Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Barton Creek Resort: Crenshaw Cliffside
Omni Barton Creek Resort: Crenshaw Cliffside
8212 Barton Club Dr
Austin, TX 78735-1499
United States
Overview
Crenshaw Cliffside, completed in 1991, was just the second course Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw completed and represents the last project they'd work on in relative obscurity: soon after they began piecing together Sand Hills, no. 8 on America's 100 Greatest Courses, creating a wave of minimalism and big natural courses that has yet to abate.
Though not on property particularly suited to good golf, Crenshaw Cliffside has all the hallmarks of what has made the architects' courses at once revolutionary and nuanced: large, heavily contoured greens that feel subtle; bunkers that have some of the most detailed edging in the game; a sense of elegance and restraint in the construction; and the discipline to take what the land gives, yeilding unconventional sequences like huge back-to-back par 5s along the edge of a river ravine followed by a pitch-shot par 3 into a shallow thumbnail green.
Golfers tend to think more highly of Omni Barton Creek's two Tom Fazio-designed courses, Fazio Canyons and Fazio Foothills, and gravitate toward the flash and aesthetics of those designs. Each are listed among the top 40 in Texas's Best in State ranking, while Crenshaw Cliffside is not. Those who enjoy the work of Coore and Crenshaw, on the other hand, appreciate that the architecture takes the opportunities that were presented and works with them, creating a tight, connected layout that's different than it's peers but rhythmic and riveting in its own way.
About
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
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Reviews
Review
“One of four courses at the upscale Omni Barton Creek Resort, the Crenshaw Cliffside Course was built in 1991 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and interestingly represents their second course designed as a duo. Running alongside the Fazio Foothills Course, the Cliffside plays over valleys and features some strong land movement in the Texas Hill Country. The course is quite playable for all levels of golfer, with wide fairways and only maxing out at just over 6600 yards from the Tips. The best defense of par is the greens, which are large and subtle and predominantly follow the slope of the land. Notable holes include the gorgeous par 3 13th with an infinity green, dropshot par 3 17th with its postage stamp green, and closing 18th with an approach over the valley. Coore and Crenshaw have gone on to design bigger and better courses since, but the Cliffside Course is a testament to their minimalist design style and a very nice resort course worth playing."
Read More2025
Review
“A fun but mildly challenging resort course. Big fairways with speed slots lead to large and uncomplicated green complexes. Back 9 sets up better than the front."
Read More2025
Review
“Straightforward but fun resort course with limited challenges. Back 9 presents better than the front."
Read More2025
Review
“Fun course with a great variety of holes."
Read More2024
Review
“The Barton Creek Omni Resort & Spa has a variety of first class courses to experience. The 5-star level of service and accommodations makes this a highly desirable golf destination."
Read More2023
Review
“Course builds to a crescendo on the back 9. Friendly enough for higher handicaps while engaging enough for low handicaps."
Read More2023
Review
“Course builds, saving the best for the back 9. Overall friendly for higher handicaps while engaging enough for better players."
Read More2023
Review
“Fun resort course, few minor challenges with large mostly flat greens. Finishes with some good holes. Fantastic staff, very welcoming and warm."
Read More2023
Review
“A very fun, "resort" course with generous fairways and large greens. Recognize the slopes and you will find numerous speed slots off the tee and opportunities to roll up and onto the green. Green size is large, so just getting on them does not mean you are "home" on that hole. Overall a short track that will allow many to go at the par 5s in two, and have many options off the tee on short-to-medium length par 4s."
Read More2023
Review
“True to Coore/Crenshaw this minimalist design uses the hills of the Texas Hill Country to create a fun playable golf course. Great destination for guys trips as you have four courses to choose from and the newly renovated hotel."
Read More2021
