Pedernales Country Club

Pedernales Country Club — yep, some call it Willie Nelson’s Cut-N-Putt — is a unique nine-hole golf course nestled in Spicewood, about 30 miles northwest of Austin. This golf course, located near Willie’s Luck Ranch, seamlessly blends the laid-back charm of Texas Hill Country with the musical legacy of its iconic owner, Willie Nelson.

Originally established in 1968 as the Briarcliff Yacht and Golf Club, the property faced financial difficulties in the late 1970s. Willie Nelson, an avid golfer, purchased the struggling club in 1979 for $250,000. He transformed it into the Pedernales Country Club — his personal haven.

Willie constructed a 54,000-square-foot complex atop the property’s highest hill for his residence and converted the clubhouse into a state-of-the-art recording studio designed by Chips Moman. This studio is where notable albums such as Pancho and Lefty, a collaboration with Merle Haggard, and tracks for Neil Young’s Old Ways were recorded.

The recording studio at Pedernales Country Club, famously known as Pedernales Studio, is a private facility and not open to the public for tours. Over the years, the studio has undergone significant upgrades, such as the installation of a 40-input Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console, enhancing its recording capabilities.

While the studio is not accessible for public tours, its sister facility, Arlyn Studios in downtown Austin, offers a glimpse into the rich musical heritage associated with Willie Nelson. Arlyn Studios, co-founded by Nelson’s nephew Freddy Fletcher, has a history intertwined with Pedernales Studio and continues to be an active recording venue .

Set against the backdrop of the Pedernales River and the rolling Texas Hill Country, the Pedernales Country Club offers stunning natural vistas. Its rustic charm and musical heritage make it more than just a golfing destination; it’s a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit of Texas.

The course is operated by golf pro Fran Szal.