The Inside Swing

Best Golf Courses in Dallas, Texas

Dallas–Fort Worth is home to one of the deepest collections of elite golf courses in the American South. The Metroplex's rolling blackland prairie and post-oak terrain provide a canvas for some of the nation's most celebrated architects, and the region's thriving economy supports a private club scene that rivals any in the country.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.
1

Dallas, Texas · Tom Fazio (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,335 yards

Widely regarded as the finest golf course in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Dallas National is a Tom Fazio design that sprawls across rolling terrain south of the city. The course features immaculate conditioning, bold shaping, and a series of dramatic par-3s.

#1 ranked course in DFWTom Fazio masterpieceExceptional conditioning year-round
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.9/5
2

Dallas, Texas · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2016) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,432 yards

Built on a former landfill, Trinity Forest is a bold Coore & Crenshaw design that brought links-style golf to North Texas. The treeless, windswept layout rewards creativity and shotmaking, and previously hosted the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Former AT&T Byron Nelson hostLinks-style design unique to TexasCoore & Crenshaw craftsmanship
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.7/5
3
TPC Craig Ranch semi-private

Dallas, Texas · Tom Weiskopf (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,438 yards

Current home of the CJ Cup on the PGA Tour, TPC Craig Ranch offers tour-caliber golf accessible to the public. Tom Weiskopf's design balances playability with championship challenge across rolling North Texas terrain.

Current CJ Cup PGA Tour hostTour-quality conditioningPublic access to championship golf
Green Fee: $130–$200 Rating: 4.5/5
4

Dallas, Texas · Steve Smyers (2019) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,569 yards

One of the most talked-about new courses in America, Maridoe is a brutally challenging Steve Smyers design built for serious golfers. The course features vast bunker complexes, bold green contours, and a no-tee-time walk-only philosophy.

Walking-only philosophyOne of America's toughest coursesInstant Top 100 ranking
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.8/5
5

Dallas, Texas · A.W. Tillinghast (restored) (1922) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,545 yards

A beautifully restored 1920s A.W. Tillinghast design in the heart of Oak Cliff, Stevens Park is a civic treasure and arguably the best municipal golf experience in Texas. The hilly layout offers charming character and downtown skyline views.

Historic Tillinghast designBest municipal course in TexasDallas skyline views
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.3/5
6

Dallas, Texas · Ralph Plummer & Byron Nelson (1962) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,091 yards

Founded in 1962 and designed by Ralph Plummer with Byron Nelson, Preston Trail Golf Club is one of the most storied and exclusive private clubs in the Southwest. The course served as home of the Byron Nelson Golf Classic from 1968 to 1982. Tripp Davis completed a celebrated renovation in 2018.

Home of the Byron Nelson Golf Classic 1968–1982Tripp Davis renovation completed in 2018Adults-only private club with no-tee-time tradition
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.6/5
7

Dallas, Texas · A.W. Tillinghast (1920) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,011 yards

One of the crown jewels of Golden Age American golf architecture, Brook Hollow was designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1920. Bold flashed bunkers, undulating greens, and natural terrain movement create thrilling risk-reward decisions on every hole. A Coore & Crenshaw renovation restored the course's classic character.

A.W. Tillinghast Golden Age masterwork from 1920Coore & Crenshaw renovation honoring original designConsistently ranked among the top 5 courses in Texas
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.5/5
8

The Colony, Texas · Tripp Davis & Justin Leonard (2010) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,084 yards

Designed by Tripp Davis and PGA Tour champion Justin Leonard along the shores of Lake Lewisville, Old American evokes 1910s–1930s American golf architecture with a thoroughly modern playing experience. A slope of 145 from the tips makes it one of DFW's most demanding semi-private tracks.

Co-designed by PGA Tour champion Justin LeonardSlope of 145 — among DFW's most demanding testsEvokes Golden Age aesthetics along Lake Lewisville
Green Fee: $150–$200 Rating: 4.3/5
9

Fort Worth, Texas · Steve Plummer (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,304 yards

Consistently rated the top public golf course in Fort Worth, Waterchase stretches to 7,304 yards — one of the longest public tracks in the DFW metroplex. Six tee sets make the course playable for all abilities, while the championship configuration provides a genuine test for scratch players.

7,304 yards — among DFW's longest public coursesSix tee options accommodate all skill levelsTop-rated public course in Fort Worth
Green Fee: $65–$110 Rating: 4.2/5

Public Courses in Dallas

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Dallas .

Overview

The DFW metroplex is a golf powerhouse. With multiple PGA Tour venues, a robust private club circuit, and improving public options, the region offers golf for every budget and skill level. Recent additions like Trinity Forest and Maridoe have elevated Dallas's national golf profile, while historic gems like Stevens Park and Colonial provide connections to the game's rich Texas heritage.

Best Time to Play

March through May and September through November offer ideal conditions. Dallas summers are hot but less oppressive than Houston, while winters are mild enough for year-round play with occasional cold fronts.

Travel Tips & Getting There

DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field both provide excellent access. The golf corridor stretches from Fort Worth (Colonial) through central Dallas (Stevens Park, Trinity Forest) north to Frisco (TPC Craig Ranch) and beyond. Plan for significant drive times between courses.

Nearest Airport: DFW International Airport (DFW) / Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course in Dallas?
Dallas National Golf Club, a Tom Fazio design, is widely considered the finest course in the DFW metroplex. Among public/semi-private options, TPC Craig Ranch (host of the CJ Cup) is the premier choice.
Can you play TPC Craig Ranch as a public golfer?
Yes, TPC Craig Ranch is a semi-private facility that offers public tee times. It's the home of the CJ Cup on the PGA Tour and provides an exceptional championship golf experience.
What is Stevens Park Golf Course?
Stevens Park is a beautifully restored 1920s A.W. Tillinghast design in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. It's arguably the best municipal golf course in Texas and offers incredible value with downtown skyline views.

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