By Anne DeVries
On October 3rd, 2024, over 500 supporters gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as “Muny.” Hosted by The Muny Conservancy and the Austin Founders Lions Club, the event honored Muny’s century-long legacy, emphasizing its historical, civil rights, and community significance.
The celebration kicked off with the Texas Cowboys firing Smokey the Cannon, followed by a parade of historic cars and performances by the Austin High School Drum Line. The Boy Scouts of Troop 5 participated in the flag ceremony, and the Bourbonnais Trio sang the National Anthem.
Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed October 3 as "Lions Muny Golf Course Day," declaring, “Muny has been an integral part of Austin for the past century, and it needs to be a key part of our future.” Other prominent speakers included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin Founders Lion Club (AFLC) Past President Alan Ford, AFLC President Ken Crone, Muny Conservancy Board Members Volma Overton Jr. and Volma Overton III, Texas Black Caucus President and Executive Director Rudy Metayer and Scotty Sayers, Co-Chair of the Muny Conservancy.
Golf legends Cindy Figg-Currier and Mark Brooks also spoke, with Brooks emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the game. “When you mix old and young, magic happens. Mentorship in golf teaches you more than the game—it teaches you about life,” Brooks said.
Ben Crenshaw, two-time Masters champion and co-chair of The Muny Conservancy, could not attend the event but expressed his undying support for the cause. “You don’t find places like this with 100 years of history... golf, civil rights, and greenspace.” Muny was the first racially integrated public golf course in the South, making it a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The 141-acre course, established in 1924, attracts 200,000 visitors annually. It provides the most affordable and accessible golf in Austin and is home to more than twelve public school golf teams, the First Tee of Austin, and Austin Golf Academy.
The AFLC played a pivotal role in Muny's development. In 1924, the club secured the land, initially building a nine-hole course that later expanded to 18 holes. The AFLC has long championed Muny’s accessibility and community role and continues to advocate for its preservation.
The emotional highlight of the event was former UT golfer George Machock's performance of his song, “The Beauty of Muny.” Machock was a member of the 1972 NCAA University Division golf championship team, which also included Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, and William Cromwell. The historic win remains the first and only time four players from the same city (Austin) secured the title.
The Muny Conservancy continues its mission to "Save Muny," ensuring the course remains a public treasure for future generations. Currently, the land that has been Muny’s home for 100 years is owned by the University of Texas and is leased back to the city of Austin on a rolling 5-month lease. Until a permanent solution is reached, it will remain in jeopardy of commercial development or repurposing by the University of Texas.
Contributions to the cause are ongoing and can be made at www.themunyconservancy.com.
