Tarrytown’s Lions Municipal Golf Course, bordered by Lake Austin Boulevard, Exposition Boulevard, and Enfield Road, may become a historical landmark. Following controversy after the University of Texas announced it planned to redevelop the land into a mix of commercial and residential development, community outpouring has resulted in an effort that may stop the redevelopment in its tracks.
Last month, the grassroots movement dubbed “Save Muny” received a boost when the Austin City Council voted to allow the golf course to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The movement received support from local golf legend Ben Crenshaw, who said in a statement, “Let’s not rip the heart and soul out of West Austin.” The movement also received written support from the United States Golf Association and has received the support of many local businesses.
One notable point from the USGA toward Muny’s historical significance is that Lions is considered the first southern golf course to desegregate — and did so even before the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954.
Following the City’s endorsement of the Lions Course being placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the recommendation now is in the hands of a State Historic Preservation Officer, who has 90 days to review the recommendation. After that, the National Park Service has 45 days to make the final decision.
The Lions Municipal Golf Course is 91 years old and is the oldest public golf course in Austin. Learn more about the Save Muny effort.