<\/p>\n
Fall color envelops Stevens Park Golf Course in Dallas as a golfer tees off.<\/p>\n
Tom Fox\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
The Dallas Morning News\u00a0course rankings are a team effort. The 77 panel members were given a ballot of 300 courses and asked to rate them on a 10-point scale. Panel members are golf professionals, golf course architects, superintendents, people involved in the golf course industry and amateurs. Many of the amateurs compete in statewide and national events, and others have GHIN indexes north of 10.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Not even the most avid golfer has played all 300 courses, and the first marching order all panel members are given is to vote only for the courses they have played, preferably within the last five years. We also give each of the panel members a list of criteria to consider when rating. These criteria are similar to what national golf publications use.<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
The votes are tabulated, and a process known as\u00a0winsorization is used to account for outliers – high and low – to smooth the data. Because not every course is rated by every panel member, we determined that a course must receive votes from at least 13% of the panel members (10 this year) to be eligible for Top 100 consideration and for the top-50 public course list and the two lists of public courses broken down by price points. Fee is the cost of a greens fee and cart for a prime Saturday tee time. Fees are from April 2026. Actual rates may vary. To be eligible, a course must have been rated by 10 panel members.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Top courses under $100<\/p>\n
(x-original design; y-redesign\/renovation; NR-not ranked)<\/p>\n
Rk.<\/p>\n
Course<\/p>\n
Location<\/p>\n
Designer<\/p>\n
Year
Open<\/p>\n
Fee<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course<\/p>\n
Houston<\/p>\n
Baxter Spann<\/p>\n
1908<\/p>\n
64<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
Texas Star Golf Club<\/p>\n
Euless<\/p>\n
Keith Foster<\/p>\n
1997<\/p>\n
92<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
Squaw Valley GC, Comanche Lakes<\/p>\n
Glen Rose<\/p>\n
Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
2001<\/p>\n
66<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Brackenridge Park Golf Course<\/p>\n
San Antonio<\/p>\n
x-A.W. Tillinghast;
y-Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
1916<\/p>\n
94<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Waterchase Golf Club<\/p>\n
Fort Worth<\/p>\n
Steve Plummer<\/p>\n
2000<\/p>\n
83<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
Stevens Park Golf Course<\/p>\n
Dallas<\/p>\n
x-Jack Burke Sr.;
y-Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
1950<\/p>\n
69<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
Delaware Springs Golf Course<\/p>\n
Burnet<\/p>\n
David Axland, Dan Proctor<\/p>\n
1999<\/p>\n
73<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
Tenison Park Golf Course, Highlands<\/p>\n
Dallas<\/p>\n
x-Ralph Plummer; y-Weibring-Wolfard<\/p>\n
1960<\/p>\n
75<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
Live Oak Golf Club<\/p>\n
Abilene<\/p>\n
Charles Coody<\/p>\n
1999<\/p>\n
82<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
Grapevine Municipal<\/p>\n
Grapevine<\/p>\n
x-Byron Nelson, Joe Finger;
y-Weibring-Wolfard Design<\/p>\n
1979<\/p>\n
81<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
Landa Park Golf Course<\/p>\n
New Braunfels<\/p>\n
Baxter Spann, Ken Dye, Joe Finger<\/p>\n
1969<\/p>\n
54<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
Cedar Creek Golf Course<\/p>\n
San Antonio<\/p>\n
Baxter Spann, Ken Dye, Joe Finger<\/p>\n
1989<\/p>\n
83<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
Squaw Valley Golf Course, Apache Links<\/p>\n
Glen Rose<\/p>\n
x-Jeffrey D. Brauer;
y-Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
1992<\/p>\n
66<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
Eagle Pointe Golf Club<\/p>\n
Mont Belvieu<\/p>\n
Rick Forester<\/p>\n
1999<\/p>\n
73<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
Firewheel Golf Park, The Bridges<\/p>\n
Garland<\/p>\n
Dick Phelps<\/p>\n
2001<\/p>\n
69<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
Canyon Springs Golf Club<\/p>\n
San Antonio<\/p>\n
Thomas Walker<\/p>\n
1998<\/p>\n
75<\/p>\n
17<\/p>\n
Hawks Creek Golf Club<\/p>\n
Fort Worth<\/p>\n
Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
2002<\/p>\n
81<\/p>\n
18<\/p>\n
Tangle Ridge Golf Course<\/p>\n
Grand Prairie<\/p>\n
Jeffrey D. Brauer<\/p>\n
1995<\/p>\n
75<\/p>\n
19<\/p>\n
Courses at Watters Creek<\/p>\n
Plano<\/p>\n
x-Bruce Devlin\/Robert von Hagge,
y-Weibring Wolfard Design<\/p>\n
1991<\/p>\n
75<\/p>\n
20<\/p>\n
Rockwood Park Golf Course<\/p>\n
Fort Worth<\/p>\n
x-John Bredemus;
y-Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
1938<\/p>\n
63<\/p>\n
21<\/p>\n
Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course<\/p>\n
Fredericksburg<\/p>\n
Jeffrey D. Blume<\/p>\n
1969<\/p>\n
75<\/p>\n
22<\/p>\n
Cedar Crest Golf Course<\/p>\n
Dallas<\/p>\n
x-A.W. Tillinghast;
y-Weibring-Wolfard design<\/p>\n
1918<\/p>\n
56<\/p>\n
23<\/p>\n
Bridges Golf Club<\/p>\n
Gunter<\/p>\n
Fred Couples, Jeffrey D. Brauer<\/p>\n
2008<\/p>\n
79<\/p>\n
24<\/p>\n
Split Rail Links and Golf Club<\/p>\n
Aledo<\/p>\n
Phil Lumsden<\/p>\n
2002<\/p>\n
70<\/p>\n
25<\/p>\n
Squaw Creek Golf Club<\/p>\n
Willow Park<\/p>\n
x-Ralph Plummer;
y-Colligan Golf Design<\/p>\n
1971<\/p>\n
65<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n x-original design; y-redesign<\/p>\n Course rating criteria<\/p>\n Versatility: Does the course create a good mix for the high and low handicappers? Are better players challenged, while the high handicappers are able to enjoy play through the use of shorter teeing areas, alternate routes, location of hazards and accessible pins?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Shotmaking: Does it test accuracy, finesse, length and putting without putting too much emphasis on any of these skills?<\/p>\n Design: Is there a good balance? Differing lengths? Doglegs right and left? Placement of hazards? Contours and shapes of greens?<\/p>\n Afterthoughts: How much do you remember about the course? Do one or two holes stand out as great or bad?<\/p>\n Beauty: Do the scenic values add to the pleasure of a round? Trees, shrubs, hills, mounds, flowers, etc.?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Maintenance: How would you rate the course conditions, factoring in all aspects – tees, greens, fairways, bunkers? Spring, summer, fall or winter when viewed?<\/p>\n Enjoyment: How do you feel about being at the course? What about the amenities? From arrival to departure, was it a good, bad or indifferent golf experience?<\/p>\n More Texas Golf content<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 2026 Texas Golf panelists<\/p>\n William Aycock, Conroe amateur<\/p>\n Mike Bailey, Golf writer, Houston amateur<\/p>\n Robert Banta, Frisco Amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Walt Barnes, Addison amateur<\/p>\n Kemberly Barrett, Waco amateur<\/p>\n Curt Breaux, Montgomery amateur<\/p>\n John Brechin, Allen amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Bruce Burger, Superintendent, The Quarry Golf Club<\/p>\n Mark Button, Director of business development, Texas Golf Association.<\/p>\n Tony Campagna, Golf course sands and materials consultant<\/p>\n Miles Carlson, Former Superintendent at the Woodlands CC<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Greg Clark, Frisco amateur<\/p>\n Beth Cleckler, Austin amateur<\/p>\n John Cochran, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for South Texas<\/p>\n Brent Cooper, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Robert Couture, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Thomas Devanna, Head pro at White Bluff Resort, Lake Whitney<\/p>\n Cameron Doan, Director of golf, Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas<\/p>\n Conrad Doss, The Woodlands amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Camm Dougherty, Corpus Christi amateur<\/p>\n Evan Dunkerson, Director of golf, Midland Country Club<\/p>\n Lou Duran, Frisco amateur<\/p>\n Bob Elliott, PGA life member, Dallas<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Gilbert Freeman, Pro emeritus Lakewood CC, Dallas<\/p>\n Don Gafner, Dallas Golf Co. CEO, Sunnyvale amateur<\/p>\n Edward Gatlin, PGA life member, Athens; director of AMWA<\/p>\n Bill Hanley, USGA\/Texas Golf Association committee member<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Mark Harrison, Northern Texas PGA CEO<\/p>\n Malcolm Holland, Past president of Texas Golf Association, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Mark Kazlowski, Texas Golf editor emeritus, Cedar Hill amateur<\/p>\n Robbie Kearney, PGA vice president of golf operations, Crescent Hotels and Resorts<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Trey Kemp, Dallas-based golf course architect<\/p>\n Randy King, Horseshoe Bay amateur<\/p>\n Tim King, Head professional, Brook Hollow Golf Club<\/p>\n Keith Kirkendall, Houston amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Lawson Klotz, Irving amateur<\/p>\n Nancy Kromar, Austin amateur<\/p>\n Kellen Kubasak, Chief development officer for Golf San Antonio<\/p>\n Phyllis Kwedar, Fort Worth amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Ricky Lyons, General manager, Covey at Big Easy Ranch<\/p>\n Cathy Marino, Jesuit golf coach, LPGA professional<\/p>\n Timm Matthews, PGA Tour podcast host, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n James McAfee, Golf writer, Plano amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Mike McCabe, GM Golf Clubs at the Tribute<\/p>\n Sam Morrow, Houston amateur<\/p>\n Robert Neal, Mansfield amateur<\/p>\n Terry Olson, Vice president of sales and marketing, Lajitas Golf Resort<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Britt Patton, PGA life member from Colleyville<\/p>\n Casey Paulson, President of sales and operations, Driftwood Golf Club<\/p>\n Kevin Porter, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for North Texas<\/p>\n George Priolo, GM, PGA professional, Comanche Trail Golf Complex, Amarillo<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Jim Quinn, Arlington amateur<\/p>\n Jerry Ransom, Greenville amateur<\/p>\n Paul Richards, Austin amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Robert Rodriguez, San Antonio amateur<\/p>\n Casey Russell, director of golf, Big Easy Ranch<\/p>\n Linda Sackett, Boerne amateur<\/p>\n Lee Sandlin, Former Texas Golf Association president, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Jonathan Shipley, Former Texas Golf Association president, Katy amateur<\/p>\n Marty Slade Perlman, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Jeff Smelser, Superintendent, Galveston Country Club<\/p>\n Shane Smith, The Woodlands amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Randy Smith, PGA Professional Emeritus, Royal Oaks CC, Dallas.<\/p>\n Mark Steinbauer, PGA of America education faculty<\/p>\n Art Stricklin, Golf writer, Plano amateur<\/p>\n Eldon Tarver, Austin amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Steve Termeer, GM\/chief operating officer, University of Texas Golf Club, Austin<\/p>\n Tammy Trichell, Helotes amateur<\/p>\n Mark Tylenda, Lewisville amateur<\/p>\n Casey Wade, head professional, Sterling CC at Houston National<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Pat Wheeler, golf writer, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n Nanette Wheelis, Waco amateur<\/p>\n By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use<\/a> and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jim Whitten, Fort Worth amateur<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Greg Wille, Belton amateur<\/p>\n Chris Winn, Houston amateur<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fall color envelops Stevens Park Golf Course in Dallas as a golfer tees off. Tom Fox\/Staff Photographer The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":291099,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[27,29,28],"class_list":["post-291098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=291098"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291098\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/291099"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=291098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=291098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=291098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"image\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775031754_150_rawImage.jpg\" "\\"#\\"")
<\/p>\n