Five Must Play Golf Courses in Dallas-Fort Worth, presented by The Texas Hackers Club
Hello everybody. My name is Garrett, I’m one of the founders of @texashackersclub. When Leftee Golf asked me to do this I was instantly on board. DFW has one of the best golf scenes in the country, with a wide variety of top-notch golf courses.
I don’t even begin to know exactly how many golf courses are in DFW, but it’s A LOT. Besides the struggle of getting a tee time (#growthegame), it can be overwhelming deciding where to play. I’ve been at this long enough to know that these “best of” lists are challenging. It’s tough to distinguish what ranking scale is used and the reality of it is that everybody’s experiences differ.
Taking into account course layout, price, and overall conditions, the courses below are ones that I’ve always enjoyed and have earned a permanent spot in my roster.
With that being said, here are my five “must play” courses in the DFW metroplex, in no particular order.
This was a really difficult list to make; with so much good golf around here, it’s tough to choose just five.
(If you disagree with my picks, I don’t really care)
Enjoy!
1. Old American/Tribute | The Colony, Texas
Our first pick is a two-fer. This 36-hole property features two courses; one of which is a “tribute” to famous Scottish holes and the other is a championship golf course that hosts the Ascendent LPGA tournament. Both are always in excellent shape. Old American is challenging while the Tribute offers a more relaxed, history-ladened experience. Make sure to grab a burger and a beer in Tom Morris’ pub after your round.
2. Waterchase Golf Club | Fort Worth, Texas
Coming in at number two is Waterchase Golf Club in Fort Worth. Waterchase is right next door to the Texas Golf Center, one of the better grass ranges in DFW. Don’t let the trailer clubhouse fool you, Waterchase is a superb golf course. The layout is challenging and conditions are always excellent. Plus, #10 is one of the hardest par 5’s, if not the hardest par-5, in DFW.
3. Tierra Verde Golf Course | Arlington, Texas
In our third spot is Tierra Verde Golf Course in Arlington. They underwent a number of renovations in 2022, including restoring their greens to the original sizes and new sand in their bunkers. Conditions have always been great and the layout is equally fun as it is challenging. It’s worth mentioning that the food in the clubhouse is top notch. One of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had.
4. Cedar Crest Golf Course | Dallas, Texas
One of five Dallas municipal golf courses, Cedar Crest is one of my favorite public courses I’ve ever played. The original designer was A.W. Tillinghast, best known for his work at legendary courses like Baltusrol, Winged Foot, Bethpage Black, and many, many more. When you step onto the grounds at Cedar Crest it feels like you've been transported to another region altogether. The slopes and rolling hills make it a unique course in a world of otherwise flat courses in North Texas. Cedar Crest is also home to the I Am A Golfer foundation. IAMGF is an organization that provides affordable golf instruction, paid internships, and scholarship opportunities to the youth in South Dallas. It’s an incredible organization led by Ira Molayo, who also happens to be the head pro out there.
Fun fact: Cedar Crest hosted the PGA Championship in 1927.
5. Rockwood Golf Course | Fort Worth, Texas
I had to show some love to my Fort Worth homies by highlighting another municipal gem in DFW. Rockwood is on a whole other level. They have HUGE greens that usually run fast and firm. The course is very scoreable but it’s also easy to put up some big numbers if you get sloppy. They opened up their brand new clubhouse last year. Even though it looks a bit like a food court in a mall, it’s certainly a step up from their previous clubhouse.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Keeton Park Golf Course - Dallas, Texas. We love KP. The range, the short game practice area, the vibe, the shoe selection, Ty & Tony Martinez, we could go on for hours. During the season they have a 4-man 9 hole scramble on Tuesday nights that are a blast.
Buffalo Creek Golf Club - Rockwall, Texas. Buffalo Creek is a bit of a hidden gem. In the past few years the original owners have taken the course back and made significant improvements including brand new white sand in all of their bunkers. Hole #16 is stupid in my humble opinion, a 4-shot par-5…. But other than that, it’s totally worth checking out.
Texas Star Golf Course - Euless, Texas. Texas Star is a high caliber course. The conditions are always great. Make sure you bring extra golf balls because the place is TOUGH.
Oeste Ranch Golf Course - Weatherford, Texas. Oeste Ranch is a gem. While the layout could be considered boring, it's affordable, the greens are always in great shape, and the people out there are dope. They are currently in the process of building out a new restaurant next door to the clubhouse. Can’t wait to check that out.
Texas Rangers Golf Club - Arlington, Texas. Texas Rangers is an excellent option in the Arlington area. While it is a bit pricey, you definitely get what you pay for. I love Texas Rangers because I hit my driver EVERYWHERE but the fairway is fairly open and forgiving.
Pecan Hollow Golf Course - Plano, Texas. Pecan Hollow is a great course located in Plano. The course itself is challenging and typically in good shape. The proshop certainly leaves a lot to be desired but they make up for it with their lighted par-3 course that has five holes (all under 100 yards) to dial in those wedges.
Grapevine Golf Course - Grapevine, Texas. Grapevine Golf Course is located right next door to Cowboys Golf Club and features 27 holes and an excellent range. The food is bomb, too.
Cowboys Golf Club - Grapevine, Texas. I felt like I had to do this.... If you’re a Cowboys fan you’ll love it, if not you’ll probably feel like you wasted $200.
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