Every golfer dreams of that perfect trip where the courses justify every mile traveled and dollar spent. Texas delivers these experiences in spades, from Hill Country canyons that'll make your knees weak to coastal winds that'll humble your best swing.
Hill Country golf hits different
The Texas Hill Country transforms golf from a pleasant walk into an adventure sport. When you stand on a tee box 100 feet above the fairway, watching your ball disappear into limestone canyon shadows, you understand why people plan entire vacations around these courses.
Omni Barton Creek leads the charge with four championship layouts just 25 minutes from downtown Austin. The Fazio Canyons Course earned its spot on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public list by making grown golfers whimper… in the best way possible. Those dramatic canyon carries and limestone outcroppings turn every approach shot into a photo opportunity. Smart travelers book the resort's stay-and-play packages, scoring four rounds over two days for under $1,500 per person. That's serious value for Fazio-quality golf.
North of Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort sprawls across 7,000 acres on Lake LBJ like Texas's answer to Pebble Beach (minus the ocean, plus more barbecue). The famous "Million Dollar Hole" on Slick Rock's 14th features a 35-foot waterfall cascading behind the green, because apparently regular water hazards weren't intimidating enough. While Jack Nicklaus's new Summit Rock course remains members-only, the Robert Trent Jones Sr. trio delivers plenty of thrills. Apple Rock starts in rocky terrain before ending on the lake shore, while Ram Rock earned its "Challenger" nickname with a teeth-chattering 75.6 slope rating.
San Antonio serves up tour-tested challenges
San Antonio knows how to treat traveling golfers right. La Cantera Resort's championship course hosted PGA Tour events from 1995 to 2009, and that tour pedigree shows on every hole. The signature 7th hole drops 80 feet from tee to fairway… hope you're not afraid of heights. At $145-192 for public play, you're getting tour-quality golf with six holes showcasing panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline and surrounding Hill Country.
Don't overlook TPC San Antonio either. The AT&T Oaks Course hosts the current Valero Texas Open and includes a replica of Riviera's famous 6th hole. Because if you're going to copy homework, might as well copy from the best.
Dallas-Fort Worth brings major championship energy
The DFW metroplex just entered golf's major leagues in a big way. PGA Frisco East will host the 2027 PGA Championship, marking the area's first major since 1963. This Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner design stretches to over 7,800 yards, demanding both bomber drives and surgeon-like precision. Golf Digest calls holes 13-15 "as good a stretch as you'll find in North Texas," which in Texas-speak means they're absolutely phenomenal.
For immediate PGA Tour action, TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney hosts the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Tom Weiskopf routed Rowlett Creek through the course 14 times, because apparently golfers weren't nervous enough already. The course is getting a $15 million facelift from Lanny Wadkins to tighten fairways and add even more challenge. Book your tee time before the renovation makes it too tough for mortals.
Where baseball meets birdies
Only in Texas would someone build a baseball-themed golf course, and thank goodness they did. Texas Rangers Golf Club offers 55 feet of elevation changes and spectacularly difficult greens that'll make you appreciate why pitchers get four balls before walking a batter. The weekend rates of $118-130 include unlimited food and beverages… basically a tailgate party with golf clubs.
TPC Las Colinas rounds out the DFW must-plays, having hosted the Byron Nelson for 35 years. The famous 17th hole island green demands nerves of steel, while the 18th's cascading waterfalls provide either a triumphant finale or watery grave for your scorecard. Ritz-Carlton guests can access the course for $200-300, depending on whether you're playing during "reasonable weather" or "surface of Mercury" season.
Houston golf: From municipal gems to Tiger's playground
Houston's golf scene ranges from accessible municipal treasures to ultra-exclusive Tiger Woods designs. Let's start with the course regular folks can actually play.
Memorial Park Golf Course stands as America's finest municipal golf value after Tom Doak's $15 million renovation. This PGA Tour venue features just 19 bunkers but emphasizes strategic short grass around greens that'll test your touch more than your power. Houston residents pay a laughable $30-38 while non-residents shell out $120-140… still a steal for tour-quality conditions with skyline views.
Wildcat Golf Club offers two distinct personalities:
- The Highlands: Links-style with 100-foot elevation changes
- The Lakes: Traditional parkland design
- Both courses: Houston skyline views
- Green fees: $63-82 including cart
- Bragging rights: "Preferred club of Houston's teams"
The course everyone wants to play (but few can)
Bluejack National represents Tiger Woods' first U.S. design, and he didn't hold back. This private club in Montgomery channels Augusta National with wide fairways, no rough, and pristine white sand bunkers. The par-3 12th mimics Augusta's famous 12th, while "The Playgrounds" offers a 10-hole floodlit short course for evening shenanigans. Golf Digest ranks it #4 in Texas, though good luck getting on without knowing a member who owes you a favor.
For those seeking tour-tested challenges, the Golf Club of Houston in Humble hosted the Houston Open from 2002-2018. Its 144 slope rating will remind you why pros make the big bucks.
Coastal golf brings the wind pain
Texas coastal golf separates the wheat from the chaff… or more accurately, the straight shooters from the spray-and-prayers. These courses don't just flirt with wind; they're in a committed relationship.
Moody Gardens Golf Course in Galveston earns its #4 ranking among Texas public courses by bringing water into play on 17 of 18 holes. Add constant 15-20 mph Gulf breezes and you've got a recipe for either glory or a very expensive ball donation to Galveston Bay. Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy's design uses paspalum grass specially suited for saltwater conditions, because regular grass would just give up and die.
In Port Aransas, Palmilla Beach Golf Club delivers Texas's only true Scottish links experience. Arnold Palmer routed holes 4-6 to showcase spectacular direct Gulf views, presumably so you have something beautiful to look at while searching for your wind-blown tee shot. Green fees run $49-95 with complimentary cart and range access, making it one of the best values on the coast.
Island golf adventures
South Padre Island Golf Club showcases panoramic Laguna Madre Bay views from elevated holes, particularly the signature 3rd green. The constant breeze ensures no two rounds play the same, keeping you humble and your playing partners entertained.
Rockport Country Club represents Bill Coore's first solo design from 1983, long before his Sand Hills and Bandon Dunes fame. This semi-private track features wind-swept coastal live oaks and water hazards on 12 holes. The 550-yard 14th demands multiple water carries, testing both your distance control and your insurance policy's ball-loss coverage.
West Texas delivers desert drama
Nothing prepares you for West Texas golf. The landscape looks like Mars decided to host a golf tournament, and somehow it works brilliantly.
Black Jack's Crossing at Lajitas Resort consistently ranks as Texas's #1 public course, and one look explains why. Lanny Wadkins crafted elevated tees offering endless Chihuahuan Desert vistas with views into Big Bend National Park. Resort guests pay $195-295 depending on season, but when you're teeing off into infinity with desert mountains as your gallery, price becomes irrelevant. This is bucket-list golf in America's last frontier.
El Paso surprises with two exceptional values that prove great golf doesn't require trust fund money:
- Butterfield Trail Golf Club: Tom Fazio public design
- 55 feet elevation changes from flat desert
- Airport adjacent (convenient!)
- Weekday rates from $39.95
- Top 5 American municipal course
Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course adds 27 holes of authentic desert golf at the Franklin Mountains' foothills. Golf Digest's 4½-star rating reflects both the dramatic setting and surprising playability.
Links golf in cotton country
In Lubbock, The Rawls Course at Texas Tech showcases Tom Doak's earth-moving artistry. He transformed a flat cotton field using 1.3 million cubic yards of dirt into a links masterpiece that ranks #19 best value in America and #3 among campus courses nationally. The wide fairways welcome all skill levels while boldly contoured greens ensure nobody gets complacent.
Planning your Texas golf expedition
When to chase your Texas golf dreams
Texas weather plays by its own rules, so timing matters:
Spring (March-May): The golden window with ideal conditions statewide. Wildflowers bloom in Hill Country, temperatures stay friendly, and you might actually finish 18 holes without resembling a lobster.
Fall (October-November): Perfect for Hill Country and desert regions. The oppressive summer heat finally breaks, leaving gorgeous golf weather in its wake.
Winter (December-February): Coastal and South Texas shine while northern courses hibernate. Pack layers… Texas winter can mean anything from 75°F to freezing within hours.
Summer (June-September): Early morning tee times only unless you enjoy golf saunas. Seriously, afternoon rounds in August might qualify as extreme sports.
Getting there and getting around
Texas's major airports make excellent golf launch pads. Austin-Bergstrom connects to Hill Country resorts within 30-60 minutes. DFW and Love Field cover the Dallas-Fort Worth golf scene comprehensively. Houston's two airports serve the greater Houston area, while San Antonio International splits the difference between city courses and Hill Country gems.
Pro tip: Rent a car. Texas distances can shock first-timers, and Uber-ing between courses gets expensive fast. Plus, you'll want flexibility to explore beyond the golf course.
Budget reality check
Texas golf pricing runs the full spectrum:
- Municipal treasures: $30-50 (Memorial Park, Butterfield Trail)
- Quality publics: $50-150 (most daily fees)
- Resort rounds: $200-400 (Barton Creek, Horseshoe Bay)
- Stay-and-play packages: Often 30-40% savings
- Twilight rates: 40-50% off if you're fast
Smart money books stay-and-play packages at resorts, especially during shoulder seasons. That Omni Barton Creek deal mentioned earlier? Way cheaper than booking rounds individually.
Booking like a boss
Different courses require different strategies:
Resort courses: Book 30-60 days out, earlier for peak seasons. These fill up with resort guests and visiting groups.
Municipal courses: Usually 7-14 days advance booking for non-residents. Set those calendar reminders.
Marquee venues: PGA Frisco East, Black Jack's Crossing… book the moment your dates firm up. These courses stay busy year-round.
Weather contingencies: Texas weather changes fast. Book courses with reasonable cancellation policies, especially during spring storm season.
Your Texas golf adventure awaits
Texas golf rewards the adventurous. Whether you're chasing elevation changes in Hill Country, hunting birdies at major championship venues in DFW, battling coastal winds in Galveston, or conquering desert drama in West Texas, the Lone Star State delivers golf experiences worthy of the journey.
Start with one region and work your way through… nobody conquers Texas golf in one trip anyway. These courses offer adventures as big as Texas itself, with stories you'll tell long after your tan lines fade. Pack extra balls, bring your sense of humor, and prepare for golf that's anything but ordinary.
