The Complete Guide to Austin's Elite Private Clubs & Luxury Real Estate

Navigate Austin's most prestigious private clubs and exclusive real estate opportunities with expert insights from Central Texas's luxury real estate specialists

The Definitive Guide to Austin's Elite Communities

The Ultimate Guide to Austin's Elite Private Clubs & Luxury Real Estate

Navigate Austin's most prestigious private clubs and their exclusive real estate opportunities with expert insights from The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate

When considering luxury real estate in Austin, private club membership has become an integral part of the lifestyle equation. With demand surging and initiation fees climbing nearly 25% since 2020—some clubs seeing fees skyrocket from tens of thousands to $200,000+ in just a few years—these exclusive communities have become increasingly selective to preserve an elite member experience.

Membership in Austin's private clubs offers unparalleled access to world-class golf, exclusive social networks, high-end dining, and comprehensive wellness facilities. These clubs function as lifestyle enablers, providing curated experiences and fostering a profound sense of community for discerning individuals and families.

At The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, we specialize in helping clients navigate both the complex world of private club membership and the luxury real estate opportunities within these prestigious communities. Here's our comprehensive guide to Austin's most distinguished private clubs.

Austin Country Club: Historic Crown Jewel on Lake Austin

Founded: 1899 (one of Texas's oldest clubs) | Current Location: Since 1984 on Lake Austin in Davenport Ranch | Legacy: 126 years of Austin social history

Austin Country Club stands as Texas golf royalty and one of the oldest existing clubs in Texas. This enduring presence and continuous evolution contribute significantly to the club's substantial brand equity and perceived stability, positioning it as a highly desirable and trusted institution for generations of members. Located along the banks of Lake Austin with the iconic Pennybacker Bridge as backdrop, ACC represents the pinnacle of exclusivity in private club membership.

The Pete Dye Golf Masterpiece

The championship 18-hole course, designed by Pete Dye (recognized by Golfweek as one of the world's top architects), spans 180 acres of dramatic Hill Country terrain. Characterized as a "complex and guileful challenge," the course features deep pot bunkers, undulating turf, and the dramatic 18th-hole fairway fall. The course incorporates massive limestone slabs quarried on-site, creating a distinctly Texas accent reminiscent of Scottish classics.

~$100K

Estimated
Initiation Fee

10-17

Years Waiting
List for Golf

$1,000+

Monthly
Dues

57

Private Boat
Slips on Lake

Golf Course Highlights:

  • Host to PGA Tour's WGC-Dell Match Play championship since 2016
  • Harvey Penick Learning Center (honoring the legendary instructor)
  • Comprehensive practice facilities with driving range and multiple putting greens
  • Strategic "lowlands" and "highlands" design requiring precision shot-making
  • Varied terrain with holes three through seven nearest the lake

Exclusive Amenities & White-Glove Service

Golf & Recreation

  • 18-hole Pete Dye championship course
  • 10 lighted tennis courts (8 hard surface, 2 clay)
  • 25-meter heated pool (home to ACC Dolphins swim team)
  • Private marina with 57 boat slips on Lake Austin
  • State-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers

Dining & Social

  • New "Bunkers" restaurant with modern elegance
  • Farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal menus
  • Full-service clubhouse with ballroom (seats 300)
  • Vibrant social calendar and member events
  • Multiple dining venues for various occasions

Membership: The Ultimate Exclusivity

Invitation-Only: Member-owned club with legendary selectivity. Even substantial financial resources aren't sufficient—prospective members must be vetted as being in "good standing" socially and require sponsorship from current members. The club maintains only a few membership categories, primarily full family membership.

Austin Country Club is widely recognized for its long-standing waitlist and the quality of its membership. The presence of such a significant waitlist is a powerful indicator of high demand and perceived exclusivity, reinforcing the club's elite status.

Real Estate Opportunities

Property ownership is not required for membership, but many members choose to live in surrounding prestigious neighborhoods. Davenport Ranch properties range from $3 million condominiums to estates exceeding $10 million, all within the highly acclaimed Eanes Independent School District.

Interested in Davenport Ranch Properties?

Explore luxury homes near Austin Country Club with our expert guidance.

 

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Country Club: Resort Luxury with Four Championship Courses

Founded: 1985 | Location: West Austin (4,000-acre resort property) | Unique Feature: Integration with Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Barton Creek Country Club presents a unique hybrid model, combining private club amenities with the luxury of the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. This integration creates an unparalleled array of amenities that extends far beyond traditional country club offerings, providing members with both private club exclusivity and extensive resort services within a single membership.

Four Legendary Golf Courses

The club is renowned for its four award-winning golf courses designed by legendary architects including Tom Fazio, Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, and Arnold Palmer. This multi-course offering is a significant competitive advantage, allowing the club to cater to a wide spectrum of golfers and preferences while preventing monotony for regular players.

Fazio Foothills

Natural limestone caves, waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and native trees. Rolling terrain with elevation changes and water features on up to seven holes. (Top-10 ranked in Texas)

Fazio Canyons

Large sloping greens, significant elevation changes from tee to green, and varied fairway and greenside bunkers. Streams and creeks with Austin views.

Coore Crenshaw Cliffside

Links-style layout by Austin native Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, featuring wide fairways and large, well-contoured greens.

Palmer Lakeside

Arnold Palmer design overlooking Lake Travis (25 minutes away in Spicewood), providing panoramic Hill Country and lake views with private atmosphere.

Comprehensive Resort Amenities

$100K+

Full Golf
Membership Initiation

$800+

Monthly
Dues

7

Restaurants
On Property

40+

Weekly Group
Fitness Classes

Recreation & Wellness

  • 10-12 outdoor tennis courts plus pickleball
  • 40+ complimentary weekly group fitness classes
  • Mokara Spa (13,000 square feet of luxury)
  • Multiple pool complexes (private club + resort pools)
  • Kids Club available seven days a week
  • Private swim instruction and swim team

Dining & Social

  • Seven restaurants across the resort
  • Private member dining facilities including Foothills Grille
  • Robust social calendar and member events
  • Resort-style amenities through Omni partnership
  • Access to Omni Hotels & Resorts loyalty program

Membership Categories & Accessibility

Full Golf Membership: Unlimited access to all four courses plus all club facilities
Racquet Membership: Tennis, fitness, social access (no golf)
Social Membership: Fitness, pool, dining, social events only
Junior/Corporate: Reduced rates for younger professionals and business accounts

Real Estate Integration

Property ownership not required, but automatic Social Membership included with property purchases in twenty surrounding neighborhoods. Properties range from $400,000 townhomes to $20+ million estates, with median prices of $2-3 million. The resort's scale and amenities significantly enhance surrounding property values.

Explore Barton Creek Real Estate

Discover luxury properties with automatic club access in this premier resort community.

 

Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club: Discovery Land Company's Texas Masterpiece

Founded: 2022 | Location: Driftwood (25 minutes southwest of Austin) | Investment: $250+ million Discovery Land Company development

Driftwood represents Austin's newest ultra-exclusive club—a Discovery Land Company development redefining the private club experience. This 800-acre property combines working ranch elements with luxury amenities in an authentic Hill Country setting, emphasizing a fun-loving culture with music playing, gourmet "comfort stations" on the golf course, and a focus on family recreation and laid-back luxury.

Tom Fazio's Latest Masterpiece

The championship 18-hole course, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in May 2022, has already been ranked as the best new course in Texas. Fazio's design philosophy involved mindfully harmonizing the course's centerlines with the existing landscape, creating a "pure representation" of the Texas Hill Country environment. The layout plays up to 7,662 yards through century-old live oaks, limestone outcroppings, and natural water features.

Pebble Beach Quality: According to Tom Fazio himself, the course offers "Pebble Beach quality" with two signature "Comfort Stations" featuring gourmet food, beverages, and games where members can spin a "wheel of fortune" for surprise cocktails, play shuffleboard or ping-pong, and indulge in gourmet snacks between holes.

Revolutionary Ranch Amenities

Unique Ranch Features

  • 70+ acres of working vineyards - Members can lease rows for private-label wine
  • Organic farm - Supplies club's farm-to-table dining program
  • Onion Creek access - Fishing, kayaking, water sports
  • 5+ miles of trails - Hiking, mountain biking, nature exploration
  • Outdoor Pursuits Program - Rock climbing on 50-foot limestone cliffs

Family Recreation

  • Creek Club Core with lazy river pool complex
  • Sports fields and activity barn with arts & crafts
  • Wellness center and spa facilities
  • Multiple dining venues emphasizing local ingredients
  • FlowRider surf simulator (planned)
  • Stocked fishing pond ("Fish Camp")

The Urban Extension Innovation

Driftwood Downtown - A revolutionary concept providing members with a private three-level clubhouse in downtown Austin featuring mezzanine coworking and networking spaces, tap room with golf simulator and live music stage, private rooftop terrace for cocktails overlooking downtown, and curated events from exclusive live music performances to mixology classes.

Membership: Property Ownership Required

$100K

Initiation Fee
(After Property Purchase)

$3,000

Monthly Dues
(Resort-Level Services)

310

Maximum
Residences

75%

Early Member
Lot Claims

Structure: "Buy land, build a house, join the club" model with mandatory property ownership. Membership exclusively for property owners with "vertical memberships" covering entire families and access to Discovery Land Company's global network of clubs.

Membership Benefits: Property Owner Membership (POM) baseline access with upgrade options for full golf/sports memberships, non-transferable membership tied to current property owner, and extremely limited non-resident memberships (generally not offered).

Real Estate: The Ultimate Investment

Early members claimed 75% of initial properties, with a limited second release of 48 exceptional homesites now available. The community offers estate lots (roughly 3/4 acre and up) and bespoke homes with prices reflecting the exclusivity and luxury amenities.

Custom homesites: Starting at $3 million (0.75+ acres)
Estate homes: $5+ million custom residences
Bungalows: Lock-and-leave options for part-time residents
Community Size: Limited to 310 residences maximum

Explore Driftwood Properties

Discover the newest ultra-exclusive club community in the Austin area with ranch living redefined.

 

Spanish Oaks Golf Club: Ultra-Exclusive Bee Cave Sanctuary

Founded: 2001 | Location: Bee Cave (gated community west of Austin) | Distinction: "Austin's Most Exclusive Community"

Spanish Oaks represents the epitome of exclusivity—an invitation-only, gated community with only 450 total members. Recently recognized as more expensive than even UT Golf Club, Spanish Oaks has cemented its position among Texas's most elite clubs, emphasizing extreme privacy, concierge-style service, and a meticulously curated membership.

$200K

Initiation Fee
(As of 2024)

450

Maximum
Members

#6

Texas Ranking
(Golf Digest)

#3

Texas Ranking
(Golfweek)

Bobby Weed's Environmental Masterpiece

The 18-hole course, designed by PGA Tour architect Bobby Weed, is consistently ranked among the top in Texas. Weed's design philosophy focused on creating exceptional golf while revering, restoring, and sustaining the natural environment. The course layout skillfully incorporates existing topography, requiring shots up and down slopes, over ravines, creeks, and ponds.

Certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary - The course features strategic routing utilizing existing topography, shots over ravines, creeks, and ponds, plus expansive practice facilities for all skill levels. The course remains lushly green even during dry periods thanks to abundant reclaimed irrigation water.

Concierge-Style Service & Upscale Amenities

Spanish Oaks prides itself on providing concierge-style service, ensuring an exceptional and attentive experience that extends beyond mere facility access to anticipating and fulfilling members' needs both on and off-site.

Golf & Recreation

  • Bobby Weed-designed championship course
  • Expansive golf practice area for all skill levels
  • Professional caddies available
  • Golf clinics led by PGA Teaching Professionals
  • Well-stocked comfort stations on course

Family & Social

  • Fish Camp - Private stocked fishing pond
  • Pool Pavilion for family recreation
  • Tennis Center with courts and instruction
  • Fitness center with personalized training
  • Friday night family dinners with "Kid Wranglers"

Signature Social Events:

  • Annual Easter egg hunt in Pecan Grove
  • Ladies' poker nights and Father's Day BBQ
  • Special-occasion parties and golf tournaments
  • Wine tastings and cooking classes
  • Kids' summer camps and family programs

Membership: Invitation-Only Elite

Invitation-Only Process: Membership typically requires sponsorship from several current members plus board approval. The exclusivity means a waitlist is common, as spots only open when someone resigns or the club board allows new invites. This steep cost positions Spanish Oaks among the priciest clubs in Texas.
Full Golf Membership: Access to all amenities and golf (~$200,000 initiation)
Social/Tennis: Limited availability for non-golf focused members
Monthly Dues: Four-figure range reflecting white-glove service
Service Level: Low member-to-staff ratio ensuring personalized attention

Real Estate: Gated Community Living

Buying a home in the Spanish Oaks community does not automatically include club membership, but it can facilitate the invitation process. The majority of club members are residents, creating a tight-knit community where your home and club become a sanctuary of Hill Country luxury.

Community Size: 485 homes across 900 acres
Price Range: Custom estates ($1.4M - $8.9M+)
Median Price: $3.47 million
Lot Sizes: 0.5 - 2+ acres with Hill Country views
Security: 24/7 gated community with dual guardhouses
Upcoming Development: Village at Spanish Oaks - 80-acre mixed-use project adding boutique retail, restaurants, luxury inn and spa, plus 500-700 residential units.

Spanish Oaks Properties

Explore the most exclusive gated community in the Austin area.

 

Escondido Golf and Lake Club: Hidden Gem on Lake LBJ

Founded: 2006 | Location: Horseshoe Bay (55 miles northwest of Austin) | Unique Feature: Constant-level Lake LBJ access

Escondido ("hidden" in Spanish) offers a unique proposition: Tom Fazio-designed championship golf combined with full marina access on constant-level Lake LBJ. This member-owned private club provides three distinct arrival options—by road, boat, or private aircraft—and presents itself as a timeless hamlet of Mediterranean-style charm in the heart of Texas Hill Country.

Tom Fazio's Lake Country Design

The par-71, 7,165-yard course winds through 427 acres of Mediterranean-themed architecture, featuring dramatic elevation changes and Fazio's signature bunkering. Designed in 2006, the layout is crafted to challenge golfers while seamlessly blending with rolling hills, towering oak trees, and meandering Pecan Creek. Consistently ranked among the "Top 10" golf courses in Texas.

350-400

Limited
Membership

21

Miles Navigable
Water Access

1

Foot Annual
Lake Variance

30K

Sq Ft Great House
Clubhouse

Course Excellence:

  • Champion TifEagle Bermuda greens with sub-air systems
  • Lush Zoysia fairways ensuring optimal ball position
  • Mature oak trees and gentle rolling terrain
  • Final four holes create dramatic climax with water elements
  • Impeccable maintenance and world-class conditioning

Lake-Centric Lifestyle

What sets Escondido apart is its Lake LBJ access. Unlike many Texas lakes that experience significant water level fluctuations, this constant-level lake ensures consistent usability for boating, fishing, and other water sports year-round—a critical advantage for waterfront properties and lake clubs.

Water Recreation

  • Full-service marina with boat storage and concierge service
  • Direct access to 21 miles of navigable water
  • Constant-level lake (rare 1-foot variance year-round)
  • Freshwater fishing, boating, and water sports
  • Private Lake Club with resort-style amenities

Club Amenities

  • 30,000 sq. ft. "Great House" clubhouse
  • Fine dining with Texas-Mediterranean cuisine
  • El Corazón cigar lounge and wine cellar
  • Resort-style pool and hot tub by the lake
  • High-tech golf teaching center

Membership Model: Property-Based Integration

Escondido began as a property-based membership club where every lot owner automatically became a member. Today, membership is still generally tied to owning property in the community, and the club is member-owned, giving members control and financial transparency. When you buy a lot or home, you have the option to activate membership.

Total Membership: Capped around 400 (currently ~350 active)
Membership Access: Generally tied to property ownership
Non-Resident: Limited availability, six-figure pricing if available
Monthly Dues: Mid-to-high hundreds for full privileges

Real Estate: Lakefront Luxury

The development offers villa homes, casitas, and estate home lots (many with lake or golf course views). The integration of real estate and membership helps protect property values and ensures a tight-knit community where virtually all neighbors are fellow club members.

Villa Homes: Starting around $1M for inland properties
Lakefront Estates: Several million for large waterfront properties
Lago Escondido: Premium lakefront extension properties
Architecture: Tuscany-inspired Mediterranean design throughout

Escondido Lake Living

Discover the hidden gem combining championship golf with constant-level lake recreation.

 

The Hills Country Club: Austin's Most Comprehensive Club

Founded: 1964 | Location: Lakeway (20 miles west of Austin) | Network: Part of Invited (ClubCorp) with 300+ reciprocal clubs

The Hills Country Club stands as Austin's most extensive private country club, featuring four championship golf courses across multiple properties. Recent multimillion-dollar renovations have elevated facilities to resort quality, driving a surge in membership demand and transforming it from a relatively affordable club to a high-end destination.

Four Distinctive Golf Experiences

$85K

Current Initiation
(Up from $45K in 2019)

4

Championship
Golf Courses

300+

Reciprocal Clubs
Through Invited

5

Culinary
Destinations

Premier Courses

  • Hills Signature Course - Jack Nicklaus design (crown jewel, members only)
  • Flintrock Falls - Nicklaus & Nicklaus II co-design with Hill Country elevation

Companion Courses

  • Live Oak - Original 1964 course, forgiving layout with mature oaks
  • Yaupon - Companion course, great for casual play and walkers

Recent reconstruction of the Signature Course by The Nicklaus Group in 2021 created what many consider the Austin market's crown jewel. A single membership grants access to all four courses, offering incredible variety and capacity.

Comprehensive Sports & Recreation

The Sports Complex (22,000 sq. ft.)

  • 13 outdoor tennis courts, 9 dedicated pickleball courts
  • 2 climate-controlled indoor tennis courts
  • World of Tennis complex integration
  • Tennis leagues, clinics, and professional exhibitions

Aquatics & Fitness

  • Brand-new aquatics center (2021) - resort-style complex
  • Multiple pools including Junior Olympic pool
  • State-of-the-art fitness center with 40+ weekly classes
  • Spa for massages and wellness treatments

Dining Excellence

Across its "five culinary destinations," The Hills gives members a range of dining experiences, from upscale to casual, all enhanced by recent renovations and expanded offerings.

  • The Hills Signature Chophouse - Fine dining in the main clubhouse
  • The Den at Flintrock Falls - Casual grill atmosphere
  • Smoked at the Oak - BBQ and live music venue
  • Yaupon Icehouse - Relaxed dining and drinks
  • The Overlook at Hills Sports Complex - Poolside dining and sunset cocktails

Membership Categories & Transformation

Full Golf Membership: Access to all four courses and facilities
Sports Membership: Tennis, fitness, pools, dining (no golf)
Social Membership: Fitness, pools, dining, social events
Network Benefits: 300+ clubs through Invited network
Recent Cost Evolution: Initiation fees increased from $45,000 in 2019 to ~$85,000 currently, reflecting extensive upgrades and increased demand. Monthly dues range $800-$1,000. No current waitlist - membership available upon payment.

Real Estate Integration

Properties within The Hills and Flintrock Falls gated communities often include golf cart access to courses. The Lakeway area offers diverse housing from $800,000 condominiums to $8+ million estates, with The Hills membership adding significant value to area properties.

The Hills Lakeway Living

Explore comprehensive club living with four golf courses and resort-style amenities.

 

University of Texas Golf Club: Longhorn Legacy Meets Luxury

Founded: 2003 | Location: Steiner Ranch (Northwest Austin) | Distinction: Home club for UT's golf teams

The University of Texas Golf Club uniquely blends university spirit with upscale country club amenities. As the home club for UT's golf teams, it celebrates Longhorn sports history while providing first-class facilities for all members (not just alumni). Over 20 years, UTGC has grown into one of Austin's most popular private clubs, recently reaching capacity with a waitlist to join.

Golf Excellence with Longhorn Pride

$100K

Initiation Deposit
(Refundable Structure)

1,100+

Total Members
All Categories

475

Local Golf
Member Cap

2023

Waitlist
Instituted

Championship Golf

  • 18-hole course by Bechtol Russell and Tom Kite (2003)
  • Dramatic elevation changes and canyon ridge holes
  • Signature par-3 6th with limestone cliff backdrop
  • Lakeview 17th hole playing over 600 yards
  • "Spieth Lower 40" - 6-hole short course (named after Jordan Spieth)

Practice Facilities

  • UT Golf Academy with PGA instruction
  • Double-sided driving range (indoor/outdoor)
  • Connection to UT golf program and NCAA championships
  • Short course perfect for junior golfers

Comprehensive Club Amenities

Recreation

  • Resort-style pool complex with adults' pool and splash pad
  • Fitness center with modern equipment and personal training
  • Tennis facilities including unique indoor tennis center
  • On-site luxury Casitas for member lodging

Dining & Social

  • Longhorn Lounge restaurant with UT sports memorabilia
  • Event lawn for live music and outdoor movies
  • Private dining rooms and meeting spaces
  • Robust junior programs and summer camps

Membership Structure & Value

Local Longhorn All-Sport: Full access including tennis
Local Longhorn Golf: Golf, fitness, pool, dining (no tennis)
Burnt Orange Tennis: Tennis, fitness, pool, social
Burnt Orange Social: Dining, social, fitness only
Regional/Corporate: Reduced fees for distance/business accounts
Current Status: The club reached its cap of 475 local golf members in 2023 and instituted a waitlist for golf membership. Monthly dues roughly $700-900 range. Priority often given to Steiner Ranch residents and UT-affiliated individuals.

Real Estate: Steiner Ranch Integration

While not mandatory, living in Steiner Ranch greatly complements UTGC membership. Steiner is a large community with homes from the $600s to $3M+, developed in conjunction with the club. Some streets wind right by fairways, and lucky homes have golf cart access to the clubhouse.

Steiner Ranch: Homes from $600K to $3M+ with golf cart access
Club Casitas: 2-4 bedroom luxury villas for purchase or rental
Game Day Appeal: Perfect for UT football weekend hosting
Family Focus: Great schools, parks, and Lake Travis nearby

Steiner Ranch & UT Golf Club

Discover Longhorn pride combined with luxury country club living.

 

Additional Premier Austin Clubs

River Place Country Club

Founded: 1984 | Location: Northwest Austin

  • Tom Kite-designed challenging course (adds 5-10 strokes)
  • Premier family-oriented private club
  • Dramatic elevation changes through peaks and valleys
  • Tennis, fitness, heated pool, junior programs
View River Place Homes

Twin Creeks Country Club

Founded: 2003 | Location: Cedar Park (760-acre community)

  • Fred Couples signature design (first in Austin area)
  • Championship 7,033-yard, par 72 course
  • Twin creeks traverse entire course with 13 water holes
  • Community integration with mandatory membership
View Twin Creeks Homes

Great Hills Country Club

Founded: 1973 | Location: Great Hills (North Austin)

  • Distinguished, member-owned club
  • 18-hole championship golf course
  • 8 lighted tennis courts
  • Accessible luxury with comprehensive family amenities
View Great Hills Homes

Westlake Country Club

Recently Renovated | Location: West Austin

  • Multimillion-dollar renovation completed
  • Lanny Wadkins-redesigned par-71 course
  • Breathtaking Hill Country backdrop
  • Comprehensive racquet sports and fitness facilities
View Westlake Homes
 

Travis Club: Austin's Newest Lakefront Vision

Opening: Under Development | Location: Southwest shore of Lake Travis | Scale: 1,500-acre community with 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage

Travis Club represents Austin's newest private club vision—a rare development combining championship golf with extensive lake access just 15 miles from downtown Austin. This represents the last opportunity for premium lakefront club property in the Austin area.

Championship Golf with Lake Drama

The planned 18-hole course will wind through Texas Hill Country with panoramic vistas and lake integration. The signature 5th hole promises to be a thrilling par 3 with a 240-yard carry across a shimmering finger of the lake.

75%

First Release
Claimed

48

Remaining
Homesites

10K

Feet Lake Travis
Frontage

15

Minutes from
Downtown Austin

Planned Golf Features:

  • Championship course with dramatic lake holes
  • Extensive practice facilities
  • Golf course routing through preserved oak groves
  • Environmental sensitivity with Hill Country integration

Lake & Community Amenities

Lake Recreation

  • Peninsula Club for dining and social activities
  • Private marina with direct Lake Travis access
  • 65+ miles of navigable water recreation
  • Secluded luxury 15 minutes from Austin

Community Vision

  • Connection-focused family community
  • Multi-generational gathering emphasis
  • Extensive trail networks connecting amenities
  • High elevations with breathtaking views

Founding Member Opportunity

Limited Availability: Second release of 48 exceptional homesites available. First release was 75% claimed by founding members. This represents the last opportunity for premium lakefront club property in the Austin area.

Travis Club Investment Opportunity

Secure your place in Austin's newest lakefront club community before it's too late.

 

Hill Country Destinations: Boot Ranch & Cordillera Ranch

Boot Ranch (Fredericksburg, TX)

Founded: 2006 | Distance: 75 miles west of Austin

  • 2,000-acre private club community in wine country
  • Hal Sutton-designed championship course (Top 10 Texas)
  • 55,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse Village with Lodge Suites
  • Multi-generational membership with property ownership
  • Shared Ownership Sunday Houses (~$600k-$800k for 1/8 share)

$200K

Non-Resident
Initiation (Limited)

$1,250+

Monthly Dues
(All-Inclusive)

Cordillera Ranch (Boerne, TX)

Founded: 2000s | Distance: 45 minutes north of San Antonio

  • 7,000-acre community with "Seven Clubs in One"
  • Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
  • Golf, Tennis, Spa, Social, Equestrian, Rod & Gun, River Clubs
  • Guadalupe River access with private river park
  • Master memberships transferable with property

$70K

Full Golf
Master Initiation

7

Clubs in One
Membership

 

Making Your Strategic Club & Real Estate Decision

Austin's private club landscape offers unprecedented diversity, each serving different lifestyle preferences and investment goals. Here's how to choose the right club for your needs:

For Ultimate Prestige & History

Austin Country Club and Spanish Oaks represent the pinnacle of exclusivity with invitation-only membership, substantial waiting lists, and the highest initiation fees ($100,000-$200,000+).

For Comprehensive Resort-Style Amenities

The Hills Country Club (4 courses, Invited network) and Barton Creek (4 courses, Omni resort integration) provide the most extensive facilities and flexible membership options.

For Modern Innovation & Ranch Living

Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club (Discovery Land Company) and Travis Club represent the newest generation of private clubs with cutting-edge amenities and mandatory property ownership.

For Lake Lifestyle Integration

Escondido Golf and Lake Club (Lake LBJ) and Travis Club (Lake Travis) combine championship golf with direct water access and constant-level lake recreation.

For Family-Focused Community

River Place, Twin Creeks, UT Golf Club, and The Hills emphasize comprehensive family programming and accessible luxury lifestyle.

For Multi-Generational Legacy

Boot Ranch (Fredericksburg) and Cordillera Ranch (Boerne) offer the ultimate Hill Country retreat experience with multi-generational membership benefits.

Club Initiation Fee Monthly Dues Golf Courses Membership Model Key Differentiator
Austin Country Club ~$100,000 $1,000+ 1 (Pete Dye) Invitation-only, 10-17 year waitlist Historic prestige, Lake Austin location
Spanish Oaks ~$200,000 Four-figure range 1 (Bobby Weed) Invitation-only, 450 member cap Ultra-exclusive, concierge service
Barton Creek $100,000+ $800+ 4 (Fazio, Palmer, Crenshaw) Multiple tiers, resort integration Four courses, Omni resort amenities
Driftwood $100,000 (+ property) $3,000 1 (Tom Fazio) Property ownership required Ranch lifestyle, urban extension
The Hills $85,000 $800-1,000 4 (Nicklaus family) Multiple tiers, no waitlist Comprehensive amenities, Invited network
UT Golf Club $100,000 (refundable) $700-900 1 + short course Multiple tiers, waitlist (2023) Longhorn connection, family-friendly

Investment Considerations & Market Trends

25%+

Initiation Fee
Increase Since 2020

$20K-$200K+

Initiation Fee
Range

$700-$3K+

Monthly Dues
Range

Limited

Land Availability
Driving Exclusivity

Current Market Dynamics

Supply & Demand Factors

  • Initiation fees increased 25%+ since 2020
  • Limited land availability driving exclusivity
  • Newcomer demand creating membership scarcity
  • Property ownership increasingly tied to membership access

Investment Benefits

  • Property values enhanced by club proximity/membership
  • Automatic membership inclusion in many communities
  • Resale advantages with transferable memberships
  • Legacy building through multi-generational access

Financial Investment Ranges

Entry Level: $20,000-$50,000 (social/tennis memberships)
Mid-Tier: $70,000-$100,000 (full golf at most clubs)
Ultra-Premium: $200,000+ (Spanish Oaks, Boot Ranch non-resident)
Monthly Dues: $700-$3,000+ depending on club and services

Key Investment Considerations:

  • Timing Strategy: When to buy property vs. pursue membership
  • Market Analysis: Investment potential of club communities
  • Legacy Planning: Multi-generational wealth building opportunities
  • Resale Value: Impact of club membership on property values
  • Transfer Rights: Understanding membership transferability

Partner with The Keenan Group: Your Private Club Real Estate Experts

At The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, we specialize in the complex intersection of luxury real estate and private club membership across Central Texas. Our deep relationships within these exclusive communities—from the historic corridors of Austin Country Club to the innovative developments at Driftwood and Travis Club—ensure you receive insider knowledge and professional guidance.

Contact The Keenan Group

Joe & Cara Keenan
Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (512) 200-2469
Address: 4206 Venado Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Schedule A Consultation

Comprehensive Services

  • Private club community tours and introductions
  • Membership cost analysis and financing options
  • Property search within exclusive club neighborhoods
  • New development and lot release notifications
  • Resale opportunities with club membership transfers

Ready to Explore Austin's Elite Private Club Communities?

Whether you're seeking the traditional elegance of Austin Country Club, the resort luxury of Barton Creek, the innovation of Driftwood, the lake lifestyle of Escondido, or the comprehensive amenities of The Hills, we're here to guide you through every step of your luxury real estate and private club journey.

About The Keenan Group

Joe and Cara Keenan are the principal agents of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate in Austin. With over 25 years of experience in Austin's luxury real estate market, they are consistently ranked among the top 1% of Realtors in Austin and are known for their white-glove service, strategic insight, and deeply personal approach.

Specializing in luxury homes, condos, and off-market properties, the Keenans serve clients throughout Northwest Hills, Westlake, Tarrytown, Clarksville, and Austin's most sought-after neighborhoods. Their mission is more than real estate—it's about building trust, financial confidence, and generational impact, one relationship at a time.

Tailored Solutions, Timeless Relationships.

This comprehensive guide represents the most detailed analysis of Austin's private club landscape and associated real estate opportunities. Information compiled from extensive market research, club publications, and industry sources as of 2025.

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Cara & Joe are dedicated to helping you find your dream home and assisting with any selling needs you may have. Contact us today to start your home searching journey!

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