What is the history of the Hancock Golf Course?

Founded in 1899 by former Austin mayor Lewis Hancock, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the state of Texas. It was the original site of the Austin Country Club, was renamed after Mr. Hancock in 1946, and is where noted player and teacher Harvey Penick began his professional career as a caddy.

What kind of course layout can I expect at Hancock Golf Course?

Hancock is a par-35, 9-hole course that plays up and down hills and over Waller Creek. It offers a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels.

How do payments and operations work at the course?

Hancock operates as a walking-only, pay-station facility seven days a week (Monday through Sunday). There are no pro shop services or regular golf operations on-site, and payments are verified.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Hancock Golf Course in Austin

Hancock Golf Course

Discover Hancock Golf Course, a historic par-35, 9-hole course in the heart of Austin. Founded in 1899, this walking-only destination features rolling hills, Waller Creek, and a rich golfing heritage.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

Hancock Golf Course is located at 811 E. 41st St. in the heart of Austin, Texas. Founded in 1899 by Lewis Hancock, a former Austin mayor who served from 1895 to 1897, it stands today as one of the oldest golf courses in the state of Texas. Originally, this historic site served as the original location of the Austin Country Club before being renamed in honor of Mr. Hancock in 1946. The course is a challenging par-35, 9-hole layout that carries golfers up and down rolling hills and over the scenic Waller Creek. According to course listings from 18Birdies, it features a total course length of 5,266 yards, with tee options including Blue tees at 2,633 yards and Red tees at 2,427 yards. It offers terrific views and a challenging experience for players of all skill levels, as noted by GolfNow. Hancock operates uniquely as a walking-only, pay-station facility seven days a week, from Monday through Sunday. Visitors should note that there are no pro shop operations, and regular golf services are unavailable on-site. The course has a rich legacy; legendary Austin player and teacher Harvey Penick began his professional career here as a caddy, eventually remaining with the club for over 70 years. Payment is verified on-site daily. In recent years, the course has remained a focal point of the community. In 2020, the Austin Monitor reported on clashing opinions and an ongoing debate surrounding the future and use of the historic golf course, highlighting its enduring significance to Austin residents.

Visitor tips

Note that Hancock is a walking-only course with no golf carts available.
Be prepared to pay at the self-service pay station, as there is no active pro shop on-site.
The course operates seven days a week, from Monday through Sunday, with payment verification in place.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of Austin, Hancock Golf Course serves as a historic green lung for the surrounding neighborhood. Its rolling hills and the winding Waller Creek provide a scenic backdrop that blends seamlessly into the local urban landscape, making it a beloved local landmark where Austin's sporting history meets modern community life.