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 (Lost Pines)

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?


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?

Memorial Park Golf Course

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.

TPC San Antonio (Canyons Course)

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?


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?


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

8.9/10 | Expert rating

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?


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

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?


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 (Grapevine)

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?


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 – Cypress

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?


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

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?


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

7.5/10 | Expert rating

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?


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!


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