Texas is home to a wealth of natural beauty, from its vast plains to its scenic hill country. The Lone Star State also boasts a rich golfing culture, offering some of the best public golf courses in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to test your skills or a beginner wanting to enjoy a leisurely round, Texas offers a wide array of public courses that provide beautiful landscapes, challenging holes, and top-tier facilities—all without requiring a private membership.
In this article, we’ll explore some of Texas’s best public golf courses. Each offers unique features, scenic views, and opportunities for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game.
1. Barton Creek Resort & Spa – Austin
Barton Creek Resort & Spa is one of the premier golf destinations in Texas. While the entire resort is private, its courses are open to the public. The resort offers a variety of courses, each with its own personality and challenges. The most famous is the Crenshaw Cliffside Course, designed by Ben Crenshaw. Set amidst the scenic Texas Hill Country, this par-71 layout features dramatic elevation changes, tight fairways, and well-placed water hazards that challenge golfers at every level.
In addition to the Crenshaw Course, Barton Creek offers the highly rated Fazio Foothills Course and Fazio Canyons Course, which allow golfers to enjoy the area’s diverse topography. The combination of world-class design and natural beauty makes Barton Creek a must-play destination for any golfer visiting Austin.
Highlights:
Three challenging courses, including the Crenshaw Cliffside Course.
Spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country.
Convenient location near Austin, offering both golf and luxury amenities.
2. Dallas National Golf Club – Dallas
While Dallas National Golf Club is primarily private, it occasionally opens its doors to the public through charity events and special promotions. Designed by Tom Fazio, this exclusive golf course is considered one of the best in the region. Located in the stunning hilly terrain south of Dallas, the course is set amidst beautiful oak trees and features a variety of challenging holes.
With dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and deep bunkers, Dallas National is known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout. Although it is a private course, golfers seeking a more affordable experience in the Dallas area can look forward to unique opportunities to play the course through specific events and packages.
Highlights:
Designed by Tom Fazio.
Exclusive and challenging layout with natural beauty.
Occasional public access through special events and charity fundraisers.
3. Memorial Park Golf Course – Houston
One of Houston’s most popular public courses, Memorial Park Golf Course, is known for its rich history and exceptional course conditions. The course is home to the Houston Open, a PGA Tour event, and features an incredible mix of traditional and modern design elements.
The course underwent a significant renovation in 2020 under the direction of architect Tom Doak, who transformed the layout into one of the finest public courses in the country. The 18-hole, par-71 course offers challenging holes with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and wide fairways that make it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. The park setting and proximity to downtown Houston make it an excellent choice for locals and visitors.
Highlights:
Home to the Houston Open (PGA Tour event).
Renovated by Tom Doak, offering a world-class design.
Accessible location for Houston residents and visitors.
4. The Woodlands Country Club (Player Course) – The Woodlands
The Woodlands Country Club is home to multiple golf courses, but the Player Course stands out as one of the best public-access courses in Texas. Located just north of Houston, the course offers a challenging layout that the legendary Gary Player designed. It combines natural beauty with strategic design elements, including water features, tight fairways, and elevated greens.
The Player Course has a par-72 layout and stretches over 7,000 yards from the tips, offering a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Thanks to its pristine conditions and beautiful views of the surrounding woodlands, the course is often rated among the top public courses in Texas. It’s a popular spot for casual golfers and competitive players looking for a serious challenge.
Highlights:
Designed by Gary Player.
Stunning views of The Woodlands, with water features and tight fairways.
Challenging yet accessible for golfers of all skill levels.
5. La Cantera Golf Club – San Antonio
La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio offers two spectacular courses: the Resort Course and the Palmer Course. The Resort Course, designed by Jay Morrish, is particularly well-regarded for its challenging layout and scenic views. It has hosted numerous PGA and LPGA events, including the Texas Open. The course’s combination of strategic bunkering, water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes offers golfers a memorable round.
The Palmer Course, designed by Arnold Palmer himself, is a par-72 layout with rolling fairways and challenging greens. La Cantera is widely known for its beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country and offers a fantastic golfing experience for golfers of all levels.
Highlights:
Two courses, including the Resort Course, were designed by Jay Morrish.
Scenic views of the Texas Hill Country.
Hosted the Texas Open and several LPGA events.
6. Grey Rock Golf Club – Austin
Grey Rock Golf Club, located just south of downtown Austin, offers a challenging 18-hole, par-72 layout that golfers of all skill levels will enjoy. The course is set in the rolling hills of the Barton Creek area and provides beautiful views, natural hazards, and a variety of challenges. It is often less crowded than other public courses in the area, offering a more relaxed and quiet round.
Grey Rock is known for its excellent course conditions and various holes that test distance and accuracy. With its proximity to downtown Austin and relatively affordable rates, Grey Rock is a wonderful option for locals and visitors looking for a more relaxed but challenging golf experience.
Highlights:
Challenging par-72 layout with beautiful views of Barton Creek.
Less crowded than some other Austin courses.
Affordable rates and a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Texas Star Golf Course – Euless
Located in Euless, Texas, just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Texas Star Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of the top public courses in the region. Designed by Gary Stephenson, the course features a combination of long, challenging par-4s and strategic par-3s, all set in a lush, wooded environment.
The course is known for its well-maintained fairways, fast greens, and challenging water hazards. Golfers can expect a difficult round that requires both skill and strategy, making it an excellent choice for golfers of all abilities. The course also has a lavish clubhouse, practice facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for new and experienced golfers.
Highlights:
Designed by Gary Stephenson.
Well-maintained and challenging with water features and strategic hazards.
Great location for golfers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
8. Tyler State Park Golf Course – Tyler
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, nature-filled golfing experience, the Tyler State Park Golf Course in Tyler, Texas, is the perfect destination. This 9-hole, par-35 course is located within the scenic Tyler State Park, surrounded by towering pines, clear lakes, and peaceful wildlife. While it may not have the long, championship-length holes of some more extensive courses. Its unique setting and affordable rates make it a favorite among local golfers.
This course is ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful round of golf in a tranquil, natural environment. It’s perfect for beginners or those just looking to enjoy a leisurely round in the great outdoors.
Highlights:
A peaceful 9-hole, par-35 course located in Tyler State Park.
Surrounded by nature, with lakes and scenic views.
Affordable rates and an excellent choice for beginners.
Texas is home to the country’s best public golf courses, offering various landscapes and challenges for golfers of all skill levels. From the championship layouts of La Cantera Golf Club and Memorial Park to the more tranquil ones. A nature-filled experience at Tyler State Park, Texas, has something to offer every golfer.
These public courses provide great golfing experiences and feature top-notch amenities and facilities that make them accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a challenge or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing round, the Lone Star State’s public golf courses will surely deliver an unforgettable experience.