Finding an open tee time in Dallas shouldn't feel more challenging than a downhill, double-breaking putt. This guide cuts straight to what you need to know, highlighting the best public-access golf courses in Dallas and the surrounding area that are ready for you to play. We’ll cover everything from historic municipal tracks to premium daily-fee experiences, giving you the information you need to book your next round.
You don’t have to drive far to find exceptional golf. Dallas is home to several outstanding municipal courses that offer a fantastic combination of challenge, history, and value. These aren't your average city courses, they are beloved local institutions with dedicated followings.
Often called "The Little Augusta" of Dallas, Stevens Park surprises many first-time players. Located in the Kessler Park neighborhood, this course underwent a massive renovation nearly a decade ago, transforming it from a simple, short layout into a dynamic and strategic test. You’ll find dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and tricky, well-bunkered green complexes. It's one of the most scenic and entertaining rounds you can have in the city.
Accuracy matters more than distance here. The course isn't long, but stray shots will find trees or awkward side-hill lies. On approaches, pay close attention to the pin position. Many greens have multiple tiers, and being on the wrong level can easily lead to a three-putt. Aim for the middle of the green, take your two-putt par, and you’ll walk away smiling.
Tenison Park offers two distinct 18-hole experiences, making it a hub of Dallas golf. The two courses are located right next to each other, but they feel like they belong in different worlds.
Choose the course that fits the goal for your day. If you want a fun, low-stress round with friends, pick The Glen. If you’re looking to truly test your skills and course management, book a time at The Highlands. At the Highlands, be wary of the subtle breaks on the massive greens, what looks flat often has a slight, deceptive tilt towards White Rock Creek.
For the golf history buffs, Cedar Crest is a must-play. Designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast (the architect behind Winged Foot and Baltusrol), this course hosted the 1927 PGA Championship, where Walter Hagen claimed the title. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained municipal course that retains much of its classic charm. It features rolling hills, impressive Tillinghast green complexes, and a championship pedigree you can feel as you walk the fairways.
Cedar Crest is a perfect example of how a rotational swing produces power. You don't need to swing out of your shoes here. Instead, focus on a smooth, full turn in your backswing and an athletic unwinding through the ball. The course design rewards good tempo and ball placement, not just brute force. Pay attention to leaving your ball below the pin on your approach shots, Tillinghast greens are famous for their back-to-front slopes.
If you're willing to venture a little outside the Dallas city limits, you'll find a collection of premium "daily-fee" courses. These are available to the public but often offer resort-style amenities, championship-level layouts, and pristine conditions.
As the world's first NFL-themed golf club, Cowboys Golf Club offers a truly unique experience. While you'll see the iconic star logo throughout the property, the focus is squarely on providing a first-class golf experience. The holes ramble through a heavily wooded and hilly landscape, featuring gorgeous water features and immaculate conditioning. The all-inclusive fee (which includes your round, cart, range balls, and all on-course food and non-alcoholic drinks) makes a day here feel like a special event.
The key here is managing the elevation changes. You'll face many shots where the ball is significantly above or below your feet, and several uphill or downhill approaches. For downhill shots, take less club and focus on a balanced finish. On uphill approaches, take one extra club and remember the ball will naturally fly a bit straighter. Do not let the impressive scenery distract you from the task at hand.
Consistently ranked among the best public courses in Texas, Texas Star is a collaboration between the city of Euless and Keith Foster, a highly respected golf architect. The layout winds through 275 acres of natural terrain, featuring tall oaks, winding creeks, and beautiful stacked-rock retaining walls. It feels far more remote and tranquil than a course located right in the heart of the metroplex. It’s a fantastic challenge that never feels unfair.
Texas Star is a "second-shot" golf course. While driving the ball well is important, setting up the right angles into the greens is what leads to scoring. Before you even pull a club on the tee, think backwards from the green. Where is the safest part of the green? What side of the fairway gives me the best angle to that point? Playing with this kind of strategic intent will save you several strokes.
Ever wanted to play the famous courses of Scotland without booking a transatlantic flight? The Tribute offers just that. This incredible layout authentically recreates some of the most famous and beloved holes from legendary Scottish links courses like St. Andrews, Royal Troon, and Carnoustie. With wind-swept, treeless fairways, deep pot bunkers, and massive, rolling greens, it's a true links golf experience on the shores of Lake Lewisville.
Embrace the ground game! Links golf is about imagination. This is not the place for automatic, high-flying approach shots. Practice hitting low, running shots (the "punch shot") that can skip up onto firm greens. Use the contours of the fairways to your advantage. A shot landing 30 yards short of the green could be the perfect play, letting the ball roll the rest of the way like it was meant to.
Booking a round at these Dallas-area courses is straightforward once you know the process. Here’s a quick overview.
The city's three primary courses (Stevens Park, Tenison, and Cedar Crest) all use the same online booking portal. You can book tee times up to a week in advance. Weekend and prime morning times fill up fast, so be ready to book exactly seven days out if you have a specific time in mind. Create an account on their booking site ahead of time so you're ready to go.
Courses like Cowboys, Texas Star, and The Tribute handle their reservations through their own websites. Booking windows are usually more generous, sometimes allowing you to secure a tee time weeks or even a month in advance. You can also find them on various third-party tee time apps, which can be useful for seeing available times across multiple courses at once.
If your schedule is flexible, look for "twilight" or "super-twilight" rates. These discounted tee times typically start 4-5 hours before sunset. You might not finish all 18 holes, but you'll play in beautiful evening light with far fewer people on the course. It's the perfect opportunity for a relaxed practice round.
From the historic and approachable city courses to the spectacular premium layouts just beyond the city limits, finding a great golf course open in Dallas is easy if you know where to look. Each one offers a unique challenge and experience, providing something for every golfer looking to enjoy a day on the links in North Texas.
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