The five best golf courses near Fort Worth are Waterchase Golf Club for exceptional conditioning, Hawks Creek Golf Club for outstanding greens and value, Pecan Valley Golf Course for budget-friendly municipal play, The Golf Club at Fossil Creek for scenic Arnold Palmer design, and Texas Rangers Golf Club for tournament-quality facilities with unique baseball theming.
Each offers distinct advantages ranging from $40 to $120 per round, accommodating everyone from budget-conscious families to players seeking resort-level experiences.
Keep reading to discover which course matches your priorities, skill level, and budget with detailed breakdowns of layouts, amenities, and what to expect on the fairways.
Waterchase Golf Club
Waterchase consistently earns its reputation as Fort Worth's top public course, and the moment you step onto the fairways, you'll understand why.
Steven Plumer's 2000 design earned a Golf Digest nomination for “Best New Courses” and has since hosted the Texas State Open—credentials that speak to the quality you'll find at 8951 Creek Run Road.
The layout breaks convention with five par 3s and five par 5s instead of the traditional four each, creating a unique rhythm that keeps you thinking throughout your round.
You can choose from six tee sets ranging from 4,500 to 7,150 yards, so whether you're a beginner or scratch golfer, you'll find the right challenge.
The slope rating of 135 tells you this course doesn't hold back.
What makes it special:
- Water comes into play on 15 holes, demanding smart course management
- Tree-lined doglegs and split fairways give you risk-reward decisions on nearly every shot
- A cascading waterfall between the 9th and 18th greens serves as the signature feature
You'll pay around $70-76 for 18 holes with a cart, and the conditioning justifies every dollar.
The fairways stay lush, and the greens roll smooth at medium-fast speeds.
Practice facilities include a grass driving range plus dedicated areas for chipping, sand shots, and putting.
The golf shop offers lessons if you want to sharpen your game, and there's a snack bar for quick refreshments.
The clubhouse is admittedly modest—more of a trailer setup—but you're here for the golf, and the course delivers.
Just note that some areas can stay wet after rain, so check recent conditions before booking. Call (817) 861-4653 to secure your tee time.
Hawks Creek Golf Club
Hawks Creek hides a century of history beneath its modern excellence.
Originally built in 1923, John Colligan's renovations in 2002 and 2014 transformed this layout into one of DFW's true hidden gems.
You'll find it at 6520 White Settlement Road, just 4 miles from downtown Fort Worth, yet the moment you arrive, the urban proximity disappears.
The Par 72 course stretches 6,898 yards from the tips with a course rating of 74.0 and slope between 137-138—numbers that confirm this isn't a walk in the park.
Mature trees frame the fairways, strategic bunkers guard the greens, and natural water hazards appear throughout.
What really sets Hawks Creek apart, though, are the MiniVerde grass greens.
Players consistently rate them as the best putting surfaces in Fort Worth, known for exceptional speed and trueness that reward precise reads.
Elevation changes throughout the property mean you'll need strategy more than raw power.
Club selection becomes critical when fairways rise and fall, making course management your best scoring tool.
At $70 for 18 holes with a cart, you're getting remarkable value for this quality.
The pro shop staff earns consistent praise for being friendly and accommodating, and you'll have access to a driving range, putting green, and on-site dining.
The “hidden gem” label fits perfectly—you'll often find less crowded conditions here compared to some of the area's bigger names.
Call (817) 738-8402 to book your round, especially if putting surface quality tops your priority list.
Pecan Valley Golf Course
Pecan Valley gives you twice the options at half the price.
This City of Fort Worth municipal facility at 6400 Pecan Valley Drive features two complete 18-hole courses separated by the Clear Fork of Trinity River, making it the best value play in the area.
River Course (the premier layout): Ralph Plummer's 1963 design plays as a Par 70 stretching 6,609 yards from the Championship tees.
Considered one of Texas's top municipal courses, it uses interesting elevation changes and natural terrain to challenge your game.
The slope rating of 126 keeps it accessible while still demanding respect.
Hills Course: Dave Bennett expanded this Par 72 track in 1982, running 6,577 yards with a more open layout.
Water comes into play frequently, and the slope of 128 means you'll need solid course management despite the shorter, more forgiving fairways.
You'll pay just $40-50 for 18 holes with a cart, and Fort Worth residents get additional discounts—perfect for families and players watching their budget.
The driving range sits adjacent to the Hills course with space for about 20 golfers, plus you'll find practice putting and chipping areas.
The snack shop has indoor seating, and there's an outdoor covered patio that accommodates 200-plus people with parking for roughly 280 cars.
One heads-up: the bridge on the River Course between holes 15 and 18 is currently out of order.
Detours are posted, and replacement design is underway as of June 2025.
Conditioning ranges from good to very good for the price point, though high traffic volume can slow pace of play during peak times. Call (817) 392-6490 to book your round.
The Golf Club at Fossil Creek
Arnold Palmer left his signature on this championship layout back in 1987, and Golf Digest took notice by nominating it as the best new public course in Texas.
Located at 3401 Club Gate Drive, Fossil Creek spreads across 1,150 acres of natural Texas terrain with a links-style design that takes full advantage of the dramatic landscape.
The Par 72 course measures 6,865 yards from the tips with a course rating of 73.7 and slope of 138—numbers that signal serious challenge ahead.
Water enters the equation on 15 of 18 holes, and you'll navigate limestone bluffs, rocky-ledged creeks, crystal lakes, and massive trees throughout your round.
The rolling fairways wind through natural terrain that delivers stunning scenery on every hole.
TifEagle Bermuda greens and Tifway 419 Bermuda fairways provide quality playing surfaces, with greens running medium-fast and maintaining excellent condition.
Expect to pay $65-85 for 18 holes depending on the day and time, though senior rates drop to around $46.50.
The recently renovated 25,000 square foot clubhouse houses the Overlook Ballroom, dining facilities, and serves as an event and wedding venue.
Full practice facilities let you warm up properly before heading out.
Here's what you need to know about the playing experience: this course can be polarizing.
Experienced players love the forced carries, elevation changes, and unique holes that demand accurate shot-making and strategic thinking.
Higher handicappers might find these same features frustrating, as the course doesn't give you many breaks.
Some players note occasional wet conditions and noticeable distance between certain tees, so factor that into your expectations.
If you prioritize dramatic scenery and don't mind a stiff test, Fossil Creek delivers both in abundance.
Texas Rangers Golf Club
The world's only Major League Baseball-branded golf course sits at 701 Brown Boulevard in Arlington, and it's not just a gimmick.
John Colligan transformed the former Chester Ditto municipal course with a $24 million renovation that opened in February 2019, creating a Par 72 championship layout that earned recognition as the 2nd best renovation in the world by Golf Inc. and “Best New Course” by the Dallas Morning News in 2020.
The course stretches 7,010 yards from the tips with a rating of 73.7 and slope of 132.
Colligan used 55 feet of elevation changes to shape the terrain, installed large undulating greens, and placed over 110,000 square feet of sand in strategic bunkers throughout the property.
The fairways run wide and generous, making the course playable for various skill levels while still challenging better players.
You'll pay $95-120 for 18 holes with a cart depending on the day and whether you're an Arlington resident (who receive 20% off).
Senior discounts and a Frequent Player Program can bring costs down further.
Range balls come included with your green fee—a nice touch at this price point.
What sets it apart:
- Hosts the Korn Ferry Tour's Veritex Bank Championship, proving tournament-quality conditions
- State-of-the-art clubhouse opened in 2021 with the Home Plate restaurant and bar
- Massive driving range with multiple targets, plus multiple practice greens and three short-game greens with bunkers
- GPS-equipped carts standard
- Resort-quality conditioning that holds up even in extreme Texas weather
The baseball theme comes through tastefully, particularly in the clubhouse where Rangers memorabilia lines the walls.
The Home Plate restaurant serves excellent food, including the signature Rangers burger made with brisket-infused Nolan Ryan beef.
Multiple large-screen TVs make it a popular spot to catch games after your round.
The practice facilities deserve special mention—they're outstanding and ideal for a proper pre-round warmup.
This is the complete resort experience at public rates. Call (817) 275-5941 to book your tee time.
Choosing Your Course: Quick Decision Guide
Each of these courses excels in different areas, so matching your priorities makes the decision straightforward.
If you want the best conditioning and challenge, Waterchase Golf Club delivers exceptional course quality with its unique layout and medium-fast greens that rival private clubs.
For outstanding value, Hawks Creek combines elite putting surfaces with a $70 rate just minutes from downtown—a true hidden gem.
Playing on a budget?
Pecan Valley gives you two solid 18-hole options at $40-50 with resident discounts and family-friendly amenities.
Chasing dramatic scenery, Fossil Creek's Arnold Palmer design showcases limestone bluffs and crystal lakes across natural terrain.
Want the complete resort experience?
Texas Rangers Golf Club brings tournament-level conditioning, premier practice facilities, unique MLB theming, and excellent dining together.
Skill level matters too.
Higher handicappers will appreciate the wider fairways at Texas Rangers and Pecan Valley's Hills Course, while low handicappers might gravitate toward Hawks Creek's elevation changes or Waterchase's water-laden strategic demands.
If putting surface quality tops your list, Hawks Creek and Waterchase stand out. For pure visual impact, Fossil Creek wins.
Book tee times in advance, especially for weekend rounds, and check course websites for current rates and seasonal specials.
All five deliver quality golf—you're just choosing which experience fits your game and budget best.
Conclusion
The Fort Worth area gives you legitimate championship-quality golf without country club dues, spanning everything from budget-friendly municipal courses to tournament venues with resort amenities.
Whether you're prioritizing conditioning, value, scenery, or the complete experience, these five courses cover the full spectrum at price points between $40 and $120.
Pick the one that matches your priorities, book your tee time, and discover why this region consistently ranks among Texas's best for public golf.
