Texas is big, and so is its golf. The state has hundreds of courses, from urban public layouts in its sprawling cities to resort courses in the rolling Hill Country and seaside golf on the Gulf Coast. Winters are mild across much of the state, green fees are often good value, and golf combines easily with barbecue, live music and big-city attractions. Here's how to plan a Texas golf trip.
The main golf regions
Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the largest concentrations of courses in the state, with many public, municipal and private options spread across a huge metropolitan area.
- Best for: city breaks with golf, and plenty of choice.
- Good to know: north Texas can have cold snaps in winter and severe storms in spring.
Houston
Houston's courses range from wooded layouts north of the city to coastal courses near the Gulf. The climate is humid, with mild winters.
- Best for: winter golf and a big-city break.
- Good to know: summer humidity is intense; hurricane season runs from June to November.
Austin and the Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, has rolling limestone hills, oak trees, rivers and lakes. Resort courses here have elevation changes and views rarely found elsewhere in the state.
- Best for: scenery, resorts and combining golf with wineries and music.
San Antonio
San Antonio has several resort courses in the hills on the edge of the city, along with the famous River Walk and historic missions.
The Gulf Coast and South Texas
The coast around Galveston and Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley in the far south, offer warm winters and good-value golf.
West Texas
El Paso and the desert west offer dry, sunny golf, with some courses at altitude. Read golf at altitude.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Ideal temperatures, green courses; thunderstorms possible |
| Summer (June to September) | Very hot and humid; play at dawn; lowest prices |
| Autumn (October to November) | Excellent weather, firm courses |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild in the south; cold snaps possible in the north |
Playing tips
- Wind: Texas is often windy, especially in spring. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Bermuda grass: grainy greens and tight fairway lies. Read how to read greens.
- Firm conditions: the ball runs a long way in summer.
- Overseeding: some courses overseed in autumn, with temporary restrictions.
- Heat: read hot weather golf.
- Lightning: leave the course when storms approach. Read golf course safety.
Costs and booking
- Municipal courses in the big cities are often excellent value.
- Twilight and summer rates are low.
- Resort packages are common in the Hill Country and San Antonio.
Read how to book tee times and how to play golf on a budget.
Practical tips
- Rent a car: distances are huge.
- Carts are standard at many courses, especially in summer. Read walking vs riding a golf cart.
- Sun protection is essential. Read sun protection for golfers.
- Combine with culture: barbecue, music venues, rodeos and historic sites.
Sample trip ideas
- Hill Country resort week: golf in the mornings, wineries and swimming holes in the afternoons.
- Dallas-Fort Worth long weekend: three or four rounds and a sports game.
- Winter escape to South Texas: mild weather and good-value golf.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to play golf in Texas?
Spring and autumn. Summer is very hot, though early tee times are manageable.
Is golf in Texas expensive?
Generally good value, especially at municipal courses. Resort golf costs more.
Which part of Texas is best for golf?
The Hill Country for scenery and resorts; Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston for choice.
Can you play golf in Texas in winter?
Yes, especially in the south. North Texas can have cold spells.
The bottom line
Texas offers plenty of good-value golf, from big-city public courses to Hill Country resorts. Visit in spring or autumn, prepare for wind and heat, and enjoy the food, music and hospitality between rounds. For more US destinations, read warm-weather golf destinations in the USA and golf in Arizona.