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Austin Country Club
The golf : Back around 1900, when the greater
Austin area was only home to about 25,000 residents, Harvard Law
School graduate and lifetime Austinite Lewis Hancock organized one
of Texas’ first formal country clubs, the venerable Austin
Country Club.
The first nine-hole course, now known as Hancock Park, featured
sand greens and a tiny two-room framed clubhouse. The club stayed
put for half a century, noted for the presence of Harvey Penick.
Then after a huge local debate, the facility was moved to Riverside
Drive in East Austin. From there it made it another 35 years before
moving to its current Davenport Ranch location.
The current ACC layout, designed by Pete Dye, rests on the shores
of Lake Austin and the Colorado River. Dye didn’t veer from
his usual method of creating an impressively difficult track using
his trademark railroad ties, deep pot bunkers, and huge undulations.
The opening holes play along Lake Austin, and are more of a links-style
design. Afterwards the Hill Country takes effect, featuring canyons,
ravines, creeks, and unbelievable views.
The back nine features many outstanding holes, including the 446-yard
No. 11, which deceptively doglegs left along a canyon before requiring
an approach over that same deep ravine. The par 3 No. 16 also stands
out, featuring a long carry over another canyon.
The details 512-328-0030. 4408 Long Champ Dr.,
Austin, TX 78746
- www.austincountryclub.com
- 1899. 18 holes. Par 72. Back – 6,848 (73.5/135). Middle
– 6,371 (71.1/126). Forward – 5,060 (69.1/120). Price
- $$$.
Getting there : They may not want you here, but
if you need to go, call them for directions.
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