For 25 years, the editors of Irving-based AvidGolfer magazine have hit every local course just about every year. We sent our own crew to try the greens on AG’s top ten public courses. Here’s what they have to report.
Fields Ranch East
The PGA of America tapped superstar golf architect Gil Hanse to create the championship course at their new headquarters, and he didn’t disappoint. The surprisingly hilly course has gained a well-deserved reputation for its difficulty as golfers are punished for errant shots into the small and challenging greens. Its teeth will be on full display at numerous future flagship events including the 2027 PGA Championship. – Benton Payne
3725 PGA Pkwy, Frisco, $447
Fields Ranch West
The West Course at Fields Ranch features wide fairways that offer players a more forgiving alternative to the demanding championship East Course. While it’s playable off the tee, the course’s tricky Beau Welling-designed greens will test the mettle of seasoned veterans. This approachable yet challenging layout will keep you coming back for more. – Damon Colonnetta
3725 PGA Pkwy., Frisco, $277
Old American
Tripp Davis and 1997 US Open champion Justin Leonard bring vintage golf architecture to the shoreline of Lake Lewisville. Old American has the capability to challenge the scratch without demoralizing the weekend warrior. Bring multiple clubs to the tee box; the course layout puts a premium on risk/reward decisionmaking. – Jess Newman
1000 Lebanon Rd., The Colony, $175
The Tribute
If you can’t make the trip to Scotland, make the drive to The Tribute in The Colony where they pay homage to some of the most famous holes in golf. The wide-open fairways and brisk winds will bring you to magical destinations including St. Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Troon. Getting off the tee won’t be the hard part. Making it through the round without a four-putt is a different story. This sister course to Old American is a true gem. – Lee Small
1000 Lebanon Rd., The Colony, $150
Heritage Ranch
Located just five minutes east of Central Expressway off Stacy Road near Allen lies the quiet community of Heritage Ranch and its excellent semi-private golf course. This Arthur Hills design offers exciting elevation changes and fantastic conditioning with first class hospitality and facilities. Open for both public access and member play, Heritage Ranch is an experience golfers won’t soon forget. – Hayden Martin
465 Scenic Ranch Cir., McKinney, $108
Sherrill Park
For over 50 years, Sherrill Park has delivered a great golfing experience thanks in large part to its dedicated Head Pro: Ronny Glanton, the Texas Golf Hall of Famer and 2020 PGA of America’s Golf Professional of the Year. The course offers a mixture of hole lengths that will be sure to test every club in the bag. With five sets of tee boxes, this D.A. Weibring design is a perfect course for both beginner and experienced golfers. – H.M.
2001 E Lookout Dr., Richardson, $61
Tangle Ridge
Somehow Tangle Ridge flies under the radar, even in avid golf circles. Nestled in southern Grand Prairie between Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill, the course winds through atypical hilly features, creating a mixture of fantastic holes that are always in great shape. The course keeps you on your toes with drivable greens, forced layups, and compelling risk reward shots that culminate on the dramatic split fairway 18 th. – B.P.
818 Tangle Ridge Dr., Cedar Hill, $75
Firewheel Golf Course: Bridges
Garland’s premier municipal course offers 27 holes, all of which require creativity and precision. Daring carries over bodies of water or well-placed trees lead to receptive bent grass greens that roll true. The three courses that comprise the Firewheel complex is one of those places you feel at home with a friendly staff and the ability to play a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf every single time. – L.S.
1535 E Brand Rd., Garland, $62
The Courses at Watters Creek
Appropriately named, the Courses at Watters Creek are situated at the confluence of two creeks on the Plano-Allen border just off Central. The tree-lined Traditions Course, which winds along and across both creeks and other water hazards, rewards accuracy off the tee with scoring opportunities. If you’re looking to stay dry or just work on your game, a premier practice facility boasts six and nine hole short courses in addition to multiple practice greens and a spacious driving range. – Cody Canafax
7201 Chase Oaks Blvd., Plano, $65
Indian Creek Golf Club
Indian Creek is a golf oasis for both weekend warriors and championship golfers. The challenging Creek Course will test the best but the Lake Course offers a more inviting, yet still demanding, 18 holes. Retreat to the Arrow Grill and take in the views that will make you forget you’re in the middle of North Texas. – Michael Colonnetta
1650 W Frankford Rd., Carrollton, $76
