Golf in South/Southeast Austin -- Riverside Golf Course
I played Riverside Golf Course again this afternoon, and other than the heat early in the round, and leaving my glasses on the 13th tee box, I really enjoyed the round. It helped a bit, of course, that the green fee was free! (See link below.)
Once home to the Austin Country Club and played by some well-known golfers named Kite and Crenshaw, Riverside Golf Course is located north of Riverside Drive at 1020 Grove Blvd. (78741). It is adjacent to Austin Community College's Riverside Campus. One of the things that makes this course special is the tremendous number of large oak, pecan, maple and cottonwood trees. 
For those who love the beauty of golf courses, Riverside has some scenes (and trees) worth photographing. The crepe myrtle just behind the 2nd green was in bloom today!
Riverside GC is not long -- just 6349 yards from the tips and 5744 yards from the middle tees. Still, the course has a challenging, but somewhat unusual layout. It has just one par 5 on the front, and 3 on the back nine. The back nine starts with 2 par 3s that are followed by 2 par 5s. Also, the 9th hole does not end at the clubhouse. When you finish the 18th hole, there is a short drive (or walk) back to the parking lot and clubhouse.
The prettiest hole to me, and one of the most challenging, is the 13th. Want doglegs? Riverside has them also. #14 is a short par 4 that is drivable, depending on the wind. I missed to the right today, but still got it up and down for birdie! (My only one today! 
) The course has a good number of sand traps to catch your stray shots, but just a couple of water hazards.
There is a small, but nice, pro shop with a well-stocked snack bar, and a nice putting green. In the Austin area, golf can be expensive. Check Riverside's rates. On weekdays you can play for $19-$29, including cart. Senior and student rates run from $15-$22, including cart. Walking is allowed also.
One other test of a round of golf: how many balls did you lose? On this day I lost none and found four. 
That always makes a round of golf better!
Get more information on Riverside Golf Course.
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029, Austin, TX 78759 * (512) 342-8744
P.S. I love golf, people and real estate. If I can help you with the sale or purchase of a home in the Austin area, please call me at 512.913.1557, or drop me an email. Find out more at Heart of Austin Homes.
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