How to Go to Austin's Country Clubs

With its long summers and mild winters, Austin is a popular place for outdoorsy types. And indeed, the city is full of venues for outdoor recreation, not the least of which being country clubs. Here's how to visit some of them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Walk in the footsteps of greatness at the Austin Country Club, for 82 years the home club of golfing legend Harvey Penick. Founded in 1899, this is one of the oldest country clubs in the state. It's situated on the shores of Lake Austin and includes an 180-acre, Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf course, 10 tennis courts, a clubhouse with ballroom and dining rooms, tennis leagues, clinics and lessons and a marina. Membership is by invitation only.

2. Head over to Westwood Country Club if tennis is more to your taste. Located on an 11-acre former private estate on Lake Austin, across the street from Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Westwood features 19 tennis courts (13 plexipave, 6 clay), five tennis pros, a pro shop, a 25-meter swimming pool, fitness center with trainers, basketball court and a volleyball pitch. There's swimming lessons, day camps, dive-in movie nights and a learning center available for kids. Membership is by invitation only.

3. Get your golf fix in a major way at Barton Creek Country Club. This 4,000-acre club has four courses: two designed by Tom Fazio, one by Ben Crenshaw and one by Arnold Palmer. Other amenities include 11 tennis courts, 3 pools, a spa and 5 dining rooms.

4. Looking for a good all-around country club? Check out River Place. It has an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Kite, 8 tennis courts, a fitness center with trainers, pro-shop, a 48,000 square-foot club house with 2 dining rooms and tennis, golf and exercises and day camps for kids.

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