Spring comes early to central Texas. Visitors to Austin, San Antonio, and the surrounding areas will find golf courses open and in full bloom beginning in late March or early April. You’ll find plenty of courses to choose from. The state boasts more than 1,000 public, private and resort courses. If you’re headed to Central Texas this spring or summer, make sure to check out one of these top Austin and San Antonio-area golf courses:
Lions Municipal Golf Course
Constructed in 1928, this Austin area golf course is one of the oldest–and still one of the best–courses in the state. The 6,001-yard course has played host to most of Texas’ best golfers, including Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. “Old Muny” is open Tuesday through Sunday and reservations for tee times are available seven days in advance, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Online reservations are available beginning four days in advance. Greens fees (2012 prices) are $19.50 for weekday play and $21.50 on holidays and weekends. Discounts are offered for seniors, juniors, and evening play.
Lions Municipal Golf Course, 2901 Enfield Dr., Austin, TX 78703, 512 477-6963
Barton Creek Golf Courses
Located in Texas hill country, Barton Creek Resort and Spa has been rated the number one golf resort in Texas by “Golf Digest” magazine. The luxury, AAA four-diamond resort offers four distinct golf courses, designed by such luminaries as Tom Fazio and Arnold Palmer, and the resort’s signature, par 72, 7,125-yard Fazio Foothills course has been consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the United States. The resort offers a variety of golf packages, and rates vary by season and course. Other Barton Creek Resort facilities include a full, European-style spa, three restaurants, tennis courts, and an elaborate pool area.
Barton Creek Resort and Spa, 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX 78735, 512 329-4000
Brackenridge Park Golf Course
Brackenridge Park Golf Course, the oldest public golf course in Texas, is still one of the best in the state. Located on the north side of San Antonio, this course opened in 1922 and has the honor of being the first inductee in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. The 6,243-yard course is still challenging, with four, long par 3 holes and several par 5s. “Old Brack” is open seven days a week. Greens fees (for 2012) are $50 on weekdays and $60 on the weekends.
Brackenridge Park Golf Course, 2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215, 210 226-5612
