Texas is home to some of the best public golf courses in the country. From rolling Hill Country layouts to coastal links and desert-style fairways, the state has something for every type of golfer. Whether you want a weekend round with friends or a course worthy of your bucket list, you don’t have to look far.
What makes golf in Texas special is the variety. You can play through oak-covered hills one day, then tee it up on a wide-open West Texas course the next. Add in plenty of sunshine, year-round play, and some of the friendliest golf communities around, and it’s easy to see why so many golfers love playing here.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best public golf courses in Texas. Places that offer great conditions, fair prices, and a mix of challenge and fun that keep players coming back.
What Makes a Great Public Golf Course in Texas?
A great public golf course in Texas is more than just a well-kept set of fairways. It’s about layout, setting, and the overall experience from the first tee to the final putt.
The best courses strike a balance between challenge and playability. They test skilled players without punishing beginners. You’ll find wide fairways, smartly placed bunkers, and greens that roll true.
Scenery also plays a big part. Texas has an incredible mix of landscapes, from rugged Hill Country to flat prairie and sandy Gulf shores. Many courses make the most of that natural beauty, turning each hole into a view worth remembering.
Finally, a good public course should feel welcoming and fair in price. You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a round on a top-notch layout. Texas does this better than most, offering quality golf for every budget and skill level.
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Top-Rated Public Golf Courses in Texas
Texas has no shortage of impressive public golf courses. Some are resort-style layouts designed by legends, while others are local favorites known for pure golf and great value. These top-rated spots stand out for their design, scenery, and overall experience.
Omni Barton Creek (Fazio Canyons)
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Yardage: 7,153 yards
- Par: 72
Set in the rolling hills of west Austin, Fazio Canyons is one of the most scenic public courses in the state. The course flows through limestone cliffs, wooded ravines, and winding creeks, giving players a true Hill Country feel. Every hole feels tucked away in nature, with quiet surroundings and views that change as you move through the property.
While it’s playable for most skill levels, Fazio Canyons rewards precision over power. The wide fairways invite a confident tee shot, but the approach shots and quick greens demand careful club selection. It’s the kind of course that makes you think while still being fun from start to finish.
Golfers can also enjoy the full Barton Creek Resort experience, which includes practice facilities, lodging, and a handful of other championship courses nearby. It’s a must-play stop for anyone planning a golf trip to Central Texas.
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TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks Course)
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Yardage: 7,435 yards
- Par: 72
The AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio is one of the most recognized public layouts in Texas. Designed by Greg Norman with help from Sergio Garcia, it hosts the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open each spring. That means you can play the same fairways and greens that test some of the best players in the world.
The layout blends natural Hill Country terrain with a challenging design that rewards accuracy. Tight fairways and deep bunkers put a premium on strategy, while the greens roll smooth and quick. It’s tough but fair, perfect for golfers who enjoy testing their full game.
Beyond the course itself, the on-site JW Marriott Hill Country Resort offers everything you could want after a long round, from top-notch dining to a world-class spa. Between the course, the setting, and the resort experience, it’s one of the premier public golf destinations in Texas.
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club
- Location: Frankston, Texas
- Yardage: 7,117 yards
- Par: 72
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club offers one of the purest golf experiences in Texas. Set among tall East Texas pines, the course feels quiet and peaceful from the moment you step on the first tee. Designed by Jay and Carter Morrish, it’s consistently ranked among the best affordable public courses in the country.
The layout is both fun and fair. Generous landing areas keep it friendly off the tee, while elevated greens and deep bunkers add just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The sandy soil gives the course firm, fast conditions that reward well-struck shots and creative short-game play.
What really sets Pine Dunes apart is the relaxed atmosphere. There’s no rush, no city noise, just great golf in a beautiful natural setting. Stay-and-play cabins are available on-site, making it an easy weekend trip for anyone in Dallas, Houston, or Tyler.
The Rawls Course
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
- Yardage: 7,349 yards
- Par: 72
The Rawls Course, designed by Tom Doak, is one of the best college golf courses in the country and a must-play stop in West Texas. Built for Texas Tech University, it’s open to the public and offers the kind of design you’d expect from one of the game’s top architects.
The course was carved out of flat farmland, but you’d never know it. Doak reshaped the land to mimic the rolling terrain of the Texas Panhandle, with wide fairways, bold contours, and plenty of wind exposure. It’s a true test of shot-making, where every round feels different depending on the breeze.
Despite its championship pedigree, The Rawls Course is known for being friendly and affordable. The staff treats visitors like regulars, and the practice facilities are among the best in the state. If you’re looking for top-tier golf without the resort price tag, this course belongs on your list.
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Wolfdancer Golf Club
- Location: Lost Pines, Texas
- Yardage: 7,205 yards
- Par: 72
Wolfdancer Golf Club sits along the Colorado River just outside Austin and offers one of the most scenic rounds you’ll find in Central Texas. Designed by Arthur Hills, the course flows through three distinct landscapes: prairie, woodland, and river valley, giving each stretch of holes its own personality and challenge.
The opening holes play over rolling hills with wide fairways that build confidence early. The middle section winds through dense trees, where accuracy matters more than distance. The final stretch runs along the river, offering dramatic views and a few risk-reward chances for those willing to take them.
Course conditions are consistently strong, and the service matches the high-end resort setting at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. It’s an ideal spot for a stay-and-play weekend or a round that feels like a short golf getaway from Austin.
Butterfield Trail Golf Club
- Location: El Paso, Texas
- Yardage: 7,307 yards
- Par: 72
Butterfield Trail Golf Club is a desert-style course that showcases the natural beauty of far West Texas. Designed by Tom Fazio, it features rolling dunes, native grasses, and wide-open views that make every hole feel different from the last. The course sits near the El Paso airport, yet it feels completely removed from the city once you’re out on the fairways.
The layout is both strategic and scenic. Fairways are generous, but the greens are well-guarded with deep bunkers and subtle breaks. Desert winds often come into play, so shot control and course management are key to scoring well.
After a brief closure a few years ago, the course reopened under new management and has quickly regained its reputation as one of Texas’s top public layouts. It’s affordable, beautifully maintained, and offers a true destination feel without the high resort cost.
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Texas Star Golf Course
- Location: Euless, Texas
- Yardage: 6,936 yards
- Par: 71
Texas Star Golf Course is one of the best municipal layouts in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Owned by the city of Euless, it delivers private club conditions at public course prices. The layout, designed by Keith Foster, makes full use of the natural terrain with rolling fairways, elevation changes, and water that comes into play on several holes.
The course starts out friendly, giving golfers room to get comfortable before tightening up on the back nine. Approach shots demand accuracy, especially to the well-protected greens. The mix of open and wooded holes keeps things interesting, and the course stays in excellent shape year-round.
Texas Star’s value is what keeps people coming back. Green fees are fair, the pace of play is usually good, and the staff treats every visitor like a member. For locals or travelers passing through DFW, it’s an easy course to recommend.
La Cantera Resort Course
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Yardage: 7,001 yards
- Par: 72
La Cantera Resort Course is one of the most scenic public golf experiences in Texas. Perched above the Hill Country, it offers sweeping views and a layout that feels both challenging and relaxing. Designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, the course was built to host championship-level play while still being enjoyable for the average golfer.
Elevation changes are a big part of the experience here. Several tee boxes sit high above the fairways, giving you wide views of the countryside and a few dramatic downhill shots. The fairways are generous, but the greens are fast and well-guarded, keeping even strong players on their toes.
The resort atmosphere adds to the appeal. Golfers can stay at the on-site hotel, enjoy the spa, and grab a meal overlooking the course after their round. Between the setting, design, and service, La Cantera easily ranks among the best public golf destinations in Texas.
Cowboys Golf Club
- Location: Grapevine, Texas
- Yardage: 7,017 yards
- Par: 72
Cowboys Golf Club is the only NFL-themed golf course in the world, and it lives up to its name. Dedicated to the Dallas Cowboys, this upscale public course blends first-class service with a fun and challenging layout. Designed by Jeff Brauer, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a memorable round near Dallas–Fort Worth.
The course winds through gently rolling terrain with fairways lined by oaks and water hazards that come into play on several holes. It’s playable for most skill levels, but those wanting to score well will need to be sharp with their irons and short game.
Every part of the experience ties back to the Cowboys theme, from memorabilia in the clubhouse to star-shaped markers on the course. Add in the all-inclusive green fee that covers food, drinks, and range balls, and you’ve got one of the best overall golf experiences in Texas.
Old American Golf Club
- Location: The Colony, Texas
- Yardage: 7,174 yards
- Par: 71
Old American Golf Club sits along the shores of Lake Lewisville and brings a classic feel to modern Texas golf. Designed by Tripp Davis and PGA Tour player Justin Leonard, the course was inspired by early American designs from the early 1900s, simple and strategic, built around the land rather than over it.
The layout features natural bunkering, firm fairways, and fast greens that reward thoughtful play. There are no forced carries or gimmicks, just a pure test of golf where smart decisions matter more than distance. The lake views on the closing holes are a highlight, especially at sunset when the light hits the water.
Old American has hosted several professional events, including LPGA tournaments, which speaks to its quality and conditioning. Despite its championship setup, it remains open to the public through day fees and stay-and-play options with the nearby Tribute Golf Links. For golfers who appreciate strategy and classic design, this course is a standout.
Hidden Gem Public Courses in Texas
Not every great round in Texas comes with resort prices or big-name designers. Scattered across the state are public courses that fly under the radar but deliver excellent golf for the money. These hidden gems may not make every national list, yet they’re loved by locals and visiting golfers who value great layouts, good conditions, and an easygoing atmosphere.
Grey Rock Golf Club
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Yardage: 6,909 yards
- Par: 72
Grey Rock Golf Club is one of Austin’s true hidden gems. Set among tall oaks in the city’s southwest corner, it offers a quiet, relaxed round away from downtown traffic. Designed by Jay Morrish, the course features tree-lined fairways, generous landing areas, and large greens that stay in great shape year-round.
It’s challenging enough to keep better players interested but fair for all skill levels. The back nine, in particular, weaves through natural terrain that gives each hole its own feel. Add in friendly staff, affordable green fees, and an easy location just minutes from downtown, and it’s easy to see why so many locals call this their go-to course.
The Quarry Golf Course
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Yardage: 6,740 yards
- Par: 71
The Quarry Golf Course is one of the most unique public layouts in Texas. Built on the site of a former limestone quarry, it delivers a dramatic mix of scenery and shot-making. The front nine plays across a wide-open landscape with rolling fairways and generous greens, setting up a fair start to the round.
Then the back nine drops into the old quarry itself, a stunning section surrounded by steep rock walls, lakes, and elevated tees. It’s a completely different experience, full of risk-reward holes and unforgettable views. Course conditions are consistently solid, and the friendly staff helps make every visit easygoing.
It’s not just a fun course, it’s one you’ll remember long after you’ve finished the 18th hole.
Memorial Park Golf Course
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Yardage: 7,432 yards
- Par: 71
Memorial Park Golf Course is the crown jewel of Houston’s public golf scene. Originally opened in the 1930s, it was completely redesigned by Tom Doak with input from Brooks Koepka and now hosts the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. Despite that level of prestige, it remains open to everyday golfers at affordable city rates.
The course features wide fairways, minimal rough, and large, undulating greens that reward creative shot-making. Strategic bunkers and run-off areas challenge better players, while beginners still find it playable and fair. It’s a modern design that blends simplicity with variety, every hole feels different but flows naturally into the next.
Tee times can fill up fast, especially on weekends, but it’s worth the effort. Memorial Park proves that municipal golf can rival private clubs when it’s done right.
Lajitas Golf Resort
- Location: Lajitas, Texas
- Yardage: 7,422 yards
- Par: 72
Lajitas Golf Resort sits in one of the most remote and striking parts of Texas, near Big Bend National Park. Designed by Lanny Wadkins, the course blends desert beauty with smart design, using the natural landscape instead of trying to change it. Wide fairways roll between rocky hills and arroyos, while the backdrop of desert mountains makes every hole feel special.
The layout offers a fair test for all players. There’s plenty of room off the tee, but approach shots need accuracy to find the firm, fast greens. The elevation changes and steady desert winds add just enough challenge to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming.
With a full resort on site, golfers can stay in comfort, enjoy local dining, and take in the stars at night—some of the clearest skies you’ll find anywhere. It’s a true destination course worth the trip for anyone who loves golf and wide-open Texas scenery.
Tips for Planning a Golf Trip in Texas
Planning a golf trip in Texas can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. With so many great public courses spread across the state, a little preparation goes a long way toward getting the best experience for your time and money.
1. Choose your region wisely.
Texas is huge, and every region offers something different. The Hill Country has rolling terrain and scenic views. The DFW area has a mix of high-end and affordable options. The Gulf Coast offers coastal winds and mild winter weather. Pick one area and stick with it, you’ll spend more time golfing and less time driving.
2. Aim for spring or fall.
These seasons offer the best combination of weather and course conditions. Summer can be hot, especially in Central and South Texas, and some courses may overseed in winter.
3. Book early, especially for resort courses.
Popular spots like Barton Creek, TPC San Antonio, and La Cantera often fill up weeks in advance. Reserving early guarantees the best tee times and rates.
4. Consider stay-and-play packages.
Many resorts and public courses in Texas offer lodging deals that include golf, meals, and practice range access. They’re convenient and often a better value than booking everything separately.
5. Pack for changing weather.
Texas weather can shift quickly, warm afternoons, cool mornings, and the occasional storm. Bring layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Whether you’re building a weekend trip or a week-long tour of the state’s best courses, a little planning ensures you get the most out of your Texas golf experience.
The Bottom Line
Texas has something for every golfer. From championship resort layouts in Austin and San Antonio to quiet hidden gems tucked across small towns, the state’s public courses cover every kind of golf experience you could want.
What makes golf in Texas special is the mix of scenery, value, and variety. You can play through rolling hills, desert landscapes, or along the Gulf Coast, all without needing a private club membership.
Whether you’re chasing your next big golf trip or just looking for a great local round, these public courses prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to play top-quality golf.
So grab your clubs, book a tee time, and see for yourself why Texas stands out as one of the best golf states in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 public golf course in Texas?
Omni Barton Creek’s Fazio Canyons in Austin often ranks as the top public course in Texas. It combines championship design, Hill Country scenery, and resort-level conditions that appeal to all skill levels.
When is the best time to play golf in Texas?
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for golf in Texas. The weather is comfortable, and most courses are in peak condition. Summer can be very hot, especially in Central and South Texas.
Are there beginner-friendly public golf courses in Texas?
Yes. Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club, Grey Rock Golf Club, and Wolfdancer Golf Club all offer wide fairways, fair setups, and welcoming environments for players of all skill levels.
What are the most affordable public golf courses in Texas?
Courses like Texas Star in Euless and Grey Rock in Austin offer excellent golf for a fair price. They maintain private club conditions without the high fees, making them favorites among local golfers.
Which Texas public courses have hosted PGA Tour events?
TPC San Antonio (Valero Texas Open) and Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston (Houston Open) both host annual PGA Tour events and are open to the public year-round.
What part of Texas has the best weather for golf year-round?
The Gulf Coast and Hill Country regions generally offer the most consistent weather for year-round golf. Winters are mild, and even in cooler months, most courses stay open and playable.
Sean’s parents first put a golf club in his hands at the age of 8. He immediately fell in love with the game of golf. Today he’s passing on that love to his own kids.