Teeing Off In Texas: A Journey Through the Lone Star State’s Most Iconic Golf Courses

Texas, the land of cowboys, barbecue, and, of course, golf. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and a climate that allows for year-round play, the Lone Star State boasts some of the most unique and storied golf courses in the country. From the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country to the flat, windswept plains of the Panhandle, there’s a course for every golfer’s preference.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, golfing in Texas is an experience you’d be crazy to miss. The state’s golf courses are not just places to play—they’re destinations. They offer a chance to step back in time, to challenge yourself, to experience the beauty of nature, and to create lasting memories.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on an adventure through the oldest, most famous, most expensive, and most historical golf courses in Texas. So, grab your clubs and let’s hit the fairways!

Oldest Public Golf Courses in Texas

1. Lions Municipal Golf Course – 2901 Enfield Rd, Austin, TX 78703 Established in 1924, Lions Municipal is a testament to the enduring love of golf in Texas. Known for its challenging layout and the famous “Hogan’s Hole,” the 16th, where Ben Hogan himself used to practice. The best time to play is in the spring when the weather is mild and the course is in full bloom.
2. Brackenridge Park Golf Course – 2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215 Opened in 1916, Brackenridge Park is the oldest public golf course in Texas. It’s best known for hosting the Texas Open in the PGA’s early years. The course is best played in the fall when the temperatures are cooler and the trees lining the fairways are ablaze with color.
3. Hancock Golf Course – 811 E 41st St, Austin, TX 78751 Founded in 1899, Hancock is one of the oldest golf courses in the South. It’s a 9-hole course that offers a quick yet satisfying round. The course is best played in the winter when the Texas heat is at bay.

Oldest Private Golf Courses in Texas

1. Dallas Country Club – 4155 Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75205 Established in 1896, Dallas Country Club is the oldest private golf course in Texas. Known for its immaculate greens and exclusive membership, it’s a course that demands precision and strategy. The best time to play is in the spring when the course is in pristine condition.
2. River Crest Country Club – 1501 Western Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107 Founded in 1911, River Crest offers a rich history and a challenging course. It’s best known for hosting the first-ever Charity Golf Tournament in 1916. The best time to play is in the fall when the leaves are changing.
3. Houston Country Club – 1 Potomac Dr, Houston, TX 77057 Opened in 1908, Houston Country Club is one of the oldest private clubs in Texas. The course is known for its tight fairways and small greens, offering a real test of golfing skills. The course is best played in the winter to avoid the summer heat.

Most Famous Golf Courses in Texas

1. TPC San Antonio – 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261 Known for hosting the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open, TPC San Antonio is a must-play. The course is famous for its par-4 17th hole, a challenging dogleg right that has decided many tournaments. The best time to play is in April, right after the tournament.
2. Colonial Country Club – 3735 Country Club Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76109 Home to the annual Charles Schwab Challenge, Colonial is steeped in PGA Tour history. The course is best known for its “Horrible Horseshoe,” a three-hole stretch that is considered one of the toughest in golf. The best time to play is in May, following the tournament.
3. Austin Country Club – 4408 Long Champ Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Famous for hosting the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Austin Country Club is a golfer’s paradise. The course is known for its dramatic back nine that runs along Lake Austin. The best time to play is in March, after the tournament.

Most Expensive Golf Courses in Texas

1. Vaquero Club – 2300 Vaquero Club Dr, Westlake, TX 76262 With its luxurious amenities and immaculate course, Vaquero Club is Texas’ most expensive golf course. The course is known for its challenging par-3s, particularly the 8th hole, which features a daunting island green. The best time to play is in the spring when the course is in peak condition.
2. Dallas National Golf Club – 1515 Knoxville St, Dallas, TX 75211 Known for its challenging layout and exclusive membership, Dallas National is a premium golfing experience. The course is best known for its dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. The best time to play is in the fall when the weather is mild.
3. The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch – 808 TX-46, Boerne, TX 78006 Offering breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country, Cordillera Ranch is a high-end golf destination. The course is known for its signature par-3 16th hole, which features a waterfall cascading down a limestone rock outcropping. The best time to play is in the winter to avoid the summer heat.

Most Historical Golf Courses in Texas

1. Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club – 159 Private Road 7019, Frankston, TX 75763 Known for its traditional design, Pine Dunes is a nod to the golden age of golf architecture. The course is best known for its par-5 18th hole, a dramatic finishing hole that offers a risk-reward challenge. The best time to play is in the spring when the course is in full bloom.
2. Glen Garden Golf & Country Club – 2916 Glen Garden Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76119 Famous as the childhood playing ground of legends Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, Glen Garden is a piece of golf history. The course is best known for its par-3 2nd hole, where Hogan and Nelson used to hone their short game skills. The best time to play is in the fall when the temperatures are cooler.Glen Garden Golf & Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, was purchased by Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. in 2014. The distillery transformed the historic golf course into a whiskey distillery, known as Whiskey Ranch. The distillery sits on the 112-acre property and is home to TX Whiskey and TX Bourbon. The distillery has preserved the history of the site, including the clubhouse, which has been converted into a bar and event space.
3. Locke Hill School – 5050 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 While not a golf course, Locke Hill School is where the first recorded game of golf was played in Texas in 1884. Visit in the winter for a historical tour.

Golf is more than just a game; it’s an adventure that takes you outdoors, allows you to bond with family and friends, or even make new ones. Each swing, each hole, each course tells a story, and in Texas, those stories are as rich and varied as the landscape itself. And at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a Texas native beer, wine, or spirit, paired with some mouthwatering BBQ. So, get out there and explore the rich golfing heritage of the Lone Star State!

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