More golfing Hall of Famers hail from Texas than any other state, including California and Florida.
The city of Dallas has fathered many famous names in the sport, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Leonard, Corey Pavin, Byron Nelson and, of course, Lee Trevino.
In fact, some of the best golf courses in the state are in Dallas, which boasts over 100 courses. A perfect climate with mild winters and picturesque scenery makes North Texas an ideal golfing location, with the majority of courses offering 18 holes and public access, so they are open to golfers of any level to play. There is also a large selection of high-end private golf courses in Dallas.
Whether you’re a golfing newbie or a seasoned pro, our rundown of the best golf courses in Dallas (both public and private) will help you decide where to play your next 18 holes in the city. We’ve even broken down the choices into budget, mid-price and luxury courses:
Best budget golf courses in Dallas
At the following Dallas golf courses, you can play 18 holes for less than $50. Most golfers can rustle up that sort of cash for a round…
- Address: 1005 N. Montclair Ave., Dallas, TX 75208. Tel: (214) 670-7506
- Green fees: $17-$61
- Tee times: Book online or call the Golf Shop for up-to-the-minute availability
Stevens Park Golf Course is located in Oak Cliff, just southwest of the center of Dallas in a superb location.
The course is a municipal one that is managed by The Dallas Park and Recreation Department. It was designed in 1955 and remodeled in 2011 when the turf conditions were upgraded, many holes were straightened and blind spots were eliminated. The length of Stevens Park Golf Course was also increased from 5,700 yards to about 6,300 yards but the varied green shapes (rectangular, diamonds and round greens) were retained.
The course has always attracted golfers of all ages and skill levels. Rounds can still be played for as little as $17 if you choose your times carefully.
Tree-lined with plenty of hills and with some great views of Dallas, this is an eye-catching course available at very reasonable rates. There’s an onsite restaurant, short game area and pro shop, with golf lessons available for those looking for professional guidance.
- Address: 818 Tangle Ridge Dr., Grand Prairie, TX 75052. Tel: 972-299-6837
- Green fees: $25-$75
- Tee times: Bookable online
Tangle Ridge Golf Club is another of the best municipal/public golf courses in Dallas. It is located in the southwest of the city in Grand Prairie and features elevation changes, subtle greens, tree-lined fairways and water/sand hazards.
The course has a Texas Hill Country feel (with breathtaking views of nearby Joe Pool Lake), which is somewhat unusual for a Dallas course. Tangle Ridge attracts golfers of all skill levels and offers lessons for those wanting to raise their game to the next level.
And, with a pro shop, chipping green, driving range, clinics and restaurant on site, many people visit Tangle Ridge for a little more than just 18 holes.
- Address: 3500 Bear Creek Ct, Dallas, TX 75261. Tel: (972) 456-3200
- Green fees: $27-$70
- Tee times: Bookable online
Bear Creek Golf Club, out near the DFW Airport in Walton County, brands itself as “DFW’s preeminent resort golf and event venue”.
Another of the best golf courses in Dallas, the two courses here (East and West) were designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and Ted Robinson.
Open since 1982, Bear Creek is well-established on the golf circuit in Dallas, offering spectacular natural scenery, championship layouts and a challenging design for golfers of all skill levels.
As a resort course, Bear Creek also provides excellent amenities, dining, event pavilions and guest services and attracts a large number of corporate visitors. A golf shop and golf instruction are also available.
The dynamic pricing model used here, where green fees vary according to demand, means that you’ll need to choose your tee time carefully to get the best rates — but it’s possible to play a round for under $30, representing great value for a resort course.
- Address: 6520 White Settlement Rd, Westworth Village, TX 76114. Tel: (817) 738-8402
- Green fees: $45-$70 (shared golf cart)
- Tee times: Bookable online
Hawk’s Creek Golf Club just about makes the cut for our best budget golf courses in Dallas though you’ll need to choose your tee times carefully to find a round for under $50.
Spanning 6898 yards, the course at Hawk’s Creek is located four miles to the west of downtown Fort Worth. It was opened in 2002 and occupies the historic site of Carswell Golf Course, which was established in 1923.
The course is owned and operated as a public golf course by the City of Westworth Village, combining great elevations with natural beauty and a clever layout. Mature trees, strategically placed bunkers and natural water hazards feature heavily throughout the 18 holes.
Home to great dining and excellent event facilities, people visit Hawk’s Creek for more than just golf.
- Address: 3501 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75223. Tel: (214) 670-1402
- Green fees: $12-$35
- Tee times: Bookable online
The Tenison Glen Golf Course is a classic municipal course managed by The Dallas Park and Recreation Department and located in Tenison Park, just to the northeast of downtown Dallas.
The course measures 6,607 yards and has been open since 1924, making it a historic course with plenty of attraction for locals, visitors and tourist golfers alike. Tenison Glen was the first municipally owned course in Dallas and, in 1968, it was home to USGA Public Links Championships.
A state-of-the-art practice and teaching facility, world-class golf shop and café facilities are provided at Tenison Park Golf Course, as well as a classic 18-hole experience. The course offers superb value, especially if you can time your tee-off to take advantage of a $12 round of golf.
There are two 18-hole courses in Tenison Park, with the main championship course, Tenison Highlands, also very popular.
- Address: 1800 Southerland Ave, Dallas, TX 75203. Tel: (214)670-7615
- Green fees: $15-$30 (walking rates)
- Tee times: Bookable online
Cedar Crest Golf Course is another of the best public golf courses in Dallas, managed by The Dallas Park and Recreation Department and offering unbeatable rates for avid golfers.
With sweeping views of the Dallas skyline, rolling hills, tree-lined fairways and greenside bunkers, Cedar Crest is located just to the south of downtown Dallas.
You can play a round here for under $20 if you choose your tee times. For more regular visitors, membership rates are very competitive.
The course hosted the 1927 PGA Championship and the 1954 U.S. Amateur Public Links and was designed over a century ago by the legendary course architect, A.W. Tillinghast.
Recently, the greens at Cedar Crest were upgraded and major renovations were performed after some issues with the old greens — but the results have restored the course to its former glory as one of the best golf courses in Dallas.
Best mid-price golf courses in Dallas
The following Dallas golf courses offer 18 holes at $50-$100. They are still affordable but many offer a step up from the budget courses in terms of exclusivity, setting and/or overall course quality.
Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club
- Address: 465 Scenic Ranch Cir., McKinney, TX 75069. Tel: (972) 886-4700
- Green fees: Dynamic pricing is usually in the $55-$89 region (including a half golf cart)
- Tee times: Bookable online
The Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club is located around half an hour’s drive to the northeast of Dallas in Fairview, between Allen and McKinney.
The championship course at Heritage Ranch measures 6,988 yards and has been attracting public golfers since opening in 2001. Some people choose to live in the community attached to the golf course, which provides luxury homes with resort-style amenities. Membership to the golf club is also available.
The course is one of the most visually appealing golf courses in Dallas, with undulating terrain, creeks and strategic water features as well as plenty of aged pecans, oaks and cedar trees and luxurious fairways.
The ranch-inspired clubhouse is eye-catching and amenities include a practice facility spanning over 18 acres (including a 40-station grass tee driving range), golf lessons, dining and facility rentals for guests.
Wildhorse Golf Club of Robson Ranch
- Address: 9400 Ed Robson Blvd A, Denton, TX 76207. Tel: (940) 246-1001
- Green fees: $45–$125 (dynamic pricing model, including cart)
- Tee times: Bookable online (not available on Mondays)
Wildhorse Golf Club is an open-to-the-public, resort-style course located at Robson Ranch Country Club (a Robson Resort community) in Denton, to the north of Fort Worth.
The Club, which opened in 2001, features a 27-hole championship course that combines the natural beauty of the Texan landscape with an intriguing course design. There are strategically placed bunkers and plenty of other hazards to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Rounds for non-residents are a step up in the rate of standard Dallas courses, as you may expect with a premium course. You can, however, apply for membership of the Golf Club if you like.
Besides the golf course, the Club offers golf lessons, a pro shop, dining options and more.
- Address: 3800 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051. Tel: (817) 410-3377
- Green fees: $37-$65
- Tee times: Bookable online
The Grapevine Golf Course is a 27-hole course open to the public and located in the “Christmas capital of Texas” by Grapevine Lake to the north of DFW Airport.
If you’re lucky, you can still play a round of golf here for under $50 but rates are more typically a little higher as one of the superior courses in Dallas.
The course is maintained and managed by the City of Grapevine and is known for its friendly and professional staff.
An extra nine holes were added to the original 18 holes in 1999 and golfers are attracted to the challenges of the scenic roughs and water hazards dotted throughout the course, as well as the excellent amenities and beautiful views on offer.
Golf instructors, a driving range, practice facilities and great dining are on offer — and you can even sample the local wine (surprisingly, perhaps, Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the U.S.).
- Address: 1400 Texas Star Parkway, Euless, TX 76040. Tel: 817-685-7888
- Green fees: $65–$85 (including cart)
- Tee times: Bookable online
Texas Star Golf Course is another of the best public/municipal golf courses in Dallas for golfers of all skill levels.
Opened in 1997, Texas Star is located in Mosier Valley, between Dallas and Fort Worth. It’s a peaceful golf course to play with no houses around it. The course measures 6936 yards and occupies a total area of 275 acres, with fantastic views of the surrounding areas.
The Texas Star course remains good value, with monthly and annual memberships available for discounted rates on the regular green fees.
Golf lessons and clinics are also available, as well as dining options. The facility also provides event/conference services for businesses and wedding reception services.
Best luxury golf courses in Dallas
A round of golf at the following Dallas golf courses involves membership fees — but assures a premium golfing experience…
- Address: 1515 Knoxville Rd., Dallas, TX 75211. Tel: (214) 331-4195
- Green fees: Members only (Initiation fee of $160,000/invitation only)
- Tee times: Members only
No review of the best golf courses in Dallas is complete without a mention of the Dallas National Golf Club. This private course is regularly included in lists of the best courses in the country.
Opened in 2002, the club is a Member–owned, golf-only facility that features two putting areas and a professional course. There are currently around 400 members, both local and national, and membership is by invitation only.
As you might expect for the steep initial membership fee ($160,000), the course is big on scenic delights and exclusivity, with views of downtown Dallas amid limestone canyons and rugged hills dotted with cedars. Professional caddies are available for an extra touch of luxury.
Located just to the west of the city center, it’s easy to forget when playing the Dallas National Golf Club that you are in a big city.
- Address: 3333 Golfing Green Dr., Farmers Branch, TX 75234. Tel: (972) 243-6151
- Green fees: Members only (Initiation fee of $2,500-$4,000 and monthly membership fees of $350-$450)
- Tee times: Members only
The Brookhaven Golf Club is a private club established in 1957. It was designed with professionals and golf enthusiasts firmly in mind but you can also enjoy other sports like tennis and swimming here.
Located in suburban Dallas in Farmers Branch, adjacent to the Brookhaven campus of Dallas College, the Club is home to the largest driving range in Texas as well as other first-class fitness and dining amenities.
There are three courses (54 holes) along with five acres of practice bunkers and fairways. Tournaments, networking/business opportunities, cultural and educational events and family programs are also regularly offered for members.
Note that to become a member at Brookhaven, you must be invited and sponsored by an established member.
- Address: 8301 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235. Tel: 214-637-1900
- Green fees: Members only (Initiation fee of $0-$5,000 and annual fees of $4,600 -$10,750)
- Tee times: Members only
Brook Hollow Golf Club, just to the northwest of central Dallas, is the oldest golf club in the city (founded in 1920) and is also one of the best and most exclusive.
This historic private course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and charges steep membership fees for an exclusive golfing experience. Only members and invited guests can play.
Beautiful oak trees and generous fairways span the course, with plenty of interesting challenges for golfers including multiple bunkers around holes. An onsite restaurant provides dining options at the 19th hole.
Full members enjoy preferred tee times and pool access, while executives/young executives enjoy discounted rates.
There are various membership categories at Brook Hollow, with initial fees sometimes waived and further discounts on offer when promotions are on — so if you have eyes on becoming a member here, look out for the special offers.
Public vs private vs resort golf courses
Municipal, public, private, semi-private and resort courses have some key differences besides the cost of a round of golf.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences:
- Municipal courses: owned and/or managed by the city, town or county.
- Public courses: privately owned and operated (by individuals, real estate development companies or corporations) but open for the public to play. Many of the best ones are designed by experienced course architects (sometimes with the help of ex-players).
- Semi-private courses: open to the public but also offer memberships for those who want to pay for priority tee times, reduced green fee rates and other perks.
- Private courses: these courses usually require membership of the golf club (or registration as a guest) to play a round of golf. In return for paid membership, golfers enjoy less crowded courses, high-quality fairways/greens, dining/social activities, etc.
- Resort courses: many of these are technically public courses (no membership is required) but restrict public access by requiring that you stay at the resort if you want to play golf there.
Best public golf courses in Dallas
Dallas has built a strong golfing reputation and plenty of courses are available if you’re looking for a great-value public course. These include:
- Stevens Park Golf Course
- Tangle Ridge Golf Club
- Bear Creek Golf Club
- Hawk’s Creek Golf Club
- Tension Glen Golf Course
- Cedar Crest Golf Course
If you’re prepared to pay a little more for a round, consider these options:
- Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club
- Wildhorse Golf Club of Robson Ranch
- Grapevine Golf Course
- Texas Star Golf Course
Best private golf courses in Dallas
In Dallas, there’s a wide choice of members-only private courses for those after a premium and exclusive golfing experience. These include:
- Dallas National Golf Club
- Brook Hollow Golf Club
- Brookhaven Country Club
As well as the private clubs reviewed above, you might also like to check out the following members-only clubs:
- Northwood Club
- Trinity Forest Golf Club
- Bent Tree Country Club
- Dallas Country Club
- Lakewood Country Club
- Royal Oaks
Work on your putting in your Dallas backyard…
Did you know that Dallas-Fort Worth area homeowners can now work on their short game conveniently and affordably from the comfort of their backyard?
Installing an artificial grass putting green and chipping area is a more viable option now than ever before due to advancements in synthetic putting green turf technology and more affordable prices on offer.
An artificial putting green looks immaculate all year round with next to no effort and can precisely mimic the roll of a golf ball on natural grass.
The cost of artificial grass putting greens, calculated over their long lives (12 -15 years), is considerably lower than real grass putting greens. The bulk of the costs are payable upfront but you’ll make savings every year after installation due to the ultra-low maintenance requirements. At DFW Turf Solutions, our team can look after everything from green design to installation. Discuss your backyard golfing ideas with a professional by calling us at 940.365.9165.
