SINCE 1924
About Save Historic Muny District
The Save Historic Muny District was created by the 86th Texas Legislature as a mechanism for neighborhood participation in the long-term solution for Lions Municipal Golf Course (“Muny”). The primary charge of the District is to preserve 141-acres of green space in Central Austin that includes Muny, widely recognized as the first public golf course in the South to become voluntarily integrated and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2019, Senate Bill 2553 by former Austin Mayor and Texas State Senator Kirk Watson created this new District in an effort to solve the long-standing uncertainty surrounding the future of this significant Austin treasure. The University of Texas currently owns the land but has leased it to the City of Austin since 1936. The University had
contemplated closing the golf course and leasing it to developers to create a mixed use development. However, the listing of Muny in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 cast considerable doubt on that project. Since then, the University of Texas, the City of Austin, and the Save Historic Muny District have been working together to determine the future of the property.
Many notable golfers have played at Muny including World Golf Hall of Famers Ben Hogan, Bryon Nelson, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. Austin legend Ben Crenshaw, who credits his development as a golfer to his time on the course, has advocated tirelessly to save the Course for future generations. The District’s five-member governing board whose honor it is to serve as stewards of Muny was named by an appointing committee consisting of the Mayor of the City of Austin, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Historical Commission, the Texas State Preservation Board, the Texas Nature Conservancy, Preservation Texas, and the Texas Golf Hall of Fame.
Meet the Board
A Tribute to General Marshall
The Save Historic Muny District group is deeply saddened by the loss of General Marshall. He was born in Austin, Texas in 1936 and began working as a caddy for the course when he was only ten years old. During his experiences caddying at the Muny course, some players helped General learn the game of golf. He later stated: “… there were some golfers, who we caddied for, and if we got out on the holes and it was just a single, they would let us use their golf clubs, give us balls to hit, and let us learn the game”. General was a caddy during the integration of the course. Living through this experience helped General contribute to the integration of multiple public facilities in Austin.
“… there were some golfers, who we caddied for, and if we got out on the holes and it was just a single, they would let us use their golf clubs, give us balls to hit, and let us learn the game.”
– General Marshall
For decades, General has been greatly involved in the Muny community. After his time in Georgia pursuing a higher education and a career in teaching, General returned to Austin. Since his return in 1966, he played the Muny course consistently until just a few years before his passing. In addition, he enjoyed photographing many tournaments and special events at the course. General was a strong supporter and a powerful spokesperson for the preservation of the course. Lions Municipal Golf Course would not be the same without him; he will be dearly missed.
Get in Touch
If you would like additional information, have any questions, or would like to donate, please contact us.
