🏌️♀️ The Best Golf Courses in Texas: Austin & Hill Country Top 10 Guide
If you’re a golf lover considering a move to Texas—or just want to know where the best courses are in the Lone Star State—this is your definitive guide. I’m Nicole Cooper, a former University of Texas golfer and now a real estate expert in Austin and the Central Texas Hill Country. I help buyers find homes in luxury golf course communities—and I know these courses inside and out.
Let’s explore the top 10 golf courses in Texas, including five top-ranked golf courses in Austin and five more just outside the city in Fredericksburg, Spicewood, and Horseshoe Bay.
⛳ Top Golf Courses In Austin (All Ranked in the TGA Top 50)
According to the Texas Golf Association’s Top 50 list, here are the five top-performing courses located in Austin proper:
1. Spanish Oaks Golf Club (Rank #10)
Located in Bee Cave, this Bobby Weed-designed course blends beautifully into the Hill Country terrain. It’s known for native vegetation, dramatic bunkering, and commitment to natural preservation.
2. Austin Country Club (Rank #14)
Home of the former Dell Match Play, this Pete Dye-designed course hugs the iconic Pennybacker Bridge and the Colorado River. It's one of the most prestigious and exclusive golf clubs in Central Texas.
3. Barton Creek – Fazio Canyons (Rank #24)
This scenic course features dramatic elevation changes and canyon views. It's part of the Omni Barton Creek Resort and offers elite practice facilities and an upscale golf experience.
4. Barton Creek – Fazio Foothills (Also Top 50)
Though ranked just below the Canyons course, Foothills is another gem with tree-lined fairways and picturesque greens.
5. UT Golf Club (Rank #41)
A hidden gem in Steiner Ranch, this Bill Coore-designed course is home to the University of Texas men’s and women’s golf teams. Expect burnt-orange carts, elevated tee boxes, and incredible Hill Country views.
🌄 Hill Country’s Best Golf Courses (All Near Austin)
For those willing to venture 45–90 minutes outside of Austin, the Hill Country offers stunning terrain and elite golfing experiences:
6. Austin Golf Club – Spicewood (Rank #4)
Pure golf, no distractions. No homes on the course. Ben Crenshaw is closely tied to this exclusive club, known for its tight routing and simplicity.
7. Boot Ranch – Fredericksburg (Rank #11)
Set in Texas wine country, this luxury course features creeks, elevated tee boxes, and even a fishing dock at one hole. It’s a high-end private club with family-friendly amenities.
8. Escondido Golf & Lake Club – Horseshoe Bay (Rank #12)
A top-tier private course with water features, rolling greens, and abundant Hill Country wildlife. Known for impeccable conditioning and a strong community feel.
9. Summit Rock – Horseshoe Bay (Rank #21)
A Jack Nicklaus Signature course with dramatic terrain and top-level design. If you want scenery and shot-making, this one’s a favorite.
10. Ram Rock – Horseshoe Bay (Rank #50)
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Ram Rock is a beast. Long, challenging, and dramatic. A must-play for experienced golfers who like a test.
📊 Texas Golf Rankings at a Glance
Houston Area: 15 of the top 50
Dallas–Fort Worth: 14 of the top 50
Austin Proper: 5 courses
Austin + Hill Country Combined: 10 total
Other Regions (San Antonio, Coastal, etc.): 16 combined
🏡 Want to Live Near One of These Courses?
From Spanish Oaks and Barton Creek to Boot Ranch and Escondido, many of these top-ranked golf clubs offer luxury homes, gated communities, and world-class amenities. Whether you're looking to retire on a fairway, raise a family near nature, or simply enjoy golf every day, I can help you find the right course and community to match your lifestyle.
📩 Let’s chat! I’ll help you navigate memberships, property options, and off-market listings. Drop me a message, call, or email, and let’s talk real estate + golf in Austin and the Hill Country.