Best Golf Courses in Texas: Tee Off in the Lone Star State

Did you know Texas is a haven for golf enthusiasts, with an impressive 1,034 courses? The state’s vast landscape is dotted with everything from PGA Tour venues to hidden gems. Each course offers unique experiences tailored for players at every level.

Planning a golf getaway or seeking a challenge? Texas has it all. You’ll find green fee details, booking info, and standout holes at every turn. Next we will look at what makes Texas a golfer’s dream.

Key Takeaways

• Texas is home to 1,034 golf courses, offering diverse playing experiences
• Four Texas courses rank in Golf Digest’s top 100 Greatest and Second 100 Greatest lists
• Whispering Pines Golf Club is considered the top golf course in Texas
• TPC San Antonio hosts the prestigious Valero Texas Open tournament
• Bluejack National is the first US course designed by Tiger Woods
• Many courses offer stay-and-play deals for an enhanced golfing experience
• Tee times are generally available from early morning to evening, seven days a week

Introduction to Texas Golf: A Golfing Paradise

Texas golf courses combine challenge and beauty, making it a top golfing spot. The state offers a wide range of courses, from urban to scenic hill country resorts. Each course caters to various skill levels and preferences.

The Texas Golf Landscape

The Texas golf scene is constantly evolving, with new courses and renovations adding to its charm. You’ll discover a variety of Texas golf courses across the state, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re playing in bustling cities or the peaceful countryside, there’s a course for every golfer.

Why Texas is a Golfer’s Dream Destination

Texas is a prime golfing spot thanks to its year-round playability and diverse course designs. The climate allows golfers to play their favorite sport at any season. With mild winters and long summers, planning a golf trip is flexible.

Climate and Terrain Advantages

Golfing in Texas is enhanced by its varied terrain. The state offers everything from coastal links to desert and hill country designs. These diverse landscapes not only test your skills but also provide stunning views, making your golfing experience unforgettable.

TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks and AT&T Canyons)

TPC San Antonio is a top-tier PGA Tour venue, featuring two standout courses: AT&T Oaks and AT&T Canyons. Since its opening in January 2010, these courses have set the standard for Texas golf. Each course presents unique challenges and breathtaking views.

The AT&T Oaks course, crafted by Greg Norman, is the venue for the Valero Texas Open. It’s a fair yet challenging layout with minimal elevation changes. In contrast, the AT&T Canyons course, designed by Pete Dye, offers a distinct experience with its undulating terrain and sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country.

Both courses boast Champions Bermuda greens and a cutting-edge closed-loop irrigation system, reflecting a dedication to environmental sustainability. They also share a comprehensive 20-acre practice area, ideal for refining your game before the main event.

Access to green fees and tee times is limited to club members, their guests, and those lodging at the adjacent JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. This policy ensures a premium golfing experience without the hassle of overcrowding.

With six sets of tees per course, TPC San Antonio accommodates golfers at every level. It’s a prime destination for golf lovers in Texas.

The Quarry Golf Course (San Antonio)

In San Antonio, The Quarry Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience. Keith Foster designed it in 1993, featuring elements that distinguish it from other courses. The front nine holes are set in a 100-year-old limestone quarry, providing dramatic elevation changes and stunning views.

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• Kidney shaped practice putting green
• Measures 3 by 9 feet
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• 3 practice cup cutouts allow you to vary your angles and practice different putt lengths
• Slight incline at the cups helps to develop firmness of stroke
• Built in sand trap cutouts catch missed shots
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• Weight: 3.5 Pounds
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• Made in the USA

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Players highly praise The Quarry’s design, giving it a 4.7 out of 5 rating for layout. This rating ensures a challenging yet enjoyable round. Green fees range from $45 to $139, depending on the day and time you play.

Listed below are some important stats that highlight why The Quarry is a top choice:

• Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 964 reviews
• Recommendation rate: 94.3% (920 out of 964 reviews)
• Staff friendliness: 4.8 out of 5
• Course conditions: 4.4 out of 5

The Quarry Golf Course is open all year, offering beauty and challenge in every season. Relax at the on-site restaurant or use the banquet facilities for events. For those aiming to improve their game, consider investing in a GPS golf watch.

With its breathtaking scenery, challenging layout, and excellent amenities, The Quarry Golf Course in San Antonio is a standout. It’s a must-play for locals and visitors alike.

Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club (Frankston)

Located 90 miles from Dallas, Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Frankston presents a distinctive East Texas golf outing. Since its inception in 2001, this links-style course, crafted by Jay and Carter Morrish, showcases rolling terrain, native grasses, and pine trees.

The par 72 layout extends to 7,117 yards from the back tees, boasting a course rating of 74.4 and a slope of 131. For those seeking a less demanding experience, the blues (6,537 yards) or whites (5,819 yards) offer alternatives. Golfers can expect to pay between $59 on weekdays and $79 on weekends, with discounts for seniors.

The resort’s amenities include 10 condo units near the 18th green, capable of hosting up to 40 guests. Room rates fluctuate seasonally, ranging from $124 to $225. The course draws numerous visitors for golf retreats, with groups often booking a year ahead for peak times.

At Pine Dunes, guest policies focus on a welcoming environment and swift pace of play. Renowned for its narrow fairways and demanding shot-making, it remains a top choice among golf aficionados.

Despite varied reviews, many golfers celebrate Pine Dunes as a hidden treasure, offering exceptional golf and a challenging experience. Future plans include a 40-room boutique hotel to further elevate the resort and membership offerings.

Memorial Park Golf Course (Houston)

Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston is a top-tier public venue, recently revitalized. It hosts over 60,000 golfers yearly, providing an exceptional experience for all skill levels. This PGA Tour venue is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.

In 2019, renowned architect Tom Doak oversaw an $18.5 million renovation. This update introduced five par 3 holes and five par 5 holes, with three reachable by a solid drive. The course features wide fairways and large greens, appealing to both beginners and professionals.

Booking tee times at Memorial Park is straightforward, with fees between $30 and $120. The course boasts 19 strategically placed bunkers and offers various tee options. These include the Blue (7,432 yards), White (6,553 yards), and Red (4,826 yards) tees.

The Williams Tower, over 900 feet tall, serves as a landmark on the 13th hole. For those aiming to enhance their game, a golf rangefinder can be invaluable in mastering the course’s challenges.

Post-game, visit Beck’s Prime, an on-site burger bar, for a well-deserved meal. With its recent renovation and PGA Tour hosting status, Memorial Park Golf Course offers an unmatched golfing experience in Texas.

Brackenridge Park Golf Course (San Antonio)

Step back in time at Brackenridge Park Golf Course, a historic course that’s been a Texas golfing landmark since 1916. Designed by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast, this San Antonio gem boasts a rich heritage as the oldest public course in the Lone Star State.

The course’s legacy is impressive. It hosted the inaugural Texas Open and continued to do so intermittently until 1959. Golf legends like Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead have graced its fairways. In 1992, Brackenridge Park earned its place in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, cementing its status in golf history.

Today, you can experience this piece of golfing heritage yourself. The layout features 64 bunkers and tight fairways, presenting a challenge for players of all levels. The back nine offers larger greens and wind comes into play, adding to the course’s complexity.

When it comes to greens fees, Brackenridge Park offers excellent value. Rates range from $40 to $85, making it an affordable option to play on hallowed ground. For booking information and tee times, it’s best to check the course’s official website or call their pro shop directly.

While reviews of course conditions vary, many golfers appreciate the historical significance and the friendly staff. The course is open year-round, allowing you to enjoy a round in any season. Remember to adhere to the dress code, which requires appropriate golf attire.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a challenging round, Brackenridge Park Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience in the heart of San Antonio.

Whispering Pines Golf Club (Trinity)

In Trinity, Texas, Whispering Pines Golf Club shines as a premier private club. Since its debut in March 2000, the Chet Williams-designed course has garnered high accolades. Golfers will go on a on a unique outing, facing dramatic elevation shifts and stunning views of Lake Livingston.

Guests revel in top-tier amenities and an exclusive vibe. Membership perks include access to a course ranked #1 in Texas several times. Golf Digest placed it at 51st in the USA for 2023, highlighting its excellence and challenge.

The course caters to all skill levels with four tee options. From the challenging Spirit tees at 7,369 yards to the beginner-friendly Four Trees tees at 5,021 yards, there’s a layout for everyone. The par-72 course features ratings and slope ratings that reflect its difficulty.

The 15th hole, a 178-yard par 3, is a standout with its jagged-edged bunker running from the green to the water. This club offers a blend of challenges and creative greens, making it a memorable experience for those who get to play.

Dallas National Golf Club

In the heart of Dallas, Texas, Dallas National Golf Club is a paragon of exceptional course design. Created by Tom Fazio, it offers a membership that’s the pinnacle of exclusivity for golf aficionados. The course’s standout holes, set against limestone cliffs and deep ravines, challenge and captivate golfers with their beauty.

The layout’s 165-foot elevation change provides breathtaking views of downtown Dallas, the old Texas Stadium, and Grand Prairie. Each of the 18 greens presents unique challenges, testing your skill and strategy.

Dallas National’s course design features:

• Big fairways with bold bunkering
• Large greens with pronounced contours
• Par 3 holes varying in distance and direction
• Zoysia grass on playing surfaces
• Bentgrass greens for a unique putting experience

Membership at Dallas National offers an unmatched golfing experience. With its superb conditioning and limited membership, every round feels personalized. Whether you’re taking in the views or navigating the challenging putts, Dallas National Golf Club provides an amazing experience unlike any other in Texas.

Bluejack National (Montgomery)

In Montgomery, Texas, Bluejack National emerges as a top-tier golf destination. It’s notable as Tiger Woods’ inaugural design in the U.S., drawing golf aficionados from across the globe.

The course, designed by Tiger Woods, features expansive fairways and the absence of rough, catering to players of all skill levels. The layout’s dramatic elevation shifts introduce an element of thrill and challenge. It’s a blend of visual splendor and strategic depth that captivates every golfer.

Bluejack National caters to diverse preferences and budgets with its array of membership options. Members enjoy unparalleled access to top-tier amenities, including:

• A state-of-the-art fitness center
• Tennis courts
• Swimming pools
• Fine dining restaurants

The “Playgrounds” short course is a standout feature, ideal for quick games or honing your short game skills. This element highlights the thoughtful design and flexibility of the club’s facilities.

Renowned golf critics and players alike laud Bluejack National for its outstanding design and golfing experience. It’s a venue that promises a memorable round, set against the picturesque backdrop of Texas.

Colonial Country Club (Fort Worth)

In Fort Worth, the Colonial Country Club is a historic gem in Texas golf. Founded in 1936, it has been a paragon of golf excellence for many years. Designed by John Bredemus and Maxwell Perry, the course presents a blend of challenge and reward for golfers.

The club is renowned for hosting the Charles Schwab Challenge, a prestigious PGA Tour event. Legends like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Arnold Palmer have triumphed here, making it a part of golf history.

The course stretches over 7,054 yards from the back tees, with a challenging rating of 74.7 and a slope of 133. Golfers can use a rangefinder to tackle its demanding layout. This includes narrow fairways and small greens.

Colonial offers an exclusive membership experience. Members gain access to top-tier facilities and the chance to play on a course that tests the best. The club is dedicated to creating moments that unite families and friends.

Highlights include the 5th hole, a tough 472-yard Par 4, and the 1st hole, a 563-yard Par 5. It’s considered the best of its kind. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, Colonial Country Club provides an unmatched golfing experience in Texas.

Golf Club of Houston: PGA Tour Venue

The Golf Club of Houston is a top-tier tournament course in Texas, established in 2003. Its 18-hole championship layout spans 7,422 yards, challenging players of all levels. The course boasts a 76.0 rating and a 144 slope rating, ensuring a rigorous test of golfing prowess.

This venue is unique for its public access, allowing players to experience the same level of challenge as PGA Tour professionals. Green fees are competitively priced, ranging from $80 to $159. This makes it an accessible option for those seeking to play on a course of tour quality.

The Shell Houston Open was held at the Golf Club of Houston from 2006 to 2019. Legendary golfers like Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, and Ian Poulter have triumphed here. The course’s design, featuring water hazards and superior conditioning, offers an electrifying experience for both professionals and amateurs.

The Golf Club of Houston remains a magnet for golf enthusiasts, thanks to its demanding layout and top-tier facilities. Whether you’re looking to test your skills or simply enjoy a round on a PGA Tour venue, this course promises an unforgettable experience in the Lone Star State.

La Cantera Golf Club: Scenic Hill Country Resort

La Cantera Golf Club, situated in the Texas Hill Country, offers a unique golfing experience. Since its opening in 1999, it has expanded over 550 acres. The resort is celebrated for its stunning views and superior amenities, making it a top choice for golf lovers.

The resort features two championship courses: the Resort Course and the Palmer Course. Architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed these courses, presenting a challenge with their unique layouts and breathtaking views. The courses’ elevation changes and tree-lined fairways enhance the thrill of each round.

Green fees at La Cantera vary by season, from $95 to $199. While the cost may seem high, many players believe the experience is priceless. The course maintains excellent conditions, even in the Texas summer heat.

La Cantera Resort also offers a variety of amenities for guests and their families:

• Five pools, including an adults-only option
• Tennis courts and fitness center
• Multiple dining options, from casual to fine dining
• Luxurious spa facilities
• Kids’ programs and concierge services

With a 4.6 rating from 552 reviews, La Cantera Golf Club is highly regarded. It’s perfect for those seeking a challenging game or a relaxing golf retreat. This Hill Country resort has everything needed for an unforgettable visit.

BlackHorse Golf Club (Cypress)

Golf enthusiasts, prepare for a unique experience at BlackHorse Golf Club in Cypress, Texas. This public course boasts dual courses, each with distinct challenges. Designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, the North and South courses cater to all skill levels.

The North Course ranges from 5,065 to 7,301 yards, with slope ratings between 121 and 135. Its signature hole, No. 6, stands out at 179 yards. The South Course, slightly shorter, spans 4,946 to 7,191 yards, with similar ratings. Both feature top-notch TifSport Grass fairways and TifEagle Grass greens.

BlackHorse offers competitive rates for the Houston area. Green fees vary from $56 to $125, depending on the day and time. While some find the fees high, many believe the quality of the course is worth it. Membership options are available, with monthly fees ranging from $240 to $540 for frequent players.

Reviews highlight the course’s layout, staff friendliness, and amenities. The club features a bar, grill, and restaurant, ideal for unwinding after a game. Some players mention pace of play and bunker concerns, but these issues don’t overshadow the overall positive feedback.

For both local and visiting golfers, BlackHorse Golf Club is a prime choice. With its dual courses and varied challenges, it’s a must-play destination. Don’t forget to book your tee time early to get the best rates.

The Rawls Course at Texas Tech (Lubbock)

The Rawls Course at Texas Tech University is a top-tier university course open to the public. Designed by Tom Doak in 2003, it spans 7,349 yards over 18 holes, par-72. The layout features broad fairways and complex greens, mimicking a links-style course in Lubbock.

With a stellar 4.6 rating from 266 reviews, The Rawls Course is celebrated as one of the finest university courses nationwide. Its construction was no small feat, involving the relocation of 1.3 million yards of soil. This effort created significant elevation changes and berms, enhancing the course’s unique character.

Players can enjoy golfing all year on the Dominance/Bent Grass greens. The course challenges golfers with a 75.3 rating and a slope of 139. It caters to all skill levels. Facilities include a vast 55-acre driving range and a short game area with multiple greens.

The Rawls Course has been the venue for several Big 12 Conference events, showcasing its exceptional conditions and design. Despite some areas needing improvement, the course remains a premier destination for public university golf.

Butterfield Trail Golf Club (El Paso)

In El Paso, Butterfield Trail Golf Club presents a distinctive desert course open to the public. Designed by Tom Fazio and Dennis Wise in 2007, it captures West Texas’s natural splendor. The course stretches over 7,307 yards from the Iron tees, offering a par 72 layout with a challenging slope of 130 and a rating of 72.8.

Players highly praise the unique aspects of Butterfield Trail. The layout, rated 4.6 out of 5, features dramatic elevation shifts. It offers stunning views of the Franklin Mountains, with North Franklin Mountain reaching 7,192 feet.

The course features Bent Grass greens and various tee options for all skill levels. Options range from the Gold tees at 6,865 yards to the Bronze at 5,053 yards. Notable holes include the 453-yard par 4 on #8 and the 220-yard par 3 on #4 from the Iron tees.

Green fees are competitively priced, ranging from $35 to $80, which includes a cart and practice balls. The 12.4-acre practice range, equipped with putting and sand trap areas, helps players refine their skills before the game.

Despite an average pace of play of 3.8 out of 5, the friendly staff (rated 4.4) and amenities (4.0) enhance the experience. With 82.2% of 195 reviewers recommending it, this public access golf course is a top choice for golfers in El Paso.

Comparing Texas’ Golf Scene to Other States

Texas stands out in the golf rankings, rivaling other leading states. It boasts around 900 courses, ranking fourth nationally. This figure highlights Texas’ dedication to offering diverse and accessible golfing experiences.

Florida leads with over 1,250 courses, while California has about 920. Yet, Texas provides a distinct golfing experience. Its varied landscapes and year-round playability set it apart. For instance, the renovated Gus Wortham Golf Course in Houston saw its rounds jump from 17,000 to 50,000 annually.

Texas is known for its diverse pricing in golf. Pine Dunes Resort in Frankston offers fees from $79 to $139. Meanwhile, Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater has rates from $52 to $89. This ensures golf remains affordable for all, boosting its appeal nationwide.

With ongoing investments in new courses and renovations, Texas is expected to climb in national golf rankings. Its mix of elite private clubs, scenic resort courses, and quality public options positions it to challenge top-ranked states soon.