I am new to the golf game and visited Jimmy Clay Golf Course to use the driving range and putting green. The Jimmy Clay Golf Course opened in 1974; designed by noted golf course architect Joe Finger. Located in Southeast Austin and surrounded by Williamson Creek, the course plays 6,918 yards through traditional tree-lined fairways and elevated open greens. They have loaner clubs available in the club house and the price for a bucket of balls is reasonable. The scenery around the course makes it an enjoyable walk or ride, and it's one of the better public golf values in Austin. Great spot whether you're trying to play a competitive round or just spend a few hours outside with friends. I'll definitely be back to work on my golf game. read more

For a Muni that gets a ton of play, Jimmy Clay is always in great shape. I've played Clay and the adjoining Kizer course since 1999 and I've met some old-timers who talk about playing with their pops and caddying as a youngster. Surprisingly there are some pretty good elevation changes which will definitely have you second guessing which club to pull for your approach shot. The course is walkable and don't be surprised if you see a leashed Fido accompanying a foursome. Amenities: There are 2 putting greens, a large driving range, a practice course (that I've not used), and a chipping area off the 18th hole. There is a Bev cart and the 19th hole has very reasonable drinks and food. read more

I just started golfing and from a beginner's perspective, I enjoy the golf course very much. The course and driving range are very green; you can tell that they maintain the course very well. Overall, it is a very peaceful and inviting environment. I have yet to play the course, but I enjoy practicing at the driving range and putting holes to practice chipping. The price of the buckets is very affordable, and the staff at the shop are very friendly. There are even deer!! I highly recommend it- I come here as often as I can! read more

See all

Be aware: you cannot give even basic tips to friends or family at this range. I brought two friends who were brand new to golf just to introduce them to the game. When they asked for simple beginner help, a staff women pulled me aside into a private room and told me to stop "instructing" because I wasn't a contracted coach. I told them it was not a lesson nor was I getting paid. I was told this would be a one off experience and if I wanted to help my friends we should go elsewhere. Reminder this is a public course. I've never had this happen to me at any facility I've played or went to, and I'm an ex collegiate golfer. Very disappointing experience. It made my friends very uncomfortable in the moment who were open to getting instruction at the facility...if they found golf to be fun. I think they might be going elsewhere. Anyways just thought I'd share my experience. read more

It's a nice course but the customer service is poor.The management has a lack of compassion for their customers and bad attitudes especially the management for Roy kizer. read more

Just another Austin golf treasure. Great courses great range. Great service course is always in great shape. Fairways are fairly wide so good for the beginner to. read more

Giving Jimmy Clay 3 out of 5 stars because the golf course was just OK. There was a lot of mud in the cart lanes and there was trash on the course. The older gentleman in the golf shop was very brash with my mother in his tone, he was practically yelling in response to her questions, which was completely unnecessary. She also requested for women's golf clubs over the phone when making the tee time reservation and when we got there they only had men's clubs?! He also rushed us along to the course, when we were there 10-15 minutes early. I will say that one of two gentlemen in the golf shop were pleasant at check-in and while we paid for 9 holes, when we decided to continue on with the remaining 9 holes because someone in our group paid for 18 holes, they did not charge us for the additional holes, which was nice of them. All in all, it wasn't much of a memorable experience so I'd recommend giving other courses in Austin a try. read more

See all

I had a great time on the course with my friends but the pro shop worker barbra especially was very disrespectful towards me and my friends. She made the environment very unwelcoming when I was just asking questions trying to improve my experience. I think that golf should be a great time for all and Barbra made it the opposite. Even coworkers told us how disrespectful to everyone she is and how she ruins the whole atmosphere and they don't want her there. I think that talking to her or removing her would be the best way to make the course welcoming for all people from all backgrounds. read more

The fairways were in wonderful shape. However, the greens are very poor and probably 80% dirt. .

Had a great time - not a bad experience by any means. I'm sure there are better courses, but I would certainly come back again. read more

Jimmy Clay Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good austin course and very peaceful area. However, the greens may have been the worst greens i have ever played on. read more

Jimmy Clay Golf Course - Greens in May 2024. - Golf Near Me - Austin, Texas

The only reason I give this 2 stars is because of the beautiful course. I love this course but oh my goodness, don't even get me started on Barbara. I rolled up to the links ready to rumble and attack this course, however we faced a major obstacle when attempting to pay. This pathetic, rude, and negligent employee named "Barbara" didn't provide the aid that is necessary for the sport of golf. Golf is all about positivity and having fun but Barbara has neither of those things in her life. Other people on the course encouraged us to write a review to get her fired. Barbara needs to go because even though I had an amazing round, I had the thought of this eye watching me the entire time and only bringing negative thoughts. Unfortunately, there weren't other employees to go to . She made things very difficult, at the end of the day I love golf. (Barbara MUST go or me and my foes will speak to someone above her I'm sure there are many) read more

Probably one of my least favorite golf courses in Austin. Although I am still fairly new to the sport, I have visited a fair number of golf courses to know what is good and and what is not. We came here on a saturday and it was pretty busy. The staff members i encountered were nice but my biggest complaint was that the carts did not come with a cooler..so all of my beers were warm and gross half way through the game. Also not sure if they are renovating the golf course but they should really put out better signage for the first hole as the current signs they had took us to some random spot on the course. We didnt see a marshal either so not sure if it was the norm or just a one off day. Anyhow, the golf course seems like it could have a lot of potential if it was up-kept and managed properly. read more

Played 3/20/2022 Tee boxes were rock hard, fairways the same and greens with hardly any grass, mostly sand to fill in the lack of grass. Putting was like Plinko, and just overall disappointed. Golf shop staff was pleasant but should info guests the course conditions so "we" have the information to spend or not spen money, not be shocked and feel taken. I am so disappointed I was so looking forward to it after reading the history of the course. I play 3-4 times a week and was hoping to add these two in the rotation, NOT A CHANCE now. Oh well, there are worse things. Just don't expect much and enjoy the weather! Play the auto 2 putt rule and move on. read more

They overcharge for range balls and if you can't maintain a real grass driving range just use the turf so I'm not hitting bunker shots with my 4 iron on the sandy grass, also both putting greens were closed. Pro shop staff was nice though. read more

This golf course has great potential. Plenty of parking the carts are in good working order. The course is very dry but that's normal for this time of year. Unfortunately they are doing major renovations seems like storm or sewer or water pipes are everywhere on a couple of holes. They warn you in advance. It makes for interesting play. I will try and play this course again when the greens are a little more plush. Today they were super dry and fast. read more

Jimmy Clay Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love this course! affordable. Super open layout makes it hard to lose balls. Great for beginners. Grass is kept in great shape

Austin has several good city courses and this is one of them. Hard to go wrong with this course and its next door neighbor, Kizer. This course is a good value and usually in pretty good shape.  It went thru a large irrigation update not too long ago. During my last visit, the greens and fairways were in good to great shape. Most fairways are pretty wide open with occasional tree trouble and a few water holes.   My preference is to walk and this course certainly fits the bill. There is a large driving range on-site and a good sized putting green. I have not tried the 'pub' for food/drinks as of yet. There are a few large sitting areas outside to hang out and decompress after you failed to break 100... again :) All in all: good price + good course + good facilities == great time. One of my go to courses when I'm jonesing for a golf fix. read more

This is a great golf course, all things considered. It's a public muni, so you can get on for a fair price. It's $17.50 on the weekdays and a mere 20 bucks on the weekends. (cart is extra). The course is relatively flat and can be considered "links" style, although you won't be facing the winds of Scotland or the sandtraps of the Old Course here. However, if you like to grip it and rip it with little adverse consequence, I'd recommend heading to Jimmy Clay. As a note, the grass is always so green because the course is built on top of an old landfill, where years of decomposing materials have infused the soil with nutrients. read more

Jimmy Clay Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This place is awesome! I've been to many golf courses, the customer service at this place is the best I've ever had. I wanted to introduce my 10 year old to the game of golf. They let him use a JR. set of clubs from the house for free. My son loved the game and the experience. I would recommend this course and staff to anyone. Awesome people, Great place, and experience! Thank you read more

As far as Municipal golf courses go this is probably my favorite in Austin. The greens are usually in above average shape and unlike most courses they don't pack people on top of each other. The facilities are outdated but are kept pretty clean. The one downside is there is usually only one beverage kart girl working both courses-- nothing worse than a OB slice and not having a beer to console you. Cheers! read more

Jimmy Clay Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Austin, Texas

The course is ok but the lady in the pro shop has always been an issue. Played here a couple times each time it has had an issue today a cart died in the middle of the round also not taking cash in the pro shop. Horrible service I feel like everyone that works here is unprofessional and does not like working. Save you time and money and go to Plum Creek. read more

Love the course, but the greens were kind of slow today. Great area to golf in otherwise

This place is great Pineforest golf course is our home course in Bastrop Texas it's our favorite but when where in us and we like to stop by and play Jimmy Clay the staff is friendly and you're assured of having a good time read more

This course that I attend about twice a week to play and practice on my game really let me down. I had a group with a beginner and was on pace to finish the round in about four and a half hours (I know a little long). She was so excited to be learning the game, until the marshal Carlos showed up. He was a constant harassment and showed us nothing but disrespect. They get one star for the attention and time that the Superintendent Nick Smitham gave us after we were so moved to anger by this man Carlos, we quit our round. Just want to say thanks to you Carlos for being a great ambassador for the game. If the course does not want beginners or ladies trying to learn then say so from the get go. I may be a Austin course but they sure do not have a Austin vibe. Stay clear of this one. For the price you pay you are better off going to Plum Much nicer greens and a more accommodating staff. read more

This is the course I grew up on here in Austin. I have played this all my life, and actually have pictures of me hitting my first golf ball here. Cheap green fees, can usually find some online for 25 and under with cart, cant beat it! Recently played,and it was a bit long from the tips, seemed longer then before. Greens were like rocks, but its been 60+days off 100+ degrees so I understand that. Fairways have always been well taken care of. Overall well maintained. Pro shop guys, I will say these are some of the nicer guys around. Not saying others are mean, but these guys are always really friendly and even upgrade range balls to large sometimes. Not to strict on tee time when slow, and really give a sense they enjoy being there. I applaud that as I have dealt with some gruffer types before. Always nice to know if you are running a bit late you wont get barked at and they will work with you on tee time. I would give them a 5 if it weren't for the island par 4. I am definitely not a fan of it and think it was better before. Just my honest opinion. Other then that, I love this course and hope to one day have my son/daughter hit their first ball here. read more

Course is in good shape, greens are getting better, have an issue with one of the starters, Barbara, had me go back to my car and get a mask for a golf course! This is the first time since Feb I have been asked to wear a mask, registered my car, renewed , these are government buildings with more than 2 people in them, anyway was annoying. She was please t after getting the mask but come on. read more

This review is for the Roy Kizer course. I played a foursome there last Saturday and it was a pretty good course, except for all the BIRD POOP covering about 50% of the greens! There was big black bird droppings everywhere when you're trying to putt - it was disgusting! I'm not saying there was a little bit here and there... I'm saying that you didn't even want to putt half the greens because you literally couldn't miss all the land mines everywhere. It made for some terrible putting conditions and a golf towel that ended up getting thrown away. I understand preserving wildlife and all, but it wouldn't be so hard to sweep the greens once every couple hours. With what they charge, they should be able to afford to pay a high school kid $10 an hour to clean the poo. Shoot, just offer someone a free round and you'd get someone interested, I'm sure. Other than the high price for a muni-course and bird poop - it was a good course. We were backed up at the start, but it really opened up and we weren't waiting on the group in front, nor did we feel rushed by the group behind. It's a good looking golf course as well. If no poop, they'd get 3 stars. If they had no poop and charged closer to what a muni should be (around $30-35 instead of $46.50) they would get 4 stars...possibly 5. read more

While I live closer to Lions Municipal, I think the Jimmy Clay course is much, much better. I walked on a weekday, so the rate was not too bad ($24). For a public muni, this course was in great shape and the greens were fantastic. The course was not too long, but had some challenging shots - especially the island green on a par 4 and a 98-yard par 3 with a very small postage stamp-like green. It's a fairly wide open course and I played the same ball through my entire round, which is not a common occurrence for me. I thought the bunkers were in great shape (relative to Texas conditions). Sure, there was a smattering of ant mounds, but it was not that bad. Overall, I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to play 18 holes for under $40. If you live in North Austin and were considering a short drive to Lions, it is worth the longer drive to head out to Jimmy Clay read more

This place is great especially for golfer trying to improve your game. There are two courses and a full practice facility. Staff is incredibly friendly. If you play a twilight round they let you play as long as there is daylight. Drives me nuts when course tells me carts need to be in by 7:30 when its July... plenty of light left. Understand the golf course employees want to go home too but I appreciate the management here recognizing how much that 30 minutes means to those of us that daydream about getting out on the course all day! Kizer is slightly more expensive and gets better love from the groundskeepers. Conditions on Clay are consistently above average for a course in it's price bracket though. Seems to be a common complaint among playing partners that the greens on Clay are no good. They aren't great and if you're in the single handicap range it would probably affect your score. But if you're a single handicap you have probably played a lot of golf and understand this is a municipal course with high traffic and brutal weather. Groundskeeper can only do so much with those $23 greens fees. read more

Great course! Great practice facility! Kind staff. The course seems to always be in great shape and for the price you can't beat it. The greens need help at times but doesn't bother me much. Definitely my favorite course in the south. It's right along the state park so the scenery is beautiful. read more

I am not the greatest golfer on the planet and get excited if I dip below 100 - so with that said for a municipal course, and just as a golf course in general, I am a big fan of Clay/Kizer. I have been going here about 5 years now and have dubbed it my home course! Comparing it to other similar courses in the area like Riverside, I would definitely recommend coming here over anywhere else if you don't have a membership. Prices are great, and the condition of the course makes it definitely worth it. Plus, Riverside doesn't have a driving range. If you aren't hardcore like myself, you will feel right at home and no pressure to play like a pro. A lot of people on the driving range that I have seen definitely range in skill sets; from beginner to seasoned! My only suggestions as to why this isn't a five star rating is for one, I think maintenance of the greens could be a little better. The driving range has had fire ants mounds on it on more than one occasion that I had to find out about the hard way (ouch). But it has been over a year since I have seen any so I am hoping its been taken care of for good. Second, there is always some sort of construction going on it seems - which could be a good thing as they are trying to improve overall, I have heard there are some stages going on to improve the course. Third, I'm not sure if there is a school or outdoor venue behind the driving range, but I have heard really loud music and crowds cheering from what sounded like some sort of big event which can be a little distracting. All criticisms aside, I love this course, have never had any issues with staff or any negative experiences! Would definitely recommend coming here! read more

Only 3 reviews? WTF. I would venture to guess that there have been at least that many holes-in-one on par 4's here in the courses long history. Great little course for dirt cheap. Not much of a practice area but a great place to grab some cold-beers and play some golf. Never too crowded and doesn't play too slow (ie Lyons). read more

I like this municipal course a lot. I go to Lions more often b/c it's closer, but this course is much nicer. Weekend is about 27+ 12 dollar cart fee I think. It's real crowded and slow on weekends though (18 holes last week was projected to be 5.5 hours....Ouch). Muni course so BYOB also which is awesome. I will be frequenting here more often. Funny I played 2 days in a row here. 1st day par and bogey golf for first 9 holes. Next day, +4 per hole. Argh, why is golf so frustrating?? read more

This is my first year in Austin, and having moved from Jersey (where amazing county courses are the norm) I expected the heat to cause the county courses here to be neglected. Not the case at the Roy Kizer/ Clay complex. I'll keep this to the Clay side since that's what this page is for..... Right now, they are having trouble with two of the par 5's greens. That being said, they have COMPLETELY torn them up and replanted. I applaud this decision as so many courses will attempt to just rope off sections and re-seed. Hopefully they fill in, until then, temporary greens and short par 5's!!!!!!!!! As for the course itself, from the whites this course is not very hard. From the blues and blacks, strategically placed trees, wind, and tricky greens will make the round fun. Some notes: Hole #1, tough hole to cut corner as LARGE trees stand in the way, you need a nice draw to be within 150 off the blues. Hole #3, I think the toughest hole on the course. If you go left, you're in the woods, and it is VERY EASY to drive through the fairway. If you hit it straight or with a slight slice (like me) you should be able to go up the right side and have a decent look in. Hole #6, gimmicky hole - SHORT hole with danger on both side which will prevent par. You need a good 210-220 shot off tee to have a good look at green, any further back, this green doesnt hold well. Hole #18, great finishing hole, tough, tight, LONG. Par here is a great score. Good course, not bad shape for a muni. read more

The course is great but they have a very rude employee named Joe. He was rude and dismissive of paying customers. I will not be coming back and I will tell my friends and family the same. read more

I love this course. I have played it for over 10 years. They are going to close it in stages in 2015 to fix the greens. I remember them redoing the greens a few years ago but honestly they made them worst. There are bathrooms out on the course and water at almost every hole. Great public course. I can't wait for it to open again in September 2015. There are drink girls but there is only one and doesn't come around that often. There is a little snack bar to get food and drink between 9 & 10. Cost around $35 to play and that includes a cart. Great price. Driving range and putting greens to warm up. Thank you City of Austin for keeping up your public courses. read more

This course has so much potential but the course conditions are awful, even in spring. Rate of play is pretty slow so expect your round to take upwards of 5 hours. If you're going out that way I would recommend Roy Kizer instead. read more

CLARIFICATION!!! On 3/27/2012 Judge R. wrote about a marshal names Carlos...NOT ME, my name is Carlos Lopez Sr and the owner of Playem Again Pardner. I did marshal at Lions for 6 years and enjoyed every bit of it The Clay/Kizar complex has always been a great place to not only play but also practice. The staff from the pro shop, maintenance, marshals and snack bar, all make it and enjoyable experience read more

I love playing Jimmy Clay Golf Course. Great fairways, great greens. It's also challenging. Has some narrow fairways, challenging water hazards, and hills. Beautiful course. read more