What course should I play now in Austin?

[plutch]

Going back down to Austin next month, my parents live there and I can't wait to eat and golf!

 

They live in the Mueller neighborhood, so I get to walk to Morris Williams, can't wait to see what they have done to the place after the renovation. I have always liked walking over there to play, the price is right and although not the greatest course, it works for a Muni.

 

I have played Falconhead, Shadow Glen, Terra Vista, Bluebonnet, Roy Kizer, Wolfdancer, Onion Creek and a few others.

 

Just wondering if there are any courses that I am missing, (Is Plum Creek nice, should I branch outward an hour or so?) I will have a car so getting around won't be a problem.

 

To anyone who knows the Barton Creek courses, do I have to stay there to play? What are the costs and is it worth it?

 

I just got back from Bandon Dunes and paid no more than $120 for a round so I would like to keep it below that.

 

Thanks and if anyone wants to play that would be great!

[Thug Hunter]

See my review reference Barton Creek. You will not be able to play for under your budget. I believe their fees are usually $200.

I'd consider Crystall Falls. I once hated the course, but after a few changes they've made, it's become one of my favorites. While it's not that close to you, it's gonna be in great shape in another month. They punched the greens about a week ago, so they were sandy when I played a couple days ago but they'll be in great shape by time you're here. Check out golfnow for deals. It's never that busy during the week and I played 18 in 2 hours the other day (solo w/a cart and chilly rainy day).

Try to play Mo Willy if you can. I haven't played since they reopened, but word is it will be a top notch city course. I suspect it's been pretty busy though, so expect 5 hour rounds.

[HiSpeed48]

I've only played [color=#282828][size=4]Crystal Falls and Tera Vista, and I really liked [/size][/color][color=#282828][size=4]Crystal Falls. It has a lot of elevation change and some nice water features. I don't think there was a single bunker on the course though, which was weird. The first hole was the only hole I didn't like.[/size][/color][color=#282828][size=4] [/size][/color]

[Thug Hunter]

The first hole is somewhat boring other than the blind approach shot. It's a reachable par 5 most of the days though as long as your drive is safe. I've birdied #1 twice, but mostly come out on that hole with a par to start the round. I eagled #7 the other day with a putt from at least 10' off the green and another 15' from the fringe. Definitely my luckiest eagle ever made.

I like the elevation change, which for a newcomer, will be quite tricky on #2 and #11.

[plutch]

Thug! Thanks for the input, just read your review of Barton. That's exactly what I was looking for, if you are a course that is charging those kinds of prices, everything should be immaculate and Mother Nature should be dealt with as much as humanly possible.

It sounds like I can play some private courses up here in Seattle and Bandon Dunes for a fraction of the expense of what it costs to play Barton.

I will check out Crystal Falls, haven't played there yet and it looks great on their website.

Have you played Plum Creek? Delaware Springs?

Thanks again!

[Thug Hunter]

A coworker played Plum Creek a couple weeks ago and said it isn't in that great of shape right now. I've never played Delaware Springs. Can't offer personal opinion on either one.

[redraider1685]

delaware is a great track but the greens are usually slower compared to some top notch public courses

however it is a very entertaining layout and a beautiful course

I would definitely recommend it

[redraider1685]

also I played a public course in manor, the name slips me and it was great

one of the best public course layouts I can remember lots of water and elevation changes with some great holes

[dtagget]

I am heading down to Austin in mid June - girfriend has business on Thursday so I am flying in Fridat-Sunday to hang out.

I am staying at the Hiton downtown and will not have a rental car. Any suggestions on where to play that is an easy cab ride?

Cost of round is not a problem, just want to play somewhere nice - it seems like most of the courses in TX are inexpensive to begin with compared to the Northeast and Vegas!

[b_smith07]

[quote name='plutch' timestamp='1366648812' post='6893545']
Thug! Thanks for the input, just read your review of Barton. That's exactly what I was looking for, if you are a course that is charging those kinds of prices, everything should be immaculate and Mother Nature should be dealt with as much as humanly possible.

It sounds like I can play some private courses up here in Seattle and Bandon Dunes for a fraction of the expense of what it costs to play Barton.

I will check out Crystal Falls, haven't played there yet and it looks great on their website.

Have you played Plum Creek? Delaware Springs?

Thanks again!
[/quote]

I can offer a little input on both of those.

I lived in Austin about 5 years ago and played both, granted I cant speak for the conditions of either right now, but the Plum Creek was a fun layout and not overly hard. Delaware Springs was really fun, and more of target golf instead of grip-it-and-rip-it, which I really like. Hole 18 has a really cool approach shot with a nearly invisible, drivable (if you kill it) green...and a 12' flagpole lol. Definitely worth the drive for the deals on GolfNow. Also, if you find a deal and your out that way, try out Horseshoe Bay....really nice courses, especially AppleRock. May have to stay at the resort though, so you may want to check.

[Mikolar]

I'm one of those that's still not a fan of CFalls or Plum creek.... for daily fee courses, I still think the best are Wolf Dancer in Bastrop, Falconhead and perhaps Avery Ranch.
I haven't played MoWilly since the reopen but hear its pretty good.

[Thug Hunter]

I like Avery Ranch, but they are still charging higher than most of my regular choices. It's never too busy when I've been there though, so there's pros/cons to that course. I've heard that MoWilly is nice right now, but it'll be interesting once the summer heat hits and the city is restricted to its water use.

I have yet to play wolf dancer, but I plan on playing it soon.

[schwollo]

You can get on Barton on weekdays for around 100. Twin creeks in cedar park is a really good course you can get on . I put it right behind Barton creek . Look for the Austin VIP card or donate to the first tee and you can get on for under 75 I think . Or just call them

Dtagget. Barton creek canyons is my favorite . Been in great shape the few times I've played
Kizer is close by ( a fun muni).
Nothing is far away in Austin .
Also twin creeks as mentioned above

[dtagget]

Thanks All!

[npark]

I see no mention of Star Ranch here...IMO the best daily fee course in the area for overall conditions (excluding the resort courses). Falconhead is the only other one that rivals it but even then I think Star stays in better shape overall and is a better value, $69 on the weekend with breakfast, lunch and free replays !!

[schwollo]

Star ranch IS always in good shape and a fun course to play it is just a hike for me to get there . Good replay rates too!

[kurob]

Avery Ranch is my favorite daily fee course. It's a little more than others, but it can be cause its better. Star Ranch is fun and usually in pretty good shape. While private, Twin Creeks is pretty easy to get on and is a good track minus a couple goofy holes. If you're playing just a couple rounds, I'd focus on those.

Disclaimer that I haven't played Mo Willy since the renovation but have heard good things.

[Reidman]

[quote name='plutch' timestamp='1366488879' post='6884151']
Going back down to Austin next month, my parents live there and I can't wait to eat and golf!

They live in the Mueller neighborhood, so I get to walk to Morris Williams, can't wait to see what they have done to the place after the renovation. I have always liked walking over there to play, the price is right and although not the greatest course, it works for a Muni.

I have played Falconhead, Shadow Glen, Terra Vista, Bluebonnet, Roy Kizer, Wolfdancer, Onion Creek and a few others.

Just wondering if there are any courses that I am missing, (Is Plum Creek nice, should I branch outward an hour or so?) I will have a car so getting around won't be a problem.

To anyone who knows the Barton Creek courses, do I have to stay there to play? What are the costs and is it worth it?

I just got back from Bandon Dunes and paid no more than $120 for a round so I would like to keep it below that.

Thanks and if anyone wants to play that would be great!
[/quote]

You are missing Avery Ranch, Wolf Dancer and Star Ranch. All of these way less than $100 and are in great shape right now, considering it hasn't rained since 2010.

The Mo Willy makeover was really nice during February, but all of the new grass and greens are starting to stress due to heavy play and lack of rainfall. For $26, you should play it just to see the changes...but don't expect top conditions. Roy Kizer still sets the bar for muni golf in Austin, and only runs $20-$30.

PM me if you're wanting a playing partner...I can set you up at Twin Creeks if you want to play that one. It's a really tough track...really long and crazy undulating greens.

[schwollo]

Would like to add another fun course I just played for the first time . Onion creek down south . Short course but a great mix of holes . I really enjoyed playing here . Greens were in great shape and fairly undulated . Inexpensive as well .

[Endub]

Delaware springs is a great track. Ive never played on slow greens out there, and the course is a great little challenge. Plum Creek recently updated their facilities, due to Texas State going D1, and overall was a nice improvement. If you dont mind making an extra little drive, go down to the Bandit. It is one of my favorite courses to play in this area, and the price tag is much lower than most tracks of its caliber. If you are looking for somewhere that you can let loose with the driver, Star Ranch is a great option. Its incredibly cheap, always in great shape, and lunch/breakfast is included with the green fees. Forest Creek is another nice option, located in Round Rock, TX. Very short course overall, only 6900 ish from the tips, but you will be forced to make good shots. Course is getting in better shape daily as they prepare for the central texas amateur championship.

Hope some of this info helps.


Cheers