Top 10 Public Dallas Fort Worth Golf Courses

Guess who won Golf Digest’s #1 golf city in 2013?  That’s right.  Dallas, Texas.  Although that ranking only included the city of Dallas, golfers from around here know that the entire Dallas Fort Worth metroplex is rife with great places to play.

Everybody has their personal favorites, but our team at Big D Golf tried our best to put together a list of the ten best public courses in DFW for you.  It was difficult to pick only ten but we feel this list truly offers something for everybody.  This top ten is in no particular order because each course will bring a unique quality to your golfing experience, setting them apart from the rest of the field.

Dallas Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine

You knew it was going to make the cut.  So let’s discuss the most famous course in the area first.  Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine is the world’s first and only NFL-themed golf course.  It’s is a stunning par 72 located in Grapevine, near the Gaylord Texan resort.  The fees are a bit pricey, but the experience is worth every penny.  You shouldn’t book your round at Cowboys with the intent of rushing through eighteen holes.  The golf course provides fantastic amenities and food services that need to be a part of your day.  Take your time at the practice facility, and check out the football memorabilia while you’re there.

Twin Lakes Golf Course in Canton

This course is a bit of a drive from Dallas Ft. Worth, but I had to list it on the Top 10.  Canton is just about the most scenic golf course you can find.  The city of Canton is about an hour and a half from Dallas, depending on traffic, but I promise that Twin Lakes is worth the drive.  The course was built in the middle of a tree orchard.  That means zero visual distractions from houses, roads, or power lines.  The drive up to the course is a lengthy one through the tree orchard and it’s spectacular.  Twin Lakes is very reasonably priced, and I highly recommend booking your round on the first Monday of the month.  Canton is known for a flea market that’s open on the first Mondays and it’s a great activity for families.  Last year I purchased three dozen Pro-V1s and a golf bag, all for under $25.  Out of all the courses on this list, Twin Lakes is my personal favorite.

Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills

Before my round at Iron Horse my friends were telling me that it’s a “must play” for DFW golfers.  After playing there and experiencing the magic firsthand, I can’t help but whole-heartedly agree.  Iron Horse is a fun course to play and located conveniently for everyone that prefers to golf closer to Fort Worth.  I booked several rounds at this course and each time was a great and memorable experience.  Not only is the layout fun and the landscaping in fantastic condition, the staff at Iron Horse is always courteous and polite.  Iron Horse is a course that I’ll never think twice about playing on the weekend with friends and family if the opportunity arises.

Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington

Tierra Verde is a difficult course.  There’s no sugarcoating it.  It will challenge you from tee to green and you need to bring your A-game if you want to shoot a decent score.  That being said, it’s an absolute treat to play as well.  Tierra Verde is gorgeous.  There aren’t very many courses where each hole feels isolated from the rest of the course, the way they do at Tierra Verde.  The course definitely won when I played there last, but I left feeling happy about the experience nonetheless.  The landscaping is beautiful and it’s clear that the course attendants and clubhouse staff take great pride in their work.  If you’re looking for a challenge and a quiet day outdoors, be sure to include Tierra Verde in your list of options.

Tangle Ridge Golf Club in Grand Prairie

Tangle Ridge is an award-winning golf course located right in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth.  The course is full of elevation changes and provides a great challenge for golfers of all skill levels.  Tangle Ridge consistently ranks among the top public courses in Texas and you’ll see why as soon as you step foot on the first tee box.  I played Tangle Ridge last year and it’s definitely one of the most fun courses to play in the area.  The pricing is very reasonable and the pace of play is usually very good.

Tenison Park Golf Club’s Highlands Course in Dallas

This is an old course, with a lot of history.  Titanic Thompson and Lee Trevino earned their livings and their reputations on this course.  It’s a challenging 7078 yard course from the back tees with a decent amount of elevation changes and some very old trees lining the holes.  Tenison Park features two courses; the Highlands and the more budget-minded Glen course.  The Highlands features all the challenges you can expect to find on a premium golf course and more.  It’s a beautiful course, located conveniently near downtown Dallas.  If you enjoy golfing in the Dallas area, be sure to swing by the Highlands at least once.

The Bridges Golf Club in Gunter

Just like Twin Lakes, Bridges is a bit of a drive if you live near the middle of the metroplex, but it’s definitely worth the trip.  The course is very fun and located on a gorgeous bit of property.  There are several signature holes but just like all the other courses on this list, your entire round will be memorable and provide experiences that you’ll look back on fondly for a long time.  The greens at Bridges are large and challenging.  Good ball striking from the fairways will be rewarded on greens designed with grass unique to the Bridges course.  Be sure to check out Big D Golf’s course overview of the Bridges Golf Club for more:

Champions Circle Golf Club in Fort Worth

Located right next to the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Champions Circle is a beautiful course that’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels.  The course features some elevated greens that will require a solid short game, but overall it isn’t brutally difficult.  The fairways are wide and the scenery is amazing.  The staff is very friendly and you’ll be hard pressed to find anything wrong with your decision to play here.  The fairways are in great shape, the greens roll true but not too fast, and the cart girls are never too far away.  One caveat, avoid I35 rush hour at all costs.  I35 towards downtown Fort Worth is a two-lane freeway around Champions Circle and the traffic is on a whole other level.  Take 114 towards Grapevine and head home from there instead.  Check out Big D Golf’s course overview of Champions Circle here:

Texas Star Golf Course in Euless

Texas Star is one of the highest rated golf courses in the area if you research course ratings online, and rightly so.  Texas Star is a gorgeous golf course located conveniently in Euless, just minutes from DFW Airport.  The course was built on 275 acres of secluded land, full of natural beauty and amazing views, giving this public golf course a private course feel.  While you’re there, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the famous Raven’s Grille!

The Tribute Golf Club in The Colony

This course had to make the list because of the unique golfing experience it provides.  The Tribute is located just off the eastern shores of Lake Lewisville, in The Colony.  The course offers a Scottish links-style golf experience with a touch of southern hospitality.  The Tribute features all the qualities of a true links course, such as wind-swept dunes, deep bunkers, and sea-washed grasses.  The experience is very different from other public courses in the area because links style courses reward accuracy much more than distance.  The rates are a bit on the pricey side, but you definitely get what you pay for at The Tribute.  The amenities are top notch and the course is always in very good condition.