AUSTIN, Texas — One of Austin's oldest golf courses is at the center of one of the city's longest debates.
Today, a former professional golfer will be announcing his plans to restore the Lions Municipal Golf Course. Find Stef Manisero live there this morning.
Later this morning, Ben Crenshaw will be here at the Lions Municipal Golf Course — better known as Muny — unveiling his plans to, in his words, "spruce up" the golf course if he gets the chance.
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He emphasized "if" because the status of the course is up in the air. Right now, the University of Texas owns the 141-acre course and is looking to sell the land for development.
Meanwhile, a large group called Save Muny is looking to preserve the course that's been around since 1924 and was the first desegregated golf course in the south.
Save Muny got a big win back in October when the course was named to the Historic Preservation list of America's most endangered historic places and deemed a "civil rights landmark."
We spoke with Crenshaw on Tuesday about the plan he's going to reveal later day. It includes a new clubhouse, a new practice facility to handle more kids, a place he believes will better serve the public.
He says he wants to show people how he grew up and bring back the golf course it was then. UT's lease for the property is up in 2019.
Just last week, State Sen. Craig Estes filed legislation that would transfer ownership of the course from UT to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Crenshaw says that was another huge win for him and the rest of the Save Muny people. He's expected to reveal his plans at 10 a.m. this morning.
Spectrum News will bring you all the latest.
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