The things other travel guides skip.
50 courses · Fee bands are typical peak rates: $ under $50, $$ $50–100, $$$ $100–200, $$$$ over $200. Check with the course.
Anyone can book. Many Texas cities give residents earlier booking and lower rates.
Houston · Gulf Coast
The most-discussed public renovation in Texas.
A Tom Doak–renovated city course that hosts the Houston Open — a tour venue you can book like a muni. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: City tee sheet opens a week out; weekday afternoons are easiest.
Tip: Play the week after the tour event to see it in tournament shape.
Lubbock · Panhandle Plains
Regularly named one of the best university courses in the country.
Tom Doak's links-style layout on the High Plains — firm ground, deep bunkers and constant wind. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee sheet; students and Texas Tech alumni get reduced rates.
Tip: Play the ball low; the afternoon wind regularly tops 20 mph.
Amarillo · Panhandle Plains
A 36-hole city complex with the award-winning Mustang and the more forgiving Wildhorse. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Call the pro shop or book online; walk-ups usually fit on weekdays.
Tip: Mustang for the challenge, Wildhorse for a relaxed family round.
Amarillo · Panhandle Plains
Two full-length 18s with a full clubhouse, long and open to the Panhandle wind. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee times; city resident rates available.
Tip: Tomahawk plays longer — move up a tee when it's windy.
Lubbock · Panhandle Plains
Two tree-lined 18s along the creek, with a grill that locals use as a lunch spot. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Book online; twilight rates are some of the cheapest in West Texas.
Tip: Creek is the shadier option on hot summer afternoons.
Lubbock · Panhandle Plains
A friendly public course for every level, known for its signature par-3 6th. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Call ahead on weekends; weekdays are wide open.
Tip: Stay for a burger at Birdies Grill.
Austin · Hill Country
Locals fought for years to keep it a public course.
Austin's beloved 1920s muni, one of the first desegregated courses in the South. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: City of Austin tee sheet; residents book a day earlier.
Tip: Short and walkable — a perfect early-morning nine.
San Antonio · South Texas
Texas's oldest public course (1916), restored and home to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Alamo City Golf Trail tee sheet; trail passes save on multiple rounds.
Tip: Pair a round with the Pearl district five minutes away.
San Antonio · South Texas
The back nine drops into a 100-year-old limestone quarry — like nowhere else in the state. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee times; afternoons are discounted.
Tip: Bring an extra ball for the quarry nine.
El Paso · West Texas
Desert golf beneath the Franklin Mountains, with sunsets to match. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Book online; winter is high season for snowbirds.
Tip: Sunscreen and water — the desert dries you out faster than you think.
Laguna Vista · South Texas
Coastal golf with Gulf breezes, dunes and sea grass. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online or by phone; winter Texans fill mornings Jan–Mar.
Tip: Club up into the afternoon wind and book morning tee times.
The Colony · North Texas
Holes inspired by St Andrews, Troon and Prestwick on the shore of Lake Lewisville. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online up to 30 days out; stay-and-play packages with the inn.
Tip: The on-site inn makes it an easy one-night Scottish getaway.
Grapevine · North Texas
The NFL-themed daily-fee course, all-inclusive with food and drinks in the green fee. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online; the all-inclusive rate is cheapest on weekday afternoons.
Tip: Come hungry — lunch is included.
Non-golfers: Grapevine's Main Street wineries are ten minutes away.
Euless · North Texas
A rolling city-owned course with creek crossings, minutes from DFW Airport. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee sheet up to 14 days out.
Tip: Perfect for a layover round — it's ten minutes from the terminals.
DFW Airport · North Texas
Two tree-lined 18s on airport grounds, a long-time favorite of traveling golfers. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee times; twilight rates after mid-afternoon.
Tip: Book an early tee time and fly out after lunch.
The Colony · North Texas
A favorite of course-architecture fans online.
A Tripp Davis and Justin Leonard design inspired by early-1900s American golf, on Lake Lewisville. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online; packages with the inn at The Tribute.
Tip: Pair it with The Tribute next door for a two-day trip.
Houston · Gulf Coast
A historic city course in the middle of Houston's Museum District. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: City of Houston tee sheet.
Tip: Walk over to the zoo or museums after your round.
Non-golfers: Houston Zoo and Museum District next door.
Galveston · Gulf Coast
Island golf with bay breezes, minutes from the beach. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online or by phone.
Tip: Mornings are calmer — the Gulf wind picks up after noon.
Non-golfers: Moody Gardens pyramids and the beach.
Austin · Hill Country
Hill Country oaks and creeks on Austin's southwest edge, with a lively grill. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Online tee times up to a week out.
Tip: Book a late round and stay for dinner on the patio.
Austin · Hill Country
A renovated city course with friendly rates and a big practice area. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: City of Austin tee sheet; residents book first.
Tip: Great value for a weekday morning loop.
San Antonio · South Texas
Elevation changes and Hill Country views on the Alamo City Golf Trail. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Alamo City Golf Trail tee sheet.
Tip: Buy a trail pass if you're playing Brackenridge too.
Glen Rose · North Texas
Two nines on either side of the Paluxy River in dinosaur country. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Phone or online; quiet on weekdays.
Tip: Combine with Dinosaur Valley State Park's tracks.
Non-golfers: Dinosaur tracks and Fossil Rim wildlife drive.
Best tee times come with a room — book the package, not just the round.
Austin · Hill Country
Four courses roll through limestone canyons and live oaks on the west side of Austin. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Fazio courses are mostly for resort guests — book a stay-and-play package.
Tip: Twilight rates open up after 3 p.m.
Non-golfers: Full spa and a lazy river.
Frisco · North Texas
The most talked-about new golf destination in Texas.
The PGA of America's home, with two championship courses that host majors. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Omni PGA Frisco guests get priority; limited public times release online.
Tip: Fields Ranch East is set to host the PGA Championship — play it before it's famous.
Non-golfers: The Swing putting course and lazy river.
San Antonio · South Texas
Holes framed by an old limestone quarry, with views back to the city skyline. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Public tee times online; resort guests book further out.
Tip: Play spring mornings before the heat, then dine on the River Walk.
Non-golfers: Six Flags Fiesta Texas is next door.
San Antonio · South Texas
The Oaks Course hosts the Valero Texas Open each spring; the Canyons is the friendlier sibling. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Resort guests only for most tee times; book with the room.
Tip: Stay at the JW to get access — non-guests usually can't book.
Non-golfers: A river-style pool complex the kids won't leave.
Horseshoe Bay · Hill Country
Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses wrapped around granite and Lake LBJ. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Resort guests or members only; book a lake-view package.
Tip: Apple Rock has the lake views — ask for it.
Non-golfers: Boat rentals on Lake LBJ.
Bastrop · Hill Country
Pecan bottomland, pines and Colorado River bluffs east of Austin. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Open to the public; resort guests get the best rates.
Tip: Ask about the evening trail rides at the resort stables.
Non-golfers: Horseback riding and a kids' camp.
Boerne · Hill Country
Hills, deer and creek crossings, plus a nine-hole short course called The Lakes. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Public tee times online; packages with the lodge.
Tip: The short course is perfect for kids learning the game.
The Woodlands · Gulf Coast
Water features and pines north of Houston, with a resort pool for non-golfers. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Resort guests book first; some public times online.
Tip: A good base for Lake Conroe and Space Center Houston.
Non-golfers: The Lazy River pool.
Lajitas · West Texas
Often called the most remote great course in Texas.
A Lanny Wadkins desert course on the Rio Grande, minutes from Big Bend. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Open to the public, but resort guests get preferred times.
Tip: Pair it with a Big Bend Ranch day — you're right on the edge.
Non-golfers: Zip lines, horseback and river trips.
Graford · North Texas
Dramatic cliff-top holes above Possum Kingdom Lake's clear water. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Public tee times by phone; lodging packages on property.
Tip: Rent a boat to see Hell's Gate the same day.
San Antonio · South Texas
Twenty-seven holes on old ranch land next to SeaWorld. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Public tee times; resort guests get priority.
Tip: Kids love the resort's river pool while you play.
Non-golfers: Lazy river and SeaWorld nearby.
Montgomery · Gulf Coast
Lake Conroe golf with a water park and marina on property. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Public tee times online; packages with the resort.
Tip: Book a boat for the afternoon — the lake is right there.
Non-golfers: Water park, marina and spa.
Sam Rayburn · Piney Woods
Twenty-seven holes in the pines beside Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas's bass-fishing capital. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Call the pro shop; condo-and-golf packages on site.
Tip: Fish at dawn, tee off at ten.
Non-golfers: Bass fishing on Sam Rayburn.
Huntsville · Piney Woods
A Pete Dye design on Lake Livingston, rough-edged and full of character. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Phone ahead; it's quiet most weekdays.
Tip: Bring extra balls for the forced carries over water.
Former ClubCorp clubs. Invited members can play across the network through their home club.
Frisco · North Texas
Two courses, including a Tom Fazio layout, at one of the Invited network's busiest Texas clubs. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Invited members with reciprocal access book through their home club.
Tip: Ask your home Invited club to book; reciprocal guests pay a cart fee.
Farmers Branch · North Texas
Fifty-four holes in North Dallas — one of the largest clubs in the network. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Invited reciprocal booking; some clubs offer sponsored guest play.
Tip: The Masters course is the members' pick.
Lakeway · Hill Country
Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Jr. designs above Lake Travis. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Invited reciprocal booking through your home club.
Tip: Combine with a sunset dinner at The Oasis.
Kingwood · Gulf Coast
Several courses under tall pines in Houston's Livable Forest. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Invited reciprocal booking through your home club.
Tip: The Island course is the one people talk about.
Members and guests only — or see them in tournament shape as a spectator.
Fort Worth · North Texas
Hogan's Alley, home of a long-running PGA Tour stop under old oaks. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and their guests only — the tour event is your way in.
Tip: Watch the spring tour event, then walk to the Cultural District.
Houston · Gulf Coast
Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret's club, host of a Ryder Cup and a U.S. Open. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and guests only.
Tip: Watch for senior-tour and amateur events open to spectators.
Lufkin · Piney Woods
Tall pines and still water in deep East Texas. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Private; some reciprocal play through member clubs.
Tip: Ask about reciprocal play through your home club.
Amarillo · Panhandle Plains
A traditional private club with mature trees, rare out on the open Panhandle. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and reciprocal guests only.
Tip: Ask your home club pro to arrange reciprocal play.
Lubbock · Panhandle Plains
An upscale private championship course with water features and dining. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and guests; reciprocal requests through your home club.
Tip: Reciprocal play is easiest midweek.
McKinney · North Texas
Home of the PGA Tour's spring Byron Nelson tournament. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and guests only.
Tip: Grab a grounds ticket — it's the easiest way to see the course.
Dallas · North Texas
One of the most-debated modern courses in Texas.
A Coore & Crenshaw links built on a former landfill; home of SMU golf. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and guests only.
Tip: Walking only — no carts on the main course.
Dallas · North Texas
A Tom Fazio design on hilly land southwest of downtown — exclusive and rarely seen. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Members and guests only.
Tip: Access is by member invitation only.
Quick, lighted and family-friendly. No handicap required.
Dallas · North Texas
The Dallas-born driving-range-meets-party, with climate-controlled bays. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Reserve bays online by the hour.
Tip: Book a bay ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.
Non-golfers: Food and games — no golf skill needed.
Frisco · North Texas
A lighted 10-hole short course and the two-acre Dance Floor putting green. Pair the round with the closest town, park or resort guide to turn a tee time into a Texas getaway.
How to book: Walk-up or book online; open to the public.
Tip: Go at dusk when the lights come on.
Non-golfers: Putting is fun for every age.
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