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20 Best Golf Courses in Texas (Latest Updates)
Oct
Texas, renowned for its grandeur and size, boasts an impressive array of golf courses that cater to every golfer’s dream and skill level. From classic designs by legendary architects to contemporary masterpieces envisioned by golfing icons, the best golf courses in Texas offer not only world-class golf but also breathtaking landscapes that capture the heart of this great state. Let’s tee off on a remarkable odyssey through these exceptional golfing destinations, where every fairway tells a story and every putt unveils a piece of Texas’ golfing heritage.
20. Driftwood Golf Club
Address: 582 Thurman Roberts Wy, Driftwood, TX 78619
Private
Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club, designed by Tom Fazio in 2020, is a golfer’s paradise nestled in the Texas Hill Country. This private Discovery Land club offers an 18-hole championship course spanning 6,419 yards. Surrounded by ancient oak trees, rolling hills, and vineyards, Driftwood provides a sanctuary for golfers seeking both natural beauty and a challenging yet enjoyable game.
Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club, designed by Tom Fazio in 2020, is a golfer’s paradise nestled in the Texas Hill Country (source: driftwoodgolfclub.com).
19. Shady Oaks
Address: 9425 Shady Oaks Dr, Austin, TX 78729
Private
Shady Oaks Golf Course is an unmatched golfing experience designed by Robert Trent Jones and built by Plummer. With large bent grass greens and majestic centuries-old oak trees, it’s a course that transcends time as one of the best golf courses in Texas. Tee times are not required, and resident memberships are limited, ensuring an exclusive golfing atmosphere. Shady Oaks boasts 27 holes, including the championship 18-hole course and the affectionately named “Little Nine.”
Shady Oaks Golf Course is an unmatched golfing experience designed by Robert Trent Jones and built by Plummer (source: Golf Digest).
18. Maridoe Golf Club
Address: 2020 Kelly Blvd, Carrollton, TX 75006
Private
Maridoe Golf Club offers a sanctuary from urban life on 212 acres of pristine Blackland prairie, being one of the best golf courses in Texas. Surrounded by a private lake, this course designed by architect Steve Smyers is a true reflection of Texas landscapes. It’s a golfing journey through billowing grasses, wooded areas, and back to the serene lake that anchors Maridoe. Smyers, known for his work on prestigious courses like Isleworth and Old Memorial, has created an exhilarating and stimulating golf experience here.
Maridoe Golf Club offers a sanctuary from urban life on 212 acres of pristine Blackland prairie (source: Golf Course Architecture).
17. The Club at Carlton Woods Nicklaus Course
Address: 1 Carlton Woods Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Private
The Club at Carlton Woods is a Platinum Club of America and offers two of the best golf courses in Texas. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, designed personally by the Golden Bear, features generous teeing grounds, lakes, parklands, and undulating greens. It’s been recognized as one of the top private courses in Texas and boasts breathtaking views of the Hill Country.
The Club at Carlton Woods is a Platinum Club of America and offers two exceptional golf courses (source: Nicklaus Design).
16. Summit Rock at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Address: 702 Summit Rock Blvd, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
Private
The exclusive Summit Rock Golf Course, a members-only Jack Nicklaus signature course, is widely regarded as the Golden Bear’s masterpiece. It’s a course that many consider his best work, designed to offer an exceptional golfing experience of top golf courses in Texas. The 147-acre course boasts a unique feature—each hole is a “signature hole.” The landscape is punctuated by stands of Texas live oaks and showcases scenic topography that includes breathtaking views of the Hill Country stretching for 30 miles. From the spectacular ridgeline of the first hole to the panoramic 30-mile Hill Country views from the tee box of the third hole, Summit Rock is a true masterpiece. Summit Rock is absolutely among the best places to play golf in Texas.
Summit Rock Golf Course is often considered the Golden Bear’s finest work (source: Golf Digest).
15. Trinity Forest Golf Club
Address: 5000 S Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217
Private
Trinity Forest Golf Club is reminiscent of the great old courses of the Northeast and Great Britain and best golf courses in Texas, offering a timeless golfing experience. The design, by the renowned team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Coore & Crenshaw, Inc.), encompasses both a championship golf course and a nine-hole “Horse Course.” Trinity Forest embraces the principles of traditional, strategic golf and great artistry as its guiding philosophy. The course’s design pays homage to classic golf courses and incorporates traditional play elements, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Trinity Forest’s unique natural terrain, with its ripples, humps, and hollows, adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game.
Trinity Forest Golf Club mirrors the great old courses of the Northeast and Great Britain (source: Top 100 golf courses).
14. Champions Golf Club Cypress Creek
Address: 13722 Champions Dr, Houston, TX 77069
Private
Champions Golf Club is a prestigious 36-hole private golf club situated in Houston, being one of the best golf courses in Texas. Established in 1957 by major champions Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret, both of whom were Houston natives, the club holds a significant place in Houston’s golfing history. The Cypress Creek course, designed by Ralph Plummer and opened in 1959, has a storied history, having hosted numerous major events, including the 1967 Ryder Cup, 1969 U.S. Open, and five PGA Tour Championships.
Champions Golf Club, founded by major champions Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret, has a rich history in Houston golf (source: USGA).
It also served as the venue for the U.S. Amateur in 1993 and hosted the Houston Champions International on the PGA Tour five times. Champions’ second course, the Jackrabbit, is used for USGA Championship qualifying rounds and features its own set of challenges. In 2018, Cypress Creek underwent a renovation in preparation for hosting the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, with architect Chet Williams overseeing the changes.
13. Miramont Country Club
Address: 1 Miramont Blvd, Bryan, TX 77802
Private
Among all Texas golf courses, Miramont Country Club is a haven for golf enthusiasts, offering an 18-hole private golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. This 7,174-yard championship course is nestled on 18 stunning holes, providing an exquisite golfing experience. The club, located in Bryan, Texas, is known for its impeccable course conditions, offering well-trained caddies to enhance the golfing experience. Additionally, Miramont boasts a range of amenities, including a bar, restaurant, clubhouse, and locker rooms, making it a premier destination for golf and leisure.
Miramont Country Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2005, is a private haven for golf enthusiasts (source: Miramont Country Club and Community).
12. Austin Country Club
Address: 4408 Long Champ Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Private
Austin Country Club, established 124 years ago in 1899, is a private golf club located in Austin, one of the best golf courses in Texas. The club moved to its present site in 1984, which features a challenging layout designed by renowned course architect Pete Dye. The course is situated on the south bank of the Colorado River (Lake Austin), offering picturesque views and a demanding yet rewarding golfing experience.
Austin Country Club, established in 1899, relocated to its current Pete Dye-designed site in 1984 (source: Golf Digest).
Austin Country Club has a rich history of producing major champions like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, both of whom were coached by teaching professional Harvey Penick. Since 2016, it has hosted the WGC Match Play championship following a renovation in 2015.
11. The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch
Address: 1092 Clubs Dr, Boerne, TX 78006
Private
Cordillera Ranch is an exclusive, master-planned community that offers the finest in club resort-style living on 9,100 acres of Texas Hill Country beauty. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the golf course embraces the inherent Hill Country beauty while preserving and enhancing the native grasses characteristic of the area.
Cordillera Ranch is a master-planned community spread across 9,100 acres of Texas Hill Country beauty (source: www.clubsofcordilleraranch.com).
The course design prioritizes core values over residential development, ensuring that homes nestle among acreage home sites and blend seamlessly with the terrain. With its signature par-3 sixteenth hole, Cordillera Ranch captures the essence of the Hill Country, offering both a golfer’s dream and a photographer’s canvas. All together make it one of the best golf courses in Texas.
10. Escondido Golf & Lake Club
Address: 9090 FM2147, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
Private
Founded in 2006 as best golf courses in Texas, Escondido Golf & Lake Club is a timeless Mediterranean-style retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country. This luxury waterfront club boasts a quintessential private golf course and the beautiful constant-level Lake LBJ. Escondido offers best-in-class amenities and services, making it a cherished destination for golf enthusiasts.
Escondido Golf & Lake Club, founded in 2006, is a luxurious retreat in the Texas Hill Country (source: LINKS Magazine).
Lago Escondido, an exclusive gated neighborhood with lakefront and lake view homesites, offers breathtaking lake views, dramatic granite outcroppings, and a native landscape that defines its iconic setting. Escondido Golf & Lake Club provides its residents with privacy and a unique hill country, lake, and golf lifestyle.
9. Spanish Oaks Golf Club
Address: 13001 Spanish Oaks Club Dr, Austin, TX 78738
Private
Spanish Oaks Golf Club offers a golfing experience that respects the traditions of the game, making it deserve to be one of the best golf courses in Texas. With well-trained caddies and members playing without tee times, it provides an atmosphere that allows golfers to embrace the essence of the sport. Former PGA Tour architect Bobby Weed’s design is highly regarded, and Spanish Oaks has earned a reputation as one of the best private courses in the country. Its commitment to the environment and exceptional course conditions make it a must-play for golf aficionados.
Spanish Oaks Golf Club offers a traditional golf experience with well-trained caddies and member play without tee times (source: Bobby Weed Golf Design).
8. Preston Trail Golf Club
Address: 17201 Preston Trail Dr, Dallas, TX 75252
Private
Preston Trail Golf Club is celebrated for several reasons that make it one of the best golf courses in Texas. Its location in far north Dallas, with White Rock Creek meandering through, offers a stunning natural setting. The course’s layout is both stunning and traditional, featuring tree-lined fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and large, lightning-fast bent-grass greens.
Preston Trail Golf Club boasts a stunning layout with tree-lined fairways, well-placed water hazards, and lightning-fast bent-grass greens (source: Dallas Golf Homes).
The club takes pride in its golf experience, emphasizing walking the course and providing caddies to enhance the game. The clubhouse showcases memorabilia of professional tour players who are also members, creating a sense of golfing history. Preston Trail Golf Club truly offers a unique and exclusive golfing experience.
7. Brook Hollow Golf Club
Address: 8301 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
Private
Brook Hollow Golf Club, designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1920 and later updated by Perry Maxwell and Jay Morrish, is a classic course that captures the essence of golfing in the South. Located in Dallas, Texas, this 18-hole private course is known for its treasured golfing experience. The club has maintained its timeless appeal and is a cherished destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a traditional yet challenging round.
Brook Hollow Golf Club, designed by A. W. Tillinghast in 1920 and updated by Perry Maxwell and Jay Morrish, is a timeless treasure in Texas golf (source: Golf Digest).
6. Boot Ranch
Address: 77 Boot Ranch Circle, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Private
Boot Ranch, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, offers an envy-worthy golf experience. Designed by Hal Sutton, the course takes full advantage of the ridges, canyons, and Palo Alto Creek to create a spectacular golfing environment that’s both challenging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. One unique feature of Boot Ranch is its multi-generational membership, allowing various family members to enjoy golf privileges. The course boasts impeccable conditions, and the camaraderie of golf events for men, women, couples, and juniors adds to the overall experience.
Boot Ranch offers enviable golf in the heart of Texas Hill Country (source: San Antonio Express-News).
5. Austin Golf Club
Address: 24900 State Highway 71 W Spicewood, TX 78669
Private
Austin Golf Club stands as a testament to classic golfing tradition, being one of the best golf courses in Texas. Designed by golf legends Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this private club offers a spectacular golf course without the distractions of real estate and country club amenities. The course, which opened in 2001, has remained relatively low-key but is revered among those in the know.
Austin Golf Club, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, is a golf-only club with lush Zoysia tees, fairways, and first cut of rough (source: Austin, Texas).
The club is unique in the area due to its outstanding caddie program and the use of Zoysia grass for tees, fairways, and the first cut of rough. The Austin Golf Club is a place where the game of golf takes center stage, providing a tranquil and exceptional golfing experience.
4. Colonial Country Club
Address: 3735 Country Club Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Private
Colonial Country Club, a private golf club located in Fort Worth, Texas, holds a special place in the hearts of golf enthusiasts. The club has hosted the annual PGA Tour event, the Colonial National Invitation, since 1946, making it the longest-running non-major tour event held at the same venue. Designed by John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell, the course boasts a challenging par-70 layout that spans 7,209 yards.
Colonial Country Club, situated in Fort Worth, Texas, hosts the annual PGA Tour event, the Colonial National Invitation (source: WeddingWire).
Colonial Country Club’s course is bordered by the Trinity River (Clear Fork) and surrounded by a charming residential area. The club’s history includes hosting three major or significant professional golf events—the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open. This course is definitely among the best golf courses in Texas.
3. Dallas National Golf Club
Address: 1515 Knoxville St, Dallas, TX 75211
Private
Dallas National Golf Club has garnered numerous accolades that solidify its position as one of the best golf courses in Texas. Ranked #1 in Texas by Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses multiple times, Dallas National offers an exceptional golfing experience. Designed by Mr. Tom Fazio, one of the most prominent golf course architects, the course stretches over 7,300-plus yards.
Dallas National Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, has consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Texas (source: Golf Digest).
It features Crenshaw/L-93 Bentgrass greens, 160-foot elevation changes across three large plateaus, and picturesque views of downtown Dallas and Las Colinas. Additionally, the club offers a state-of-the-art teaching facility, a world-class short-game practice area, and a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse.
2. Whispering Pines Golf Club
Address: 1532 Whispering Pines Dr, Trinity, TX 75862
Private
Whispering Pines Golf Club, located along the shores of Lake Livingston, occupies 450 acres of pristine pine and hardwood forest. This prestigious club was founded by Barbara and Corby Robertson Jr. in 1970, initially for their neighboring Camp Olympia. The golf course, designed by Chet Williams of the Nicklaus Design Group, offers a world-class golfing experience.
Whispering Pines Golf Club boasts a Tom Fazio design and is consistently recognized among the top courses in the country (source: The Golf Wire).
Since its debut in 2000, it has consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Texas and the United States. Whispering Pines boasts stunning fairways with Zeon Zoysia grass and TifEagle Bermuda greens. The recent course renovation further enhanced its standing, providing an unforgettable golfing adventure of top golf courses in Texas.
1. Bluejack National
Address: 4430 FM 1486, Montgomery, TX 77316
Private
Bluejack National, designed by golf legend Tiger Woods, is a golfing masterpiece that opened in April 2016. It marked the first Tiger Woods-designed golf course in the United States and has since become a haven for golf enthusiasts. Nestled in the serene Texas landscape, Bluejack National offers a completed course that is both playable and challenging for golfers of all skill levels.
Bluejack National, the first Tiger Woods-designed course in the United States, is a masterful golf experience (source: www.bluejacknational.com).
The course features multiple tee boxes, ensuring an enjoyable round for every golfer, all set on velvety Zoysia grass with no rough. This unique golf experience encourages a wide range of shot-making options, especially around the greens. With its spectacular course, The Playgrounds short course designed by Tiger Woods, and exceptional amenities, Bluejack National is a golfing destination that exceeds expectations. Not only is it one of the best golf courses in Texas, but it also holds the #1 rank in many golf enthusiasts’ hearts.
Conclusion
These 20 best golf courses in Texas, each with its unique charm and character, promise unforgettable golfing experiences for enthusiasts from around the world. Whether you’re seeking challenging championship courses or serene and exclusive retreats, Texas has a golf course to suit every golfer’s preferences. Visit Golfbiz’s blogs for more beautiful golf courses around the U.S.
