Morris Williams Golf Course

The “Mo Willie,” Austin’s third municipal course, has some character: it served as the home of Harvey Penick’s legendary golf teams, two of which won NCAA Championships back when Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw graced the fairways. And it’s named after Morris Williams, Jr., one of the best golfers to ever come out of the city. Now Austin’s airport has moved south, and this difficult Leon Howard design is a bit more peaceful.

Howard’s layout requires all types of shots, and is known for its small, slightly elevated greens. The best hole on the front is the dogleg left, 540-yard No. 2, even though some would argue that the 187-yard No. 3 is one of Austin’s all-time best. It drops 50 feet from tee to green over a pond. The back side is highlighted by water holes 11-14, with both 11 and 12 requiring approaches over the wet stuff.

Getting there : From the Austin Airport, turn left on Manor Road and the clubhouse is 100 yards down the street. The entrance is on the right.