Austin's northwestern corridor has developed into a true golfer's paradise, offering diverse courses that range from challenging championship-level layouts to beginner-friendly options. Plus, the area's rolling Hill Country terrain provides natural contours that skilled course designers have transformed into memorable — and beautiful — golfing experiences.

For those of you living in or near our luxury Austin apartments, these courses offer convenient access to year-round play in some of the most picturesque settings in Central Texas. Many of our AMLI Residential apartment communities in Austin also offer extra storage for your items, so keeping your golf clubs on hand and ready to go has never been easier!

8 great golf courses in Northwest Austin

Avery Ranch Golf Club - Cedar Park

Avery Ranch Golf Club stands as one of Northwest Austin's premier public golf destinations. Designed by Andy Raugust and opened in 2002, this 18-hole championship course takes full advantage of the natural Hill Country landscape with limestone outcroppings, native trees and scenic Lake Avery creating both challenges and spectacular views.

The par-72 layout stretches to 7,121 yards from the championship tees, though four additional tee boxes make the course accessible to players of all skill levels. The signature 18th hole presents a memorable finishing experience — a 477-yard par-4 that requires a precise approach shot to a green perched above Lake Avery with the clubhouse providing a dramatic backdrop.

Green fees at Avery Ranch vary by season and time of day, typically ranging from $59-$89 including cart rental. Twilight and weekday rates offer more economical options, while annual membership packages are available for frequent players. The course maintains excellent conditions year-round, with smooth TifEagle Bermuda greens and well-manicured fairways.

The Spanish colonial clubhouse features a full-service restaurant and bar called The Lakeview Grill that offers panoramic views of the course. Practice facilities include a driving range with both grass and mat hitting areas, a short game area and putting green. Golf instruction is available through the Avery Ranch Golf Academy, with programs for adults and juniors of all abilities.

Balcones Country Club - Northwest Hills

Balcones Country Club offers members and guests access to two distinct 18-hole courses in the Northwest Hills area. The Balcones course, designed by Leon Howard and opened in 1956, provides a traditional parkland experience with mature trees lining fairways and strategically placed bunkers guarding elevated greens. Meanwhile, the newer Spicewood course offers a more modern layout with additional water features and risk-reward opportunities.

Both courses play to par-72, with the Balcones course measuring 6,524 yards from the back tees and Spicewood stretching slightly longer at 6,729 yards. The terrain incorporates gentle elevation changes typical of the area, with well-maintained Bermuda fairways and greens providing consistent playing surfaces throughout the year.

As a private club, access requires membership, though limited public play is occasionally available through charity events and tournaments. Membership initiation fees typically range from $1,000-$5,000 depending on the category, with monthly dues between $250-$500. Family, individual and social membership options accommodate different needs and budgets.

Beyond golf, Balcones Country Club offers robust amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools and a recently renovated clubhouse featuring dining options and event spaces. The club maintains an active social calendar with tournaments, holiday events and themed dining experiences throughout the year.

The University of Texas Golf Club - Steiner Ranch

The University of Texas Golf Club represents the pinnacle of private golf in Northwest Austin. Situated in the upscale Steiner Ranch community, this Bechtol Russell design opened in 2003 and serves as the home course for the University of Texas golf teams — programs that have produced numerous PGA Tour professionals.

The championship course measures an imposing 7,412 yards from the back tees, playing to a par-71 with a course rating of 76.2 and slope of 137, indicating its significant challenge. The layout masterfully incorporates natural ravines, plateau fairways and dramatic elevation changes, with the highest point offering spectacular views extending 20 miles over the Texas Hill Country.

As a private equity club, membership requires ownership of a refundable membership deposit typically ranging from $50,000-$75,000, with monthly dues around $1,000. The club maintains a limited membership roster to ensure prime tee time availability and an uncrowded golfing experience.

Practice facilities reflect the club's connection to collegiate golf excellence, featuring an expansive driving range, multiple short game areas and dedicated teaching facilities utilized by the university teams. The 42,000-square-foot clubhouse exudes Texas sophistication with limestone and wood architectural elements, housing the award-winning Burnt Orange Bar & Grill named for the university's iconic colors.

River Place Country Club - River Place

River Place Country Club offers an exceptional golfing experience in a breathtaking Hill Country setting. The Tom Kite-designed course opened in 1984 (with a 1995 renovation) and takes full advantage of the dramatic terrain along the Balcones Escarpment, incorporating natural limestone cliffs, mature oak trees and native wildlife habitats throughout the layout.

The course plays to a par-71 at 6,611 yards from the championship tees, though four additional sets of tees accommodate various skill levels. The layout features significant elevation changes — some approaching 60 feet — creating memorable vistas and challenging shot values. Accuracy takes precedence over distance on many holes, with strategic bunkering and natural hazards rewarding thoughtful course management.

River Place operates as a semi-private club, offering membership options while allowing limited public play during off-peak times. Member initiation fees typically range from $5,000-$10,000 with monthly dues between $400-$600. Public rates for non-members range from $75-$125 depending on season and day of week.

The Mediterranean-style clubhouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding hills and features casual and formal dining options. Additional amenities include a swimming complex, tennis center with 11 courts and fully equipped fitness facilities, making River Place a comprehensive country club experience beyond just exceptional golf.

Falconhead Golf Club - Bee Cave

Falconhead Golf Club provides a premium public golf experience on the northwestern edge of Austin near Bee Cave. This PGA Tour-designed course (created by the Tour's in-house design team) opened in 2003 and offers a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all abilities.

The course plays to par-72 at 7,181 yards from the back tees, with four additional tee options bringing the course as short as 5,013 yards from the forward tees. The layout showcases classic Hill Country terrain with limestone outcroppings, mature oak trees and natural water features integrated throughout. Elevation changes add both visual drama and strategic complexity to many holes.

As a daily-fee facility, Falconhead offers accessible golf without membership requirements. Green fees typically range from $69-$99 including cart, with discounted twilight and weekday rates available. The course offers a loyalty program and Texas resident rates that provide additional value for local players.

Practice facilities include a full driving range, putting green and short game area. The clubhouse features The Grille at Falconhead, a casual dining venue popular with both golfers and local residents. The club hosts numerous tournaments and leagues throughout the year, fostering a community atmosphere despite its public status.

Great Hills Country Club - Great Hills

Great Hills Country Club has served the Northwest Austin community since 1971, offering a classic parkland-style golf experience in a convenient location near the Arboretum area. The Joe Finger-designed course underwent a significant renovation in 2019, updating bunkers, greens and irrigation systems to modern standards while preserving the layout's original character.

The par-71 course measures 6,586 yards from the championship tees, with gentler fairway contours than many Hill Country layouts but compensating through strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes. Mature trees frame most holes, placing a premium on accurate tee shots and approach play. The course features bentgrass greens—somewhat uncommon in Central Texas—providing exceptionally smooth putting surfaces.

As a private member-owned club, access requires membership with initiation fees typically between $10,000-$20,000 and monthly dues ranging from $400-$600 depending on membership category. The club offers family, individual and social membership options to accommodate different needs and usage patterns.

Beyond golf, Great Hills features six lighted tennis courts, a resort-style swimming pool and a recently renovated 28,000-square-foot clubhouse with multiple dining venues. The club maintains an active social calendar and junior programs, creating a family-oriented atmosphere that has fostered multigenerational memberships over its five decades of operation.

Twin Creeks Country Club - Cedar Park

Twin Creeks Country Club offers a distinctive Fred Couples signature design that opened in 2003, featuring dramatic elevation changes and natural water features throughout its Northwest Austin layout. The course derives its name from the two creeks that traverse the property, coming into play on several challenging holes.

The championship layout stretches to 7,033 yards from the back tees, playing to a par-72 with a course rating of 74.6 and slope of 137. Five sets of tees accommodate various skill levels, with the course showcasing Couples' philosophy of rewarding aggressive play while providing recovery options. The signature par-3 13th hole features a 100-foot elevation drop to a green surrounded by limestone outcroppings and native vegetation.

As a semi-private club, Twin Creeks offers membership options while allowing limited public play during specific times. Membership initiation fees typically range from $3,000-$8,000 with monthly dues between $300-$500. Public rates for non-members range from $65-$95 depending on season and day of week.

The 15,000-square-foot clubhouse features casual dining at TC's Grill and more formal options in the Hill Country Dining Room, both offering panoramic course views. Additional amenities include a swimming complex, fitness center and special event spaces that host numerous tournaments and community gatherings throughout the year.

Crystal Falls Golf Club - Leander

Crystal Falls Golf Club provides one of the area's most dramatic and naturally beautiful settings for golf just north of Austin in Leander. This municipal course opened in 1990 and was designed to showcase the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country with minimal earth-moving, resulting in a layout that feels perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings.

The par-72 course plays to 6,654 yards from the back tees, though its slope rating of 133 indicates a challenge beyond what the yardage might suggest. The layout features significant elevation changes — including the memorable par-4 12th hole with its 100-foot drop from tee to fairway — and incorporates natural limestone outcroppings, waterfalls and mature oak trees throughout the routing.

As a municipal facility, Crystal Falls offers exceptional value with weekday rates typically between $40-$55 and weekend rates from $50-$65 including cart. Twilight and senior rates provide additional accessibility, while membership programs offer unlimited play options for frequent visitors.

The modest clubhouse includes a pro shop and the Crystal Falls Grill serving casual food and beverages. While amenities are more limited than private facilities, the spectacular natural setting and quality course conditions at a fraction of private club costs make Crystal Falls a favorite among value-conscious golfers throughout the Northwest Austin area.

Austin's northwestern corridor continues to develop, with new courses occasionally joining these established layouts. The region's combination of rolling terrain, mature trees and limestone features creates ideal conditions for memorable golf experiences at every price point. 

Whether you're seeking the exclusivity of private club membership or the accessibility of public play, Northwest Austin's diverse golf options provide year-round enjoyment in one of Texas' most scenic settings.

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Featured photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

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