Tee off at an Austin golf course

Nothing completes a great vacation quite like a few rounds of golf at a spectacular course. Austin Texas is wild about the sport, and area golf courses portray that obsession. The courses listed below represent the best Austin has to offer. We're sure you'll love Austin golfing.

Bergstrom Cedars Golf Course
The United States Air Force designed the verdant Bergstrom Cedars Golf Course in 1950, and the Bergstrom Air Force Base deeded the plot of land to the city in 1990. It houses a driving range, junior practice area, chipping green, putting green, and snack bar. The golf course, which has a par 71, is 6,576 yards from the blue tees. Visiting golfers should make reservations seven days in advance. Call the Bergstrom at (512) 530-4653 for information about rates and reservations. It is located at 10330 Golf Course Road.

Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club
The Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Jeff Brauer, features wide-open plains and few trees. It is open year-round. A snack bar and practice range, rental carts and clubs, and professional golfing instructions are available at Bluebonnet Hill. The golf club, located at 100 Decker Lane, is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin. Call the club at (512) 272-4228 for information about its rates and hours.

Circle C Ranch Golf Club
Circle C Ranch Golf Club, located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Austin at 7401 Hwy. 45, was voted the number one daily fee course in the Austin city limits. The course is situated on 160 acres of beautiful Hill Country. Turkeys and deer are frequently spotted while playing. Amenities include a golf shop, driving range/practice area, meeting area, full-service grill, catering, rental clubs, and summer camps for juniors. Call the club at (512) 288-4297 for information about rates, hours, and advance reservations.

Hancock Golf Course
Hancock Golf Course, established in 1899, is the oldest golf course in Texas. The par-35 course, located at 811 E. 41st St., has nine holes. Carts, snacks, and golfing instructions are available at the course. Reservations for groups of four can be made one day in advance Mondays through Saturdays, and two days in advance for Sundays. Call the golf course at (512) 453-0276 for rates and hours.

Lion's Municipal Golf Course
The relatively short Lion's Municipal Golf Course, at 6,001 yards, provides difficulty with narrow tree-lined fairways and small greens. The golf course, built in 1934, is located at 2901 Enfield Road. The golf course has rental carts, and a snack bar, driving range, and putting green. Cash is accepted for green fees, and checks are accepted for merchandise. Call Lion's Municipal Golf Course at (512) 477-6963 for more information about hours and rates.

Morris Williams Golf Course
Morris Williams Golf Course, located at 4300 Manor Road, is the most difficult city-owned course. Architect Leon Howard built the course in 1964. It is named in memory of Morris Williams, Jr. - one of Austin's most notable golfers. A driving range, putting greens, and golfing merchandise are available at the par-72 course. Call the course at (512) 926-1298 for information about it rates and hours.

Riverside Golf Course
Riverside Golf Course, located at 1020 Grove Blvd., served as a practice ground for two great golf champions. Legendary instructor Harvey Penick taught Ben Crenshaw (two-time Masters Champion) and Tom Kite (former U.S. Open Champion) at this course. Amenities at the Riverside Golf Course include a pro shop, snack bar, putting/chipping practice area, golfing lessons, and experienced tournament staff. Golfers must wear collared shirts, soft spikes, and hemmed shorts or pants. Contact the Riverside Golf Course at (512) 386-7077 for information about its hours, rates, and advance reservations.

Roy Kizer Golf Course
The Roy Kizer Golf Course, located at 5400 Jimmy Clay Drive, is a 36-hole complex that incorporates the Jimmy Clay Golf Course. The golf course is one of the best 36-hole complexes in Texas. Players of all skill levels enjoy playing at this course. Reservations are accepted seven days in advance. Call the golf course at (512) 444-0999 for information about its rates and hours.