Onion Creek History

The concept for Onion Creek grew out of the Texas limestone and mesquite terrain in 1963 when landowner Rex Kitchens, famous golfer Jimmy Demaret and Jimmie Connolly, developer, met to discuss the sale of 750 acres in then far South Austin.  The sale was realized in 1969 and the property, embraced by Onion and Slaughter Creeks, was on its way to becoming the Onion Creek Golf Club and residential community. The grand opening of the club occurred in June of 1974.

The golf course was to be the only one ever designed by Jimmie Demaret. A bit short by championship course standards, Demaret’s creation had so much going for it that length didn’t matter. The topographic beauty was already there with hundreds of ancient oaks, pecans and cypress trees growing along the two meandering creeks.  Demaret declared, “God put it here and Mother Nature was the designer. All I did was manicure it.”

In 1977 the Legends of Golf senior tournament was launched on the Onion Creek course. At the time it was the richest tournament in the history of golf.  Over the years the Legends moved on, but the Onion Creek Golf Course grew, adding another nine holes in the early 90s.

Today the oaks, pecans and cypress trees still flourish along with a wide variety of wildlife.  Homes began selling in the 70s as builders bought and developed the lots. More sections were added in the 90s once a four-lane bridge was constructed over Onion Creek to connect the property.  And the newest section was opened in 2013 expanding the Onion Creek footprint across Bradshaw Road to the west.  A commercial section, completing the master plan, was opened along the IH-35 frontage road in 2005.

An eclectic variety of homes grace the 865 acres from condominiums, townhomes, and duplexes to single-family residences.  More than 1,500 families call Onion Creek home.  Consistently named one of the safest communities in Austin, Onion Creek boasts the beauty that Demaret discovered in a deeply rooted, long-established, welcoming community with a top-ranked golf club at its core.  We invite you to visit one of Austin’s best-kept secrets.