Lions Municipal Golf Course
About
Lions upstaged the prestigious sand-greened Austin Country Club when it opened with Bermuda greens in 1923, and has been Austin’s most beloved municipal ever since. Although no one knows for sure who officially designed this short, 6,000-yard classic, it appears that many members of Austin’s golf scene were involved, including Harvey and Tom Penick, and perhaps even the legendary John Bredemus. Either way, the design is famously unique, jammed into an unusually small piece of oak and cedar-covered terrain north of Town Lake. The track features loads of trees, even more doglegs, and some subtleties that have stood the test of time.
Lions’ colorful history is part of what attracts the 100,000-some-odd folks that cram the course every year. Ben Hogan teamed with Harvey Penick here in the 1950s for an exhibition match. He put on a show by stumbling around the first hole as if he’d spent the previous night partaking of drink, only to straighten it out and light up the course, much to the delight of the patrons. The story involves Lion’s No. 16 signature hole, which was No. 7 back then. Hogan was apparently a bit intimidated by the view from the tee. His question “Where’s the fairway?” has been asked many times over the years as hacks prepare to negotiate the blind tee shot on this 381-yard par 4. And while the hole isn’t as difficult today as it was back then, the approach is still testy over the water into a sloping, elevated green.
Getting there : From Mopac south, take the Enfield exit and turn right. Drive up the hill and make a left when you see the entrance to the course.
No Hot Deals for this date.
No Hot Deals for this date.
No Hot Deals for this date.
No Hot Deals for this date.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Golfer Photos
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Photo submitted by u3752825 on 10/13/2022
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Just had to share this crazy exposed root system of an oak tree on the #9 fairway. Photo submitted by GordonATX on 04/20/2021
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Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 04/17/2020
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Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 04/17/2020
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Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 04/17/2020
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Coyotes are still around the course but rarely seen. Photo submitted by GordonATX on 06/29/2019
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The par-4 11th. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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The par-4 5th. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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The par-5 12th hole, which would be reversed under Crenshaw's plan. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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My favorite hole on the back, the par-4 11th. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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The first hole, which would be totally different under Crenshaw's plan. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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My favorite hole on the front, the par-4 6th. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/22/2017
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The par-3 17th hole over water. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 02/09/2016
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Looking back towards the tee box on #17. Photo submitted by GordonATX on 08/11/2013
Golfer Reviews
Lions in August Heat
The course was in surprisingly good condition given the extended summer heat and complete lack of rain. The greens had apparently not been mowed and were incredibly slow.
The staff was exceptionally friendly and very welcoming. I
I definitely will play here again it’s a great value and a solid playing experience.
Classic Muny
Afternoon tee time in August was surprisingly comfortable with a breeze most of the round. Pace through 9 was pretty good - one foursome new to the game offered for us to play through - but the back 9 was slow. Several walking and no chance for speeding up. Ended after 14 holes, but overall I enjoyed the round and got a great rate to fill the last spit same day, so I wasnt too disappointed given you should expect a late afternoon tee time will play slower than a more costly morning round. The course is a classic, nothing amazing, but a fun, casual course to play now and again with a great central location.
DPGolf
The views at this famous public course of the Austin Hill Country is amazing. The fact that such a great track is in the middle of town is a treat! The staff is so friendly and the vibe is relaxed and inviting.
DP Golf Shots
This course is a real Austin Gem with gorgeous views and a distinct layout. The history of the course is undeniable and the staff is friendly and courteous. I look forward to my next round!
Enjoyed course!
Enjoyed the course. Starter announced names that were up on the 1st Tee every 10 minutes. Played 5 holes before stopping/delayed for players in front of us. Finished Monday 140pm round in approximately 5 hours. Walkers definitely held up play. Experiences several golfers that were barefoot or wearing non-golf cleat sandals. Diving range was closed, but saw others hitting into nets. 2 putting greens that had 6-7 golfers on each. Temperature was in the low 90's and very humid. Cold water on the course about every 3-4 holes. Saw the beverage cart come by and also saw the marshal drive by approx 6 times (each) during the round. Would definitley play again!
Additional expense for cart
When I booked I thought the cart was included. We had to pay additional price for a cart at the course. We got rained out I was only Able to complete 5 holes so I can not give an accurate critique of the course itself.
Great local track
Conditions are good and continuing to improve. The driving range is irons only, but it’s not a major issue. There’s also a nice putting and chipping area. The course layout is fun and enjoyable for a shorter track, and the greens keep getting better every time out. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is on point at Cisco’s Muny Cafe
First time players
Great course for first time players. I had 2 in my group and group behind me had a couple as well. Pace was good. The closer it gets to sunset the faster everyone goes. We started at 5 and barely made 10 holes before sundown at 6:50. Id say if you're holding with newbies tool need a ballpark of maybe 4 hrs.
Great course tho. Im definitely going back
Horrible Pace of Play
Worst pace of play I’ve ever experienced. Folks in front of me taking at least 4 mulligans per hole. No marshall in sight. Greens in bad shape and grass way too long. Nowhere to practice a couple of driver swings before the round since the range doesn’t allow woods. Biggest upside is the friendly staff in the clubhouse keeping this course together.