Texas has always had a special place in the world of golf. The state’s massive size, diverse terrain, and sunny climate create the perfect setting for every kind of player from complete beginners to PGA-level pros. Whether you’re learning to swing, trying to improve your handicap, or simply searching for the next course to challenge yourself, discovering the best golf courses in Texas is an adventure on its own.
I’ve spent years studying course design, following professional tournaments, and teaching newcomers how to appreciate both the technical and emotional sides of golf. So, instead of focusing on my personal playing experience, I’ll share what the experts, reviews, and research say along with insights to help you choose the right course for your goals.
The Spirit of Golf in Texas
Golf in Texas isn’t just about fairways and flags, it’s about feeling the land beneath your feet. From the rolling limestone hills of Austin to the pine forests of East Texas and the breezy coasts of Galveston, every region offers something different.
Here’s why Texas is one of the best places to play golf in the U.S.:
- Variety of landscapes: You can play through tree-lined fairways, desert-style layouts, or seaside links all within a few hours’ drive.
- Year-round golfing weather: Mild winters and long springs mean you can play nearly any month of the year.
- World-class course designers: Names like Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods have designed or inspired many top Texas courses.
- Rich golfing culture: With dozens of PGA professionals, tournaments, and college programs, Texas lives and breathes golf.
Whether you’re from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or beyond, you’ll find that the best golf courses in Texas aren’t just about challenge, they’re about atmosphere and experience.
What Makes a Golf Course “The Best”?
Before we get into the list, it’s helpful to understand what makes certain golf courses stand out.
When I analyzed the top Texas golf courses, I considered several factors that every golfer should know:
- Course Design & Layout: A great course tests skill while rewarding smart play. Well-designed courses challenge both high-handicap and professional golfers.
- Maintenance & Conditions: Fairways, greens, bunkers, and roughs must be well-kept to allow consistent play year-round.
- Scenery & Environment: Aesthetics matter. Courses that blend with their natural surroundings create an unforgettable experience.
- Accessibility: Is it public, resort-based, or private? Can casual golfers play it, or is it members-only?
- Facilities: A good driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, or caddie service adds immense value.
- Player Reviews: Real golfers’ experiences often reveal what rankings alone can’t.
If you’re looking to visit or play one of the best golf courses in Texas, you’ll notice that each course checks these boxes in its own unique way.
The Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Texas (2025 Edition)
1. Whispering Pines Golf Club – Trinity, TX
Type: Private
Designer: Chet Williams
Green Fee: Members and guests only
Widely regarded as the number-one course in the state, Whispering Pines is a masterpiece tucked away in the East Texas pines. Its layout blends challenge with natural tranquility rolling fairways, crystal-clear lakes, and immaculate greens.
The course is known for its precision-demanding holes and stunning closing stretch along Caney Creek. It’s not easy to access (members only), but its reputation as one of the best golf courses in Texas is undisputed.
It’s peaceful, pure, and feels like golf the way it was meant to be strategic, scenic, and satisfying. I am sure you will love to play here.
2. Dallas National Golf Club – Dallas, TX
Type: Private
Designer: Tom Fazio
Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, this course has one of the most dramatic terrains in North Texas. Tom Fazio’s design uses the natural rolling landscape perfectly, creating holes that flow naturally through hills and ravines.
The course is private and exclusive, but golfers who’ve played it say it’s among the most technically rewarding layouts in America.
Dallas National is the perfect balance of difficulty, design, and visual beauty. It’s the course many pros love to visit quietly when they’re in town.
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3. TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) – San Antonio, TX
Type: Public / Resort
Designer: Greg Norman & Sergio García
Host of the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open, TPC San Antonio is one of the best-known public-access courses in the state. The Oaks Course is long, demanding, and incredibly fun for those who enjoy watching or playing tour-level setups.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a beginner or intermediate golfer, try booking a weekday tee time when the course is less crowded. You’ll enjoy world-class conditions without the rush.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Texas:
You get a professional-level experience with fair access, plus resort comfort if you stay onsite.
4. Omni Barton Creek Resort (Fazio Canyons) – Austin, TX
Type: Resort
Designer: Tom Fazio
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Barton Creek features several courses, but the Fazio Canyons stands out. The natural limestone cliffs, elevation changes, and panoramic views make this an unforgettable destination for both serious players and vacationers.
Wide fairways and multiple tee boxes make it enjoyable for beginners, yet the strategic bunkering keeps experts engaged. If you’re learning golf, this course helps you practice shot control while soaking in scenic beauty.
5. Bluejack National – Montgomery, TX
Type: Private / Residential
Designer: Tiger Woods Design
Bluejack National is famous for being Tiger Woods’ first U.S. course design. It’s player-friendly and fun, emphasizing smooth play rather than punishing hazards. Golfers love its walkable design and fast greens.
This course reflects Tiger’s philosophy “reward creativity, not just distance.” It’s one of the most visually relaxing and enjoyable courses in Texas.
6. Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth, TX
Type: Private
Designer: Perry Maxwell
Colonial is golf history. It’s hosted PGA events since 1946 and remains one of the few courses that can challenge pros and thrill spectators alike. Known for its narrow fairways and classic layout, it offers pure, old-school golf.
Walking Colonial (even if just on a tour or event) teaches you about golf tradition and architecture more than any textbook could.
7. The Rawls Course – Lubbock, TX
Type: Public
Designer: Tom Doak
A gem among university courses, The Rawls Course is open to the public and offers top-level design at a reasonable price. Built for Texas Tech University, it’s designed to mimic the plains and wind of West Texas.
It’s affordable, well-maintained, and welcoming. The fairways are forgiving, but the greens require focus, making it a great learning environment.
8. Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club – Frankston, TX
Type: Public
Designer: Jay Morrish & Tom Weiskopf
One of Texas’ most loved public golf destinations, Pine Dunes is known for its natural beauty and smooth layout. The pine forest surroundings make you feel miles away from city noise.
Why it’s among the best golf courses in Texas:
It’s affordable, accessible, and consistently ranked among America’s best public courses. A must-visit for those wanting an authentic Texas golf escape.
9. Escondido Golf & Lake Club – Horseshoe Bay, TX
Type: Private
Designer: Tom Fazio
A luxury private club built on the shores of Lake LBJ, Escondido combines elegance with challenge. The greens are pristine, and the setting feels like a retreat more than a course.
It is best for golfers who enjoy a peaceful, upscale experience paired with professional-level design.
10. The Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course) – Humble, TX
Type: Public / Semi-Private
Designer: Rees Jones & David Toms
Another course with PGA Tour pedigree, this one hosted the Houston Open for several years. It’s designed to test every part of your game, distance, accuracy, and patience.
The fairways are generous, but the approach shots are tricky. It’s a fair test for all skill levels and one of the top public courses near a major city.
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Tips for Planning Your Texas Golf Trip
If you’re planning to play some of the best golf courses in Texas, here are practical tips that help you get the most:
- Best time to go: Spring (March–May) and fall (September-November) are ideal. Summer can be extremely hot in many regions. Winter is milder but watch out for occasional weather issues (frost, storms).
- Book early: Especially at popular resort courses or private clubs that allow public access. Tee times at top courses fill quickly.
- Budget smart: Green fees vary widely. Private courses are expensive. Public/resort ones are more affordable, but fees might still be high during peak times. Also factor lodging, cart fees, meals.
- Choose your type of course: If you are a beginner, look for courses with forgiving fairways, generous roughs, less tricky green complexes. If you are more advanced, choose courses that test you: fast greens, bunkers, water or elevation changes.
- Gear accordingly: Heat, sun, occasional wind. Texas courses often demand good shot variety: long drives, short game precision, maybe even creativity in dealing with wind or water.
- Transportation and access: If travelling across regions, plan for drives. Some of the best courses are remote or part of resorts where staying “on site” saves travel.
How the Best Golf Courses in Texas Are Rated
To understand why people call these courses “the best,” it helps to know how course rating and ranking work:
- Panels & experts: Publications like Dallas Morning News, Golf Digest, Golfweek use panelists golf architects, pros, superintendents, skilled amateurs to rate based on design, condition, challenge, enjoyment.
- Public vs private: Public access matters. Some courses are private, so they may top rankings but are not available to everyone. Public courses that make the top lists tend to be very well kept.
- Recent renovations: Many courses improve their standing after updates to greens, bunkers, tee positions, drainage, etc. Keeping up maintenance and modernization helps a lot.
- Player feedback: Online reviews, local player loyalty, how enjoyable a round feels (speed of play, staff, scenery).
Personal Recommendation
After doing my research, here are my recommendations based on what type of golfer you are. These are courses I’d suggest you try first among the best golf courses in Texas.
- If you are a beginner: Start with Omni Barton Creek Resort’s Fazio Canyons course. Beautiful scenery, resort amenities, and a less intimidating layout. Also consider The Wilderness Golf Club for value and comfort.
- If you are an intermediate: TPC San Antonio: Oaks is a perfect step up—challenging features but fair. Also Ram Rock at Horseshoe Bay if you want something scenic.
- If you’re advanced or want a serious test: Whispering Pines or Dallas National are excellent; Colonial Country Club for history. If you can get access, these courses will test your shot-making ability.
My personal favorite among the best golf courses in Texas is Whispering Pines Golf Club. It combines great strategy, beautiful natural surroundings, and top-tier conditioning. For someone who enjoys classic design and wants to feel both challenged and rewarded, it’s tough to beat.
FAQs
According to recent rankings (e.g. Dallas Morning News), Whispering Pines Golf Club often holds the top spot among all Texas courses.
Some of the best public or resort-accessible courses include TPC San Antonio: Oaks, Omni Barton Creek (Fazio Canyons), Ram Rock at Horseshoe Bay, Wilderness Golf Club, Tempest Golf Club. These balance excellent design, good condition, and visitor access.
If you value top conditioning, prestige, and design, yes—but at a higher cost and with limited access. For many golfers, public or resort courses offer excellent value and great experience without the exclusivity barrier.
It depends heavily. Private courses can be very expensive or require membership. Public and resort courses often have green fees that vary by day, time, and season. Expect to pay more in peak times. Research in advance for green fees, cart fees, and lodging.
Conclusion
Texas has a rich array of golf courses. Whether you want sweeping vistas, classic architecture, challenging holes, or friendly public layouts, you’ll find many of the best golf courses in Texas meet those needs.
If you’re just getting started, begin with resort or public-access courses that offer great condition and solid design. As you develop your skills, make plans to test yourself at the more demanding courses.
I hope this guide helps you find your next favorite course in Texas.
