 11th hole.
River Place Country Club
Photo Courtesy of River Place Country Club
The River Place Country Club near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate has a GolfPass score of 4.4 stars with 163 reviews. It has the highest marks for layout and friendliness. The club is particularly popular with families since it has clubs, amenities, and leagues for all ages. Families appreciate the par-71 course that traverses hills, creeks, and canyons, as well as the fitness, swimming, tennis, and dining options the club offers.
Spanish Oaks Golf Course
Photo Courtesy of GolfPass
The Spanish Oaks Golf Course near Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate has a GolfPass score of 5 stars with 4 reviews, with players giving it the highest marks for its conditions, value, friendliness, and amenities. Members appreciate the caddy service and the ability to play without reserving a tee time. The course was designed by Bobby Weed and is considered one of the best private courses in the nation and is particularly noted for its sustainability efforts.
The course practices sustainability through recycled water, which allows it to be used time and time again. The course's trees were all transplanted or integrated rather than cut down. Members are particularly proud that, through its sustainability efforts, the area has seen a return of native grasses.
As for gameplay, members appreciate the practice areas for chipping, putting, and pitching, as well as the short game area. The two comfort stations are a big hit with players who need refreshment and a brief pause during their game. For players looking to improve, the private clinics are a favorite among members, especially the Junior Fundamental Golf Camp.
These are just the current top-rated options among the great golf courses you can find near Austin, TX! Whether you're looking for a public or private course, there's sure to be one that's perfect for you. And if you're thinking about moving to the area, be sure to check Barton Creek homes for sale and Tarrytown Austin real estate. For help finding the right home for you, reach out to local agent Alexandria Murphy.