Austin is known for its world class live music, mouthwatering cuisine and stunning natural settings, but our golf scene is one of the city's lesser known gems. Whether you’re an experienced golfer who wants to play a premier U.S. golf course, or you're just looking to play a casual round with friends, Austin has the amenities and courses to make every golfer feel like a pro.

Here's our 2-day itinerary for golf in Austin.

Golfer at Sunset
Credit Andy Mahr.

Day 1

Take a short drive into the Texas Hill Country to Falconhead Golf Club, one of the area’s premier courses located near the Lakeway Resort and Spa. The well manicured grass and lush scenery is just an added bonus to the well designed golf course. Grab a smoothie from nearby Juiceland before an early tee-time, and reward yourself for a great round on the way home with a delicious meal from Shore Raw Bar & Grill.

If you want to stay closer to the heart of downtown and play on the most historic golf course in Austin (established in 1924), come play at Lions Municipal Course in West Austin. Affectionately nicknamed “Lions Muny,” this fan favorite is the oldest public course in the city. Pro-tip: tee times are coveted at Lions Municipal. Book in advance when weekend tees go on sale each Tuesday morning. Wake up early and begin your day with a beautiful view of Lake Austin and coffee from Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. After your 18 holes, celebrate a morning full of birdies with a late lunch at Tumble22.

After an afternoon snooze, it’s time for a night of fun. Head to Austin’s diverse Eastside for a night of bar hopping and live music. Start with dinner at Il Brutto, a modern italian spot in the middle of Austin’s East Sixth Street. Then, pop in and out of local watering holes like Shangri-La (great for groups), The Lucky Duck, and Whisler’s. Finish the night with boot scooting at the iconic White Horse, or a laid back jam sesh at Hotel Vegas.

target bay at TopGolf Austin texas with tee and green
Courtesy of TopGolf Austin.

Day 2

There is so much to do in Austin, and if you want to play a quick round of golf then see some sights on a time crunch, the Harvey Penick Golf Campus (HPGC) is the place to be. Not only is it a great value for a PGA Tour-designed course, it is also conveniently located less than 10 miles from East Austin, Downtown Austin, The University of Texas and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The campus also features a footgolf course, which is essentially golf played with a soccer ball. HPGC also offers lessons for adults and kids, so everyone can improve their game in a fun environment.

After playing a round at Harvey Penick, spend the afternoon in East Austin's Mueller neighborhood. Cool down with a frozen treat from Lick Honest Ice Creams, a cold beer and bar bites from BD Riley's Irish Pub, or relax on the patio with ranch to table fare at Contigo.

After an afternoon snooze, it’s time for a night of fun. At Topgolf, guests can work practice their golf skills by playing different games with options to focus on short game, accuracy, distance and more. Have a cocktail (or two or three) and try an item from the bold food menu, including bacon mac ‘n cheese spring rolls, craft beer queso and brisket grilled cheese.

landscape photo of the course and trees at Butler Park Pitch and Putt
Butler Park Pitch & Putt. Credit @anttivesin.

Day 3

Partake in a more casual round on your last day in town. Start your morning the Austin way with a breakfast taco and iced turbo coffee from Jo’s in the 2ND Street District. Then, make your way across Lady Bird Lake for 10 holes at the classic Butler Park Pitch and Putt. Around since 1949, this par-3 course is known for it’s quality grass greens, unique holes and “the coldest beer” on the south side of the lake. Replenish with lunch at the course’s beer garden, featuring local chef (and Butler regular) Michael Fojtasek’s world famous biscuits.

Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a local swimming hole just down the road from Butler Park. This spring fed pool stays at a constant temperature around 68°F – perfect for year round swimming.

Spend the rest of your evening exploring Austin’s eclectic South Congress Avenue. Hit some of the local shops like Howler Brothers, Stag Provisions or Tecovas and outfit yourself in high quality Austin fashion.

Grab happy hour drinks and a bowl of queso by the oak garden stage at Guero’s or cocktails and apps under Perla’s sprawling oak trees. Stay for dinner or grab a slice to go from Home Slice Pizza across the street (you’ll smell it walking around SoCo!). Before the night ends, finish your weekend with a nightcap and concert at Continental Club.

One man plays golf while another leans up against a golf cart at the Fazio Foothills course at Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Fazio Foothills Course at Barton Creek Resort & Spa. Credit Alison Waldon.

More Favorite Golf Courses:

Fazio Foothills Golf Course
Part of the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Fazio Foothills was recently named the #3 top course you can play in Texas by Golf Magazine. The Omni is home to three other championship golf courses as well.

Riverside Golf Course
A beautiful 18-hole course that is perfect for all skill levels.

Avery Ranch Golf Course
Truly a union of breathtaking nature and golf, Avery Ranch is a top daily-fee golf course in Austin

Grey Rock Golf Course
Winner of a wide variety of awards, from “Best Places to Play (2005)” in Golf Digest to “Best Burger (2004)” by Avid Golfer.

ShadowGlen Golf Course
Extensive bunkers and hills make this aesthetically pleasing course a challenge.

No matter what you choose to do on a trip to Austin - whether it is hiking in the greenbelt, catching an Austin FC match at Q2 Stadium, or a rowdy night on Rainey Street, there is always a good opportunity to squeeze in a quick round of golf. Visit the golf section on our website for more information.

Contributed by Marketing Communications Intern Jonah Camberg.