Texas has always been a land of grand landscapes and bigger-than-life experiences, and its golf courses are no exception. From classic layouts that have hosted the game’s greatest players to modern masterpieces blending seamlessly with the state’s rugged beauty, Texas offers golfers an extraordinary variety of challenges. Whether you’re chasing PGA Tour history, looking for panoramic Hill Country views, or seeking a quiet round in pine-scented air, the Lone Star State delivers.
Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth’s Timeless Stage
No discussion about Texas golf can begin without mentioning Colonial Country Club. Founded in 1936, it has hosted the PGA Tour’s Colonial National Invitation since 1946 — making it the longest-running non-major tournament at the same venue. Designed by John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell, the course’s bentgrass greens and tight, tree-lined fairways require precision and patience. Colonial isn’t just a test of skill — it’s a walk through golf history.
Austin Country Club – The Hill Country’s Crown Jewel
Perched above Lake Austin, Austin Country Club is a Pete Dye design renowned for its narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and deep pot bunkers. It has been home to legendary golf teacher Harvey Penick, who coached icons such as Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite. The back nine is particularly memorable, offering postcard-worthy views of the Hill Country while demanding strategic shot-making at every turn.
Whispering Pines – Serenity by Lake Livingston
A secluded escape north of Houston, Whispering Pines Golf Club is often ranked as the best course in Texas. Designed by Chet Williams, its rolling terrain, pine forests, and glistening water hazards create an atmosphere that’s both tranquil and testing. The course’s undulating greens and tight fairways ensure that beauty here comes with a challenge.
Omni Barton Creek – Fazio Canyons
Just 25 minutes from downtown Austin, Fazio Canyons at Omni Barton Creek Resort offers a signature Tom Fazio blend of playability and beauty. Carved into the Hill Country, it features rocky outcrops, serene streams, and broad fairways framed by native vegetation. Renovations in recent years have elevated both its playability and aesthetics, making it a must-play for visitors to the area.
Ram Rock – The “Challenger” of Horseshoe Bay
Robert Trent Jones Sr. didn’t hold back when designing Ram Rock at Horseshoe Bay Resort. Known as the “Challenger,” this course features rugged elevation shifts, imposing bunkers, and even an unforgettable island green on the fourth hole. It’s a visual feast for the eyes, but also a stern test that rewards precision over power.
TPC San Antonio – The Oaks Course
Home to the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open, the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio bears the imprint of Greg Norman, with input from Sergio García. Its strategic bunkering, demanding par-4s, and risk-reward par-5s create a professional-level challenge. The finishing hole, with its guarded green and deceptive angles, can make or break a round.
Trinity Forest – Links Golf, Texas Style
In the heart of Dallas lies a course unlike any other in the state — Trinity Forest Golf Club. Built atop a reclaimed landfill by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it channels the spirit of classic Scottish links with wide-open fairways, rumpled terrain, and massive greens — one of which stretches a staggering 110 yards from end to end. It’s a course designed for creativity and imagination.
Champions Golf Club – Houston’s Legendary Playground
Founded in 1957 by Masters champions Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret, Champions Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses — Cypress Creek and Jackrabbit — that have hosted everything from the Ryder Cup to the U.S. Open. The club’s championship pedigree is unmatched in Texas, and walking its fairways feels like stepping into golf’s inner circle.
Brackenridge Park – The Birthplace of Texas Golf History
Located in San Antonio, Brackenridge Park Golf Course holds a special place in golf lore. It has witnessed some of the earliest PGA Tour scoring records, including Harold “Jug” McSpaden’s remarkable 59 in 1939. The historic Borglum Studio, once home to the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, overlooks the 17th hole, blending art and sport in a way few courses can match.
Lions Municipal – The People’s Course of Austin
Known affectionately as “Muny,” Lions Municipal Golf Course is where champions like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite first honed their craft. It has been a community favourite since 1934 and was one of the first integrated courses in the South. Its charm lies in its accessibility and its role as a living, breathing part of Austin’s culture.
A Statewide Fairway Adventure
From the lush pines of East Texas to the rolling limestone hills of the west, Texas’s golf courses tell a story of heritage, innovation, and unyielding character. Colonial and Brackenridge connect players to the game’s roots, while Trinity Forest and Fazio Canyons showcase modern design ingenuity. In between lie courses that challenge, inspire, and delight — each one offering a different perspective on the Texas golfing experience.
For those who love the game, Texas is more than a destination — it’s a journey through landscapes, traditions, and a passion for golf as big as the state itself.
