An Arnold Palmer golf course, stunning Hill Country scenery, and luxury homes near Lake Travis. Why aren't more people talking about Lakecliff?
When people think about private golf communities around Austin, names like Barton Creek, Spanish Oaks, and The Hills usually dominate the conversation. But tucked away in Spicewood, Texas, there's another golf community that deserves a closer look: Lakecliff Golf Club.
If you're searching for a luxury golf course home near Austin, Lakecliff offers something increasingly difficult to find: privacy, beautiful scenery, outstanding golf, and a relaxed country club atmosphere.
As a former University of Texas golfer and Austin real estate broker with more than 15 years of experience, I've explored golf communities throughout Central Texas. What interests me most isn't just the golf course. It's the lifestyle surrounding it.
And Lakecliff has a personality all its own.
An Arnold Palmer Golf Course in the Texas Hill Country
At the center of the Lakecliff community is a beautiful 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed private golf course.
Playing 6,754 yards from the back tees, this par-71 layout features rolling terrain, dramatic elevation changes, 12 man-made lakes, waterfalls, and spectacular Hill Country views.
One of its most distinctive features is its bentgrass greens, which are relatively unusual in Central Texas.
But here's something golfers may appreciate even more: Lakecliff members aren't required to make tee times.
Imagine deciding to play golf without having to compete for a Saturday morning reservation weeks in advance. That flexibility is a major part of Lakecliff's appeal.
Whether you're a serious golfer or someone who simply enjoys getting out for a relaxed round, Lakecliff offers a different experience from Austin's larger, busier country clubs.
Living in Lakecliff on Lake Travis
The golf course is only part of the story.
Lakecliff on Lake Travis is a private, gated community in Spicewood, west of Austin, offering beautiful custom homes, spacious properties, and a peaceful Hill Country setting.
The neighborhood includes approximately 201 residential lots, many ranging from one to three acres, along with smaller golf course residences.
Depending on the property, homeowners can enjoy views of the fairways, surrounding hills, or Lake Travis itself.
For buyers relocating to Austin, Lakecliff may be particularly appealing if you're looking for:
- A private, gated neighborhood
- Spacious lots and custom luxury homes
- Golf course or Lake Travis views
- A quieter lifestyle outside Austin's urban core
- Access to private golf and additional recreational amenities
The setting feels removed from the congestion of the city while keeping residents connected to the greater Lake Travis and Spicewood area.
More Than Golf: Tennis, Pickleball, Dining, and Community
A great golf community needs more than a great golf course.
Lakecliff offers access to additional lifestyle amenities through its golf and racquet clubs, including tennis, pickleball, swimming, fitness facilities, and social activities.
The racquet club features both hard and clay tennis courts, dedicated pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, and wellness amenities.
And when the round is over, Arnie's 19th Hole Grill provides a place to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, and take in the golf course scenery.
For buyers who value friendships, outdoor recreation, and community involvement, these amenities can be just as important as the homes themselves.
Membership categories and access vary, so it's worth reviewing the options before purchasing a property.
Is Lakecliff Right for You? The Pros and Cons
Every golf community has trade-offs, and Lakecliff is no exception.
What I love about Lakecliff:
- Beautiful Arnold Palmer-designed golf course
- No required tee times for members
- Privacy and a relaxed country club atmosphere
- Larger homesites and impressive Hill Country scenery
- Proximity to Lake Travis and outdoor recreation
- A more intimate community setting
What buyers should consider:
Lakecliff's peaceful location also means a longer drive to many of Austin's employment centers, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.
If you want to walk out your front door into a busy shopping district, this probably isn't the community for you.
Buyers should also understand the differences between HOA obligations, golf memberships, racquet club memberships, and the amenities included with each.
And, as with any Lake Travis-area purchase, it's important to evaluate individual lots, topography, lake access, and property restrictions rather than assuming every home offers the same benefits
Thinking About Buying a Golf Course Home Near Austin?
I'm Nicole Cooper, broker and owner of NBC Realty, and a former University of Texas golfer.
I specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate Austin's luxury real estate and golf course communities, including Lakeway, Spicewood, Barton Creek, Spanish Oaks, Westlake, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
My approach is simple: understand the lifestyle you want, learn the differences between the communities, and make an informed real estate decision without pressure.
Because finding the right golf community is about a lot more than finding a house on a fairway.
If you're considering Lakecliff on Lake Travis or comparing golf communities throughout the Austin area, I'd love to help you explore your options.
Nicole Cooper | Broker, NBC Realty
Austin Luxury & Golf Community Real Estate
YouTube: AustinAreaSpecialist
