Cover Story – Best of Private Clubs 2021

Here we go again. Yes, it’s time for our annual private club rankings. When we last published this issue in 2020, we had not yet entered the year of shutdowns, masks, pin flags remaining in and single-rider carts. The last year has been bizarre to say the least, but we continue to move forward and once again we are bringing you our rankings of the best private golf clubs the Metroplex and surrounding areas have to offer. In a year where rounds were through the roof as courses were one of the few places people felt comfortable, many clubs updated amenities and made changes to their courses and clubhouses. So, here we are. It’s time to take a look at the best clubs in the area. As usual, we want your feedback as well. Feel free to send us a message on what you think we got right or wrong in the 2021 rankings. 

Best Overall Golf Club ▶ Dallas National Golf Club

Yes, here we are again. Dallas National once again reigns supreme as the Best Overall Golf Club in the area. This no-nonsense club is a true one-of-a-kind golfers paradise. The course is absolutely stunning, and unlike anything you will find in the area. Vast elevation changes, tricky greens and exceptional routing make this the best overall golf experience in the area, and not by just a little bit. The recently renovated clubhouse only adds to the overall enjoyment, and if you are a range rat, there isn’t a more exceptional place to practice in the state. Trackman? Yes. Indoor hitting bays? Yes. Multiple practice chipping and putting greens? Absolutely. If you have ever been blessed enough to play National, it is easy to see how they are always atop the list of best golf clubs. 

Best Overall Country Club ▶ Northwood Club

For the first time in recent memory, there is a new king. Our 2021 Best Overall Country Club is Northwood Club in Dallas. Vaquero has long been the gold standard when it comes to hospitality, golf and overall experience, but rocky times behind the scenes has Vaquero taking a hiatus from the overall top spot. Northwood Club is stupendous in every possible way. The clubhouse is gorgeous, the amenities are second to none, the food is fantastic, and the golf course is magical. Since the 2019 Tripp Davis renovation, the course has matured nicely, and the improvements are easy to see. The property feels more like a quiet, relaxing parkland than a prestigious golf experience. The course also features what we believe to be one of the best tee shots in the area, the par-5 14th, which sends golfers into a riverbed to hit a majestic shot to an elevated fairway. In addition, the club has some major championship pedigree as it was the host of the 1952 U. S. Open. There isn’t much we would change about Northwood and that’s why they are this year’s top club. 

Best Country Club

Elite Category • $60,000 and up

Vaquero Club

Shady Oaks Country Club

Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club

Royal Oaks Country Club 

Lakewood Country Club 

Dallas Country Club 

Colonial Country Club

Bent Tree Country Club 

River Crest Country Club

The clubs listed below are at the top of the food chain when it comes to golf, amenities and overall club experience. While these aren’t for the feeble, they are every golfer’s dream.  

The Vaquero Club is still at the top of the food chain when it comes to complete clubs. Beautiful homes surround this unique, perfectly manicured golf course. The routing is fantastic, the conditions are always perfect, and the practice facility is a golfer’s dream. The on course halfway house is one of the most well stocked in the state, with almost everything you would find in a corner store. The stately, modern clubhouse has a wonderful locker room, great restaurant and a workout facility that rivals most top-level gyms. Yes, Vaquero comes with a hefty price tag, but they excel at making their members feel at home and well taken care of. You definitely get what you pay for at Vaquero.

Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth is widely known as the place Ben Hogan played and practiced. Yes, he spent some time at Colonial as well, but Shady was his baby, and he was there a lot. The course underwent a significant renovation that was completed in late 2020, and with the update, it is spectacular. Awesome bunkering, great elevation changes and some diabolical greens make it a tough task, but it’s as good a course as you will find in DFW. And don’t forget one of the coconut, pecan ice cream bars in the courtesy stations. 

Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club is a great overall spot with a resort right on the property. Two huge pools, workout facility and a pair of great golf courses make this one of the overall best values around. The TPC course is a little sterile, but it is definitely a challenge. On the contrary, the Cottonwood Valley course is hyper-playable and fun for the average player or the seasoned veteran. If you want top-level amenities, look no further than the Four Seasons. 

Royal Oaks Country Club is a great piece of land that has every creature comfort one would want in a great club. Unfortunately, a storm took out hundreds of trees a couple years back, which made the course more playable, but also made the course less visually appealing. The greens are great, and the course is fun. Royal Oaks is definitely worthy of being called one of the best in
the Metroplex. 

Lakewood Country Club has spectacular bentgrass greens, a clubhouse that features great views of the course, and a great gym on property. The practice range is a little small, but the golf course more than makes up for it. Lakewood is fun, playable, and boasts some of the best greens you will find. Although replacing retired Director of Golf Gilbert Freeman will be tough, we expect Lakewood to keep on trucking. 

Dallas Country Club is the place to be seen in Big D. The rich and powerful conduct business here, eat lunch here and you won’t find a course that is in better condition anywhere. The clubhouse is massive and stately, with every amenity that a member could ever want. 

While Shady Oaks is widely considered to be the best in Fort Worth, Colonial Country Club can brag about the fact that they have the longest tenure hosting a PGA Tour event. The Charles Schwab Challenge took a national stage in 2020 being the first event on Tour after the COVID lockdown. Colonial was up to the task and hosted a great, albeit fan-less, event. The 2021 version will have fans in a limited capacity to check out one of the Metroplex’s legendary courses. 

Bent Tree Country Club has a quiet, peaceful feel about it despite its proximity to the busy Preston Road and Dallas North Tollway. The outdoor seating area features some of the most comfortable rocking chairs around and a giant fireplace. The practice area is convenient and easily accessible from the clubhouse, which is currently undergoing a renovation. We can’t wait to see the results. 

River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth has to be one of the wildest social scenes for any club in the area. They are known for their great parties and their Crestival, which is one of the biggest Calcutta’s in the state. Although the course isn’t long, the greens can be downright comical when pins are set in certain spots. It’s a fun test of golf and the scene is off the chain. 

The List

Most Improved Golf Course: TPC Craig Ranch

Best Renovation Ft. Worth: Shady Oaks

Best Renovation Dallas: Las Colinas Country Club

Most Innovative Renovation: Brook Hollow Golf Club

Best Clubhouse Renovation: Dallas National

Clubhouse We Can’t Wait to See: Bent Tree Country Club

Next Up for Club Corp: Golf Renovations at Gleneagles Country Club

Next Clubhouse Renovation: Lantana Golf Club

Best Overall Bargain: Hackberry Creek Country Club

Best Links Style Course: Trinity Forest Golf Club

Underrated for the Money: Ridglea Country Club

Best Outlying Course: Rock Creek Golf Club

Best Overall Family Club: Brookhaven Country Club

Best Place to Raise a Junior Golfer: Gleneagles Country Club

Best Place to See a Golf Icon: Royal Oaks (Randy Smith)

Toughest Shoes to Fill: Gilbert Freeman at Lakewood Country Club

Best Place to Get a Lesson: Dallas National (Chris Como)

Best Place to Get a Lesson for a Junior: Trinity Forest Golf Club (Cameron McCormick)

Best Overall Food: Vaquero Club

Best Overall Food Value: Eldorado Country Club

Best on Course Snack: Ice Cream at Shady Oaks Country Club

Best on Course Meal: Dallas National

Innovative on Course Snack: Peanut Butter Banana Pita at Maridoe Golf Club

Best Power Lunch: Dallas Country Club

Lunch That Makes You Feel Powerful: Preston Trail Golf Club

Best Breakfast: Denton Country Club

Best Dinner: Royal Oaks Country Club

Best Locker Room Snacks: Trinity Forest Golf Club

Best New Innovation: Installing Trackman at Driving Ranges

Best Social Membership: River Crest Country Club

Best Fitness Membership: Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club

Best Pool Hangout: Northwood Club

Best Locker Room Hangout: Preston Trail Golf Club

Best Place to Score Well: Stonebridge Ranch Country Club

Best Place to be Challenged: Stonebridge Ranch Dye Course

Most Difficult: Maridoe Golf Club

Best Overall Pro Shop: Stonebriar Country Club

Best Selection in Pro Shop: Maridoe Golf Club

Best Opening Hole: Cottonwood Valley

Best Finishing Hole: Timarron Country Club

Best Par-3: No. 14 Bent Tree Country Club

Best Finishing Par-3: The Retreat Golf CLub

Most Famous Par-3: No. 13 at Colonial Country Club

Best Par-3 to Make Birdie: No. 16 at The Lakes at Castle Hills

Most Picturesque Par-4: No. 9 at Dallas National Golf Club

Most Risk/Reward Tee Shot: No. 9 at Royal Oaks Country Club

Best Place to Eagle: No. 10 at Hackberry Creek Country Club

Most Difficult Hole: No. 16 Dallas National

Most Challenging Finishing Hole: No. 18 at Las Colinas Country Club

Still for Sale: Gentle Creek Golf Club

Needs to be For Sale: Woodhaven Country Club

Best Country Club

First Class Category

$25,001–$59,999

Stonebriar Country Club

Gleneagles Country Club

The Lakes at Castle Hills

Las Colinas Country Club

Mira Vista Country Club

Denton Country Club

The first-class category is undoubtedly the most competitive category year-in and year-out. These clubs are constantly improving and evolving to satisfy current members and attract new ones. 

Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco is one of ClubCorp’s best overall facilities. Their two courses, one of which is a Tom Fazio design, are great for any level of player. Tennis, swimming, dining and fitness areas are great, and the family vibe is palpable. This is a wonderful example of ClubCorp’s dedication to a family friendly atmosphere with everything you want in a club. 

Just south of Stonebriar is ClubCorp’s other first-class gem, Gleneagles Country Club. One of the most time-honored and historic clubs in this category, Gleneagles features two outstanding courses on property, and a slew of amenities that other clubs strive to match. Recent updates have this beauty looking her best. It’s a great overall club for golf and social gatherings. 

When The Lakes at Castle Hills turned private a few years ago, they made the commitment to compete with the best clubs in the area. The course boasts a fun layout, there is plenty of room on the vast driving range, and the clubhouse checks all the boxes. For this course, the price point is a steal. 

Las Colinas Country Club returns to the list after their recent course renovation. The upgrades include new Zoysia fairways, Bermuda greens, and a soon to be complete renovation of the driving range by Lanny Wadkins. The changes are settling in and the members are happy with the results. 

Mira Vista Country Club is a well-run, well managed property that always impresses. Although we aren’t huge fans of the opening hole, the rest of the course is great, with some fun elevation changes and some great par-3’s. The clubhouse is large, with great westerly facing views of the sunset … and whatever you do, don’t leave Mira Vista without getting one of their signature milkshakes. 

With a multitude of improvements and upgrades completed in 2019, Denton Country Club is once again on our mid-priced list for 2020. Established in 1922, DCC has the pedigree and the reputation as a great club with all the amenities one might want if you’re up in the Denton area. 

Best Country Club

Mid-Priced Category

$10,001–$25,000

Stonebridge Ranch Country Club

Dallas Athletic Club

Ridglea Country Club 

Heath Golf and Yacht Club

Two facilities, two very different courses, two great experiences all wrapped up in an affordable bow – that is Stonebridge Ranch Country Club. The Hills Course is a great test of golf, and the Dye Course is just downright awesome, as just about any course associated with the name Pete Dye is. There is some good value here for a property that boasts 45 total golf holes.

Dallas Athletic Club is one of the few courses in Dallas that can claim it has hosted a major championship. DAC hosted the 1963 PGA Championship, a tournament won by the GOAT, Jack Nicklaus. Both courses have great bones and great bentgrass greens. A top-notch short game area will improve your game in a hurry. Tennis courts, a 4,000-square foot fitness facility and a pool make this a great overall club. 

Ridglea Country Club is the only private club in Fort Worth that features two courses, the north course has some more elevation changes and more personality than the south, but the south course being a men’s only facility, the pace of play is superb. The upgrades to the main clubhouse from a couple years back are holding up and the pool on the family property is a great scene during the summer. It’s a wonderful club with everything you would want at a price that is affordable for young professionals.

Heath Golf and Yacht Club is the only new course to debut on the list for 2021. Opening late 2020, this development east of Dallas is taking advantage of a housing boom in the area. Houses and Golf Villas are under construction and the course is open for play. That course, designed by Roy Bechtol, has the bones to be something special once it matures. It’s one of the most intriguing new developments we’ve seen in a while and one we will definitely be keeping our eyes on over the coming years to keep tabs on their progress. 

Best Country Club

Value-Priced Category

Under $10,000

Trophy Club Country Club

Hackberry Creek Country Club

Brookhaven Country Club 

The Clubs of Prestonwood

Eldorado Country Club

Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club 

Walnut Creek Country Club

Oakmont Country Club

Hurricane Creek Country Club

Canyon Creek Country Club

Shady Valley Country Club

Trophy Club Country Club features 36 holes, a great driving range and a nice short game area. One of the best things about Trophy Club is their dedication to junior golf and growing the game. The Whitworth Course just underwent a complete renovation, and the Hogan Course stands the test of time. 

Hackberry Creek Country Club could be the most underrated course among the ClubCorp properties. It is a fun layout that will challenge players and also yield plenty of birdie chances. The central location makes it convenient for anyone on the Dallas or Tarrant sides of the Metroplex. 

Brookhaven Country Club is such a great club for families. The courses are fun, interesting and playable. The pool area is second-to-none and the dining is superb. The Drive Zone is fun for kids and adults alike and with a reasonable price tag, this might be the best overall value in the ClubCorp stable. 

The Clubs of Prestonwood might be the best place for young executives and families to dip their toes in the country club waters. A reasonable price point, two fun courses, two great clubhouses and dining makes this a fantastic option for those in North Dallas. We like the Hills better than the River, but they are both worthy of a nice afternoon amongst playing partners. 

Eldorado Country Club boasts a 6,770-yard course that requires precision tee shots due to tight fairways. The men’s grill serves some great food and drinks, and they have everything you would want from a club, but also won’t break the bank. It’s a great option if you are in the North Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney areas. 

Those just east of Dallas might be aware of a little spot called Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. This club has 18 holes, a pool, a multitude of tennis courts (both indoor and out), and a solid clubhouse. The price point is fantastic for a course that has some surprising elevation changes on No. 1, No. 9, and No. 18, as well as features some nice views of Lake Ray Hubbard. 

Walnut Creek Country Club has a pair of 18-hole courses, both of which are fun and challenging. The clubhouse is nice and it’s a perfect venue for hosting a large tournament. Walnut Creek also has a nice pool and other amenities for a younger family looking for a nice club with welcoming members and no headaches.

Now that clubhouse renovations are complete at Oakmont Country Club, we think this might be one of the best values in the ClubCorp stable. The bar area is a great place to watch a game, and the course boasts 51 bunkers and six holes with water features. 

Although Hurricane Creek Country Club is a bit of a hike, it is still worthy of a trip. It is one of the most affordable equity clubs in the area and features plush bentgrass greens that never disappoint. 

Canyon Creek Country Club serves up a colonial-style clubhouse that offers great views and checks all the boxes. With 22 tennis courts and three great pools, this club is a fantastic place for families that want the club experience at a reasonable price. 

Although Shady Valley Country Club is no longer a ClubCorp managed property, they keep cruising along in Arlington. The course is walkable, but extremely tight. Tree lined fairways often lead to multiple punch shots from under trees. If you want to dial in the driver, this is a great course to do so. Some attention to the practice area would be a nice upgrade, but overall, for the price, it’s a solid little club. 

Best Golf Club

Elite Class Category

Over $50,000

Preston Trail Golf Club

TPC Craig Ranch

Trinity Forest Golf Club

Maridoe Golf Club 

Preston Trail Golf Club is one of those properties that is legendary for a multitude of reasons. From its amazing golf to its high-profile member list, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience … IF you can ever get an invite, this is a drop everything and go play type course. The clubhouse is superb, and you won’t find a better food and beverage program anywhere. It is truly for the tip-top of the Dallas elite. 

McKinney’s TPC Craig Ranch is on everyone’s radar now that they have become the host site of the 2021 AT&T Byron Nelson. Those who were in the know understand what a great property this is and how much fun it will be in May when they host the tournament. The improvements ahead of the Nelson have only made this fine facility even better. It is truly one of the top courses in the area and we’re happy to see it getting the recognition it deserves. 

Although losing the AT&T Byron Nelson stole some of the cache from Trinity Forest Golf Club, this is still one heck of a facility from top to bottom. Those who have played Trinity Forest often talk about how much fun the course can be. From its pristine fairways to its massive undulating greens, this club is unlike anything else you will find in the area. Yes, it wasn’t a great venue for a PGA Tour event, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic all-around club. 

Maridoe Golf Club is a bit of a mystery to most, as a lot of folks around here have never even heard of this course centered in Carrollton. If you do get the chance to see Maridoe, you will quickly learn that it is almost completely about the golf. The practice area has everything a scratch player needs, and the course is one of the most difficult tests of golf anywhere in the country. Boasting a comical rating of 80.5 with a slope of 155, this course is a true test, even for those with elite, PGA Tour caliber skills. 

McKinney’s TPC Craig Ranch is on everyone’s radar now that they have become the host site of the 2021 AT&T Byron Nelson. Those who were in the know understand what a great property this is and how much fun it will be in May when they host the tournament. The improvements ahead of the Nelson have only made this fine facility even better. It is truly one of the top courses in the area and we’re happy to see it getting the recognition it deserves. 

Best Golf Club 

First Class Category

$10,001-$25,000 

Timarron Country Club

The Retreat Golf Club

Timarron Country Club is another ClubCorp property that has seen some upgrades recently. A new bar, an expanded grill, and a nice refresher to the men’s locker room has this facility spruced up and looking great. The course is fun and playable as well, with an above average practice facility and a finishing hole you’ll want to play again and again. 

The Retreat Golf Club is a little bit of a drive, but it is mainly for property owners who live in the development. We love the fact that this course features a stunning par-3 as their 18th hole. It’s not something that a lot of clubs can say. It also has very affordable monthly dues. 

Best Golf Club

Value-Priced Category

Under $10,000

Lantana Golf Club

Gentle Creek Golf Club

Diamond Oaks Country Club 

Rolling Hills Country Club 

The star of the show at Lantana Golf Club, located northwest of Dallas, is undoubtedly the golf course. It’s a tremendous Jay Morrish signature design with some picturesque par-5’s and one of the few island green par-3’s in the area. Arcis has plans to renovate the clubhouse in the near future to make the amenities more member friendly and help keep the other features as good as the course. 

Gentle Creek Golf Club in Prosper is an underrated property that shines a spotlight on the golf. The D.A. Weibring design has a great collection of holes that challenges anyone who plays it. Some improvements to the clubhouse could help it get to the next level. 

Diamond Oaks Country Club has been a Fort Worth staple since the 60’s. The property is covered in majestic Oaks that line fairways and surround greens. The 2021 winter storm did some damage to the clubhouse, which helped kickstart a renovation of the interior, which was something this property really needed. We can’t wait to see the improvements!

Rolling Hills Country Club has a nice, multilevel clubhouse with a modern feel. The course is landlocked, but still plays plenty long enough, even for the bigger hitters. The only thing Rolling Hills lacks is a driving range, so if you are a range rat planning to beat balls all the time, this isn’t the place to do it. We dig the course though.

The Outlier

Rock Creek Golf Club and Resort

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Rock Creek Golf Club and Resort is located on the Red River about 90 miles north of the Metroplex. Rock Creek features a course that weaves its way through an isolated wooded area, making for some memorable tee shots and some interesting approaches. The creek itself comes into play on several of the holes, and the bentgrass greens roll true every time we’re there. Members also have access to Lake Texoma via the Lake Texoma Texas Marina for boat rentals, and avid outdoorsmen can spend time in the nearby Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

Not Rated for 2021

Brook Hollow Country Club 

Woodhaven Country Club

From what we understand, Brook Hollow Country Club underwent a massive renovation over the last year with some new additions, mainly a temperature control system installed under their lush greens to protect them against the wicked heat during the summer. At this time, the club is back open, but they are only allowing a very limited number of rounds, so we were not able to see the renovations to properly rank them. We hope to include Brook Hollow again in 2022. 

There’s not much we can say about Woodhaven Country Club at this point. Apparently, they are in the middle of a green renovation, which was, needless to say, MUCH needed. We really hope this once decent course can at least stay alive long enough to get someone in there who can manage it properly. It’s a shame this course has ended up in such disrepair, because it has some solid bones and some fun holes. 

Some fees and monthly dues are estimated. Contact individual clubs for more information.