Avery Ranch Golf Club
Austin, Texas
A popular north Austin layout, Avery Ranch delivers solid public golf with well-maintained bermuda fairways, challenging water features, and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country from several elevated tee boxes.
History & Heritage
Avery Ranch Golf Club opened in 2002 on 226 acres of Texas Hill Country terrain in north Austin, designed by Andy Raugust — a former design associate with the Jack Nicklaus organization. Dynamite was used to blast through limestone during construction; rather than fighting the rocky terrain, Raugust incorporated the natural limestone formations, caverns, live oaks, and rolling hills into the design.
The 60-acre Lake Avery serves as the dramatic backdrop for the closing stretch. The course has earned a 4.5-star Golf Digest rating, "Top Luxury Course" in Central Texas recognition, and multiple Avid Golfer awards including "Best Course Conditions" in the Austin area. Avid Golfer Magazine named the 18th the best finishing hole in Central Texas.
Signature Holes
Named the best finishing hole in Central Texas by Avid Golfer Magazine. This long par 4 runs along Lake Avery with a tight fairway, river hazard, and rock cliff features framing the approach. Panoramic Hill Country and lake views make it a dramatic closer. Playing it as a three-shot hole is a legitimate strategy for most golfers.
The primary signature hole — a dogleg right-to-left featuring two scenic carries including one over a creek from an elevated tee. The approach is to a multi-tiered green protected by a rock wall in front and native cacti behind. Among the finest views on the property.
The most visually striking short hole. The green sits adjacent to a water hazard with distinctive rock formations to the right. Anything pushed right is swallowed by the hazard — precise iron play is essential.
What to Expect
Avery Ranch sits within a residential community 20 miles north of downtown Austin but feels surprisingly natural. Rock walls appear at tee areas and around greens, live oaks line fairways, and limestone outcroppings frame shots throughout.
The front nine is the more demanding half — tighter corridors, more elevation change, and several holes demanding accuracy off the tee. The back nine has an unusual structure of three par 3s, three par 4s, and three par 5s, favoring bolder play. The round builds to the climactic 18th along Lake Avery.
Water affects 9 of 18 holes. TifEagle Bermuda greens are large and undulating; 60 soft sand bunkers guard landing zones and greens. Conditions are consistently praised — strong for a course handling 70,000+ rounds per year.
Playing Tips
Accuracy over distance off the tee. The oak-lined corridors punish wayward drives more than short ones. Keep the ball in the fairway.
Respect the water on holes 4, 5, 13, 14, and 18. On hole 14, there is no water left — a useful bailout note.
The par 5s offer the best birdie chances but each features its own combination of water, trees, and bunkers. Assess risk carefully before going for the green in two.
The 477-yard 18th along Lake Avery is a brute. Consider playing it as a three-shot hole — the lake and river hazard punish anything right.
Expect firm, fast Bermuda conditions. Factor in extra roll on approaches.
Highlights
- ✓ Convenient north Austin location
- ✓ Panoramic Hill Country views
- ✓ Well-maintained public course
Frequently Asked Questions
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