Great news for golfers and green-space lovers across Austin: the City of Austin and the University of Texas are close to reaching an agreement that would preserve Lions Municipal Golf Course — affectionately known as “Muny” — under city ownership, multiple local outlets reported Wednesday.
The historic course, which sits on land owned by UT Austin, has been at the center of a years-long community campaign to keep it open and accessible to the public. Advocates rallying under the “Save Muny” banner have long argued that the course represents one of Austin’s most treasured and affordable recreational spaces, with deep roots in the city’s history as one of the first golf courses in Texas to be desegregated.
According to reports from KXAN Austin, FOX 7 Austin, and the City of Austin, the two institutions are now nearing a formal deal that would transfer ownership or long-term stewardship of the course to the city — a move that would protect the beloved public green space from potential redevelopment and ensure it remains open for generations of Austinites to come.
The news marks a significant milestone for the grassroots effort that has drawn support from community members, local leaders, and golf enthusiasts alike. For years, uncertainty about the land’s future loomed large, with UT holding the property and community members worried it could be sold or repurposed. A city-backed agreement would put those concerns to rest.
Muny, which stretches across more than 140 acres near Lake Austin, is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and affordable public golf courses in Central Texas. Its tree-lined fairways and scenic setting make it a favorite not just for golfers, but for walkers and nature lovers who enjoy the open space it provides in an increasingly dense urban landscape.
While the final details of the agreement have not yet been made public, the progress signals that Austin is taking meaningful steps to protect one of its most cherished community assets. Local officials and advocates are expected to share more information as the deal is finalized in the coming weeks.
Sources: KXAN Austin, FOX 7 Austin, KVUE
