The History Of Our Texas Hill Country Resort

Nestled within 4,000 wooded acres of picturesque rolling hills at the edge of Austin – surrounded by pristine vistas, nature preserves, hiking trails and waterways – Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa curates an elevated experience of the Hill Country where style, craftsmanship and imagination come together in an experience as magnificent as Austin's Hill Country. Our newly expanded and fully reimagined resort introduces a modern interpretation of Hill Country offering curated experiences rivaled only by the surrounding views.

Opening as a country club in the mid-1980s, the vision of the future development in the rolling hill country came together with the aid of former Texas Governor John Connolly and former Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes. The resort’s doors officially opened September 5, 1987, with former First Lady of the United States Lady Bird Johnson in attendance for the grand opening ceremony.

Over the years, four championship golf courses were introduced, one designed by Austin native Ben Crenshaw and his business partner Bill Coore, another by Arnold Palmer and two by Tom Fazio, earning the property its current reputation as the best golf resort in the state.  

Along the way, the resort has hosted a variety of notable events and tournaments, including the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf  (Champions Tour) Tournament, and many influential guests including President H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, music great Willie Nelson and Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell.

The legendary University of Texas legendary football coach Darrel Royal was a founding member of Barton Creek Country Club and frequently golfed Barton Creek’s courses; the resort’s only ballroom is named in his honor.

While the face of the resort has changed over time to meet guest needs, the resort’s central purpose and mission remains steadfast: to provide unrivaled, Texas-sized hospitality to each and every guest that walks its storied hallways.