Save Muny: Preserving the Heart of Public Golf in Austin
If you’ve spent any time around the game of golf, you know that some courses are more than just places to play. They’re part of the fabric of a community.
That’s exactly what Save Muny is fighting to protect.
A Course That Means More
Located in the heart of Austin, Lyons Municipal Golf Course, better known as “Muny,” is one of the most historic public courses in Texas. Opened in 1924, it holds a unique place in golf history as one of the first desegregated golf courses in the South.
For generations, Muny has been a place where anyone can play. No gatekeeping. No exclusivity. Just golf.
That spirit is exactly what makes it so important and what makes its future worth fighting for.
The Fight to Save Muny
In recent years, Muny’s future has been uncertain due to the increasing value of the land it sits on. As development pressures grew, so did concern from the local community.
That’s where Save Muny comes in.
The Muny Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Lions Municipal Golf Course as a public space for future generations. Their mission goes beyond just saving a golf course. It is about protecting:
- Access to the game
- A historic and cultural landmark
- A community gathering place
- A symbol of inclusivity in golf
Through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, Save Muny has rallied support from golfers, local residents, and public figures alike.
A Vision for the Future
Part of the movement includes a proposed restoration plan led by Ben Crenshaw, an Austin native and one of the most respected figures in the game.
The vision is not to reinvent Muny, but to restore it. The goal is to bring the course back to its original spirit while ensuring it can thrive in the modern era. Thoughtful updates to the routing, greens, and playability aim to preserve what makes Muny special while enhancing the experience for future players.
It is a careful balance that honors history while building toward the future.
How You Can Support
The Save Muny movement is powered by people who care about the game and what it represents.
Whether it is spreading awareness, supporting their initiatives, or simply learning more about the cause, every bit helps keep the mission alive.
Because at the end of the day, this is not just about one course in Austin.
It is about what golf should be everywhere.
Accessible. Inclusive. Community-driven.