The Best Public Golf Courses in Texas: A Golfer’s Guide to Lone Star Greens
Latest updated: 27th July 2025
Reading time: 5 minutes
Texas, with its sprawling landscapes and varied terrain, is home to some of the finest public golf courses in the country. Whether you’re teeing off in the rolling Hill Country, along the windswept Gulf Coast, or amid the desert vistas of West Texas, the state offers incredible public golf experiences that rival private clubs. Here’s a look at some of the best public golf courses Texas has to offer.
1. Wolfdancer Golf Club – Lost Pines
Nestled along the Colorado River near Austin, Wolfdancer Golf Club is a stunning course that takes full advantage of its natural surroundings. Designed by Arthur Hills, the course offers a mix of wooded areas, open prairies, and riverfront holes, providing a dynamic and scenic round.
Wolfdancer Golf Club, located in Lost Pines, Texas, approximately 20 miles east of Austin, is a premier golfing destination that offers a diverse and challenging experience for players of all... Read more →
Why Play Here?
Challenging layout for all skill levels.
Breathtaking views of the Texas countryside.
Located at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, perfect for a golf getaway.
2. Memorial Park Golf Course – Houston
Fresh off a $34 million renovation by Tom Doak, Memorial Park is now one of the premier public courses in the U.S. and home to the PGA Tour’s Houston Open. This championship-caliber course offers pristine conditions and a fair challenge for all.
Why Play Here?
World-class facilities and design.
Accessible location in the heart of Houston.
Opportunity to walk in the footsteps of PGA Tour pros.
Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, Memorial Park Golf Course is a public gem that combines history, playability, and scenic beauty. The course was originally established in the 1930s... Read more →
3. TPC San Antonio (Canyons Course) – San Antonio
Part of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, the TPC San Antonio Canyons Course is a must-play for golfers visiting the region. Designed by Pete Dye, it offers a more forgiving but equally beautiful experience compared to its sister course, the AT&T Oaks.
The Canyons Course at TPC San Antonio, designed by renowned architect Pete Dye, offers a distinctive golfing experience characterized by wide fairways and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.... Read more →
Why Play Here?
Hill Country views and unique topography.
Impeccable course conditions.
Access to resort amenities for a full day of relaxation.
4. The Quarry Golf Course – San Antonio
Carved out of a former limestone quarry, this unique course offers dramatic cliffs, elevation changes, and unforgettable scenery. The back nine, in particular, winds through the quarry itself, creating one-of-a-kind challenges.
The Quarry Golf Course
The Quarry Golf Course in San Antonio, Texas, offers a distinctive golfing experience, seamlessly blending the region’s industrial heritage with modern course design. Opened in 1993, this Keith Foster-designed course... Read more →
Why Play Here?
One of the most visually striking courses in Texas.
Conveniently located near downtown San Antonio.
A mix of history and modern design.
5. Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club – Frankston
Tucked away in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Pine Dunes is a hidden gem that’s consistently ranked among the best public courses in the state. The course combines rolling fairways, towering pines, and impeccable greens for a serene yet challenging round.
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club, located in Frankston, Texas, is a premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging layout and serene setting. Designed by the esteemed architectural duo Jay... Read more →
Greenfee from$89
Why Play Here?
Peaceful setting away from urban distractions.
Affordable green fees for a top-tier course.
Renowned for its fast greens and excellent maintenance.
6. Butterfield Trail Golf Club – El Paso
Set against the dramatic backdrop of West Texas, Butterfield Trail is a desert-style course that offers both beauty and challenge. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is known for its wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning views.
Butterfield Trail Golf Club, located in El Paso, Texas, offers golfers a unique blend of historical significance and modern design. Opened in 2007, this public course was crafted by renowned... Read more →
Greenfee from$22
Why Play Here?
Unique desert golf experience.
Friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere.
Ideal for golfers looking to escape the crowds.
7. Cowboys Golf Club – Grapevine
Located just outside Dallas, Cowboys Golf Club is the world’s first NFL-themed course. This luxury public course delivers a premium experience with pristine fairways, challenging greens, and plenty of Dallas Cowboys-themed touches.
Cowboys Golf Club, nestled in the rolling hills of Grapevine, Texas, holds the unique distinction of being the world’s first and only NFL-themed golf club. Opened on June 14, 2001,... Read more →
Greenfee from$305
Why Play Here?
Unique theme and top-notch facilities.
Convenient location near DFW Airport.
Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included with green fees.
8. BlackHorse Golf Club – Cypress
BlackHorse, just outside Houston, features two outstanding public courses: the North and South Courses. The South Course, in particular, stands out for its creative design and incorporation of natural wetlands.
BlackHorse Golf Club, located at 12205 Fry Road in Cypress, Texas, is a premier golfing destination offering two distinct 18-hole courses—the North and South Courses—designed by the renowned team of... Read more →
Why Play Here?
Two courses to choose from, offering variety.
Friendly staff and well-maintained facilities.
Challenging but fair layouts for all skill levels.
9. Moody Gardens Golf Course – Galveston
For a coastal golfing experience, Moody Gardens Golf Course delivers. This seaside course offers ocean breezes, palm-lined fairways, and plenty of water hazards to keep you on your toes.
Moody Gardens Golf Course, located at 1700 Sydnor Lane in Galveston, Texas, is a premier public golfing destination that seamlessly blends challenging play with the natural beauty of Sydnor Bayou.... Read more →
Greenfee from$48
Why Play Here?
Stunning coastal views.
Perfect for combining golf with a Galveston beach getaway.
A challenging yet enjoyable layout.
10. Texas Star Golf Course – Euless
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Star is a hidden gem offering championship-level golf at an affordable price. The course winds through natural creeks and native grasses, making every hole feel unique.
Texas Star Golf Course, located in Euless, Texas, is a premier public golf destination perfectly situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. Since its opening in 1997, this 18-hole, par-71 course,... Read more →
Greenfee from$45
Why Play Here?
Affordable green fees for a top-notch experience.
Convenient location for Metroplex golfers.
Beautiful, natural setting that feels removed from the city.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for desert vistas, coastal breezes, or lush Hill Country greens, Texas’ public courses offer an incredible variety of golfing experiences. The state’s commitment to maintaining high-quality, accessible courses ensures that every golfer can enjoy world-class rounds without needing a private membership.
Pack your clubs and hit the road—there’s a public course waiting for you in Texas!
Read more
Read our latest stories about everything golf, from travel tips to equipment reviews.
Best golf shops in Texas for gear, fitting, and expert advice
Introduction to Texas’ top golf shops Texas offers an exceptional golfing experience — from sprawling courses to vibrant local golfing communities. Equally important to your game is where you get...
Texas golf course architecture: exploring unique design elements that define Lone Star links
Texas golf courses stand out not only for their challenging play but also for their distinctive architectural features that celebrate the Lone Star State’s rich natural and cultural heritage. From...
Texas golf training camps top seasonal clinics for 2024
Introduction to Texas golf training camps in 2024 Texas offers an impressive range of golf training camps and seasonal clinics specially designed to help players of all skill levels improve...