BY JESSICA MCLAREN
Why now?
Why it matters
accelerated pace. “It is inconvenient, there’s no doubt about it,” Gist said of the ongoing construction. “But it’s short- term pain for long-term gain.” Great Hills board President Tom Schoelkopf said participation has exceeded expectations during construction, with members often returning after playing elsewhere rather than leaving.
Once centered primarily on golf, clubs are increasingly positioning themselves as a “third space” where members can gather, stay active and build community. “People look for their home rst, their school second and their club third,” Gist said. That shift re ects how clubs are adapting in a fast-growing region—and for longtime members, it’s personal. “It’s about family,” said Schoelkopf, who joined Great Hills with his wife in 2005 and raised his son there. “The club is a fabric of our lives.”
The timing of these renovations is not coinciden- tal. Many country club facilities in Central Texas were built decades ago and are now due for major updates, just as demand is surging in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “The demand for privately owned, premier country clubs in this market has never been higher than it is right now,” Gist said. “All of it ties back to the member experience. If you’re not modernizing, you’re going to get left behind.” With various projects, River Place and Twin Creeks country clubs are part of this modernization wave. “There’s a lot of competition in the area, … so it was about how we provide that to our membership so they don’t have to go to a competitor,” Senior General Manager Kyle O’Brien, who manages both facilities, previously told Community Impact . A combination of aging facilities, increased demand and heightened member expectations is pushing clubs to renovate and invest at an
Quote of note
"Golf’s become so popular, and it’s such a family activity. … We’ve had almost a million people move here over the last
Renovation timelines at a glance River Place UT Golf Club Austin Country Club Twin Creeks
15 20 years. We’re probably half a dozen courses short of where we need to be." STEVE TERMEER, GENERAL MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS GOLF CLUB
Great Hills
2024
April: Twin Creeks begins Phase 2 of renovations
2025
February: Twin Creeks completes dining, tness center renovations September: River Place reopens tennis facilities October: Great Hills begins clubhouse renovations December: Great Hills closes golf course
Put in perspective
2026
April: River Place clubhouse upgrades underway
General Manager Steve Termeer emphasized the vital role of alumni support, as golf, unlike football or basketball, does not generate much revenue. “To have those kinds of contributions through The University of Texas is a key element to keep their facilities top-notch,” he said. The updates show that even as clubs expand beyond the course, golf quality remains a de ning factor in attracting and retaining members.
A di erent model is playing out at the private University of Texas Golf Club, where a roughly 90-day summer project will upgrade its prac- tice facilities. Known as Sche ’s Kitchen, the $2.2 million e ort is partially funded by former Longhorn and PGA Tour player Scottie Sche er, who contributed $1 million. Improvements will also include target greens, fairways, bunkers, irrigation and drainage on the driving range.
June: Great Hills to reopen cafe and dining areas June-September: UT Golf Club practice facility upgrades nished Fall: Austin Country Club $500,000 terrace dining room/bar renovation nishes Late 2026: Great Hills plans to reopen golf course
SOURCES: ARCIS GOLF, GREAT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS GOLF CLUB, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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