With the PGA Tour in town for two weeks with the HP Byron Nelson at the TPC Las Colinas and Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, one thing is for certain: there’s no shortage of good golf in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Of course, getting on the two host courses can be difficult for the rest of us, especially right now, so if you’re in town, where should you play? We scanned the ratings at GolfNow to determine what courses area golfers like best. They don’t include every public venue in the area, but they do give you a pretty good idea if you’re looking for a great place to stick a tee in the ground. Here are our top ten -- according to the players who let us know what they thought:
The GolfNow Local Leaderboard: Dallas-Fort Worth
1. Twin Lakes Golf Course (4.82/5.0): It may be 55 minutes east of Dallas, but those who make the drive to Canton, Texas, will tell you it’s well worth it. Surrounded by the 1,000-acre Twin Lakes Nursery tree farm, the course was designed by Robert Hays around two gorgeous lakes. It’s serene, picturesque, in great condition and best of all, fun and challenging for all levels of players.
2. SugarTree Golf & Country Club (4.45/5.0): This hidden gem, located in Lipan, is a 6,659-yard par-70 laid out along the banks of the Brazos River. With plenty of live oaks, pecan trees, hackberry trees and water on 13 holes, golfers who can work the ball will find success on this peaceful country track.
3. Cowboys Golf Club: (4.18/5.0): Even if you don’t think the Cowboys are ‘America’s Team,’ you’ll still enjoy this over-the-top NFL-themed golf course once owned by Jerry Jones. Located in Grapevine, close to the DFW airport, the conditioning and layout of this excellent Jeff Brauer design shouldn’t be underrated.
4. Tour 18 Dallas: (4.18/5.0): Like its sister course (and the original) near Houston, Tour 18 Dallas is fun roller coaster ride through America’s most beloved holes, including the 17th at the TPC Sawgrass, Augusta’s Amen Corner and holes from Oakmont and Winged Foot.
5. Country View Golf Course (4.16/5.0): Located just outside of Dallas in the town of Lancaster, Country View is considered on the area’s best values. With terrific Champion Bermuda greens and excellent course conditions, this Ron Garl design is also one of the area’s most improved in recent years.
6. Cleburne Golf Links (4.15/5.0): Opened in 2009 and designed by Colligan Golf Design, this nearly 7,100-yard course works its way around lake views. Excellent course conditions and outstanding Angus burgers and pulled pork in the clubhouse add to this enjoyable experience just outside the Metroplex.
7. Tierra Verde Golf Club (4.13/5.0): This outstanding Arlington muni is an Audubon Signature Sanctuary course designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, who routed it through natural setting of wetlands, trees and meadows. The Ventana Grille is particularly impressive, with an eclectic menu that offers an array of gourmet tapas, stuffed peppers and chicken empanadas.
8. The Bridges Golf Club (4.11/5.0): Located in Gunter, The Bridges Golf club is a Brauer/Fred Couples Signature golf course located on the legendary Double M Ranch. Opened in 2008, this links-looking course can play as long as 7,600 yards, but fortunately there are five sets of tees to make it reasonable for the mortal golfer.
9. Iron Horse Golf Course (4.10/5.0): Deceivingly difficult for a 6,700-yard golf course (it’s a par 70), Iron Horse, which is located in North Richland Hills, is a favorite among locals for not only the course, but the atmosphere. Built around a train theme with a model railroad in the clubhouse and old rail cars on the course, players love the friendly vibe throughout.
10. Coyote Ridge Golf Club (4.07/5.0): Renovated in 2006, Coyote Ridge, located in Carrollton, makes use of an abandoned quarry on the back nine, while the front nine has sort of a links feel. Combined with a fairly new clubhouse and 19th Hole Grill, Coyote Ridge is one of the most popular daily fees in the DFW region.
Ratings based of GolfNow.com golfer reviews of Dallas-Fort Worth golf courses between 9/20/12 and 5/12/13. Minimum 10 reviews needed to qualify.