12 Best Golf Courses in Texas

Whether teeing off at sunrise with the promise of a perfect round or just hoping to shave a few strokes off a game while soaking up scenic views, Texas has a golf course that fits any player's preference. The Lone Star State is massive, so it’s no surprise that its golf scene is just as expansive. Texas has a course for every golfer, from championship layouts designed by icons like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus to underrated courses tucked away in the Hill Country or along the coastal plains. The state’s generally mild climate allows for year-round play, and many courses boast a high standard of hospitality, plentiful amenities, and thoughtfully designed layouts that enhance the overall golfing experience. Luckily, there are twelve courses in Texas that encompass everything a golfer needs.

Whispering Pines Golf Club

Whispering Pines Golf Club, located in Trinity, Texas, about 2 hours north of Houston, stands out as one of the premier golfing destinations in the state. Designed by Chet Williams of the Nicklaus Design Group, the course opened in March 2000 to critical acclaim. Regularly rated the No. 1 course in the region, its exceptional conditioning is maintained in part by limiting play to spring, early summer, and fall, with only 160 members sharing access. Green fees are remarkably affordable, with weekday rates starting at $32 for 18 holes with a cart and weekend specials available after 2 p.m. Amenities extend well beyond golf, including a pro shop, an indoor pool, a hot tub, exercise facilities, a driving range, pickleball, volleyball, and a community fire pit.

There are dining options like the Pine on the Lake Restaurant and the Pine Lake Sports Lounge enhance the time spent at the club, while the Friday Night Farmers Market is a charming local spot. For those wanting to stay overnight, the Country Club offers 32 hotel-style rooms and nine condos/suites just steps from the clubhouse. These accommodations feature views of the lake, pool, or course and are bundled with value-priced golf packages that include reserved tee times, breakfast, and daily maid service.

Dallas National Golf Club

Near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas National Golf Club is one of Texas's most well-regarded golf venues. The course, created by famed architect Tom Fazio, has been ranked 83rd overall and second in Texas and has been included on Golf Digest's "100 Greatest" list continuously since 2005. Both its top-notch design and its spotless playing conditions contribute to its reputation. Membership initiation costs are said to reach $150,000, and annual dues range from $10,001 to $15,000. The course is exclusive. Play is limited to members and their visitors, guaranteeing a quiet, private experience. In terms of amenities, there are high-end locker rooms, professional-caliber practice areas, including a driving range and short game area, and a classy restaurant with lunch and dinner service.

Although there is no lodging on the property itself, overnight options are only six miles away. The neighboring La Quinta Inn & Suites is a convenient choice for those traveling from out of town because it provides quick access to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.

Bluejack National

Located about 1.5 hours north of Houston in Montgomery, Texas, Bluejack National is a premier private residential golf club that offers an exclusive and luxurious experience. Designed by Tiger Woods, this course is his first U.S. design and has quickly earned national acclaim—Golfweek named it as the top residential course in Texas and the eighth best in the nation. Playability, immaculate conditions, and a higher sense of community are all emphasized in its design.

Only members and their guests are permitted access to Bluejack; annual dues range from $5,001 to $10,000, and membership initiation fees are said to range from $100,001 to $150,000. Non-members may occasionally play via charity events, with some reported costs reaching $5,000 per foursome. The course is best experienced during the spring and fall when Texas weather is mild and course conditions are ideal.

The club offers a wide range of amenities, including a stylish clubhouse, multiple dining venues, a fully stocked pro shop, and “The Fort”—a family-focused recreation area featuring pools, a bowling alley, a movie theater, and other attractions for all ages. Travelers can find lodging in the area at the Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake Conroe, which offers large suites with contemporary amenities, including walk-in showers, private balconies, a private beach, a spa, and family-friendly restaurants. Due to its close proximity to the course and popular destinations such as The Woodlands, it is a high-end choice for visitors who want to truly experience Bluejack.

Colonial Country Club

A short drive from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Colonial Country Club is a distinguished private course with a long history in Fort Worth, Texas. Since 1936, it has been a mainstay of Texas golf, regularly ranking among the top five courses in the state. Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus designed Colonial. Because it is a private club, only members and their guests are allowed entrance, with an initiation fee of about $80,000, and the monthly membership dues are around $470.

Among its many excellent features are a resort-style pool with a diving board and a kids' section, private and group swim lessons, a snack bar by the pool, and professional lifeguards. Along with four lighted clay tennis courts, Colonial offers a full-service tennis shop. While there isn't any hotel available on Colonial's property, guests may find pleasant and easily accessible lodging at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, which is less than a mile away.

Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course

Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course is one of the best public courses in West Texas and is a notable golf destination in El Paso. This 27-hole desert-style course, which was designed by Ken Dye and Jeffrey Brauer, caters to players of all skill levels with its tough layout and picturesque surroundings. Painted Dunes has all-inclusive pricing for active-duty military personnel and first responders who are regarded as Dunes Club Members without having to be members. The non-member green fees are reasonably priced for the general public; weekday walking rounds start at $37, and weekend cart fees are $63 (tax included).

The Candlewood Suites El Paso is a great hotel, less than five miles away from the course. The hotel is ideal for brief stays and prolonged visits, serving corporate and military travelers.

Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course

Among the wild beauty of West Texas, Black Jack's Crossing at Lajitas Golf Resort in Lajitas shows locals and tourists a fantastic golfing getaway about three hours from El Paso. The course, which PGA veteran Lanny Wadkins created, has stunning views of the Big Bend and the Rio Grande. Dallas Morning News and Golfweek have ranked it as the "#1 Course You Can Play in Texas." For an 18-hole game, resort visitors pay $195 plus tax, while non-resort visitors pay $295. Green fees differ depending on the resort association. The award-winning course is located at the Lajitas Golf Resort, which has alluring amenities, like the Agave Spa, swimming pools, Flat Rock Theatre, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and shooting activities.

The Badlands Hotel, easily found on the resort's boardwalk, has 15 regular rooms and the unique Clay Henry Suite. Visitors can stay on-site.

The Club at Carlton Woods

Designed by renowned architect Jack Nicklaus, The Club at Carlton Woods - Nicklaus Course is a spectacular private golf experience in The Woodlands, about thirty minutes north of Houston. In a posh residential environment, this course, which is now ranked 17th out of the Top 20 in Texas, combines challenging play with the reward of a scenic view. Anyone interested in playing on this course should know that the annual dues range from $10,001 to $15,000, while the initiation expenses range from $75,001 to $100,000, and access is exclusive. Among the first-rate facilities offered to members is a 53,000-square-foot clubhouse with elegant dining options, event venues, a pro shop, and state-of-the-art practice grounds with putting greens and driving ranges.

For those looking for lodging close by, the Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands is a short drive away and offers luxurious amenities. A fitness center, concierge services, an on-site vegetarian and vegan restaurant, and an outdoor pool are all features of the hotel. In addition, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about 15 miles away, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is close by.

TPC San Antonio - Canyons Course

Just 20 minutes from San Antonio International Airport is TPC San Antonio's AT&T Canyons Course, which the legendary Pete Dye designed. The course is remarkable for its superb condition and strikingly constructed layout, and because it hosts the PGA Tour Champions' San Antonio Championship. Golfweek included it in its top 15 "Best Courses You Can Play" in Texas, along with the nearby Oaks Course. The Canyons Course is mainly accessible to those staying at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, where stay-and-play packages start at $220 per person per night. A large 42,000-square-foot hacienda-style clubhouse, driving ranges, a full-service golf shop, and a 23-acre practice area round out the world-class golf experience.

With a fitness center, multiple dining options, pools, and the Lantana Spa, the resort is a fantastic retreat for both golfers and non-golfers. The availability of tuition enables golfers of all skill levels to improve their game.

The Dominion Country Club

The Dominion Country Club is a posh private golf facility nestled among the scenic banks of Leon Creek in San Antonio, Texas, just a short drive from San Antonio International Airport.

The course, which winds over rolling hills and artificial lakes, was designed by Texas Open champion Bill Johnston and offers strategic challenges and breathtaking scenery. The Dominion, which has a 4.9-star rating and is suggested for gatherings by 98% of couples, is well-known for its elegant ambiance and championship-caliber course, underscoring its appeal beyond golf. Young Professional and Family Golf Members' visitors can pay green fees, which are $95 per person during the week and $100 per person on the weekends for 18 holes of walking or riding. Although it's an exclusive club, the costs are affordable by private club standards, especially when taking into account how luxurious every Dominion experience is.

The clubhouse's gardens, domes, and floor-to-ceiling arched windows, with accessible views of the Hill Country, make it a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. A dry sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi are among the amenities available to members, including handcrafted oak lockers, a men's locker room, and a women's locker room. Seven different dining options are available, including the elegant Wine Room for fine dining, the Mixed Grille for casual meals, and a 19th-hole restaurant that's ideal for relaxing after a round. To round off the day, there's even a lounge and piano bar. Private library-style rooms with fireplaces and contemporary amenities are available for both personal and professional events.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Antonio Northwest at The RIM is less than three miles away for guests seeking lodging nearby. This hotel is full of spacious rooms with air conditioning, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms, along with amenities including a lobby bar, an outdoor pool, and a breakfast buffet. Its location close to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The Shops at La Cantera makes it a fitting getaway for golf outings with easy-going and thrilling attractions.

Austin Country Club

One of the state's most prestigious and historic golf clubs, Austin Country Club, was established in 1899. The location is in Austin, Texas. Before settling at its present Davenport Ranch location in 1984, the club underwent two moves. The current course, which was designed by the well-known team of Pete and Alice Dye, has an eye-catching layout that combines difficult design with the beauty of nature. The remaining holes climb into the neighboring hills, providing elevated views and varied play, while the first seven holes wind across flat terrain along Lake Austin. Its exclusivity only serves to increase its allure; membership is in great demand, and there is a stated initiation fee of $100,000.

The waiting list is reportedly 17 years long, so patience is also necessary. The club grants its members a full-service experience outside of the fairways. The facilities include an 18-hole championship course, ten illuminated tennis courts (including two clay courts), a private marina, a fitness center, a heated pool, and the Harvey Penick Learning facility. The clubhouse serves as a social hub with a variety of dining options, a sizable ballroom, conference rooms, and luxurious changing areas.

With its strong sense of community, Austin Country Club caters to both families and individuals, welcoming both formal gatherings and casual get-togethers. For those seeking housing near the club, the Hotel Viata is the closest accommodation.

The Woodlands Country Club - Tournament Course

A great golf experience can be had at the well-known Tournament Course at The Woodlands Country Club in The Woodlands, just north of Houston. Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge created the 18-hole course, which flows through Grogan's Mill town. For $300 for men and $230 for women, the green fees grant access to one of the most prestigious courses in the area. In addition to facilities that encourage a complete, active lifestyle, members can access five different golf courses. The club displays a well-rounded environment with racquet sports, state-of-the-art workout facilities, resort-style swimming pools, dining options, and private event spaces.

The club's newly refurbished bedrooms, which cost $26 million, are another example of its astounding quality. Three new dining options, renovated guest rooms and suites, a chic retail shop, and welcoming new meeting areas were all included in these renovations. The Meeting and Event Center was refurbished as well, with natural textures that capture the beauty of the surrounding area and artwork by Texas-based artists.

La Cantera Golf Club

La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio's Hill Country offers both indoor and outdoor attractions within 25 minutes of the San Antonio Airport. Situated on a beautiful hilltop retreat, this award-winning resort offers world-class golf and luxurious lodging. La Cantera's two championship courses, created by the well-known team of Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, enhance the resort's standing with golfers. La Cantera, which is praised for its expansive views and unparalleled luxury, is ranked #2 on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the "Top 30 Resorts in North America" and among the "Top 50 Golf Resorts in the U.S." Everyone is welcome daily but should know that 18-hole green fees range from $125 to $140.

Visitors will be pleased to see a health center, tennis courts, five swimming pools, hot tubs, an active kids' club, and 496 hotel rooms. Anyone visiting can sample a variety of dining options, and business travelers can utilize the large meeting rooms. Here, the renowned Golf Academy welcomes individuals and groups, providing proper instruction and equipment to anyone looking to improve their golfing skills.

Texas has a diverse and dynamic golf scene that rivals the best in the nation. These courses are well-known among serious golfers because they are well-kept, have a fascinating history, and have hosted professional events. What sets Texas apart is its ability to cater to every type of golfer. The state undoubtedly has everything from a resort experience with all the amenities to a private VIP round at a famous club to a charming public course with difficulty and natural beauty. Add in the state’s mild climate, which allows for year-round play, and it becomes clear that the Lone Star State is a true golfing destination.