The state of Texas has a lot to offer when it comes to golf – even if things are a bit more spread out.
We have already taken a look at some of the best private facilities in the state.
Here we look at the cream of the crop when it comes to public layouts.
Pitman Municipal Golf Course
Pitman Municipal Golf Course lays claim to being the best golf value in the Texas Panhandle with their course owned and operated by the City of Hereford.
The standard green fees start at $34 but cart rental is available at a reasonable price and their carts have recently been upgraded. The course is a challenging layout with narrow fairways guarded by some pretty unforgiving rough.
The Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce annually hosts the “Tierra Blanca Classic,” at the Pitman Municipal Golf Course.
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course has earned the reputation of being one of those munis that just keeps getting better.
While the goal of the course is to make you use all your clubs it doesn’t present a challenge too steep for the relative novice to overcome. Green fees here start at around $54.
Located along Brays Bayou east of bustling downtown Houston, Gus Wortham offers challenging elevated tees as well as uphill carries to greens. The course is relatively wide open, making it attractive for all levels of golfers despite some tricky spots.
The Rawls Course at Texas Tech
The Rawls Course at Texas Tech is a little bit more pricey than some of the other courses on this list, but considering its fantastic condition year round it might well be worth it.
The Rawls Course, in Lubbock, debuted in 2003 and was built by famous architect Tom Doak. The course was constructed for Texas Tech University by starting with a flat cotton field in the high plains of the West Texas panhandle and building the whole environment from scratch.
Green fees for this course start at around $74 per person. The facility is noted for its friendly staff and it is a course that gets a lot of repeat visits.
Canyon Springs Golf Club
Canyon Springs Golf Club’s stunning championship golf course, upscale amenities, and exceptional guest service continue to earn the club acclaim as one of the San Antonio Texas Hill Country’s finest daily fee golf destinations.
It was named “America’s Best New Public Golf Course” by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine when it debuted in 1998.
This is a course where the challenge is largely provided by the fast undulating greens. Green fees for this layout start at $45.
Waterchase Golf Course
Situated in Fort Worth, Waterchase Golf Course is among the most beautiful public courses in the state.
It is located close to the DFW airport and has excellent availability of tee times.
The course is challenging and beautiful, and while conditioning of the layout sometimes takes a hit in the dry season, at its best it is a great golfing experience.
Palo Duro Creek Golf Course
Palo Duro Creek Golf Course is within a 10-minute drive from Amarillo and offers stunning scenery along the route.
The Course offers yearly licenses and daily green fees, as well as a variety of events, including Thursday Night Scramble, Women’s Night on Tuesdays, and Friday Night Couples.
Palo Duro Creek Golf Course has earned the reputation of being a very well-maintained course that can be played for as little as $35.
Diamondback National Golf Club
Diamondback National Golf Club opened in November 1999, and was designed, built and is still operated by former Masters Champion Charles Coody, who lives nearby in Abilene, Texas.
The course is fun to play and has a few unique twists to the layout and considering how well-maintained it is the $65 green fees are justified.
You are unlikely to find a better public course in West Texas.
Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club
Nestled within beautiful green surroundings, Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club boasts an exceptional golf course with challenging fairways and breathtaking vistas.
At Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club, an Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course with undulating topography, well-placed water features, and fairways bordered with mature pecan, oak, and cedar trees, both members and public players are welcome.
The course’s green fees start at $80 but there are package deals and altered rates for those staying at the resort.
Wildhorse Golf Club of Robson Ranch
The 27-hole championship course at Wildhorse Golf Club of Robson Ranch was created by renowned Texas golf architect Gary Stephenson.
The layout has thoughtfully designed bunkers and hazards that offer a fun challenge to both avid and novice players.
It does have the highest green fees ($125) of any course on this list, but it offers the versatility of a 27-hole course and is always in great condition.
