Black Jack’s Crossing at Lajitas Golf Resort stands out as the top public course in Texas thanks to its stunning desert setting, strategic design by Lanny Wadkins, and consistently high rankings.
Yes—it’s absolutely worth the trip for golfers seeking a unique, scenic, and challenging experience.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what to expect, how to plan, and how to make the most of your round.
What Makes Black Jack’s Crossing Stand Out
If you're looking for a golf experience that’s anything but ordinary, Black Jack’s Crossing immediately sets itself apart.
It’s not just about the game—it’s about the location, the design, the history, and the views that surround you on every hole.
This course offers a rare combination of PGA pedigree, dramatic desert setting, and authentic historical character, making it one of the most compelling golf destinations in Texas—and beyond.
A Legacy in Design
At the heart of Black Jack’s Crossing is its design, crafted by PGA Hall of Famer Lanny Wadkins with input from Paul Cowley and Fezler Golf.
Wadkins brought his competitive insight into playability and shot values, resulting in a layout that challenges serious golfers while still being accessible to mid- and high-handicappers.
Rather than building a course that simply fits the land, the team worked with the rugged topography of the Chihuahuan Desert to enhance every shot and view.
The result is a course that feels like a natural part of the landscape—not one imposed on it.
A Story Embedded in Every Hole
The course takes its name from General John “Black Jack” Pershing, best known for leading U.S. forces in the pursuit of Pancho Villa across the Rio Grande.
That historical reference isn’t just a branding gimmick—it’s part of the course’s fabric.
You’ll find subtle nods to Old West heritage throughout the property, especially near the historic 1890s-era clubhouse, a former trading post that now serves as the pro shop.
Even the name “Lajitas” evokes the frontier roots of the region.
Playing here feels like stepping into a living museum of American Southwest history, except with a golf club in hand.
Remote, Untouched, and Jaw-Dropping
Black Jack’s Crossing sits on 27,000 acres of resort land tucked into the Chihuahuan Desert, directly bordering Big Bend National Park and overlooking the Rio Grande.
The sense of isolation is immediate—but so is the sense of grandeur.
There are no nearby highways, no housing developments along the fairways, and no distractions.
Instead, you’re surrounded by desert valleys, jagged mountain peaks, and the sweeping curves of the river border.
This is golf with a view you’ll remember forever.
The setting doesn’t just provide visual impact—it affects the play.
Elevation changes, wind direction off the cliffs, and temperature shifts between early morning and late afternoon all play into how each round feels.
You’re not just managing your swing—you’re responding to the terrain.
National Recognition That Matches the Experience
Since 2013, Black Jack’s Crossing has been ranked the #1 public course in Texas by major golf publications.
That’s not a one-time accolade—it’s a standing reputation.
The course also frequently appears in the top 50 U.S. resort courses, a category dominated by coastal and mountain destinations.
Standing out in that crowd speaks to the uniqueness of the setting and the consistent quality of the golf.
Unlike many desert courses, Black Jack’s doesn’t lean on gimmicks.
The praise it earns from players and publications alike focuses on its strategic layout, fast greens, and intimate connection with the landscape.
Player reviews consistently mention how well the course plays across different skill levels and how memorable the vistas are from hole to hole.
More Than a Round—It’s an Experience
This isn’t the type of course you casually fit into a travel itinerary.
Most golfers make the trip to Lajitas because of Black Jack’s Crossing.
It’s a destination course, the kind that golfers check off their bucket list.
And it delivers on that promise—not just in aesthetics, but in the overall quality of the experience.
From the thoughtful routing to the strong desert visuals and the rich backstory, this is a course that sticks with you long after the final putt drops.
If you’re deciding where your next memorable round should be, Black Jack’s Crossing doesn’t just stand out—it defines the standard for what a remote, high-desert golf experience should feel like.
Course Overview & What to Expect on the Ground
From the first tee to the final green, Black Jack’s Crossing delivers a round that’s as visually striking as it is mentally engaging.
The layout takes full advantage of the surrounding terrain, weaving through desert valleys, climbing into elevated vistas, and constantly asking players to adapt to changes in elevation, wind, and shot angles.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to beat your personal best, knowing what lies ahead makes all the difference.
Championship-Caliber Layout with Multiple Tees
Black Jack’s Crossing is a par-72, 18-hole championship course designed to scale with a player’s skill level.
The Black tees—the longest option—stretch the course to an impressive 7,413 yards, carrying a course rating of 74.3 and a slope of 131.
These tees offer a full test, especially for low handicappers or competitive players.
For others, the Maroon, Gold, and Rose tees provide more accessible yardages without compromising the shot values or scenery.
The Gold tees also include a designated set for women, ensuring that every player has a well-balanced path around the course.
This variety isn’t just about distance—it’s also about approach angles, visibility, and how the course’s natural features affect each shot.
Choosing the right tee for your game makes the round more enjoyable and manageable, especially given the physical demands of the terrain.
A Journey Across Wild Terrain
What makes the course so engaging isn’t just its yardage—it’s how the layout interacts with the land.
The holes alternate between Rio Grande valley lowlands and higher desert plateaus, often changing elevation within the same hole.
Blind shots, steep ravines, arroyos, and dramatic drop-offs are built into the natural routing, forcing players to think their way through each decision.
Because the course doesn’t follow a uniform rhythm, there’s a constant need to recalibrate.
Club selection can change quickly as the wind shifts or the elevation alters ball flight.
You’ll find yourself walking up to tee boxes or standing in fairways simply to admire the view before making a play.
This is a course where slowing down and surveying the land isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic.
Holes That Define the Round
Several holes leave a lasting impression, not just because of their difficulty, but due to how well they represent the terrain:
- Hole 4 is a 613-yard par 5 that threads through rugged arroyos. It demands a smart tee shot and precise layup, with the natural hazards making aggression a risk-reward decision.
- Hole 5 flips the script with a dramatic 166-yard par 3 that carries over a deep desert ravine. There’s no bailout here—you either find the green or face a punishing recovery from the canyon below.
- The back nine climbs into higher ground, with several holes perched above the Rio Grande, giving players panoramic views of both the river and Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen Mountains beyond. These elevated holes play differently in the wind and can require clubbing down despite their distance due to the downhill drop.
These are not just signature holes—they're prime examples of how the land shapes the game.
Fast Greens with a Desert Edge
The greens are built with Paspalum grass, known for handling extreme heat and limited water—perfect for the desert climate.
They're well-maintained year-round, typically rolling between 10 and 11 on the stimpmeter, though they’re often quicker during competitive events.
Speed control becomes a core part of scoring here.
Many greens feature subtle undulations and elevated edges that can feed or repel approach shots depending on your spin and landing angle.
Missing in the wrong place leaves you with awkward chips or tricky two-putts, and downhill putts can be deceptively fast.
Planning Your Visit – Booking, Travel & Lodging
A round at Black Jack’s Crossing isn’t something you drop into casually.
Because of its remote location and high demand, planning your visit takes a little extra effort—but the payoff is worth it.
From travel logistics to lodging options and tee time reservations, setting things up in advance ensures a smooth, enjoyable trip from start to finish.
Timing Your Trip
Black Jack’s Crossing is open year-round, which gives you flexibility, but there’s a key window to avoid: June 30 through July 14, 2025, when the course will be closed for annual maintenance.
That two-week period is blocked out every year, so if you're planning a summer trip, aim to play before or after those dates.
Outside of that closure, tee times can fill up quickly—especially during spring and fall when desert temperatures are most comfortable.
Because the course is consistently ranked as the top public course in Texas, demand stays high.
Booking your tee time and lodging well in advance is highly recommended, particularly if you’re looking to secure a preferred villa or a morning tee slot.
Getting There: Remote, but Reachable
One of the defining features of Black Jack’s Crossing is how isolated it is.
That’s part of its charm—but also part of the challenge when it comes to travel.
The most convenient option is flying private charter from Dallas or Houston to the resort-owned airport in Lajitas.
It’s by far the fastest and most direct route, especially for groups or those looking for a premium experience.
If private air travel isn’t in the cards, the closest commercial airport is in Midland, TX, which is about a four-hour drive from the resort.
While the drive is long, it’s also scenic, winding through wide-open desert landscapes and quiet Texas towns.
Because of the course’s remote setting, don’t rely on rideshares or last-minute transportation options—renting a vehicle is necessary unless you’ve arranged resort transfers in advance.
Lodging Options On-Site
The Lajitas Golf Resort offers several on-site accommodations to fit different preferences and budgets.
The range of lodging includes:
- Rustic cowboy-style cabins, great for a more authentic desert experience
- The Officer’s Quarters, a comfortable mid-range option with character and proximity to the course
- Luxury villas, many of which overlook Black Jack’s Crossing itself, offering private patios and panoramic views
These accommodations are designed to reflect the area’s western heritage without sacrificing comfort.
If you're planning to play multiple rounds or travel with a group, booking a golf-and-lodging package can streamline everything and often comes at a better value than à la carte bookings.
Tune Up Before You Tee Off
Another perk of staying at the resort is access to on-site PGA instruction.
Booking a lesson—even just a short session the day before you play—can help you prepare for the course’s specific demands.
The elevation changes, blind shots, and fast greens aren’t something most golfers are used to, so having a pro walk you through how to approach certain challenges can be a smart investment, regardless of your handicap.
The practice facilities are solid, too.
You’ll have access to a driving range, chipping and putting areas, and warm-up stations to get you ready before you tee off.
This is particularly helpful if you’ve had a long journey and want to get your swing back into rhythm before taking on one of the state’s most strategic layouts.
Making the Most of the Journey
Because of its remote desert setting, a visit to Black Jack’s Crossing can feel like a proper getaway—more than just a golf trip.
The stillness of the landscape, the quiet luxury of the resort, and the immersion in West Texas scenery all create a rhythm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
But the key is planning. Book early.
Choose your travel route carefully.
Match your lodging to the kind of experience you want.
And give yourself time to enjoy the resort beyond just the course.
With the right preparation, the trip becomes just as memorable as the round itself.
Costs, Fees & What’s Included
Planning a golf trip to Black Jack’s Crossing means factoring in more than just green fees.
From equipment rentals to on-course amenities, understanding the full cost breakdown helps you avoid surprises and make the most of what’s offered.
While the pricing is in line with other top-tier resort courses, knowing exactly what you’re getting for your money makes budgeting—and booking—much easier.
Green Fees: Resort vs. Non-Resort Guests
Green fees vary depending on whether you’re staying at the Lajitas Golf Resort or visiting as a non-resort guest.
The difference is significant, so if you’re planning to play more than once, staying on-site often justifies the cost.
- Resort Guests
- 18 holes: $195
- 9 holes: $150
- Same-day replay: $150
- Non-Resort Guests
- 18 holes: $295
- 9 holes: $175
- Replay: $175
If you're traveling with juniors (younger players), there are discounted rates:
- Junior Resort Guests (18 holes): $125
- Junior Non-Resort Guests (18 holes): $150
All green fees include GPS-equipped golf carts, which are required on the course and especially helpful given the terrain and elevation changes.
Rentals & On-Course Amenities
If you prefer to travel light, club rentals are available and include everything you need to play.
For 18 holes, the rental cost is $100 and includes golf balls.
If you're only playing 9 holes, the rate drops to $70.
Rental clubs are premium-quality and in good condition—ideal for those flying in or not traveling with gear.
The course also includes complimentary access to the driving range, putting green, and chipping areas, so you can get warmed up before your round.
Club storage is available as well, making it easy to keep your equipment safe if you're playing multiple rounds during your stay.
Note: metal spikes are not allowed, so make sure your footwear is soft-spike compliant or plan to purchase/borrow appropriate shoes from the pro shop if needed.
Clubhouse & Pro Shop
One of the more charming features of the course is its historic clubhouse, which originally operated as a trading post in the 1890s.
Today, it houses the pro shop, where you can pick up merchandise, essentials, and rental equipment.
The setting adds a distinctive character to the start and end of your round and gives the clubhouse a more memorable feel than a typical resort facility.
Food & Beverage Guidelines
On the course, you’ll find beer and soda for sale, but keep in mind that outside coolers and glass containers are not allowed.
Plan ahead if you have specific hydration needs or preferences—especially considering the desert climate.
While it’s a relaxed environment overall, the beverage policy is enforced to help preserve the course and manage litter in a remote setting.
On-Course Experience – Strategy, Conditions & Survival Tips
Playing Black Jack’s Crossing is about more than just swinging a club—it's a mental, physical, and environmental challenge that demands preparation and smart play.
The layout will test your course management, while the desert climate adds another layer of complexity.
But with a little planning and the right mindset, your round can be both rewarding and memorable.
Know Your Tees, Know Your Game
The course features four distinct tee sets—Black, Maroon, Gold (including Gold Women’s), and Rose—which makes it playable for a wide range of skill levels.
While the Black tees offer a full championship test at 7,413 yards, most players will find the Maroon or Gold tees more enjoyable without sacrificing the integrity of the design.
Don’t let ego dictate your choice here.
With the course’s combination of blind tee shots, ravines, and significant elevation shifts, a shorter yardage often leads to a more satisfying and less exhausting round.
Think Your Way Around
This is a layout that rewards strategy over power.
Shot placement is more important than distance on several holes, particularly when elevation changes or unseen hazards come into play.
Landing zones may look generous from the tee, but hidden trouble—steep drop-offs, dry arroyos, and rocky outcrops—can punish the wrong angle or an aggressive line.
Approach shots also require precision, especially when playing into greens surrounded by natural slopes or perched on plateaus.
It’s common to see good shots take a hard bounce and roll into tough lies.
Pay attention to your landing areas, and don’t assume a high shot will always hold the green—particularly when things start to dry out in the afternoon.
Fast Greens with Subtle Breaks
The greens at Black Jack’s Crossing run fast, typically between 10 and 11 on the stimpmeter, and they’re known for picking up even more speed during tournaments or dry stretches.
Many have subtle contours that are hard to read on first glance.
Uphill putts are manageable, but downhill and side-hill putts can get away from you quickly.
Spend time on the practice green before your round to get a feel for the speed.
You’ll also want to think defensively with your approach shots—better to be below the hole than above it on most greens.
Plan for the Desert—It’s Not Just the Scenery
Desert golf brings challenges beyond the scorecard. The dry air and heat can wear you down faster than expected, especially during warmer months.
Water stations on the course are limited, so bring your own water—and bring more than you think you’ll need.
Hydration packs, refillable bottles, or coolers stocked at the resort before your round are all good moves.
Don’t assume there will be relief mid-round.
You’ll also want to prepare for sun exposure.
Sunscreen, light, breathable clothing, cooling towels, and a shade hat can help you stay comfortable through 18 holes.
Even on breezy days, the sun here is intense.
Capture the Moment—Literally
It’s not all grind—Black Jack’s Crossing is visually stunning, and you’ll want to remember the views.
The back nine offers elevated holes that overlook the Rio Grande and Mexico’s Sierra del Carmen Mountains.
These aren’t just scenic—they’re almost cinematic, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Bring a camera or smartphone, and don’t be shy about pausing for a few extra moments on the tee box or green to take it all in.
This course is as much about the experience as it is about the score.
Play Smart, Stay Sharp
Between the course design and the natural environment, your best round here won’t come from overpowering it—it’ll come from respecting it.
Choose the right tees. Manage your energy.
Make conservative decisions when risk doesn’t pay off.
And take care of yourself out there.
Black Jack’s Crossing challenges every aspect of your game, but that’s part of what makes it memorable.
If you come in prepared and pace yourself, it’s the kind of round you’ll talk about for years.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Round
Playing Black Jack’s Crossing is more than just checking off a top-ranked course—it’s a full experience that combines challenge, scenery, and a uniquely remote setting.
Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, a few practical tips can help you make the most of your round and everything surrounding it.
Time Your Trip Wisely
First things first: avoid the annual maintenance closure, which falls between June 30 and July 14, 2025.
These two weeks are blocked off every year for course upkeep, and reservations are not available during that time.
If you're planning a summer visit, aim to play either before June ends or later in July when the course reopens.
Outside that window, spring and fall are ideal for both weather and course conditions.
These seasons also tend to be popular, so booking early—especially for weekends—is strongly recommended.
Make Travel Easier on Yourself
Black Jack’s Crossing is remote, and getting there can take some planning.
If convenience is a priority, booking a private charter flight into the resort’s own airport is the fastest and most efficient option.
For groups or those wanting to minimize drive time from Dallas or Houston, this can turn a lengthy road trip into a seamless arrival.
If you’re flying commercially into Midland, plan for a roughly four-hour drive to Lajitas.
That means either renting a car or arranging resort transport well ahead of time.
Pack Light and Rent Smart
Traveling light? You don’t need to bring your full set to enjoy the course.
On-site club rentals are available for both 18-hole and 9-hole rounds and include golf balls.
The rental sets are high-quality and well-maintained, so if you're flying in, renting may save both luggage space and hassle.
You’ll also find GPS-equipped carts included in your green fee, along with access to practice facilities, making it easy to warm up before the round.
Brush Up Before You Tee Up
If you’re not used to fast greens, blind shots, or managing elevation changes, it’s worth spending time with the resort’s PGA-certified instructors.
A short lesson before your round can give you key insights about how to manage the course’s quirks and hazards.
Even experienced golfers benefit from a local perspective—especially on a layout this unique.
And don’t skip the warmup. Hit the range, roll a few putts, and take advantage of the practice areas.
This isn’t a course you want to play cold.
Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
The desert climate can creep up on you, especially if you’re not used to playing in hot, dry conditions.
Water stations on the course are limited, so bring more than you think you’ll need.
Hydration packs, extra water bottles, electrolyte powders—whatever helps you stay ahead of the heat, bring it.
The sun is strong even on overcast days, so sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and light, breathable clothing are highly recommended.
Capture the Scenery
This is one of the most visually stunning courses in the country—elevated river views, desert mountain backdrops, and the kind of sunsets that look like movie sets.
Bring a camera or smartphone, and don’t rush through the round.
The views are part of what makes this place unforgettable, and the back nine in particular offers some incredible photo ops.
Respect the Land
Black Jack’s Crossing is designed to blend into its environment, and preserving that landscape is part of the experience.
Stay on designated cart paths when instructed, avoid driving near greens or tees, and follow course etiquette to keep the desert terrain intact.
The ground cover may look rugged, but it’s delicate—and trampling it can do lasting damage.
Extend Your Stay
Finally, don’t limit your experience to just the course.
The resort itself is worth exploring, from cowboy-style cabins and luxury villas to Old West-inspired facilities and scenic trails nearby.
Whether you're sipping a drink on the patio at sunset or taking in the silence of the desert at dawn, the atmosphere here adds something you simply won’t get at most golf destinations.
Plan ahead, play smart, and give yourself time to soak it all in.
Black Jack’s Crossing isn’t just a round of golf—it’s a trip you’ll remember long after the scorecard fades.
Conclusion
Black Jack’s Crossing offers more than just championship golf—it delivers a one-of-a-kind experience shaped by history, landscape, and thoughtful design.
With smart planning and the right mindset, your visit can be both seamless and unforgettable.
Whether you're chasing birdies or just soaking in the views, this is a course that stays with you.
