By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
After two years of careful planning, ClubCorp — which owns four area golf courses in the Lakeway area — has been making a host of improvements, particularly at the Yaupon and Live Oak courses. Last Thursday, they held an open house to announce that both courses are now private and can only be accessed by members of the Lakeway Country Club.
“We began the process last May by beginning to see if we had the interest to be a course by membership only,” said ClubCorp’s Jeff Muller, manager of the club. “We increased our overall membership with by 100 and now have taken the clubs private, effective today.”
Muller said both Yaupon and Live Oak had been “semi-private,” with a membership base that allowed non-membership play for a fee.
“Guests of the Lakeway Inn and Resort can still play out here, but otherwise, you have to be a member,” Muller said.

Yaupon and Live Oak join The Hills, Flintrock Falls and The World of Tennis as amenities offered to members of The Lakeway Country Club. Both Live Oak and Yaupon golf courses have 18 holes. The Hills has an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus design golf course, and an 18-hole Nicklaus co-design by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II. In all, members have 72 holes at their disposal.
Muller said Yaupon and Live Oak offer a variety of different challenges to golfers.
“Live Oak is tailored to beginners and intermediate golfers — it is very user-friendly — no tees, no bunkers,” Muller said. “Yaupon offers a lot more variety and is much more challenging to the advanced player. It has a lot of blind shots, undulations in the fairways and traps. Both courses are great designs.”
Muller said members will benefit from the increased access to area facilities.
“Access to The Hills and the Flintrock clubhouses is part of the membership now, as well as complete access to The World of Tennis with its courts, spa, and fitness facilities,” Muller said. “The clubs all offer an extensive number of member events. We do a lot of traditional things from brunches to holiday parties. With 16 tennis courts, two indoor tennis courts, great dining, practice greens, driving ranges and swimming, there’s plenty of great entertainment available.”
There are three types of membership available.
“We have the Lakeway membership, which gives you access to Live Oak and Yaupon; you can be a Hills member, which includes The Hills and Flintrock; or you can be a Championship member, which gives you complete access to everything.”
ClubCorp turned to member and Lakeway resident Bill Strong to host the opening of Lakeway Country Club, which was by invitation only.
“I have been here for about 11 years and was delighted when Jeff (Muller) asked me to chair this event,” Strong said. “My family has always been Championship members and we are really glad we did that. I am an avid golfer and the different courses offer everything a golfer could ever want. Everything is in magnificent condition and you have great amenities.”
Strong pointed out that golf has been a focal point in Lakeway since its inception.
“My wife wears the fitness center out,” Strong continued. “She does Pilates and takes advantage of all the equipment that is available. We love this place — we don’t need a spa or fitness center — we have everything we want right here.”
Strong was assisted by a committee of 16 that helped organize the event, which was well attended despite dropping temperatures. Those on hand were treated to heavy hors d’overs and beverages. A petting zoo, mobile game arcade and pony rides were available for the children that participated in the family-friendly event. An open pit fire was among the most popular attractions, as patrons gathered around the fire and enjoyed music by Bo Porter and his Dixie Rockits.
For more information, call 261-7200 or e-mail contactus@thehillsoflakeway.com.