Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2025
BEST OVERALL COUNTRY CLUB
VAQUERO CLUB
After several years atop the best country club category, Northwood Club was dethroned in 2025 by a previous titleholder. Vaquero Club’s course reopened last year after a herculean renovation that had as many zeroes as the average annual contract for an NFL superstar. Vaquero Club originally burst onto the Metroplex private club scene back in 2001. The Tom Fazio design was heralded as one of the area’s best, with its subtle elevation changes, massive dynamic bunkers and diabolical green complexes.
A little over two decades later, the decision was made to renovate the golf course to eliminate some of its massive bunkers, rebuild every green, and reroute some holes to further enhance playability for members of all skill levels. Cue course architect Andrew Green, who was tasked with taking an already great golf course and improving it in hopes of once again making Vaquero the most desirable club in the area.
The final product is world-class in every detail, with new greens that feature systems to keep them tip-top during harsh weather spells in the winter and summer, and several reconfigured holes, including a brand-new opening par 5 which essentially is flipped to play in the opposite direction. Although there are more bunkers than before, the total acreage was reduced by almost half, from almost seven to a little more than four, making upkeep simpler for agronomy staffers and members alike. The smaller, more plentiful bunkering was instituted with the idea that players will be required to more carefully choose their strategy for certain holes, thus making play a more enjoyable and thoughtful experience. Greens are now more accessible with a variety of shots, introducing more creativity to chip and pitch shots.
Overall, the new course has earned rave reviews, and our team was gobsmacked to see Green was able to make an already great golf course that much better.
While the new course is fantastic, the amenities at Vaquero are truly what set it apart from any other club in the area. Yes, the more than a third-of-a-million-dollar initiation suggests everything about this club would be top of the food chain, but even at that hefty price, it is better than you could ever imagine. On-course comfort stations have more drink and snack options than a Buc-ee’s, the food in the restaurant would get rave reviews from Zagat’s, and the locker room and wellness amenities rival those of the Dallas Cowboys.
Vaquero Club has always been great, but with a new shiny course and every nicety and comfort you could dream of, it is once again at the top of the mountain when it comes to lavish, luxurious clubs.
BEST OVERALL GOLF CLUB
TRINITY FOREST GOLF CLUB
With Dallas National closed for a multi-million-dollar renovation, this year’s top spot for best overall golf club was up for grabs. Preston Trail has long been considered one of the overall best, and we don’t disagree. But in the end, Trinity Forest emerged among our staff as the leader in 2025.
To say Trinity Forest is unique would be an understatement. Located in the heart of south Dallas, in the Great Trinity Forest, you would think based on the name that this would be a tree-lined beauty, with rolling topography and plenty of parkland architectural elements. Well, you would be completely wrong, as the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw took this site and carved out one of the most impressive links-style courses in the country with no notable trees to speak of, that is, except the massive forest that surrounds the property on all sides.
The design of the course holds up as one of the most interesting in the state, with its massive greens, native grasses and playful, artistic bunkering. Fairways at Trinity Forest are generous, which makes for simple sightlines off the tee, but each hole becomes a bit trickier as you near the green complexes. Some of the greens at Trinity Forest can be downright comical in places, but it really makes for a fun time.
There are a couple of things that make Trinity Forest’s architecture special. One, there are a variety of ways you can play almost every shot from around the greens. They are receptive to bump-and-run shots, low-spinning chips, or even the putter. Each time you stand over something around the greens, you have to think and then execute. The second thing that makes Trinity Forest unlike many other courses is the pure variety. One staff member here noted that he used all 14 clubs in his bag the afternoon we played, and that he could not remember the last time that happened. In addition, since Trinity Forest last hosted the Byron Nelson tournament a few years ago, the course has been slightly re-routed, making for, in our opinion, a more enjoyable layout.
The practice facility, although a short cart ride from the clubhouse, is world-class. It is double-sided, so if you want to practice with or against the wind, you have that option. There are covered bays, and staff is welcoming and available to provide water or clean your clubs when you switch to a new wrench.
The clubhouse at Trinity Forest is modern, but immaculate. The locker room is comfortable and perfect to unwind and clean up after your round. Food is rock solid, and you are never more than a couple of feet away from some kind of snack, if you need a little sugar fix or something to hold you over until you make the turn.
We also think Trinity Forest has one of the best logos in the game, so loading up on merch in their pro shop is a must, should you ever be fortunate enough to play there.
Best Country Club
Platinum Category • $150,000 and up
Northwood Club
Brook Hollow Golf Club
Dallas Country Club
Shady Oaks Country Club
Northwood Club had held our top spot for the last several years. We have always said that to be the champ, you needed to beat the champ, and Vaquero just edged Northwood out in 2025. Northwood is still a fantastic overall club, with a golf course that will go toe-to-toe with any other at the top of our list. In fact, if we could choose one course to play over and over again, we all agree Northwood would likely be our choice. Northwood admittedly wants to upgrade its club and amenities, as members recently approved a whopping budget to build a new clubhouse as well as renovate the pool, fitness center and other perks. We can’t wait to follow the progress as they embark on their journey.
Northwood Club
Brook Hollow Golf Club might have the best overall architectural elements of any course in Dallas. Although it has undergone many updates and changes over the years, you still get the bones and feel of the original A.W. Tillinghast design, and for architecture purists, there is nothing like it. The thought-provoking shots and playful green complexes will challenge your game at every turn, while still allowing mid-handicappers to enjoy this parkland-style layout. The par-5 15th hole has a cap-tip to Pine Valley’s “Hell’s Half Acre,” with a massive great hazard that must be navigated. The clubhouse is sublime, with an old-school feel that offers modern amenities. This is a club for the upper crust and a true one-of-a-kind experience. Should you ever be lucky enough to be invited to play, drop everything and do so.
Brook Hollow Country Club
It’s hard to explain just how special Dallas Country Club is. It is truly the elite of the elite in the most affluent part of the city. Nestled in Highland Park right along the banks of Turtle Creek, this golf course exudes wealth and power with every twist and turn. The clubhouse is one of the finest in the state, and you will routinely see the absolute upper crust of Dallasites dining in its magnificent restaurant. There are finer courses, architecturally speaking, but for the total package, DCC is second to none.
Shady Oaks Country Club has been the gold standard for clubs in Fort Worth for many years. Ben Hogan spent much of his time at Shady. So much so that there is a bronze statue of his shag bag and clubs in a spot where he used to hit balls into the prevailing south winds to refine his notoriously remarkable ball striking. The course reopened after a Geoff Ogilvy renovation in 2020 and is still one of the best overall courses you will find in the area. The par-3 fifth is one of the best one-shot holes in DFW, playing from the highest point on property across a deep valley to an elevated, bunker-surrounded putting surface. The “Little Nine” par-3 course at the center of the property is arguably the best short course in the state, and the clubhouse is chock-full of every nicety you could ever desire as a member. Though Colonial has closed some ground since its Gil Hanse course renovation, Shady Oaks CC remains as Fort Worth’s best.
Best Country Club
Elite Category • $100,000 – $150,000
Royal Oaks Country Club
Colonial Country Club
Bent Tree Golf Club
Lakewood Country Club
Royal Oaks Country Club is one of Dallas’ finest clubs. The course was renovated in 2023 by renowned architect Chet Williams, and feedback from members has been great. The course features a fun layout that is scorable if you’re playing well and won’t penalize you too much if you’re having an off day. It offers everything you could ever want in a membership, including access to one of the most decorated instructors on the planet in Randy Smith. It’s also the home course to his most decorated student, two-time Masters champ and Olympic gold medalist, Scottie Scheffler.
Colonial Country Club finished its complete Gil Hanse overhaul of the course just before last year’s Charles Schwab Challenge. Tour pros and members gave the new Colonial rave reviews from top to bottom, with more playable options around the greens now that many have been lowered closer to ground level. That’s not to say it’s an easier Colonial, as some yardage was also added to beef up this parkland-style layout. Updates to the clubhouse are underway now and expected to be complete later in the year. With the new course and work being done to modernize the clubhouse, Colonial is forging ahead and figures to be one of the top clubs in DFW for years to come.
As the arms race between Metroplex clubs continues, Bent Tree Country Club wanted to get in on the action. They are eyeing a full course renovation to go with the 66,000 square-foot new clubhouse that was completed a couple of years ago. We are very interested in what will be done to update the course, but for us, the clubhouse is what makes Bent Tree spectacular. This Hill Country-inspired space offers multiple restaurant and meeting spaces, ballrooms, golf shop, locker rooms, golf simulators and one of the best fitness studios we’ve ever seen. Bent Tree is the total package, and with a renovated 18 on the way, they could see a jump in coming years.
Speaking of that arms race, Lakewood Country Club is another Dallas landmark club preparing to renovate its course. After some exterior renovations that are nearing completion, mainly to the brick wall and sign outside the club, a new underground parking garage is planned to begin construction in April, followed by a full course renovation beginning just after Labor Day. Andrew Green, the architect who is spearheading the renovation, has been recognized as a top-5 renovation expert by Golf Digest. This has the makings of something special. Stay tuned.
Best Country Club
First Class Category • $60,000–$100,000
Gleneagles Country Club
Stonebriar Country Club
The Nelson Golf & Sports Club
River Crest Country Club
Dallas Athletic Club
Ridglea Country Club
Gleneagles Country Club features two superb courses, the King’s Course and the Queen’s Course. Both courses are really fun, with interesting architectural elements that will challenge the novice or the experienced player. Amenities are top tier, with a massive clubhouse, great family pool, huge practice area, fitness center, tennis, pickleball and multiple dining options. It’s perfect for families in the Plano area or for those looking to host a top-notch corporate or charity tournament.
Gleneagles Country Club
With two courses at Stonebriar Country Club, the Country Club Course and the Fazio Course, this is a top-of-the-food-chain Invited property. The Country Club layout is a more user-friendly, classic design, while the Fazio … well, is a Tom Fazio. Both are fun, but the Fazio is far more demanding, which makes this a great club for those who want a relaxed round or the ultimate challenge. Take a moment to find the Men’s grill while you’re there … it’s speakeasy-ish and really nice.
The Nelson Golf & Sports Club is still one of the top-notch overall properties in the Metroplex. Though it no longer holds the cachet of hosting the Nelson, the consistent dedication from management to update the facilities keeps this as one of the better options on our list. The TPC Course is a tough customer, while the Cottonwood course is a more user-friendly experience. The fitness facilities are world-class, and recent updates to the patio area and pool have the Nelson buzzing with Ritz-Carlton hotel guests and members alike.
The Nelson Golf & Sports Club
River Crest Country Club is a lesser-known club in Fort Worth. Located just a few miles from Downtown Cowtown, it doesn’t get the accolades of Shady Oaks or Colonial, but the course and club are both every bit as fun. The 18-hole par-70 layout plays just north of 6,500 yards, which is short by today’s standards, but the perfectly manicured, slick greens will offer plenty of challenge for your flat-stick. And who knows? You might just see a celebrity or two on property, as scenes from Taylor Sheridan’s Landman were shot at River Crest last spring.
With all the great clubs in Dallas, Dallas Athletic Club sometimes flies under the radar. DAC has two courses, and the Gold Course underwent a renovation just last year. Both courses are fun to play, and they also offer a great short game area to enhance your wedges. The resort-style pool overlooks the Blue Course and buzzes with activity all summer. This is a great club for young executives with families that are looking for a retreat with everything from golf and tennis to fitness classes and junior programs.
Like DAC in Dallas, Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth is another property that can often go overlooked. Ridglea offers a pair of courses, the North and the South, and though they aren’t located together (the South Course is about four miles away), both offer unique challenges. The South Course offers some of the best pace of play anywhere in DFW, and the clubhouse is wide open and offers a great vibe. The North Course is equally fun, with great greens and tree-framed fairways. Ridglea also boasts a great pool, fitness center and racquet sports.
Best Country Club
Mid-Priced Category • $20,000–$60,000
Las Colinas Country Club
The Lakes at Castle Hills
The Clubs at Stonebridge Ranch
Canyon Creek Country Club
Denton Country Club
Trophy Club Country Club
The Clubs of Prestonwood
Heath Golf & Yacht Club
Although Las Colinas Country Club will no longer host the Invited Celebrity Classic, this club is still one of the most member-friendly in the area. LCCC offers great conditions, some challenging par 4s and a great finishing par 5. The clubhouse, locker rooms and pool areas are perfect for families, and you just might be able to find a card game once your round of golf is complete. Las Colinas has it all and has become a great overall value in the Invited stable of properties.
Las Colinas Country Club
The Lakes at Castle Hills is another wonderful value for those around Lewisville, Carrollton, The Colony, or even Plano and Frisco. This course went fully private back in 2014, and over the last decade it has really settled in and thrived with a great membership that loves their golf. This course is a real challenge, but good players are certainly capable of scoring, and with multiple tee options, it can be as tough as you want to make it. The resort-style pool, accompanied by a recent 19th Hole and patio renovation, really have Castle Hills shining bright.
The Lakes at Castle Hills
The Clubs at Stonebridge Ranch has all the bells and whistles for both young executives and longtime members alike. After its Saddleback nine-hole renovation, the Cimarron Course (holes 10-18) is now open after a full renovation to greens, bunkers, fairways, irrigation systems and practice facilities. The next phase will see an update to the Chisolm (another nine holes), which will completely unify these three nines into a championship-style golf experience. On its website, they say they are “turning greens into dreams,” and we would agree. Stonebridge is a dream for its great courses, amenities and overall value.
Canyon Creek Country Club is a Press Maxwell original that has seen some renovations over the years while still maintaining plenty of the Maxwell charm and demand. The waterfall on the 18th hole is a visual delight as you finish. Three swimming pools, including an adults-only option, make this a wonderful club for the family or some adult relaxation time. The recently renovated pool deck and cabanas are available to enhance the experience.
Denton Country Club is a great option for those on the north side of the Metroplex. Denton offers rolling topography throughout its 18-hole layout, with beautifully tree-lined holes that frame the course and fit almost any eye. The clubhouse is stately with fine dining, and members also enjoy the full array of club amenities like tennis, pickleball, fitness center and pool with umbrella-shaded lounge areas. It is undoubtedly one of the most underrated clubs on our list year after year, and at this initiation and dues, it should be considered a real value.
Trophy Club Country Club is a great property in the Invited portfolio that offers a pair of courses. The Hogan and the Whitworth courses are both worthy and fun to play. In fact, the Hogan is Ben Hogan’s lone course design, so that alone is worth the price of admission. There is a great short game area and one of the largest practice putting greens anywhere to lock in your wand and make sure you aren’t losing strokes on the greens. The pool is great, and they even have an indoor golf simulator. Trophy Club offers it all, and with this total package, it’s a wonderful value.
The Clubs of Prestonwood is another Invited property and has a pair of courses. The Hills is a tree-lined beauty that is truly fun to play. The Creek has some scenic views of White Rock Creek and some interesting architectural elements, making it interesting but quirky. As with most Invited properties, Prestonwood offers a fitness center, racquet sports and pool and plenty of dining options. They also offer their “Crush It” program for juniors, which stands for Confidence, Respect, Understanding, Self-discipline, Hard work, Integrity and Talent.
Heath Golf & Yacht Club is still one of the newer clubs in the area, and it is a bit of a mystery to those who aren’t living in that area. Heath sits on Lake Ray Hubbard and offers members a multitude of activities with its resort-style pool, youthful vibe and marina next to the clubhouse. Although the course doesn’t feature any holes directly on the lake, there are some scenic views as you play. It’s an exciting development that has absolutely exploded with activity since it opened just a few years ago.
Best Country Club
Executive Priced Category • $5,000–$20,000
Brookhaven Country Club
Hackberry Creek Country Club
Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club
Hurricane Creek Country Club
Diamond Oaks Country Club
The Retreat
Walnut Creek Country Club
Oakmont Country Club
Brookhaven Country Club is another reasonably priced Invited club. With three courses, The Master’s, the Championship and the President’s, there is plenty of variety to test your game. Invited has really worked to promote Brookhaven as one of its most family-friendly clubs, with a massive pool constantly buzzing with activity over the summer and the Drive Zone, which is a Topgolf-powered outdoor entertainment center.
Brookhaven Country Club
Hackberry Creek Country Club might be the most centrally located club in the Metroplex. It’s no more than about 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and only about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, making this convenient for young executives who might want to host clients from all corners of DFW. The course was designed by the great Byron Nelson and features a wild par-5 finishing hole that plays back across Hackberry Creek for players’ second or third shot. Craft 11 Restaurant offers dynamite fare, like a lobster grilled cheese or Peruvian scallops, making it a great dining experience before or after your round.
Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club is another one of our favorite underrated clubs out east. Course conditions are great, greens run pure, and there are some great lake views along the way. New clubhouse construction is planned for this summer, which will only add to its great atmosphere. Members are welcoming and friendly at Rockwall, making this a great option for anyone in that area.
Keep your eyes on Hurricane Creek Country Club over the next couple of years. This once-rural club is now seeing a good bit of development crawling toward it. With all the activity, Hurricane is striking while the iron is hot with a complete course renovation by Beau Welling. Welling, known for many other projects including Fields Ranch West and the upcoming Bluejack Ranch development in Aledo, is a perfect designer for the updated course at Hurricane Creek. The course is set to close in November and be down for a full year. If you live in that area, you might want to take advantage of this initiation while you can, because we can guarantee an increase when it reopens in 2026.
Diamond Oaks Country Club might be the best overall value in North Texas. As prices for clubs continue to skyrocket, Diamond Oaks has remained a great entry-level club, even though the golf course and overall vibe doesn’t feel entry level. A renovation of the clubhouse a couple of years ago has breathed life into this almost 65-year-old club, with a 19th hole buzzing with activity and a card room where you can almost always find a game.
The Retreat is a great resort-like property down in Cleburne. It’s a bit of a hike from the center of the Metroplex, but property owners there rave about the course conditions and the fun amenities they get with membership. It’s relatively affordable to join, but you must own property there to get those dues.
Walnut Creek Country Club offers a pair of courses, the Oak and the Pecan. Both offer plenty of scoring chances with some challenge sprinkled in. If you are south of DFW, say in Arlington, Mansfield or Midlothian, this is a viable, affordable option that offers plenty of golf, a great atmosphere for families and a more relaxed feel. You’re never too far away from a fun round and an ice-cold beer among friends at Walnut Creek.
Oakmont Country Club in Corinth not only has a nifty golf course designed by Don January and Roger Packard, it also features a great clubhouse that overlooks the first and 10th tee boxes and has a great wraparound deck which provides great views. Oakmont also offers the Game On! program, which provides new or players returning to the game to learn with structure to maximize their fun on the course.
Best Country Club
Exceptional Value Category • Under $5,000
Eldorado Country Club
Shady Valley Country Club
Eldorado Country Club is another club planning on updating some amenities and its course in 2025. A green renovation is planned to begin in just a few weeks and should be completed by early fall. They are also adding a new pool bar and some stand-alone pickleball courts that will enhance their racquet sports program. Eldorado is a great club for those in the McKinney, and it will likely vault out of this category in 2026.
El Dorado Country Club
Since Rolling Hills shut down, Shady Valley Country Club is now the only country club option in Arlington. Shady Valley still has a loyal membership, many of whom have been around for a while. It is also a great starter club for young execs who want fun golf and a place to take the family for some country club fun. The course won’t change your life by any stretch, but it is playable, and very walkable if you want to get out and get some exercise. Overall, for the price point, Shady Valley is a solid option.
Best Golf Club
Platinum Category • Over $150,000
Preston Trail Golf Club
Maridoe Golf Club
Preston Trail Golf Club has long been one of the most exclusive clubs in Dallas. The six-figure initiation and elite membership group make this one of the most desired clubs in the entire state. The course is immaculate, the food and beverage programs are hard to beat, and the members rave about pace of play and the relaxed on-course experience. Preston Trail is as tough an invite to get as anywhere in the country.
Maridoe Golf Club is now on more radars than ever after hosting the 2024 LIV Dallas Team Championship. We must admit, for several years, we felt Maridoe was simply too difficult to justify the membership cost. However, the course has softened a bit, and after some re-routing, the layout is a lot more palatable for the average player. We finally get it. Maridoe is a place where the elite love to play because it’s a true test, but it’s also a place that really focuses on one thing … golf. We respect that.
Maridoe Golf Club
Best Golf Club
Elite Category • $50,000–$100,000
TPC Craig Ranch
Timarron Country Club
Add TPC Craig Ranch to the list of courses with planned updates in 2025. The home of the CJ CUP Byron Nelson plans to shut down after this year’s champion is crowned to do some major work to the course. This will include extensive sod work, irrigation updates and other changes. Expect to see a fresh new Craig Ranch for the 2026 Nelson.
TPC Craig Ranch
Southlake’s Timarron Country Club is convenient to most anywhere in the area, making it another Invited course that is perfect for corporate memberships or those in the bustling Southlake/Westlake area. Champs 52 is a great scratch kitchen (we recommend the flatbread pizza), and the club offers all the perks you would expect from an Invited property.
Best Golf Club
First Class Category • $10,000–$50,000
Gentle Creek Golf Club
Lantana Golf Club
Gentle Creek Golf Club, managed by Arcis Golf, has been updated and improved in a remarkable way over the last several years. The course is fantastic, with interesting routing and dynamic elements throughout the round, highlighted by a gorgeous par-3 ninth hole over water. Some might make the case Gentle Creek is D.A. Weibring’s best design work in the area. And the clubhouse, which was updated last year, is a breath of fresh air.
Another of Arcis Golf’s private holdings, Lantana Golf Club, was designed by Jay and Carter Morrish, and has always been one of the most economical, friendly clubs you could ever belong to. The course rolls along tree-lined terrain, with holes framed beautifully from opening tee shot to final putt. It also offers a great clubhouse, with one of the nicest bar areas that is consistently bathed in sunlight with its large windows throughout. Don’t believe us, take the virtual tour on the website to see for yourself. In our opinion, Lantana is a steal at their current initiation and dues.
Not Rated for 2025
Dallas National Golf Club
Mira Vista Country Club
Dallas National Golf Club is in the middle of a massive course renovation to the tune of a rumored $30 million. We are pumped to see the new golf course and changes. It was spectacular before, and we can only imagine how great it will be once the changes are complete later in the year. National will be tough to beat for the top spot as best golf club in 2026.
Dallas National Golf Club
Mira Vista Country Club has always been a low-key fun golf course. At present, they are working on renovating the entire 18-hole layout, and early returns look great. We have been following the renovation on social media, which they update regularly, and we’re excited to see what the new Mira Vista will look like. We only hope they don’t renovate anything about the recipe for that locker room milkshake.