![\"Hole](\"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/C53KT7JCFJALJJ66CWPK3LVVD4.JPG\")
Hole 12 marker at Texarkana Golf Ranch.(Tom Fox \/ The Dallas Morning News)<\/p>\nOur panel members list their favorite courses for a cheaper round.<\/p>\n
Hole 12 marker at Texarkana Golf Ranch.(Tom Fox \/ The Dallas Morning News)<\/p>\n
By\u00a0Mark Kazlowski\u00a0and\u00a0Scott Bell of the Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
12:47 PM on May 7, 2022 CDT<\/p>\n
Fee is the cost of a greens fee and cart plus tax for a prime Saturday tee time. Fees are from March 2022. Actual rates may vary. To be eligible, a course must have been rated by five panel members.<\/p>\n
2022 rank
\nCourse
\nLocation
Phone
\nDesigner
\nYear
open
\nFee
\n2021
rank<\/p>\n
1
\nTexarkana Golf Ranch
\nTexarkana
903-334-7401
\nJim Fazio Jr.
\n2002
\n$42
\n1<\/p>\n
2
\nGus Wortham Park Golf Course
\nHouston
713-928-4260
\nBaxter Span
\n1908
\n$55
\n4<\/p>\n
3
\nStevens Park Golf Course
\nDallas
214-640-7506
\nx-Jack Burke Sr.;
y-Colligan Golf Design
\n1950
\n$58
\n8<\/p>\n
4
\nDelaware Springs
Golf Course
\nBurnet
512-756-8471
\nDave Axland, Dan Proctor
\n1999
\n$53
\n6<\/p>\n
5
\nLegacy Hills
\nGeorgetown
512-948-7560
\nBilly Casper, Greg Nash
\n1996
\n$56
\nNR<\/p>\n
6
\nSquaw Creek Golf Club
\nWillow Park
817-441-8185
\nx-Ralph Plummer
y-Colligan Golf Design
\n1971
\n$58
\n3<\/p>\n
7
\nWillow Springs Golf Course
\nSan Antonio
210-226-6721
\nEmil Loefler, John Bredemus
\n1923
\n$50
\n13<\/p>\n
8
\nCedar Creek Golf Course
\nSan Antonio
210-695-5050
\nBaxter Spann, Ken Dye, Joe Finger
\n1989
\n$54
\n11<\/p>\n
9
\nSplit Rail Links and Golf Club
\nAledo
817-441-4653
\nPhil Lumsden
\n2002
\n$59
\n22<\/p>\n
10
\nCourses at Watters Creek, Traditions
\nAllen
214-509-4653
\nx-Bruce Devlin\/Robert von Hagge, y-Weibring Wolfard Design
\n1991
\n$59
\nNR<\/p>\n
11
\nJimmy Clay Golf Course
\nAustin
512-444-0999
\nJoe Finger
\n1974
\n$54
\n20<\/p>\n
12
\nMorris Williams Golf Course
\nAustin
512-974-8333
\nLeon Howard
\n1964
\n$42
\n18<\/p>\n
13
\nBearkat Course
\nHuntsville
936-438-8588
\nTripp Davis
\n2003
\n$37
\n10<\/p>\n
14
\nCleburne Golf Links
\nCleburne
817-641-4501
\nColligan Golf Design
\n2009
\n$46
\n15<\/p>\n
15
\nCedar Crest Golf Course
\nDallas
214-670-7615
\nx-A.W. Tillinghast,
y-Weibring-Wolfard
\n1918
\n$47
\n23<\/p>\n
16
\nSherrill Park Municipal No. 1
\nRichardson
972-234-1416
\nx- Leon Howard, Buster Creagh;
y-Weibring-Wolfard
\n1973
\n$57
\n12<\/p>\n
17
\nCypresswood Golf Club,
Cypress Course
\nSpring
281-821-6300
\nKeith Foster
\n1997
\n$55
\nNR<\/p>\n
18
\nPecan Valley Golf Course,
River Course
\nFort Worth
817-392-6490
\nRalph Plummer
\n1963
\n$33
\nNR<\/p>\n
19
\nMesquite Golf Course
\nMesquite
972-270-7457
\nx-Leon Howard;
y-Jeffrey D. Brauer
\n1965
\n$50
\nNR<\/p>\n
20
\nHidden Creek Golf Course
\nBurleson
817-447-4444
\nx-Steve Plummer;
y-Colligan Golf Design
\n1997
\n$48
\n24<\/p>\n
21
\nColovista Golf Club
\nBastrop
512-629-4585
\nLes Appelt
\n1997
\n$53
\n21<\/p>\n
22
\nLions Municipal Golf Course
\nAustin
512-477-6963
\nA.W. Tillinghast
\n1924
\n$54
\n19<\/p>\n
23
\nRayburn Country Resort
\nBrookeland
409-698-1014
\nx-Jay Riviere, Robert von Hagge; y-Randolph P. Russell\/Bill Hanna
\n1968
\n$59
\nNR<\/p>\n
24
\nGaines County Golf Course
\nSeminole
432-758-3808
\nJim Terry
\n1958
\n$40
\nNR<\/p>\n
25
\nWoodbridge Golf Club
\nWylie
972-429-5100
\nLee Singletary
\n1999
\n$59
\nNR<\/p>\n
x-original design; y-redesign. NR-not ranked; *Ranked in a different price category in 2021. No longer ranked: 6. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, Wildhorse Course, Amarillo; 7. Brackenridge Park GC, San Antonio; 10. Butterfield Trail GC, El Paso; 11. Panorama GC, Conroe; 15. Rayburn Country Resort, Brookeland; 19. Houston National GC; 21. Olympia Hills GC, Universal City; 22. Golf Club of Texas-Concan; 23. Courses at Watters Creek, Traditions, Allen; 24. Grapevine Municipal; 25. ShadowGlen GC, Manor.<\/p>\n
COURSE RATING CRITERIA<\/p>\n
VERSATILITY:\u00a0Does the course create a good mix for the high and low handicappers? Are better players challenged, while the high handicappers are able to enjoy play through the use of shorter teeing areas, alternate routes, location of hazards and accessible pins?<\/p>\n
SHOTMAKING:\u00a0Does it test accuracy, finesse, length and putting without putting too much emphasis on any of these skills?<\/p>\n
DESIGN:\u00a0Is there a good balance? Differing lengths? Doglegs right and left? Placement of hazards? Contours and shapes of greens?<\/p>\n
AFTERTHOUGHTS:\u00a0How much do you remember about the course? Do one or two holes stand out as great or bad?<\/p>\n
BEAUTY:\u00a0Do the scenic values add to the pleasure of a round? Trees, shrubs, hills, mounds, flowers, etc.?<\/p>\n
MAINTENANCE:\u00a0How would you rate the course conditions, factoring in all aspects \u2014 tees, greens, fairways, bunkers? Spring, summer, fall or winter when viewed?<\/p>\n
ENJOYMENT:\u00a0How do you feel about being at the course? What about the amenities? From arrival to departure, was it a good, bad or indifferent golf experience?<\/p>\n
THE PANEL<\/p>\n
David Altemus, general manager\/ COO, Royal Oaks CC, Houston<\/p>\n
William Aycock, The Woodlands amateur<\/p>\n
Mike Bailey, Houston-based golf writer<\/p>\n
Robert Banta, Frisco amateur<\/p>\n
Walt Barnes, Addison amateur<\/p>\n
Brent Blackburn, head professional Corpus Christi CC<\/p>\n
Curt Breaux, Montgomery amateur<\/p>\n
John Brechin, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Bruce Burger, superintendent The Quarry Golf Club<\/p>\n
Ben Burns, head professional Crown Colony CC, Lufkin<\/p>\n
Mark Button, senior director of communications Texas Golf Association<\/p>\n
Tony Campagna, golf course sands and materials consultant<\/p>\n
Miles Carlson, golf course superintendent at Grand Pines GC in Montgomery Tx<\/p>\n
Greg Clark, Frisco amateur<\/p>\n
Beth Cleckler, Austin amateur<\/p>\n
John Cochran, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for South Texas, Kingwood amateur<\/p>\n
Kyle Coody, Plano amateur<\/p>\n
Brent Cooper, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Jacque Cooper, Rowlett amateur<\/p>\n
Daniel Coughlan, director of golf Bent Tree CC<\/p>\n
Robert Couture, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Barry Denton, PGA professional, Cordillera Ranch, Boerne<\/p>\n
Thomas Devanna, assistant professional Tangle Ridge GC, Grand Prairie<\/p>\n
Cameron Doan, head professional Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas<\/p>\n
Conrad Doss, The Woodlands amateur<\/p>\n
Camm Dougherty, Corpus Christi amateur<\/p>\n
Lou Duran, Frisco amateur<\/p>\n
Bob Elliott, PGA Life Member, Dallas<\/p>\n
Zane Ellis, King-Collins Golf Design associate, League City amateur<\/p>\n
Gilbert Freeman, PGA professional emeritus Lakewood CC, Dallas<\/p>\n
Edward Gatlin, PGA life member, Athens<\/p>\n
Kenneth Gorzycki, director of agronomy Horseshoe Bay Resort<\/p>\n
Bill Hanley, past president of Texas Golf Association, Fort Worth amateur<\/p>\n
Todd Harbour, Royal Oaks CC GM\/COO, Dallas<\/p>\n
Mark Harrison, executive director\/CEO of the NTPGA<\/p>\n
Malcolm Holland, past president of Texas Golf Association, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Danny Jones, head professional, Walden on Lake Conroe<\/p>\n
Mark Kazlowski, Texas Golf editor, Cedar Hill amateur<\/p>\n
Robbie Kearney, GM Cimarron Hills Golf and CC<\/p>\n
Trey Kemp, golf course architect, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Keith Kirkendall, The Woodlands amateur<\/p>\n
Ryan Kossick, assistant executive director\/COO of the NTPGA<\/p>\n
Nancy Kromar, Austin amateur<\/p>\n
Kellen Kubasak, COO of Golf San Antonio, San Antonio amateur<\/p>\n
Phyllis Kwedar, Fort Worth amateur<\/p>\n
Ricky Lyons, general manager Westwood Golf Club, Houston<\/p>\n
Cathy Marino, Jesuit golf coach, LPGA professional<\/p>\n
James McAfee, Former NTPGA executive director, golf writer, Planoamateur<\/p>\n
Mike McCabe, general manager Golf Clubs at the Tribute<\/p>\n
Sam Morrow, Houston amateur<\/p>\n
Terry Olson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Lajitas Golf Resort<\/p>\n
Casey Paulson, President of Sales and Operations, Driftwood Golf Club<\/p>\n
Mike Peterson, PGA Tour rules official, Garland amateur<\/p>\n
Kevin Porter, Dallas amateur, Texas Golf Association director of competitions for North Texas<\/p>\n
George Priolo, GM of golf operations, Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes, Amarillo<\/p>\n
Jim Quinn, Golf manufactures rep, board member of The First Tee of Fort Worth, Arlington amateur<\/p>\n
Jerry Ransom, Greenville amateur<\/p>\n
Jan Rapp, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Paul Richards, Austin amateur<\/p>\n
Corey Roberson, director of golf Cordillera Ranch, Boerne<\/p>\n
Robert Rodriguez, San Antonio amateur<\/p>\n
Chris Rowe, head professional Whispering Pines, Trinity<\/p>\n
Linda Sackett, San Antonio amateur<\/p>\n
Lee Sandlin, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Carey Schulten, past president of the Texas Golf Association, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Zach Sewill, president\u00a0BestGrips.com, Conroe amateur<\/p>\n
Wesley Shaw, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Marty Slade Perlman, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Randy Smith, PGA professional emeritus, Royal Oaks CC, Dallas<\/p>\n
Shane Smith, Conroe amateur<\/p>\n
Mark Steinbauer, vice president of Spirit Golf Association<\/p>\n
Tom Strueber, PGA professional emeritus Maridoe Golf Club, Carrollton<\/p>\n
Eldon Tarver, Austin amateur<\/p>\n
Steve Termeer, GM\/COO University of Texas Golf Club, Austin<\/p>\n
Matt Trevino, director of golf, Riverhill CC, Kerrville<\/p>\n
Tammy Trichell, San Antonio amateur<\/p>\n
Mark Tylenda, Lewisville amateur<\/p>\n
Casey Wade, head professional High Meadow Ranch GC, Magnolia<\/p>\n
Pat Wheeler, Host of Texas Links on the Air, Dallas amateur<\/p>\n
Nannette Wheelis, Waco amateur<\/p>\n
Jim Whitten, Arlington amateur<\/p>\n
Greg Wille, Belton amateur<\/p>\n
Chris Winn, Houston amateur<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our panel members list their favorite courses for a cheaper round. Hole 12 marker at Texarkana Golf Ranch.(Tom…","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9686,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_volume":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[6129,6130,66,623,624,6131,6132],"class_list":["post-9685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-cedar-creek","tag-dallas-morning-news","tag-golf","tag-texas","tag-texas-golf","tag-top-25-in-texas","tag-willow-springs","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/vive.im\/@fogolf\/117353856624450797","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9685"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9685\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fogolf.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}