Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Tough as the land it was built on: Wolfdancer Golf Club near Austin

Wolfdancer Golf Club in Lost Pines pays homage to the Tonkawa tribe of central Texas, who lived on this dramatic land -- dotted with pecan trees, cedar elms and oaks with the Colorado River flowing along its final holes. The fairways are generous, the terrain beautiful and the greens remind one of Donald Ross. This is fun, challenging golf in an awesome location southeast of Austin.

Sun City Texas in Georgetown: Trio of championship golf courses make it a worthy trip from Austin

With 54 holes, there is plenty of golf to go around for residents of Sun City Texas, a Del Webb master-planned community located in Georgetown just northwest of Austin. But you don't have to reside in Sun City to play the courses, and you don't have to be retiree-aged to get a great test of golf, either. While it's true that residents get first pick of times, the general public can find their fill of tee times. Multi-course facilities are all over central Texas, and Sun City's operation certainly holds its own with any of them.

Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet: A big-time muni in a small Texas Hill Country town

Burnet may be a small, Hill Country town, but that doesn't mean its municipal golf course, Delaware Springs Golf Course, can't be a big-time central-Texas attraction. With a layout stretching more than 6,900 yards and through scenic Burnet countryside, it's a round that is as satisfying as Hill Country golf can offer for the money.

Let there be light: Austin's ShadowGlen Golf Club is back

The town of Manor broke its water contract with ShadowGlen Golf Club during the summer drought of 2011, and the course baked. The city and ShadowGlen reached a settlement in the spring of 2012, so the course reopened March 15. And ShadowGlen is well on its way of regaining its place among the best public golf courses in the Austin area.

Texas Hill Country escape: Vaaler Creek boasts variety and playability between San Antonio and Austin

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Vaaler Creek isn't the closest course to San Antonio or Austin. But those who want a pleasant escape from either city will enjoy a day at Vaaler Creek, which has a pleasant blend of hole variety and playability, Brandon Tucker writes.

Texas-sized discovery: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and Wolfdancer Golf Club in Lost Pines

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and Wolfdancer Golf Club hangs its 10-gallon hat on displaying the best of what makes the state unique, from numerous dining venues that celebrate Texas cuisine to offering outdoor fun of all sorts. Activities are especially family-friendly, with petting zoos, horseback riding and a large pool area and a water park large enough to accommodate 495 occupied guest rooms on a summer day.

Avery Ranch Golf Club in Austin: A top Hill Country splurge

One of the best upscale layouts and facilities can be found northwest of Austin at Avery Ranch Golf Club. After opening in 2002, Avery Ranch has always carried one of the best reputations among clubs that offer a consistent daily-fee play. Rolling up and down on modest but always-changing Hill Country terrain, Avery Ranch features five sets of tees and can play as along as 7,121 yards, making for one of the top tests in the Texas Hill Country for low-handicappers.

Falconhead Golf Club in Austin is a rare public course in a prestigious Hill Country zip code

Falconhead Golf Club is a rare public course in an area of Austin that is littered with private clubs. Along with a tour-quality course design, Falconhead is consistently one of the better-conditioned golf courses in the Hill Country. Falconhead has many trimmings of a resort course and might become one soon.

Destination Guide: Golf, music and barbecue in Austin, Texas

The home city of golf legends like Harvey Penick, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, Austin has a strong golf scene that makes up the best of the Texas Hill Country.

Lakeway Resort and Spa in Austin: Distinctive Lake Travis setting delivers access to exclusive golf

Lakeway Resort and Spa holds its own among the top resorts in Texas with its own distinct amenities, including access to three private golf courses. The resort's location boasts something that is unique to itself, though: a one-of-a-kind setting perched on the banks of Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country just west of Austin. Taking on its own ambiance, Lakeway invites a cozy, more club-like vibe where guests feel they have the run of the joint.