Austin Course
Spicewood, TX, USA
Austin Golf Club is where Harvey Penick’s philosophies took root, fostering a culture as dedicated to the spirit of the game as to low scores. Carved into the rolling Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, the course favors those who can manage the ball in the wind and think their way around the undulating fairways. While not overtly long, its defenses lie in the subtle breaks of the greens and the native grasses that border each hole. The original layout, a collaboration between Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, reflects a minimalist approach. It emphasizes natural contours and strategic shot-making over brute force. While Coore & Crenshaw purists might not count it among their greatest works, it holds a special place as one of their earliest. The firm has made small tweaks over the years as part of their continuous efforts. The club maintains a low profile, attracting a membership more interested in the camaraderie of a good game than the trappings of high society. Stories are told of impromptu matches between members that last until dusk, often accompanied by lively post-round debates over barbeque and cold beer – a distinctly Texan tradition. The club is known for its deep appreciation for the traditions of the game, and has served as a training ground for some of the region's most promising junior golfers.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
All courses
Best in TX
All courses
Golfers say Austin Golf Club delivers a top-notch private club experience with exceptional conditioning, particularly praising the pure, fast greens and immaculate tee boxes that one reviewer notes are among the best in Texas. Most find the layout fair and not overly demanding from tee to green, with the greens providing the primary defense and the varied par 3s standing out as memorable holes that each play differently in the wind. Reviewers highlight favorites like the short par 3, several short par 4s, and the par 5 9th, though one visitor notes the course didn't quite meet elevated expectations on their first visit, possibly due to an off day for the greens. Overall, golfers agree it's well worth accepting an invitation to play this true golf club.
8.6
42 players
AGC was one of these Austin courses that had been built up for the entire time I’ve lived here, and honestly, I expected a bit more from it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a helluva place and I’d play there every time I get the invite. That being said, I left with more to be desired. Maybe it was because the greens were having an off day, maybe because I went in with expectations. I’m not sure. The short 3, the few short 4’s and the par 5 9th were definitely my favorites. I hope to get back there soon and give Crenshaw’s home another shot. For now, a very respectable rating, very great place to your day.
Austin Golf Club is the home of Crenshaw. Nothing but a golf course on this piece of land and it’s phenomenal. Greens are pure and fast. A good tough, but fair layout. If you get the invite when you’re in the Austin area, don’t pass it up.
this is a true golf club. a top notch experience from the moment you enter the gates. this is the course Ben Crenshaw calls home and often spends his days at. the conditions are about as good as they get. Ben calls the tee boxes the second best greens in Texas… after his own greens out there of course. the greens are the defense of the course and it is not too demanding tee to green. the par 3s stand out with good variety in distance and each one faces a different direction forcing you to deal with a different wind on each one.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Austin has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 25 explicit golfer ratings.
Austin was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Austin is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Austin is 70.
Austin plays 6,892 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Austin is 142.
