Whispering Pines Golf Club – (Trinity County, Texas)
Located in Trinity, Texas, Whispering Pines is a challenging course in East Texas’ tall pines. It consists of large, intricately designed bunkers and the lasts six holes along a creek filled with gators. Since it was designed by Corby Robertson and Chet Williams in the 1990s and opened in 2013, it has only risen in the American course rankings.
Bluejack National – (Montgomery County, Texas)
Inspired by Augusta National in Georgia, Tiger Woods opened Bluejack National in 2015 to the public. Woods hid bunkers and hazards behind easy-looking shots to punish even the slightest miscalculations. After playing for the first time Woods said, “I was blown away. The terrain features a number of elevation changes and lots of tall, mature trees, more like something you would find in Georgia, not really in Texas.” (Source for quote)
Painted Dunes – (El Paso, Texas)
Architects Ken Dye and Jeffrey Brauer designed Painted Dunes in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas. The course stands out from its dull surroundings, with vibrant green grass and some water hazards. Although dull and brown, the foothills of the mountain range north of the course frame beautiful tee shots and make great pictures.
The Rawls Course – (Lubbock, Texas)
A challenging course and the home of the Red Raiders Golf Team in Lubbock, Texas, the Rawls Course is considered the most Texan course ever built. Designed to weaponize the plague that all Texas courses face, the howling wind over the flatlands. The few pines, excess bunkers, high winds and rare length create one of the most challenging courses in the state.
Dallas National Golf Club – (Dallas, Texas)
Dallas National Golf Club in East Dallas, uses its elevation changes to its advantage to create an appealing layout for players. Tom Fazio, head designer, built the course with few houses in sight creating a beautiful scenery, making it feel like an escape while still having the view of the Dallas skyline.
Colonial Country Club – (Fort Worth, Texas)
Possibly the most well known golf course in Texas, the Colonial Country Club has a long history with the PGA Tour. Hosting professional tournaments since 1946, the course and clubhouse are recognized for fame and beauty. The 7,200 yard 70-par course is housed close in Fort Worth.
Texas Rangers Golf Course – (Arlington, Texas)
With the addition of the Texas Rangers Golf Course, DFW became the only area to have a NFL and MLB team-affiliated golf course. The North Arlington course, although a municipal location, is so challenging that it hosts KornFerry Tournaments in the summer.
Texarkana Country Club – (Texarkana, Texas)
Although on the border of Texas and Arkansas, the beautiful Texarkana Country Club makes it onto the list. Beginning in 1914 as just nine holes it grew into a large, difficult 18-hole course with tall pines, a massive lake, and multiple creeks winding through the course. Famous for its scenery and the 18th hole, making an appearance in America’s Top 100 Holes, the rounds at this course are highly valued.
