The game of golf has been around in some form or other since the Middle Ages. A Dutch manuscript published in 1261 mentions a game called “colf” played with a leather ball hit by a stick. Golf has come a long way. There are thousands of golf courses around the world, and Texas has some of the finest courses to offer serious golfers. Here, we will discover the top three private and public Texan golf greens.
1. The Colonial, Private Course
Considered number three on our list is the Colonial, located in Fort Worth. The Colonial was designed and built by Marvin Leonard. He loved the game but didn’t like the Bermuda grass that was groomed on the greens. He tried to talk owners of the courses to plant Bentgrass instead, saying it was much smoother to play on. Owners and directors took offense and told Leonard to build his golf course if he wanted Bentgrass. So, he did. In 1935, The Colonial Golf Club opened its doors with approximately a hundred potential members standing in line with their $50 “security deposit” in hand. These days, The Colonial offers six tennis courts, a 25-yard swimming pool, and great dining adventures. There are currently nearly 300 homes available to new residents who desire golf course living near this incredible course.
2. Whispering Pines Private Course
Beautiful Trinity, Texas, is the home of Whispering Pines Golf Club. Barbara and Corby Robertson began working on the course as part of the local summer camp, Camp Olympia. In 1998, Mr. Robertson contracted with Chet Williams (Nicklaus Design Group) to revamp the links, and in 2000 the award-winning Whispering Pines was presented. They’ve been winning awards and accolades since 2006 for their professional greens beside Lake Livingston. Whispering Pines proudly utilizes Flora Dwarf greens. The Village Partner Program offers for rental accommodations for members, but unfortunately, there are no homes on the course.
3. Dallas National Golf Club
Dallas National Golf Club tops the list of private courses. These beautiful courses are nearly 96 years old, and home to many major championships. Owner-members, of which there are approximately 350, pay around $200,000 in equity membership fees and dues. The clubhouse boasts a full spa and posh dining room. Golf course architect Tom Fazio re-designed it into the “best piece of land left in America close to a major city.” This club offers five sets of tees, a challenge for players on several levels. Homes are available, with prices starting in seven digits. If you’re moving here, you’ll want to hire a luxury moving service.
4. Houston Country Club
Tom McNamara was the original architect of the Houston Country Club. This 18-hole course was very near downtown Houston. In 1957, it was moved to Tanglewood and re-named The Houston Executive Club. The club brags that a former golfer working the links was George H. W. Bush, 41st president of the United States. Robert T. Jones is responsible for the re-design in 1956, which then incorporated tennis courts. Apartments and homes are available now for new residents near the country club.
5. Pine Dunes Resort
Frankston, Texas, is home to Pine Dunes Resort and Golf Club. Stepping in at number two on our list of public greens, this course has a 4.5-star rating. This course, designed by renowned architects Jay and Carter Morrish, is open year-round. Fees start at $49, but membership is $135 per month with no initiation fees. Guest condominiums offer guests overnight stay accommodations, but homes are available in the area for rent or sale.
6. Black Jack’s Crossing
Black Jack’s Crossing of Lajitas, Texas is considered the “Number One Resort Course in Texas” by several golf experts and insiders. Located in picturesque Lajitas was named after U.S. Army General “Black Jack” Pershing, and sits in the beautiful Big Bend National Park. The Pro Shop and Longhorn Museum were once the Lajitas Trading Post. Number One on our list of public greens, it was designed by Lanny Wadkins, a golf superstar. Guests can pay $125 in green fees for non-members, but members pay as little as $75. The resort and RV park are available, but housing is available in the area for sale or rent if you’re looking to move in.
