Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2020

Cover Story – Best of Private Golf 2020

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone as we say goodbye to a decade and enter the 2020’s. As we always do, AVIDGOLFER put in the work in 2019 to see as many of the local private clubs here in Dallas-Fort Worth and again, we bring you our Best of Private rankings. 

Over the years, we have watched as clubs have evolved to stay ahead of the competition with renovations to courses, clubhouses, dining areas, food and beverage programs and communal areas. Fitness facilities have improved, teaching areas feature state of the art technology and fees and dues have fluctuated. All of these factors play a role in deciding who reigns supreme among the best country and golf clubs in the area. 

Now, we know that it can be tough to get out to some of these places unless you’re a member yourself or you have connections in high places, but let AG take you on a guided tour of the local private club scene, so if you do have a couple favors you can call in, you’ll know which ones to put at the top of your Metroplex bucket list. 

While there have definitely been some changes in the last 10 years, if we take a look at the 2010 version, the cream still rises to the top a decade later. Vaquero and Dallas National still sit atop the rankings for best Country Club and best Golf Club, respectively. However, a few notable changes have been made, including the demise of the Honors Club, which reopened as Maridoe Golf Club in 2017. Another casualty over the past decade was Great Southwest, which shut down in 2015. Shady Valley, TPC Craig Ranch and a few others changed ownership, but for the most part, Dallas/Fort Worth golf continues to thrive and evolve with the times. 

With all that in mind, it’s time to take a trip to the upper crust and look at the best private clubs in the area. Enjoy, and don’t forget to send us your feedback!

Best Overall Country Club

The Vaquero Club

D/FW is chock-full of great club experiences, but year-in and year-out, one withstands the test of time. The Vaquero Club, despite being a relative youngster when it comes to pedigree, once again shines for its members, guests and staff members. The Tom Fazio-designed course is just the beginning as The Vaquero Club once again takes home our Best Overall Country Club. Vaquero has been the gold standard for country clubs in DFW for almost two decades. The course boasts Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens that are nothing short of spectacular. The course layout is fun, playable and has plenty of personality. The back nine is especially interesting, with some holes that can make or break a great round. The locker rooms ooze prestige and the dining and beverage programs are simply stunning. The on-course halfway house is like a convenience store, with everything you’ll need to press on to the inward nine. A dynamite practice area and upscale workout facility make this club the total package. The Vaquero Club is so outstanding, that even its six-figure initiation fee seems reasonable. We are more than impressed every time we visit and with Vaquero’s commitment to excellence, it’s hard to imagine another club dethroning our champ anytime soon. 

Best Overall Golf Club

Dallas National Golf Club

Another Fazio design, Dallas National is unlike any piece of property you’ll find in the Metroplex. Fazio even said during construction it is “the best piece of land left in America close to a major city.” We couldn’t agree more. The undulating terrain is simply stunning, with every hole seemingly more picturesque than the previous. The bottom line is, this club makes you feel like you are hours away from it all, and it’s only about 10 miles from downtown Dallas. 

Couple that with a massive clubhouse that is currently being upgraded, a world-class practice facility (with Trackman access), a pair of two-story cottages located just off the 18th fairway that are fully furnished and can be used for group or couple stays, and some of the best on-course food you’ll find anywhere (we recommend the fish tacos), and you have a club that gives you goosebumps as you make the short drive up to the clubhouse. It can be tricky to find your way on at National, but if you ever get the invite, it’s a drop-everything and make time kind of place. Anything short of your wedding day or the birth of your first born is no excuse to miss out on this experience. With all this in mind, it is easy to see why Dallas National has again earned the title of Best Overall Golf Club.

Best Country Club

Elite Category • $60,000 and up

Northwood Club

Dallas Country Club 

Royal Oaks Country Club 

Colonial Country Club

Lakewood 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 golfers dream.  

Northwood Club in Dallas underwent a complete overhaul in 2018 thanks to architect Tripp Davis. The host course of the 1952 U.S. Open, Northwood has the layout, the conditions and the pedigree to remain at the top of this list for years to come. The clubhouse, food and service are off the charts. It also boasts arguably the best tee shot in the Metroplex (the par-5 14th). This tremendous old-school course with a modern update oozes upper crust, but the staff doesn’t turn up their nose at anyone that steps foot on property. It’s a one-of-a-kind place, and one that makes you remember why you love the game of golf. 

Dallas Country Club, or DCC as most call it, is a place where you are likely to see the big wigs of the Dallas business world. The rich and powerful play, dine and relax here. The clubhouse is massive and glorious. If you are ever invited to play or lunch here, take advantage.

Royal Oaks Country Club has a gorgeous, stately clubhouse and a course design that stands the test of time. Unfortunately, a storm took out hundreds of trees last year, which made the course more playable, but also decreased some of the aesthetic value. They have bounced back and the course and greens are still fantastic, but Mother Nature definitely left her mark. 

Colonial Country Club is a Fort Worth institution. This John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell design has been the longest tenured host of a PGA Tour event – now called the Charles Schwab Challenge. The “Horrible Horseshoe” consisting of No. 3, 4 and 5 is in the conversation for best three-hole stretch in the area. Couple that with a great clubhouse where Ben Hogan’s office still sits intact, and you have a legendary course that is always worthy of making this list. 

Another classic course, Lakewood Country Club, has spectacular bentgrass greens, a great fitness facility and one of the only parking garages in the country club game. One of the best features at Lakewood is the patio area that overlooks the 18th green. It’s arguably the best place in Dallas to have a cocktail, watch groups fire shots into the 18th green and enjoy the sunset. 

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. And we love the fact that the putting green and practice range is just outside the pro shop doors. 

River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth is a great facility tucked into a beautiful neighborhood just north of Camp Bowie. While the course isn’t tremendously long, the greens will test even the best putters. Crestival, their annual member-guest extravaganza, is widely known as one of the biggest parties in club golf. The social scene and course make this a great club to consider. 

Fees & Dues

Club                                                      Initiation Fee     Monthly Dues

Trinity Forest Golf Club                     $185,000            $1,333

Dallas National Golf Club                  $180,000            $1,425

Preston Trail Golf Club*                    $175,000            $1,300

The Vaquero Club                              $150,000            $1,656

Dallas Country Club*                         $150,000            $750

Northwood Club                                  $135,000            $785

Brook Hollow Golf Club*                   $125,000            $900

Maridoe Golf Club                              $80,000              $1,100

Shady Oaks Country Club*              $80,000              $890

Royal Oaks Country Club                 $80,000              $878

Lakewood Country Club                    $80,000              $640

Bent Tree Country Club                    $75,000              $1,100

Colonial Country Club*                      $60,000              $750

River Crest Country Club                  $60,000              $600

Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club   $55,000              $800

Mira Vista Country Club                    $40,000              $657

Gleneagles Country Club                  $35,000              $937

Stonebriar Country Club                   $35,000              $840

Lakes at Castle Hills                          $27,500              $672

Dallas Athletic Club                            $27,500              $580

TPC Craig Ranch                               $25,000              $1,025

Timarron Country Club                      $20,000              $750

Las Colinas Country Club                 $20,000              $667

Denton Country Club                         $20,000              $485

Ridglea Country Club*                       $15,000              $650

Rock Creek Resort                            $15,000              $175

Stonebridge Ranch CC                     $10,000              $740

Gentle Creek Golf Club                     $9,000                $520

Trophy Club Country Club                $5,000                $750

Lantana Golf Club                              $5,000                $465

Canyon Creek Country Club            $4,000                $553

The Clubs of Prestonwood               $2,500                $616

Brookhaven Country Club                $2,500                $610

Hackberry Creek Country Club        $2,500                $565

Eldorado Country Club                      $2,500                $399

Rolling Hills Country Club                 $2,500                $240

Shady Valley Country Club              $2,000                $353

Diamond Oaks Country Club           $2,000                $332

Hurricane Creek Country Club         $2,000                $320

Oakmont Country Club                      $1,500                $437

Walnut Creek Country Club              $500                   $371

The Retreat Golf Club                       NONE                 $150

*Initiation fees and monthly dues are estimated.     

 

Best Country Club

First Class Category • $25,001-$59,999

The Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club

Stonebriar Country Club

Gleneagles Country Club

The Lakes at Castle Hills

Dallas Athletic Club

Mira Vista 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. 

The Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club is still one of the best overall properties in the Metroplex for golf, with two courses to play, the TPC and Cottonwood Valley. The amenities at this price point are a steal, and the gym and spa facilities are just amazing … And who knows? They might just be hosting a PGA Tour event again in the near future. 

Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco takes the No. 2 spot in this category, but ClubCorp’s best facility isn’t taking their success lying down. Another club with two courses, Stonebriar accommodates all skill levels, and at a downright bargain. With continued expansion north, you may have to wait for a bit to join this great property, as membership numbers are at capacity. 

Just about 15 minutes south of Stonebriar is ClubCorp’s other 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. It’s a great overall club for golf and social gatherings. 

When The Lakes at Castle Hills turned private a few years ago, the club committed to adding the necessary amenities to really compete with the best clubs in the area. Facility updates were finally finished in 2019 and the end result gave this course another great boost. The service here is second-to-none for a club at this price point. If you want to be treated like royalty, Castle Hills definitely fits the bill.  

Dallas Athletic Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019 with a visit from the “Golden Bear” himself, Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus won the 1963 PGA at DAC’s Blue Course and then handled its redesign in the mid-80’s. A pair of fun, playable courses with bentgrass greens, DAC is a great property for those who love leisurely golf. 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. 

Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth boasts one of the most interesting pieces of property in the Metroplex. Rolling hills and fun, undulating fairways give the course some great personality and make every shot a challenge. The practice area is fantastic, and the clubhouse is huge. The men’s locker room looks more like a lodge, with great amenities and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the absolute best milkshake you will ever have … ANYWHERE.

Best Country Club

Mid-Priced Category • $10,001-$25,000

Denton Country Club

Ridglea Country Club 

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. 

Ridglea Country Club strongly holds its own in an area that features a pair of heavy hitters in Colonial and Shady Oaks. Ridglea is the only private club in Fort Worth that features two courses – one of which is a men-only facility. Although the Family Course isn’t long, the greens can be downright diabolical, making this a great club to refine your flat-stick. The renovations to the clubhouse at the Family Course were an absolute success. The club now has a great updated patio, dining areas, bar and locker rooms. The pool is a great place to take in some rays and watch players come in. It’s a great affordable club on the Tarrant side. 

Best Country Club

Value-Priced Category • Under $10,000

Stonebridge Ranch (both courses)

Trophy Club

Brookhaven Country Club 

Hackberry Creek Country Club

Eldorado Country Club

Canyon Creek Country Club

The Clubs of Prestonwood

Oakmont Country Club

Walnut Creek Country Club

Hurricane Creek Country Club

The value-priced category is consistently dominated by ClubCorp facilities, and that is because bringing great value to members and affordable prices is what the private club giant does best. This year is no different. 

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. For two great courses, the value is off the charts and Stonebridge is a club you should consider if you’re new to the country club game. 

Ranking second in the value-priced category is Trophy Club. With 36 holes, an expansive range and a short game area, this a golfer’s delight. One of the best things about Trophy Club is their dedication to junior golf and growing the game. If you have children that are looking to pick up the golf, then Trophy Club could be the choice for you. 

Brookhaven Country Club has become known as the place where Jordan Spieth was often seen playing as a junior player, and with the courses you can see why. It has 54 holes, a massive practice area, and the Drive Zone addition is fun for the whole family. The pool area is second-to-none and the dining is superb. This might be the best bang for the buck around. 

Hackberry Creek Country Club could be the most underrated course among the ClubCorp properties. The pro shop could use a bit of sprucing up, but overall, the course and facilities are rock-solid, and its central location make it convenient for anyone on the Dallas or Tarrant sides of the Metroplex. 

Eldorado Country Club boasts a 6,770-yard course from the tips and can be configured for tournament play. The sports lounge is a great place to hang after the round and the new chef is churning out great dishes for friends and family alike. It’s a great value for those in and around McKinney. 

Also in the best value priced category, Canyon Creek Country Club has a stately colonial-style clubhouse that offers great views of the course and provides all the creature comforts of a great club. Golf, tennis and a great pool for the kids make this a wonderful neighborhood gathering spot.

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, and a great clubhouse and dining make this a fantastic option for those in North Dallas. 

Oakmont Country Club features golf, tennis, swimming and a great workout facility. The Taproom is a great hangout spot for after rounds or to belly up to the bar and catch a game. 

Walnut Creek Country Club has a pair of 18-hole courses, both with plenty of personality. The clubhouse is great for dinner or hosting tournaments or other events. It is one of the southernmost clubs we rank and is a great option for those down in the South Arlington or Mansfield areas. 

Hurricane Creek Country Club is 15 minutes north of McKinney and is a great overall golf experience. The bentgrass greens make it unique for the area, so if you’re looking for a club up north with tip-top putting surfaces, look no further.

 

Best Golf Club

Elite Class Category • Over $80,000

Preston Trail Golf Club

Maridoe Golf Club 

Trinity Forest Golf Club

Again for 2020, leading the way for the elite class golf club category is Preston Trail Golf Club. A laundry list of high-profile members and unmatched amenities make this the go-to spot for the Dallas elite. The course is wonderful, with classic architectural elements and the agronomy team is constantly fine-tuning things to keep PT at the top of its game. It’s a true one-of-a-kind property that serves as the playground for the rich and famous. 

Since it opened in 2017, Maridoe Golf Club has become an almost mythical property among the D/FW golf community. Make no mistake, this course is as difficult as any you will ever step foot on, but it’s a really interesting 18 holes. If you’re looking for the ultimate test, then this is a club to consider. The clubhouse has undergone some renovations to keep up with some of the other elite courses in the area, so keeping Maridoe toward the top of the list is warranted. 

Although Trinity Forest Golf Club has taken a bit of a beating in the media with the announcement that 2020 would be the final year it would host the AT&T Byron Nelson, it is still a great course and overall a great club. Yes, the location and infrastructure aren’t optimal for a PGA Tour event, and that’s why they were forced to pull the plug, but the clubhouse is great, and the course is so unique it’s worth being rated toward the top of the elite category. Coore/Crenshaw did a wonderful job with the routing, and the green complexes are arguably the most interesting in the area. Although this will be the final year Trinity Forest is a Tour stop, it’s still a great club. 

Best Golf Club 

First Class Category • $10,001-$25,000 

TPC Craig Ranch

Timarron Country Club

McKinney’s TPC Craig Ranch is the former host of Stage 2 of PGA Tour Qualifying School, and the two-time location of the Web.com’s Tour Championship. The course is fun and playable, the amenities are great, and ClubCorp seems committed to keeping this club in tip-top shape and showcasing it as the crown jewel of their Metroplex properties. It’s a serious contender if you’re looking to join a club on the northern side of Dallas. 

ClubCorp’s Timarron Country Club in Southlake is as solid as it gets from year to year. Of course, the club is still focused on the great game, but recent renovations to the 19th hole show their commitment to making this a great overall club to not only fire your best score, but then celebrate with some food and drink in the clubhouse. 

Best Golf Club

Value-Priced Category • Under $10,000

Lantana Golf Club

Gentle Creek Golf Club

The Retreat Golf Club

Diamond Oaks Country Club

Shady Valley Country Club 

Rolling Hills Country Club 

Lantana Golf Club in Argyle has long been one of our favorite places to play. The new ownership has the course in fantastic shape week-in and week-out and a new dining area really adds to the overall club experience.  

Gentle Creek Golf Club in Prosper is an underrated property that deserves attention. Their 360 Restaurant and gorgeous patio area make this a wonderful place to take in some food and drink after a round on their player-friendly track. 

The Retreat Golf Club in Cleburne is truly one of the best values on the list. A fun course that closes with a par-3, a friendly staff and the lowest monthly dues on our list make this a really fantastic value for those a little south of Fort Worth. 

Diamond Oaks Country Club is a nice facility north of downtown Fort Worth. The old-school design has been a favorite of players like Lee Trevino for years. Many of the north-south facing holes test your iron play. The clubhouse could use some TLC, but it comes with everything you need from a solid club. 

Shady Valley Country Club just underwent an ownership change in late 2019, leaving us wondering what the future may have in store for this Arlington staple. The course does have a tendency to flood from time to time with Rush Creek winding through the property, but overall this is a course that will definitely test your ability to hit fairways. It’s also a great course for juniors. The one thing that could be improved upon is the range, but this is a great course for the first-time club member. 

Rolling Hills Country Club can be found in North Arlington and has some chops as a great starter club. Nice clubhouse and fun course that isn’t a tough walk for juniors or seniors. Still needs a driving range, but overall, it’s a solid venue. 

The List

Best Brunch: Las Colinas Country Club

Most Improved Food: Eldorado Country Club

Most Unique Renovation: Hydronics system under the greens at Brook Hollow

Most Improved Conditions: TPC Craig Ranch

Best Snacks in Locker Room: Trinity Forest Golf Club

Best Snacks in Pro Shop: Preston Trail Golf Club

Best Halfway House to Nosh: Royal Oaks Country Club

Best Fish Tacos: Halibut tacos at Dallas National Golf Club

Power Lunch: Dallas Country Club

Power Happy Hour: River Crest Country Club

Power Dinner: Royal Oaks Country Club

Best Value on Wine: Gleneagles Country Club

Best Food on Golf Course: The Vaquero Club

Best Burger on Course: Stonebriar Fazio Course

Looking Forward to the New Clubhouse: Bent Tree Country Club

Looking Forward to Whitworth Renovation: Trophy Club

Looking Forward to Course Opening: Las Colinas Country Club

Lead Candidate to Host the Byron Nelson in 2021: TPC Las Colinas

Best Soup: 19th Hole at Northwood

What’s Next? Constant Renovations at Lakes at Castle Hills

Best Overall Bargain: Hackberry Creek

Underrated Value and Experience: Ridglea Country Club

Looking Forward to Changes by New Owners: Lantana Country Club

Best Locker Room/Card Room Experience: Gleneagles Country Club

Hidden Gem: Rock Creek Resort

Best Hangout: Grill at Denton Country Club

Best Closing Hole for Gambling: Timarron Country Club

Best Place to Get Your Handicap Up: Maridoe Golf Club

Best Place to Get Your Handicap Down: Stonebridge Ranch Country Club

Best Family Club: Brookhaven Country Club

Best Entry Level Club: Clubs at Prestonwood

Still Looking for New Owners: Gentle Creek

Great Hangout Even When the Golf Course is Closed: Men’s Grill at Brook Hollow

Logoed Apparel That Will Raise Eyebrows: Dallas National Golf Club

Renovations We’re Looking Forward to Seeing: Shady Oaks CC and Brook Hollow CC

Drop Everything to Play Course: Preston Trail Golf Club

Most Likely Place to Three-Jack: No. 17 at Trinity Forest

Best Place to Play in Three Hours or Less: Men’s Course at Ridglea

Most Junior Friendly Club: Trophy Club

Best Club to Host a Large Charity Outing: Walnut Creek Country Club

The Outlier

Rock Creek Golf Club and Resort

The main outlying country club in our area is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Rock Creek Golf Club and Resort, located on the banks of the Red River, east of Interstate 35. About 90 miles north of DFW International Airport, Rock Creek is like an oasis of thick, lush forest with a golf course that winds its way rather carefully through the trees. Rock Creek itself comes into play on multiple holes, and the bentgrass greens are second-to-none. 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 2020

Brook Hollow Country Club, Las Colinas Country Club, Shady Oaks Country Club, Woodhaven Country Club 

Brook Hollow Country Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious courses in Dallas and the waiting list to become a member definitely supports that. Brook Hollow is undergoing a major renovation in 2020, including the addition of new turf, greens, an irrigation system and a state-of-the-art hydronics system that will help the bentgrass greens during trying conditions. We can’t wait to see how great the re-do is. 

Las Colinas Country Club underwent a major renovation in 2019, and though it is now open for members, the course is still working to complete their irrigation systems to compliment the new Zoysia fairways. 

Shady Oaks Country Club was also closed for renovation for a good part of 2019 and is still working to complete their overhaul. The course is scheduled to re-open sometime this year and when it does, it will no doubt return to the top of our list of Fort Worth clubs. 

Woodhaven Country Club has been a bit of a mystery for a few years now, but we understand they are now considering themselves a semi-private club, so they are not officially ranked for 2020. 

            Country Club                                                                                                  What Makes It Great

1          The Vaquero Club                                                              New clubhouse completely open, and amenities are off the charts

2          Northwood Club                                    After massive renovations to the course, Northwood is one of the best in the area

3          Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club        Plans on drawing board, hopefully they get done before they host the PGA Tour

4          Dallas Country Club*                                                                          A grand clubhouse where the rich and powerful lunch

5          Royal Oaks Country Club                              Top-notch club whose golf course got easier with loss of trees from storms

6          Colonial Country Club*                           Additions to the clubhouse have put the facilities up to par with the golf course

7          Lakewood Country Club                                                                            Convenience and great greens make it a no-brainer

8          Bent Tree Country Club                                                Building a new clubhouse is exciting, and the old one wasn’t so bad

9          Stonebriar Country Club                                                                 It’s a fabulous facility with two very different golf courses

10        Gleneagles Country Club                                                         Two good courses to play, the par-5’s offer a chance to go low

11        River Crest Country Club                                                               The golf course won’t wear you out, but the parties might

12        Lakes at Castle Hills                                     Owners are constantly looking to improve. Next up is a clubhouse renovation

13        Dallas Athletic Club                                                              Two prestigious golf courses with a formidable short game area

14        Mira Vista Country Club                                                             Views and service in clubhouse are some of the best in town

15        Denton Country Club                                                                      An underrated club that delivers for those north of D/FW

16        Ridglea Country Club*                                                                       Sorely needed clubhouse improvements are a home run

17        Stonebridge Ranch CC (both courses)                                          Two unique courses, one of which boasts the Fazio name

18        Trophy Club Country Club                                                    Great value and great amenities for an overall solid experience

19        Brookhaven Country Club                                                                         For the money, better facilities than any other club

20        Hackberry Creek Country Club                                                       Everything you need, including a easy weekend tee time

21        Eldorado Country Club                                                                                   The new chef is making food that is off the chain

22        Canyon Creek Country Club                                                                               It’s all you need for a good neighborhood club

23        The Clubs of Prestonwood                                      All the facilities that you need for a rock-solid country club experience

24        Oakmont Country Club                                                     A friendly neighborhood club with a very challenging golf course

25        Walnut Creek Country Club                                                          A good entry-level club for those wanting 36 holes to play

26        Hurricane Creek Country Club                                                               A fun golf course whose clubhouse needs some love

            Golf Club                                                                                                       What Makes Them Special

1          Dallas National Golf Club                             Can’t wait for the clubhouse to be finished, and the course is mind-boggling

2          Preston Trail Golf Club*                                                                                                          Still the area’s greatest playground

3          TPC Craig Ranch                                                Club Corp has significantly upgraded the course. Next up is the clubhouse

4          Maridoe Golf Club                            It’s the greatest challenge on this list, and that’s apparently what the members want

5          Trinity Forest Golf Club                              Even with the Nelson moving on, the course and clubhouse are still fantastic

6          Timarron Country Club                       Revamped 19th hole is much more comfortable. And No. 18 is still one of the best

7          Lantana Golf Club          New owners have the course in pristine condition, and the new dining area is much-improved

8          Rock Creek Golf Club                                                                                                        Still one of our favorite layouts in town

9          Gentle Creek Golf Club                                     One of D.A. Weibring’s best designs, the course is a challenge for any level

10        The Retreat Golf Club                             The only course on the list that closes with a par-3, which makes for fun betting

11        Diamond Oaks Country Club                     Made some improvements to the golf course, making it even more fun to play

12        Shady Valley Country Club                                                 We look forward to seeing what the new ownership has planned

13        Rolling Hills Country Club                               Course and clubhouse are decent, but it desperately needs a driving range

*Initiation fees and monthly dues estimated. Not ranked for 2020 – Brook Hollow CC, Las Colinas CC, Shady Oaks CC, Woodhaven CC