Golf courses are known for their beautifully manicured green lawns and pristine landscaping.  Some golfers would have it no other way.  However, there is a new wave of golf courses emerging as not only excellent courses but as environmentally friendly as well.  The Hills Country Club of Lakeway in Austin is just one of 13 golf courses in the State of Texas to earn Audubon International certification as cooperative sanctuaries.  The Barton Creek Country Club located in Travis County also holds certifications by Audubon International.
 
From its inception, Barton Creek Country Club made water quality a priority.  The course was designed and constructed to prevent runoff from the course into the Edwards Aquifer.  The Tierra Verde course implements the uses of natural fertilizers such as corn gluten and poultry manure.  Courses which receive Audubon International certification must meet criteria for protecting water quality to the surrounding area, water conservation, minimizing chemical fertilizers, providing wildlife sanctuaries and promote environmental education.
 
Austin is a city which believes in and promotes sustainable living and its golf courses are no exception.  Three of Austin's golf courses, maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department, have joined the Audubon International Sanctuary Program.  The participating public golf courses are the Jimmy Clay Course, Koy Kizer and Morris Williams.  Three of Austin's private country clubs: the Austin Country Club, the Blacones Country Club and the Onion Creek Country Club have also joined the sanctuary program.
 
Water consumption is a large environmental factor when maintaining golf course landscaping.  In response to this environmental concern, Austin golf courses are changing their watering habits.  Many courses are now using reclaimed wastewater as opposed to potable water.  Hancock is the only golf courses maintained by the city which, as yet, has not been switched over to using reclaimed wastewater.  That course is scheduled to switch to treated wastewater next year.