Texas does golf big, just like everything else. The Lone Star State offers an impressive range of courses, from the rolling Hill Country terrain around Austin and San Antonio to the windswept links-style layouts of the Gulf Coast and the championship courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With more than 800 courses statewide and a climate that allows year-round play in most regions, Texas is one of America’s most underrated golf destinations.
This guide highlights the courses that represent the best of Texas golf — the ones worth building a trip around, whether you are visiting for business, a buddies’ weekend, or a full-on golf vacation.
Colonial Country Club — Fort Worth
Colonial is steeped in history. Ben Hogan’s home course has hosted the Charles Schwab Challenge (formerly the Colonial Invitational) since 1946, making it one of the longest-running events on the PGA Tour. The tight, tree-lined layout along the Trinity River demands accuracy off the tee and precise iron play into small, well-guarded greens. The famous “Horrible Horseshoe” — holes 3, 4, and 5 — is one of the toughest three-hole stretches in professional golf. While private, Colonial’s legacy and influence on Texas golf culture cannot be overstated.
Barton Creek Fazio Foothills Course — Austin
Tom Fazio carved this course through the limestone canyons and live oak forests of the Texas Hill Country, creating one of the most visually dramatic golf experiences in the state. Elevation changes of over 150 feet, natural creek beds, and panoramic views of the Hill Country make every hole memorable. The Foothills course is part of the Omni Barton Creek Resort, which also offers three additional courses. For a pure golf resort experience in Texas, Barton Creek is hard to beat.
TPC Craig Ranch — McKinney
TPC Craig Ranch hosts the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and has quickly established itself as one of the best public-access courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Tom Weiskopf design features wide fairways, bold bunkering, and several holes that play along or over Rowlett Creek. It is a course that rewards aggressive play but offers generous bailout areas for higher handicappers. The Tour-quality conditioning and the chance to play the same layout the pros face make it a must-play for visitors to North Texas.
Whispering Pines Golf Club — Trinity
Tucked away in the piney woods of East Texas, Whispering Pines is regularly ranked among the top 100 courses in America despite being relatively unknown outside the state. The Chet Williams design plays through towering pines around Lake Livingston, with pristine conditioning and a sense of seclusion that makes every round feel special. It is a private club, but its quality places it alongside the best courses in the South and makes it worth knowing about for any serious Texas golfer.
Wolfdancer Golf Club — Lost Pines
Located at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort outside Austin, Wolfdancer plays through three distinct Texas landscapes: rolling farmland, dense forest, and a bluff overlooking the Colorado River. The Arthur Hills design is both scenic and strategic, with several risk-reward holes that keep the round interesting for all skill levels. It is one of the best resort courses in central Texas and pairs well with the resort’s extensive outdoor recreation options.
The Golf Club of Houston — Humble
Formerly the host of the Houston Open, the Golf Club of Houston is a Rees Jones design that offers a strong championship test in the Houston area. The course features wide fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and large, undulating greens that demand a complete short game. It is one of the most accessible championship-caliber courses in the Houston market and offers good value relative to the quality of the experience.
Boot Ranch — Fredericksburg
Hal Sutton designed Boot Ranch through the scenic Hill Country landscape near Fredericksburg, one of Texas’s most charming small towns. The course takes full advantage of the region’s natural beauty, with holes playing across ridges, through valleys, and along seasonal creeks lined with native wildflowers. While it is a private community course, Boot Ranch represents the best of Hill Country golf design and has earned a devoted following among Texas golfers.
Planning Your Texas Golf Trip
The best time for golf in Texas depends on the region. The Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio is ideal from October through May, when temperatures are moderate and wildflowers blanket the landscape in spring. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is best in spring and fall, avoiding the intense summer heat. The Gulf Coast around Houston can be played year-round but is most comfortable from November through April. For a complete Texas golf experience, a trip combining Hill Country resort courses with a day in the DFW area covers the state’s best offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in Texas?
TPC Craig Ranch near Dallas and Barton Creek’s Fazio Foothills course in Austin are consistently rated among the best public-access courses in the state. For pure value, The Golf Club of Houston and several courses in the San Antonio area offer championship-quality golf at reasonable green fees.
Is Texas Hill Country worth visiting for golf?
Absolutely. The Hill Country offers some of the most scenic golf in the state, with dramatic elevation changes, natural limestone features, and beautiful live oak forests. Barton Creek, Wolfdancer, and Boot Ranch are all located in this region, and the charming towns of Fredericksburg and Dripping Springs add excellent dining and wine tasting to the trip.
When is it too hot to play golf in Texas?
July and August see temperatures above 100 degrees across much of the state, making afternoon rounds uncomfortable for most players. If you do play during summer, book early morning tee times and stay well hydrated. Many Texas courses offer significantly reduced rates during the summer months.
More Golf Course Guides From Golf Guidebook
Exploring courses across the country? Browse our other regional golf guides:
