The Lone Star State is known as the epicentre for some of the world’s best country music, delicious barbecue, and proud residents. However, Jack Nicklaus and other famous golf course architects have recognized its potential to be a hotspot for some of the world’s best golf too.
At All Square, we couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top ten courses in the land of the longhorn so you can see for yourself!
10. The Golf Club of Texas at Briggs Ranch
Not far from San Antonio, Briggs Ranch provides a truly memorable outing for members and guests alike.
After a multi-year drought forced them to shut down in 2013, work began to rebuild and redesign this course. These renovations included adding some length to the layout as well as several new tee boxes and the addition of Zoysia grass.
Reopened in 2015, Briggs Ranch is in better shape than ever and is frequently the topic of raving reviews from those who have had the chance to play here!
Par: 18 Length: 7,247 Architect: Lee Trevino Access: Visitors welcome
The Bobby Weed design at Spanish Oaksremains consistent with the natural terrain that can be found on this sprawling property.
To play well here you must account for the varying elevation changes into some of the greens and steer clear of the many ravines, creeks, and ponds across the course.
Access to a reclaimed water supply means the vegetation here will be green and lush on a year-round basis, even in the hot summer months!
Par: 71 Length: 6,930 Architect: Bobby Weed Access: Members and their guests
A single glance across the beautiful layout here exposes the eye to over 500 acres of natural landscape featuring greenery, streams, ponds, and even waterfalls.
Another Jack Nicklaus design, Cordillera Ranch opened in May of 2007 and has quickly risen to become one of the top courses in Texas with some of the most breathtaking holes in the entire state.
In fact, the scenic par 3 sixteenth has been ranked the most beautiful hole in Texas for 5 straight years due to its magical waterfall views from the tee box. Talk about having a reason to visit!
Par: 72 Length: 7,464 Architect: Jack Nicklaus Access: Members and their guests
7. The Club at Carlton Woods
Sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself to the finer things in life.
The Club at Carlton Woods features two spectacular golf courses set on a luxurious plot of land surrounded by mansions, lush greenery, and a massive 52,000-square-foot Italian-style clubhouse.
Here, you can choose between a Fazio or Nicklaus course, each bringing their own unique style of design that requires players to take a different approach when playing.
Hoping to fine-tune your swing before hitting the links?
This club also operates a state-of-the-art teaching facility that provides members with helpful video analysis and club fitting/repair services.
Nicklaus Course
Par: 72 Length: 7,402 Architect: Jack Nicklaus Access: Members and their guests
Fazio Course
Par: 72 Length: 7,358 Architect: Tom Fazio Access: Members and their guests
6. Preston Trail Golf Club
Preston Trail Golf Club has a vast network of rolling hills, creeks, and streams that intersect beautifully throughout the natural landscape of the area.
Byron Nelson and Ralph Plummer worked in tandem to create a layout that could provide a great experience for both professional golf and amateur play.
However, this course recently underwent extensive remodelling in 2008 when Tripp Davis and his team were hired to transplant approximately 150 trees and remove another 300 with the hopes of resorting it to the original design.
Par: 72 Length: 7,091 Architect: Ralph Plummer, Byron Nelson, Tripp Davis Access: Members and their guests
5. Brook Hollow Golf Club
Constructed on a plot of fertile farmland and later encapsulated by the expanding developments of the city of Dallas, Brook Hollow boasts a parkland layout that provides a much-needed escape from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city.
Draw? Fade? This track includes a number of fantastic par-threes that require players to shape the ball in both directions off the tee.
Par: 71 Length: 6,753 Architect: A. W. Tillinghast, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw Access: Members and their guests
4. Champions Golf Club
Yep, it’s safe to say Champions Golf Club has lived up to its impressive name. This course has been the venue for several high-profile events including the 1967 Ryder cup, five PGA Championships, and a US Open.
Have a bad round? That’s alright! This club features a 36-hole layout that includes two phenomenal courses – Jackrabbit and Cypress Creek – so you can reset your game and tee it up somewhere new the next day!
At a length of more than 7,300 yards, Cypress Creek is the longer and more difficult of the two and will play host to the 2020 US Women’s Open.
Par: 71 Length: 7,301 Architect: Ralph Plummer Access: Members and their guest
3. Colonial Country Club
With the impressive clubhouse supported by great pillars that stretch high into the air and the perfectly maintained sweeping front lawn, you’ll immediately notice the aura of splendid grandeur emanated by this exclusive course upon your arrival.
Frequently walked by the great Ben Hogan throughout the ’40s and ’50s, Colonial possesses some of the richest histories of any club in the world.
If you love the sport as much as we do (is that even possible?), your inner golf fan will be overwhelmed with excitement when you learn that several major championships have been hosted here, including the 1941 US Open that saw Craig Wood win by three strokes.
Par: 70 Length: 7,209 Architect: Perry Maxwell, Keith Foster, John Bredemus Access: Members and their guests
2. Dallas National Golf Club
Although located in close proximity to the city, Dallas National Golf Club provides a serene experience void of any roadways or residential developments.
Playing at a length of over 7,300 yards from the back tees, Tom Fazio made sure this course could provide a challenging test for even the best players.
However, our favourite feature of this course is that it’s playable for golfers of all skill levels. Just choose one of the 5 sets of tee boxes, pull out the driver, and let it rip!
Par: 72 Length: 7,372 Architect: Tom Fazio Access: Members and heir guests
1. Whispering Pines Golf Club
The gorgeous 450-acre property at Whispering Pines Golf course features a number of trickling streams and large ponds and is situated along the shore of Lake Livingston.
Designed in the late ’90s by Chet Williams, a member of the Jack Nicklaus design team, this course winds through a mix of hardwood and evergreen trees, natural dunes, and is home to a number of native wildlife species.
The diverse layout you’ll encounter here will have you thinking twice before every shot!
Par: 72 Length: 7,473 Architect: Chet Williams Access: Members and their guests
No Austin Country Club? Home of the Dell Matchplay and Harvey Pennick.
https://www.austincountryclub.com/