shadowglen golf club

Having played all the muni, premium public and a large number of the private courses around the Austin area, Shadowglen initially held a love hate relationship with me. It's tough and when the wind is blowing in Manor it's even harder. Closed a few years ago because of a dispute with a local developer over water rights, the course stayed alive only because of the dedication of the staff and hand watering the greens for something like 9 months. I have played this course extensively over the last 2 years and can quite happily say I think it's one of the best values for money in Austin for a round of golf. 15 minutes from downtown, you'll find a simple clubhouse that normally serves quality draft beers (no liquor) and a simple food menu. The pro shop is not extensively stocked but for me it's about the course. Great views and elevation changes with large tough greens (played early December for my last round and they were running great with the winter grass just coming in). For the same price as the main muni's and cheaper by $30 than the other premium public courses, it's great value and a great experience. The course could do with some better definition of local rules such as drop zones on holes 8 and especially 9 for those not familiar with the course and staking, but those are extremely minor issues. I'm not sure if it's because the course is tough, but it seems to attract a lower handicap golfer so pace of play is always great, but my wife (who is learning to play golf under the watchful eye of one of the Shadowglen Staff - finds the ladies a real challenge but enjoyable. A reachable in 2 par 5 18th will certainly get you excited about coming back even if the course beats the heck out of you for the other 17 holes.