It’s November, and you know what that means. It’s time to revisit our favorite daily fee courses. Here at AVIDGOLFER, we have been your definitive source for everything golf for over 30 years. Sure, there are plenty of other resources for golf opinions these days. Instagram, Facebook groups, Reddit threads … but when you want the best, you come to the OG for golf opinions in DFW. We have boots on the ground around the area year after year after year to provide you with our opinions on the best courses and values in the area. We love playing this game, and we love seeing all the courses so we can keep you informed.
Over the last decade, we have seen extensive renovation work to a lot of courses in the area. From things as simple as new putting surfaces and bunker work, to complete overhauls including rerouting, things have been on fire when it comes to golf in the Metroplex.
2026 was a little different, though. There weren’t a lot of major projects in daily fee golf this year. Which meant, for the first time in a long time, things weren’t very volatile on our list. We had the return of an old No. 1, and for the first time since it opened, we booted Old American Golf Club. Not because it closed or conditions suffered, but because after years of being semi-private, daily fee rounds dropped below 10 percent, meaning it now needs to be listed with our private clubs in March. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but it was, in the end, the right thing to do seeing as not many daily fee players can access it.
We look forward to doing this every year, and as we evolve the way we consume golf content, rest assured AVIDGOLFER will always be the standard for everything DFW golf related.
Now, onto the rankings. Let the debating begin!
Best Overall: West
Cowboys Golf Club
When we checked in on Cowboys Golf Club last year, they were just finishing up a multimillion-dollar renovation of all 18 greens, the driving range and short game area. They also added The Huddle, their 18-hole putting course. Let’s start with the upgraded driving range. The addition of 60 yards of actual game-used turf from AT&T Stadium, regulation goalpost and Toptracer technology have really taken the range to the next level. Just trying to rip a driver through the goalpost is worth the price of admission. The short game area has also been completely redone, making it a great place to practice your wedge game or roll some putts. The Huddle, designed by Beau Welling (Fields Ranch West, Bluejack Ranch, Travis Club) is a fun way to add to the overall experience, or just tackle it with the kiddos for some afternoon or evening fun.
The new greens have settled in nicely and are rolling as pure as they ever have. There weren’t many wholesale changes to the course, except for the centerline bunker on No. 1 being moved over to the right a few yards, opening up a left landing area in the fairway. The on-course hospitality remains top-notch, with the comfort station stocked up with their signature jalapeño-cheddar sausage and their brand-new brisket meat pies.
The food in the Ring of Honor Kitchen & Bar takes the whole package to the next level with dishes like the Birria Tacos, Pastrami Spare Ribs, and Wood Fired Redfish. The pro shop is stocked with Cowboys merch that will make a football fan swipe the plastic on the regular for themselves, family and friends. The whole experience at Cowboys is simply unforgettable from stem to stern. Sure, it’s not the most affordable option in DFW, but the new amenities and revitalized golf course make it absolutely worth the price of admission. We can’t recommend it enough.
Best Overall: East
Fields Ranch West Course
Yes, we know. The Fields Ranch courses at the Omni PGA Frisco aren’t necessarily “public” in the traditional daily fee sense. They are resort courses, that come with a hefty price tag. But you don’t need to be staying at the resort to book a tee time, therefore, we feel we have to rank them among the public course list. We are just a few months away from the Gil Hanse East layout hosting the PGA Championship, so it carries the major host venue moniker. As much as we like Hanse’s work on the East, it is a very difficult golf course that takes no prisoners. For that reason, we gravitate to the Beau Welling West design for its fun, playable layout, wider fairways and whimsical green complexes.
The West can yield plenty of birdies and has the same unique topography as its sister East layout. The whole development only enhances the total experience, with retail, plenty of dining options, the ten-hole short course called The Swing, and The Dancefloor, the two-acre putting course. We love everything about this total package, and the Welling West Course is the center of the fun.
Golf courses and clubs are listed based on overall ranking within their price category.
Platinum Courses • $125+
Fields Ranch East Course (No. 2 East)
Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club (No. 3 East)
Wildhorse at Robson Ranch (No. 4 West)
The Tribute Golf Links (No. 4 East)
Texas Rangers Golf Club (No. 3 West)
Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club (No. 6 West)
Bridlewood Golf Club (No. 8 West)
Frisco Lakes Golf Club (No. 12 East)
Tour 18 Dallas (No. 14 West)
Fields Ranch East Course is getting primed and ready to host the 2027 PGA Championship. Yep, that’s right, a major is coming to Frisco! We are really excited to see the world’s best take on this challenging Gil Hanse layout. We really value Fields Ranch East as a great course in North Texas, but it is mainly walking only, and the course can play tough for the novice, which is why we prefer the West layout over the East. That being said, the design elements are very interesting, and the conditions are always marvelous. Although it’s tough, it’s definitely a course everyone should play at least once, so they can say they have played a major championship venue.
Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club has long been one of our favorites. The layout is really dynamic, and the course conditions in 2026 were particularly stunning, even for a course that always has a laser focus on agronomy. It can be a tough tee time to get, as they do have local members, and it’s a drive for a large portion of the Metroplex, being up in Fairview, but it’s absolutely worth your time. Customer service is next level, and the clubhouse is wonderful. There’s nothing we don’t love about Heritage Ranch.
Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club
Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch maybe isn’t as well-known as some of these other properties. This course sits in an active adult community located in the southern part of Denton. It can be a bit of a tough tee time to get, as members of the community get priority times, but should you be able to get out there, you won’t regret the effort. Year after year, their 27 holes are in high end country club shape, with plush tees, fairways and greens. Food in the Wildhorse Grill is some of the best we sample every year. Overall, this is a must-play if you have never made the trip to Wildhorse.
The Tribute Golf Links is one of the most unique experiences in DFW. This course recreates 18 of the most iconic holes from Scotland, like No. 1 and No. 18 from St. Andrews, Royal Troon’s “Postage Stamp”, and the par 5 9th at Muirfield. Being right along the shores of Lewisville Lake, conditions often mimic those across the pond, with breezy conditions that will really challenge even the best players. Conditions are always great, and the amenities are great. There is a reason this is one of the toughest tee times in the whole area. You won’t be disappointed if you can get on The Tribute.
Texas Rangers Golf Club is one of the more forgiving layouts in our rankings. Once Chester W. Ditto, it’s hard to believe Texas Rangers has now been open for close to eight years. John Colligan took a very lackluster experience at Ditto and transformed it into one of the most enjoyable courses in the area, with gettable par 5s, some risk-reward par 4s, and one of our favorite par 3s in DFW at No. 15. They recently flipped the 9s, which now makes the par 5 18th a very dynamic finishing hole. The nuclear summer did bake the fairways out a touch this year, but overall, conditions remained solid, particularly on the greens.
Texas Rangers Golf Club
Sky Creek Ranch in Keller sits on one of the most unique pieces of property in the area. The clubhouse is perched on a hill overlooking the course, which right away offers a great optic of the rolling terrain below. The course is tough, as the first six holes can really jump up and bite amateur players, but survive the opening third of the course, and it opens up to some scoring opportunities over the final 12 holes. Conditions are much better than average, and Sky Creek always boasts some of the best daily fee greens in the whole Metroplex. Food and beverage are also solid, and the starter shack is a nice touch as you prepare for your round. They also recently added a new fleet of golf carts. Don’t miss this track.
Bridlewood Golf Club is one of DFW’s toughest tee times, and for good reason. Conditions are always upper crust, the course layout is fun, and the food is rock solid. In fact, they offer a deal where you get lunch and a draft beer for tee times before 3 p.m. every day of the week. That’s a great excuse to get out to Bridlewood and enjoy a day on the course. Oh, and did we mention they have great pizza?
Frisco Lakes Golf Club offers one of the more dynamic front nines you will find in the area, with the short par 4 7th, which plays to a peninsula green, followed by the short par 3 8th, which challenges players with an island green. Frisco Lakes is also a great place to practice, with their Trackman-powered hitting bays on the range. Plus, they have great brick-oven pizza and house-made BBQ. Frisco Lakes is a great overall property for those in the area.
Tour 18 Dallas is a similar gimmick to The Tribute, but this course features famous holes in American golf. You will see the “Church Pew Hole” from Oakmont, No. 18 at Doral’s Blue Monster, the island green at TPC Sawgrass is the par 3 9th, and yes … “Amen Corner” from Augusta National makes up the final three holes at Tour 18. Conditions have been somewhat inconsistent over the last decade, but we’re happy to say that they have been much improved over the last few years. Greens were nice during our visit this year, although fairways could still use a little love. Overall, it’s a fun experience.
Elite Courses • $80 - $124
Texas Star Golf Course (No. 2 West)
Tierra Verde Golf Club (No. 5 West)
The Golf Club at Fossil Creek (No. 7 West)
Tangle Ridge Golf Course (No. 5 East)
The Golf Club at Twin Creeks (No. 6 East)
Bear Creek Golf Club West Course (No. 9 West)
Buffalo Creek Golf Club (No. 9 East)
Waterchase Golf Club (No. 10 West)
Indian Creek Golf Club Creek Course (No. 10 East)
The Courses at Watters Creek (No. 11 East)
Grapevine Golf Course (No. 12 West)
Westridge Golf Course (No. 13 East)
Texas Star Golf Course bumped to No. 1 on the west side last year with Cowboys having recently reopened from a major renovation. Cowboys reclaimed the top spot for 2026, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still love Texas Star. The course has really shined over the last year with its new greens settling in and softening up nicely. They are still rolling pure and the course consistently maintains a high level when it comes to agronomy. The layout is fun and offers a lot of sharp doglegs and some nice topography. The clubhouse is nice, the food is solid and Texas Star is still one of the most popular spots for charity tournaments and corporate outings with its outdoor pavilion.
Judging by the tee sheet at Tierra Verde Golf Club, it’s a far cry from the hidden gem it used to be. This is one of our favorite course layouts in DFW. Holes stand alone, and there is very little traffic or neighborhood noise as you navigate this Gary Stephenson design. The opening “handshake” hole is a short par four that immediately makes players think, and we really dig that. The par 3 14th is a stunner that plays over water, and the final trio of holes are as good as it gets, with a recently softened 18th, where a large tree that gave players fits was removed from the left side. The Ventana Grille has really great food, and the staff is always welcoming and friendly. We only wish it were easier to get a tee time.
After some early-year green issues, The Golf Club at Fossil Creek has rebounded nicely and is once again in fine form. This Arnold Palmer design has some interesting elements, like the par 5 11th, which weaves from left to right, and then from right to left over a creek to the green complex. Conquer that one, and the par 4 12th with water all down the right and the peninsula green par 3 13th await. The clubhouse is nice with The Ivy Grill & Patio, which offers solid food options, like their signature Crush Burger or their Texas Cheesesteak. Fossil Creek one of Arcis’ most fun courses.
Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand Prairie offers some of the most interesting topographical features in the Metroplex. Nestled just minutes from Cedar Hill at one of the higher points in the area, rolling hills and elevation changes not often seen in DFW daily fee golf make this layout one of the most fun it the area. Currently, the clubhouse is being given a nice deep clean and a fresh coat of paint, which had been a bit overdue. Although the current greens are very solid, there is talk of a possible green renovation in the near future, so stay tuned for more on that.
The Golf Club at Twin Creeks in Allen is another Arcis Golf property that was in rock-solid shape all year. Even with the mega-dry summer, they managed to keep conditions tight. This course can be tough with a lot of water throughout the layout, which doesn’t offer a lot of forgiveness. The Taproom at Twin Creeks is also worth the price of admission, with a great menu and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s another course that really shows Arcis Golf’s dedication to customer service and great daily fee properties.
Bear Creek Golf Club West Course is one of our favorite properties in DFW. It’s centrally located, has two courses and the always entertaining “Backyard”, which is Bear Creek’s outdoor bar built around a retro Airstream trailer. Although in recent years, the East layout has really stepped up and is now nipping at the heels of the West layout, we still gravitate toward the West due to it boasting a little more interesting topography. The stretch of No. 2 through No 8 is arguably some of the most dynamic terrain in all of DFW daily fee golf.
Bear Creek West Course
Rockwall’s Buffalo Creek Golf Club is low-key one of the better courses on this list. Less than a decade ago, it was completely unrecognizable and on the verge of closing forever, but a reinvestment in the property by Legacy Golf Properties has this course looking cherry once again. The layout is a treat, and conditions are rock-solid year-round. It is a bit of a drive from the center of DFW, especially now that the area east of Dallas is really seeing a population boom, but the course is worth the effort.
Waterchase Golf Club is perennially ranked in our west top 10 despite not having a true clubhouse. That’s how good the course is. The layout is tough, but the back nine boasting three par 3s and three par 5s can yield some tweeters if you are striking it well. Tees, fairways and greens are always top notch, although a little TLC with some bunkers would be a nice upgrade. The “clubhouse” is bare bones, but you can grab a nice dog, cocktail or beer at the turn or post round. If you love great golf, you will love Waterchase.
Indian Creek Golf Club Creek Course in Carrollton features great overall conditions and one of the wilder inward nines in DFW daily fee golf. With a tip distance of 7,235, this layout will challenge just about any player, with the par 5 16th playing over 600 yards with the Trinity River off to the right. The Arrowhead Bar & Grill is a great place to dine post round, with awesome views of the property. They do simple well, with a great dog and a club sandwich that rivals those served at a top of the food chain private club. Overall, the Creek Course is unlike almost any other course you will find in the Metroplex.
The Courses at Watters Creek has a whole bunch of golf all on the same property! The Traditions Course, The Players Course and The Futures Course. Traditions is the 18-hole layout, which is always in nice condition and offers plenty of interesting architectural elements. The Players Course is nine holes of fun that can really dial in your wedge and short game, and The Futures is a six-hole short course perfect for juniors or kids just learning to play. All this adds up to 33 holes of golfing fun for the whole family!
Grapevine Golf Course has three fantastic nines. The Bluebonnet nine recently reopened after a complete greens renovation and is looking gorgeous. We are hearing similar greens projects will take place on the Mockingbird and Pecan over the next two summers. Sure, the courses are great, but we absolutely LOVE Persimmons Bar & Grill with its lovely outdoor patio and flavorful menu options. It really enhances the overall experience at Grapevine.
McKinney’s Westridge Golf Course is a nice overall facility that sees a lot of play given its location and lack of daily fee golf in the area. The course offers six par 5s, six par 3s and six par 4s, making it truly interesting from opening tee to final putt. The monster par 5 9th tips at 616 yards, making it one of the tougher par 5s anywhere in the area. Conditions are always solid, and the 18-hole putting course is a perfect addition to your day at Westridge. Don’t sleep on this engaging layout.
Top Value Courses • $60-$79
Sherrill Park Golf Course No. 1 (No. 7 East)
Hawks Creek Golf Club (No. 11 West)
Brazos Club (No. 13 West)
Firewheel Golf Park Bridges Course (No. 8 East)
The Bridges Golf Club (East)
Irving Golf Club (No. 14 East)
Rockwood Park Golf Course (No. 15 West)
Sherrill Park Golf Course No. 1 is a regular on our list of courses on the east side. Both Sherrill No. 1 and No. 2 are municipal golf as it was intended, but we gravitate toward No. 1 due to consistently great conditions and slightly more interesting routing. From the opening par 5, to the closing par 4, Sherrill No. 1 will test every club in your bag, while still offering plenty of opportunities for birdie. The clubhouse has a true muni vibe with a simple snack counter that makes you feel like you must order a hot dog. Overall, Sherrill Park is one of our favorite haunts.
Hawks Creek Golf Club in Westworth Village has long been one of the courses that consistently boasts wonderful course conditions. The greens are almost always perfect, and even during the infernal summer months they are still well above average. The clubhouse is very unique, and the layout is fun and interesting. Plus, if you get there early in the morning, you can catch reveille and the National Anthem playing at the Joint Reserve Base next door. If that isn’t inspiring enough, you can also watch jets and planes take off from the runways, which sit just on the other side of the fence on Nos. 15 and 16. Overall, Hawks checks all the boxes and remains a spectacular value at just $79 on the weekend.
We were told in 2025 that SugarTree would be rebranding to Brazos Club, which is still the plan, but hasn’t been made official as of yet (although their clubhouse merch features the new name and logo). Although it’s a bit of a hike (about an hour from Fort Worth), Brazos Club is one of our favorites. The removal of trees have not only made the course more playable, but also dramatically improved turf conditions. Highlights include the par 3 12th, which plays over water and features a giant water wheel. The par 5 14th is also a stunner, winding along the Brazos River. The drive is absolutely worth it to see this gem, and if things keep trending in this direction, they will continue to ascend the list in the years to come.
On the Firewheel website, they say their Bridges Course is the “crown jewel” of their courses, and we would have to agree. It makes the list of best in the east every year, and with good reason. Course conditions are always great, the layout is super fun, even for the average player, and the trees lining the property really frame out the holes nicely. The modern clubhouse features the Branding Iron Grill, which has some great dishes to enjoy at the turn or post-round.
The Bridges Golf Club in Gunter used to be a real hidden gem due to its location up in Gunter. Now, as that area has seen a real population spike, this once country course now sees a good deal of play. The Bridges is a really nice, pretty layout, with rolling meadows, subtle land movement, and one of the most interesting 18th holes of any course in the state. Their restaurant and bar also come equipped with some great food and some of the nicest bartenders we’ve ever encountered. The Bridges has a slower country vibe that you will want to play it again and again (assuming you don’t triple No. 18).
Irving Golf Club is a new addition to our east top 15 for 2026. This course has really matured nicely since its renovation back in 2019. Greens are simply sublime, rolling as well as or better than a lot of the country club greens around town. The layout is user-friendly, playing at just 6,632 from the tips and a very manageable 6,141 from one in. There are some short par 4s, gettable par 5s and the course ends with a par 3, which is very unique. The clubhouse is simple, but nice, and the Hideout Bar & Grill offers all the classics done very well. Plus, don’t forget about the Bonnie & Clyde bridge near the 6th green (if you know, you know).
Irving Golf Club
Rockwood Park Golf Course has been one of our favorite layouts since their renovation almost 10 years ago. Nice views of downtown Fort Worth and subtle elevation changes in spots make this a fun and playable layout. Interesting bunkering and slick greens can be a real challenge, but keep it in the fairway and hit some putting surfaces, and there is a score out there waiting. The clubhouse is clean and very nice, with a snack bar that checks all the boxes. The driving range isn’t much but does the job for a quick bucket pre-round. We really had a long debate about Rockwood or its sister Fort Worth course Meadowbrook in this spot, but this year we leaned toward the Rock (but don’t sleep on Meadowbrook).
Best Outlying
Tempest Golf Club (Gladewater TX)
Pine Dunes Golf Club (Frankston, TX)
The Cliffs Resort (Graford, TX)
The Links at Land’s End (Yantis, TX)
White Bluff Resort (Whitney, TX)
Live Oak Golf Club (Abilene, TX)
Tempest Golf Club is about two hours east and is a wonderful overall experience. The course features killer rolling terrain with elevation changes throughout that really test every club in your bag. Conditions were particularly impressive in 2026, with a real focus on tightening up some of the spots that were a little suspect in the past. Overall, this course is just a delight to play, and with conditions becoming more and more consistent, it is well worth the drive.
For years, Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club was a bit of a mythological course that you heard about via word of mouth. With social media becoming more prominent over the years, word got out about this East Texas beauty. Although it’s a tougher tee time than it used to be, being located in Frankston still keeps it accessible most of the time, especially if you are willing to make the trip during the week. Pine Dunes is not only one of the state’s hidden gems but might also be one of the country’s hidden gems. The course is a 10/10.
The Cliffs Resort offers spectacular lake views of Possum Kingdom and a layout that will really make you think about every shot. The course was constructed around the land, which makes it truly interesting. There are several options for stay-and-play, or you can rent a lake house nearby and enjoy a weekend of golf and water fun.
Live Oak Golf Club
Located in Yantis, Links at Land’s End is one of the most whimsical layouts in the state. Most holes sit along Lake Fork, which offers awesome views and some tough tee shots. Stay-and-play options are available, which make this a no-brainer for those who are looking for a quick weekend getaway with some golf included.
A pair of courses highlight White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney. The Old Course and the New Course offer contrasting styles but boast solid conditions. Bruce Lietzke designed both, and you can’t go wrong playing either. The Inn, condos, and the Log Cabins offer plenty of options for your stay. This is a perfect location that isn’t too far away and won’t break the bank for a weekend of fun.
Live Oak Golf Club is a new addition to our outliers list in 2026. Located in Abilene, this course was once called Diamondback National and was designed by 1971 Masters champ Charles Coody. AG was able to visit earlier this year, and we were very impressed with the layout, which winds its way throughout the rolling terrain. Plus, they have bentgrass greens, which were in stunning shape. Unfortunately, this isn’t a stay-and-play course, but you can easily make the drive, play and then come back to DFW in a day.
THE LIST
