GOLF

The Austin golf scene is complicated. Probably a little too highly ranked as far as reputation goes, especially with public or semi-private golf. If you know someone at ACC or Spanish who’s hooking you up, phenomenal. For the rest of us, I’ll break it into a few tiers depending on your goals. 

Tier I: You’re a stick, the group can play too, cash isn’t a factor, and we’re keeping shirts tucked in the entire round 

Barton Creek - The Omni Resort at Barton Creek is giving you multiple options (two hilly Fazio courses and a linksy Coore Crenshaw) for a premium price. Phenomenal golf and user experience. You’re walking out of here a few hundred dollars lighter even if you happen to win Wolf. On-course service and post-round clubhouse are next level and you’ll probably rub elbows with a guy that you know from that one show but you can’t put your finger on it. The catch? You gotta stay at the resort or know a guy/girl. I’ve heard of people splitting a single room for a night across a bachelor party in order to book a tee time - it’s worth it. 

Wolfdancer - If you’re down with the 30 min drive out east of downtown, you’re getting probably the best pure public option around. Beautiful but difficult course that weaves through a woodsy tract of deer country. Like inundated with whitetail. Less of a hit to the wallet and definitely less of a post-round scene. Triple digits are in play no matter the handicap but the tee shot on 3 will get you a solid IG story. 

Tier II: Still looking for quality golf, but we’re working with different skill levels and not exactly trying to break the bank

Falconhead - West of downtown, a great purely public play with a few pros: tons of elevation change (read elevated tee boxes to test your pre-round “85%” swing thought, true greens, and well-cut fairways. Cons: you’re staring a 5.5 hr round in the face, the rangers think their job is akin to a leadership role in the Texas National Guard, and it’s on top of a hill so you’re either dealing with wind or being cooked, depending on the season. 

Grey Rock - The newest addition to the Austin City Golf portfolio and undoubtedly the “nicest” of those courses, Grey Rock is the spot where you can mix in a “membership” as a 23-year-old Account Manager at Under Armour. Technically it waives greens fees and gives you early access at any city course, so no complaints here. Grow the game. However, be prepared to wait on pretty much every tee box and fix someone else's divot. Nice looking course, though, and probably comparable to your decent home public spot. 

Roy Kizer/Jimmy Clay - These courses share a plot of land and are a step below Grey Rock, but more fun in my opinion. If you play Kizer, you’ll be happy with the fairways, alarmed by the tee boxes and greens, and wondering how the wind can possibly blow in every direction in one afternoon. Pretty wide open linksy course that does a decent job of getting people around in time. Jimmy Clay is woodsier, more hazard-prone, and less time-friendly but less sun-baked. Take your pick, untuck your polo, and uber home. 

Tier III: We’re degenerates, we don’t keep score, and we’re browned out by 14 tee

Lions Municipal - You’ll wonder how exactly this course is situated on one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the city. And it’s worth a look into the #SaveMuny story. Ben Crenshaw grew up playing the course and has some big plans for its future. Until then, it’s a give-everyone-two-putts track (get over it) that you can play in a t-shirt. You’re playing here to have fun and everyone is on the same page. 

Butler Pitch & Putt - The longest hole here is 115 yards, you’re a stone’s throw from downtown, and I’m 100% sure I’ve seen a 16-some playing this 9 hole spot. It’s organized chaos and a blast at that. Throw on the flip flops, bring one wedge, and load up a cooler.* 

*Technically you have to buy booze from the course as of last year. Get creative. 

Sunburnt, liquored up, and hungry, you’re ready to get a shower (or swim) in and gather the crew for a *nice* dinner. 

++: If you’re thinking of booking a 1pm tee time on a Saturday in the middle of August, don’t.