Golfers in Austin, TX

[Schley]

Great thread. Thinking of buying a place in Austin and looking to maybe join a club. A friend recommended Austin CC, but let me know your thoughts on:

 

1. Is a private club needed in Austin?

2. What is your thoughts on the best.

 

Don't worry about location as I haven't decided yet, although I'm looking around UT, downtown.

 

Austin Country Club is an exclusive private club with 6 figure initiation fees and a 10 year waiting list to join......In other words, good luck. Glad I have a hook up to play it on occasion.

 

A more reasonably priced private club with probably the nicest course and amenities around the Austin, Central TX area is Cimarron Hills. I've played there several times now and will be playing again around Xmas.

 

Thanks for the 411. I don't consider myself any better than others, just want to find a nice place to play. Also I would be looking for an international/nonresident membership for wherever I find, so we shall see. Appreciate the help.

[larryw]

You initially indicated you were looking to live near UT or downtown. Twin Creeks is not very convenient to either of those locations. ACC is the most convenient but as has been stated I believe they have a waiting list - but might not apply to international membership or to UT affiliated personnel. You could always contact them.

 

Yes, ACC is old school money and "connected" type of membership. You would be able to rub elbows with the social elite at that club.

 

The Dominion family of courses are very much worth playing if you go with Twin Creeks. Onion Creek is where the original Champions Tour event was played (they now have 27 holes) and all the other courses are very nice.

 

I understand but am not certain - but the Austin Golf Club is very much a golf oriented club more down to earth and not so political as other clubs might be. Not so much geared for the wives and kids and social events that you might expect from a top end Golf club - so if you have family you want to make sure to check out that aspect. I also hear it is the best club for a "true" golfer - but I have never been lucky enough to have Ben C. invite me out for a round.

 

As Thug Hunter indicated you should absolutely check out Cimarron Hills, it is a ways out from UT but a great place to live. Spanish Oaks is another top end club that is more convenient to downtown and is an ACC type club.

 

Should also check out the UT Golf Club at Steiner Ranch (it is not owned by or affiliated with UT - but the UT golf team does train there). It is a fantastic course and neighborhood to live.

 

Good luck on enjoying the golf in Austin.

 

Edited to add:

 

If you also have Tennis players in the family you should check out Lost Creek. It is convenient to UT and downtown and is the best combined Tennis/Golf club in Austin. It is not top social elite but a very nice golf course and the Tennis is fantastic.

[raholland71]

I was under the impression that Austin golf club was a “you don’t ask us, we ask you” type of membership

[J_Birdie]

My friend said although ACC is his recommendation, he said that it is more old money and stuffy. He has only played there twice and is acquaintances with 1 member so don't want to put 100% stock in that opinion. I am not a big walker for golf as I have some plantar fasciitis, UGH! Comes and goes, thus takes away consistent walking options.

 

I have been looking at Twin Creeks and it comes with reciprocal playing priviledges 2x's a month at these places below, any feedback on them?

Reciprocal Club Privileges

 

 

 

The Sister Club Reciprocal benefit affords Golf Member and Spouse cart fee only access two (2) times a month at each of our Dominion Golf Group Properties. The benefit also includes half priced golf Guest fees, along with Fitness, Social and Dining club privileges. All tee time reservations are made through your Club’s pro shop 48 hours in advance.

 

Onion Creek Club

Onion Creek Club, located in Southeast Austin, is Austin's most historic golf club. Founded in 1974 by three­ time Masters Champion, Jimmy Demaret, and golf legend, Jimmie Connolly, Onion Creek Club has built a rich tradition of understated elegence based on quality and family values. Known as a shot­maker’s course, Onion Creek by design, plays at both a championship level and a Member level, providing an enjoyable challenge to golfers of any age or handicap.

www.onioncreekclub.com

 

The Dominion Country Club

The Dominion Country Club is an exclusive private club collocated with one of America’s top ten private gated communities. Located in the peaceful wooded Texas Hill Country just 20 minutes from San Antonio, the Club offers the very finest facilities, service and amenities.

www.the-dominion.com

 

River Place Country Club

River Place Country Club is nestled in the Hill Country with a championship 18-hole, Tom Kite designed signature golf course, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature combined with a multitude of exceptional recreational activities.

www.riverplaceclub.com

 

Lantana Golf Club

Lantana Golf Club is nestled in the gently rolling hills of southern Denton County and is characterized by its unique architecture and breathtaking natural setting, inspired by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Designed by the world renowned team of Jay and Carter Moorish, Lantana's course maximizes the wooded terrain and natural beauty of the land creating an unparalled setting.

www.lantanagolf.com

 

Bridlewood Golf Club

Bridlewood Golf Club is located in the rolling hills of southern Denton County. The signature golf course is known for its great beauty and equal challenge at every level of play. Measuring 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the course tempts golfers with 25 acres of lakes and meandering Timber Creek. Bridlewood is the first daily fee golf course joining the Dominion Golf Group portfolio.

www.bridlewoodgolf.com

 

The Dominion is a badass golf course. Just to give you an idea of price though, a few San Antonio Spurs live on that golf course. With your list, I guess price isn't an issue or maybe you just aren't aware of the prestigious golf courses you aspire to join.

 

Dominion isn’t a bank breaker to join

[Schley]

FYI Twin Creeks have a deal going on now for some of you.... FYI it is another 1k initiation and 45 bucks a month for the sister club option described above.

 

Join The Golf Membership for ONLY $4,500 - Join by December 31st and PAY NO DUES Until March 1^st. This membership is all-encompassing of every amenity, including: unlimited golf with no green fees, 10-acre practice facility with no range or ball fees, complimentary tennis access, pools, fitness center, complimentary aerobic classes, dining and social activities & events and preferred access and pricing for banquets and events. Monthly golf dues are $450.

Join The Junior Executive Golf Membership for ONLY $2,500 - Join by December 31st and PAY NO DUES Until March 1^st. This Membership is available for those under the age of 39. Privileges for Junior Executive Golf Members are the same as Full Golf Members listed above but the dues are only $325 per month. Full Golf dues become payable the month of the 39^th birthday.

[Schley]

You initially indicated you were looking to live near UT or downtown. Twin Creeks is not very convenient to either of those locations. ACC is the most convenient but as has been stated I believe they have a waiting list - but might not apply to international membership or to UT affiliated personnel. You could always contact them.

 

Yes, ACC is old school money and "connected" type of membership. You would be able to rub elbows with the social elite at that club.

 

The Dominion family of courses are very much worth playing if you go with Twin Creeks. Onion Creek is where the original Champions Tour event was played (they now have 27 holes) and all the other courses are very nice.

 

I understand but am not certain - but the Austin Golf Club is very much a golf oriented club more down to earth and not so political as other clubs might be. Not so much geared for the wives and kids and social events that you might expect from a top end Golf club - so if you have family you want to make sure to check out that aspect. I also hear it is the best club for a "true" golfer - but I have never been lucky enough to have Ben C. invite me out for a round.

 

As Thug Hunter indicated you should absolutely check out Cimarron Hills, it is a ways out from UT but a great place to live. Spanish Oaks is another top end club that is more convenient to downtown and is an ACC type club.

 

Should also check out the UT Golf Club at Steiner Ranch (it is not owned by or affiliated with UT - but the UT golf team does train there). It is a fantastic course and neighborhood to live.

 

Good luck on enjoying the golf in Austin.

 

Edited to add:

 

If you also have Tennis players in the family you should check out Lost Creek. It is convenient to UT and downtown and is the best combined Tennis/Golf club in Austin. It is not top social elite but a very nice golf course and the Tennis is fantastic.

 

No tennis playing for me. I'm single, no kids. Just want golf really. We'll see what ACC responds with and then I'll check out the others you mentioned Cimmaron etc. Thanks so much for the tips.

[Tbell3]

I was under the impression that Austin golf club was a “you don’t ask us, we ask you” type of membership

 

100000% accurate. Going looking for information and you’ll be blacklisted in a heart beat. If you’re interested they’ll find you. Saw this happen many of times during my time in Austin ?

 

You initially indicated you were looking to live near UT or downtown. Twin Creeks is not very convenient to either of those locations. ACC is the most convenient but as has been stated I believe they have a waiting list - but might not apply to international membership or to UT affiliated personnel. You could always contact them.

 

Yes, ACC is old school money and "connected" type of membership. You would be able to rub elbows with the social elite at that club.

 

The Dominion family of courses are very much worth playing if you go with Twin Creeks. Onion Creek is where the original Champions Tour event was played (they now have 27 holes) and all the other courses are very nice.

 

I understand but am not certain - but the Austin Golf Club is very much a golf oriented club more down to earth and not so political as other clubs might be. Not so much geared for the wives and kids and social events that you might expect from a top end Golf club - so if you have family you want to make sure to check out that aspect. I also hear it is the best club for a "true" golfer - but I have never been lucky enough to have Ben C. invite me out for a round.

 

As Thug Hunter indicated you should absolutely check out Cimarron Hills, it is a ways out from UT but a great place to live. Spanish Oaks is another top end club that is more convenient to downtown and is an ACC type club.

 

Should also check out the UT Golf Club at Steiner Ranch (it is not owned by or affiliated with UT - but the UT golf team does train there). It is a fantastic course and neighborhood to live.

 

Good luck on enjoying the golf in Austin.

 

Edited to add:

 

If you also have Tennis players in the family you should check out Lost Creek. It is convenient to UT and downtown and is the best combined Tennis/Golf club in Austin. It is not top social elite but a very nice golf course and the Tennis is fantastic.

 

No tennis playing for me. I'm single, no kids. Just want golf really. We'll see what ACC responds with and then I'll check out the others you mentioned Cimmaron etc. Thanks so much for the tips.

 

 

Last I heard the waitlist for ACC was over 3 years. I hope for your sake that this has changed

[raholland71]

I heard recently that Lakecliff is going to be closing at the end of the year. Is there any truth to that?

[Tbell3]

Also just stumbled onto Austin Golf Club in Spicewood, althought I can't find their website. A new private course or was in 2001 when it apparently opened. Any feedback on this? Thanks.

 

You’ll never find any information on the internet. One of the hardest courses in the world to get on. Invitation only membership.

[ATXHorn]

Also just stumbled onto Austin Golf Club in Spicewood, althought I can't find their website. A new private course or was in 2001 when it apparently opened. Any feedback on this? Thanks.

 

You'll never find any information on the internet. One of the hardest courses in the world to get on. Invitation only membership.

 

Its not close to one of the hardest courses in the world to get on but it is the toughest in Central Texas. Great course but not memorable IMO. Ben is always around and up for a chat, that part is very cool.

[05LMBVette]

I decided to get a 3pm tee time at WolfDancer for Thursday - should give me plenty of time to get to downtown, get my rental car, grab a bite of lunch and then get to the course..... So long as its not busy, I'll be able to finish in time... also, Ill get there early and see if they let me tee of early... most courses aren't real strict if its not busy, so fingers crossed

 

 

For saturday, i found a smoking deal on GolfNow for La Cantera - Palmer in San Antonio... i read great things about it, and felt like it might be worth the 90 min drive.... $55 and i had a GN promo code, so i paid under $50 for it

 

I should also note - - - my flight comes into AUS at 11:20am on Thursday, but I will have to get a cab/uber into downtown, and then get my rental car... I will look into moving my car to the airport, but for whatever reason, when i rented it, it was WAY more expensive from the airport than from downtown.

 

So I'd guess the soonest I could play on thursday would be the 2pm range... if 5:30 is sunset, i probably don't wanna play too much later than that anyhow.. I'm a 5 handicap currently and play quite quickly, but golf etiquette of allowing faster/better players to play through has been lacking over the last couple years, so my frustration has been growing - so i rarely count on the ability to jump past groups.

[ATXHorn]

05, keep in mind that it gets dark here at 5:40 this time of year. You might not get a whole lot of golf in. Cold and raining this TH.

[05LMBVette]

05, keep in mind that it gets dark here at 5:40 this time of year. You might not get a whole lot of golf in. Cold and raining this TH.

Thanks.... I'm hoping they'll let me get out earlier than 3, since the tee sheet is wide open... I"m thinking i could be there and ready to play by 2pm... I've played 18 in as little as 2 hours, but I can definitely play in 2:30 if there's no one holding me up...

 

As for the weather - no worries... I live in upstate NY. If I didn't wanna play in the 50's, my golf season would be about 2-3 months long each year, if i'm lucky.

[hodges_atx]

Playing Wolfdancer at 8am tomorrow, hoping i don't get rained out. idealgolfer has a coupon for $49 rounds right now. Holler if anyone wants to join.

[raholland71]

Playing Wolfdancer at 8am tomorrow, hoping i don't get rained out. idealgolfer has a coupon for $49 rounds right now. Holler if anyone wants to join.

 

What kind of shape is it in? I’ll be out there Wednesday morning

 

[hodges_atx]

Playing Wolfdancer at 8am tomorrow, hoping i don't get rained out. idealgolfer has a coupon for $49 rounds right now. Holler if anyone wants to join.

 

What kind of shape is it in? I’ll be out there Wednesday morning

 

It was pretty wet yesterday. I also played there on Saturday. It’s in great shape, as always. Since it’s winter, it’s not super green everywhere. The greens were like concrete on Saturday, even my best struck wedge shot wasn’t biting much, but the rain softened them up.

 

I’ve never had anything bad to say about that course, it’s always in great shape. Though, pace of play sucked on Sunday since it was cart path only.

[epmonies]

Does anyone know if Lakecliff is still open? I heard rumors of the course closing down but wanted to know if anyone has some knowledge.

[raholland71]

Does anyone know if Lakecliff is still open? I heard rumors of the course closing down but wanted to know if anyone has some knowledge.

 

Lakecliff CC is currently shut down by the owner who is trying to sell it to investors. There is a group interested and the paperwork is in progress but we won't know if it will happen and, if it does, when the course will reopen.

 

From a CTGA member email

[just plain bill]

Avery and terravista are offering a winter card deal...how are the conditions? I could probably get 20 rounds in during the time frame.

[epmonies]

Does anyone know if Lakecliff is still open? I heard rumors of the course closing down but wanted to know if anyone has some knowledge.

 

Lakecliff CC is currently shut down by the owner who is trying to sell it to investors. There is a group interested and the paperwork is in progress but we won't know if it will happen and, if it does, when the course will reopen.

 

From a CTGA member email

 

Gotcha - Thanks for the info! It's too bad.. I love that place and the greens..

[gdu]

My buddy is a member of Twin Creeks CC in Cedar Park and I've played the course several times. Its an awesome course. Don't know about the membership, but I'm sure its easy to find out. The club is first rate.

That's where I'm at. Happy to answer any questions.

 

Twin creeks is damn near impossible to walk

True. I play with a couple of guys who ride the front nine and walk the back.

[duffer987]

My buddy is a member of Twin Creeks CC in Cedar Park and I've played the course several times. Its an awesome course. Don't know about the membership, but I'm sure its easy to find out. The club is first rate.

That's where I'm at. Happy to answer any questions.

 

Twin creeks is damn near impossible to walk

True. I play with a couple of guys who ride the front nine and walk the back.

 

The routing on the back does send you back down the hill and then back up again to the clubhouse right?

I'd discounted TC based on what looks like its "damn near impossible to walk" ;)

[gdu]

My buddy is a member of Twin Creeks CC in Cedar Park and I've played the course several times. Its an awesome course. Don't know about the membership, but I'm sure its easy to find out. The club is first rate.

That's where I'm at. Happy to answer any questions.

 

Twin creeks is damn near impossible to walk

True. I play with a couple of guys who ride the front nine and walk the back.

 

The routing on the back does send you back down the hill and then back up again to the clubhouse right?

I'd discounted TC based on what looks like its "damn near impossible to walk" ;)

Yes but the down is all between 10 and 11 and the up all between 18 and the clubhouse. Staff leaves carts around for those who want to walk other than those parts.

[KK44]

I have a buddy that's a member at TC too and I've played out there a few times. Love that course. Greens are an mfer!

[UTace10]

Has anybody played UT Golf Club recently? Me and a few friends rented one of the casitas down there next weekend. Looking forward to it!

[txeconomist]

Does the UT Golf Club do a stay and play if you aren't a member or is one of your friends a member?

[UTace10]

They have the stay and play.

[epmonies]

Falconhead was in great shape on Tuesday - fast. All this rain must be helping because their winter greens have been the best I’ve seen in several years.

 

Also, wanted to gauge interest in putting together another outing for golf among us Austinites. I’ve gotten out with a few of you guys already so figured I’d put another one together. Thinking end of February timeframe. Chime in if you’re interested.

 

/ep

[Reidman]

Count me in Monies!

[duffer987]

If I'm in town, I should be down for a round :)