LAGO VISTA, Texas -- Affordable golf can certainly be found in the Texas Hill Country, and two of the best bargains are the municipal Lago Vista Golf Course and Highland Lakes Golf Course.
Owned by the city of Lago Vista, just west of Austin, these two facilities are separated by a short drive. They feature rolling hills and scenic views of Lake Travis. The courses were privately owned when built in the 1980s, but the city later acquired them. Each course plays between 5,100 and 6,500 yards, making them pleasant for beginners and mid-handicappers. The most striking difference between the two courses are the conditions: Highland Lakes doesn't have the same water supply as Lago Vista (which uses effluent) so Lago Vista can stay well maintained even in severe drought.
Located in the heart of Lake Travis boating country, the two courses are good, affordable options for those on a weekend getaway from the nearby city.
-
The par-4 second hole at Highland Lakes Golf Course plays uphill. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The eighth hole at Highland Lakes Golf Course is a par 5 littered with bunkers. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The 10th hole at Highland Lakes Golf Course shows off the scenery. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
Deer is plentiful at Highland Lakes Golf Course, including this family of fawns near the 10th hole. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The ninth hole at Lago Vista Golf Course tumbles downhill toward Lake Travis. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The par-5 10th hole at Lago Vista Golf Course has a scenic backdrop. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
There's a lot of trouble on the par-4 14th hole at Lago Vista Golf Course near Austin. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The 15th hole at Lago Vista Golf Course is a par 5 that trudges steeply uphill. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
The view of Lake Travis is large on the elevated 16th tee at Lago Vista Golf Course near Austin, Texas. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
-
Lago Vista G.C. culminates with a par 3 that plays more than 200 yards from the back tee. Brandon Tucker/GolfAdvisor
