Complete Rankings

The Full Rankings

Every public golf course in East Texas — ranked from first to last.

The Elite Three

1

Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club

Frankston, TX18 Holes

The undisputed king of East Texas golf. Designed by Jay and Carter Morrish, this par-72 championship course stretches 7,117 yards through rolling hills and majestic pines. Golf Digest 4.5-star rating. GolfWeek's #1 Resort Course in Texas. Immaculate overseeded greens, exceptional customer service, and world-class resort amenities.

We played 5 rounds over the weekend and never ran into any pace of play issues, the greens and fairways were in terrific shape, and the course is just downright fun to play. We had 8 people, next year we booked for 12 people and can't wait to continue growing the weekend.

— GolfPass Reviewer
2

Woodland Hills Golf Course

Nacogdoches, TX18 Holes

A local legend reborn with newly renovated MiniVerde greens that are arguably the best in the region. Designed by Don January, this par-72 course features tight, tree-lined fairways and a signature tri-level 8th hole. Exceptional value with friendly, welcoming staff.

The entire course is in fantastic shape and a great value for the cost. I would highly recommend everyone coming and trying it again. Probably the best greens I've played on in many years!

— GolfPass Reviewer
3

Tempest Golf Club

Gladewater, TX18 Holes

A modern marvel renovated in 2018 by architect Jeff Brauer. This par-72 course stretches to 7,229 yards with dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views. Consistently ranked among the top courses in Texas with superb overseeded greens and outstanding amenities.

Everything about this course was awesome! If you haven't played it, you are missing out. The course is challenging with well bunkered fairways and greens and plenty of water. It is also a very fair and playable course.

— Facebook Reviewer

Other Public Courses in the Region

Other public golf courses in East Texas

4

Pine Springs Golf Club

Tyler, TX18 Holes

A hidden gem tucked away north of Tyler among the piney woods and rolling hills of East Texas. Described as 'the best golf value in East Texas,' Pine Springs features large, undulating greens in near-perfect condition year-round, varying fairway widths, and strategic water and sand hazards. Designed by Carlton Gipson, it has been named 'Best Public Golf Course' by readers of B-Scene magazine and its driving range voted 'Best Driving Range' by the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

5

Oak Hurst Golf Course

Bullard, TX (Tyler area)18 Holes

Designed by famed golf course architect Carlton Gipson, Oak Hurst at Peach Tree Golf Club offers 5 sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. Featured in the Dallas Morning News 'Diamonds in the Rough' article spotlighting great Texas courses outside metropolitan areas. Named 'Best Public Golf Course' by B-Scene magazine readers and 'Best Driving Range' by Tyler Morning Telegraph voters. Full amenities include a driving range, chipping and putting area, pro shop, and Putters Corner Café.

6

Rayburn Country Golf Course

Brookeland, TX27 Holes

A true diamond in the rough tucked into the scenic hills along the shores of Lake Sam Rayburn. This 27-hole resort course features 150 feet of elevation change with new greens, tees, bunkers, and manicured fairways for golfers of all levels. The three nine-hole loops were designed by legends Jay Riviere (1968), Robert Trent Jones (1972), and Robert von Hagge (1979), offering a variety of challenges from wide fairways with sand bunkers to tight doglegs with elevated greens. Open to the public with a full resort experience including dining and accommodations.

7

Crossing Creeks Country Club

Longview, TX18 Holes

A semi-private 18-hole championship course featuring 6,701 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72, with a 30-tee driving range. Crossing Creeks offers a fun and positive atmosphere for golf, pickleball, tennis, and swimming. A well-rounded club experience with competitive green fees and public access available.

8

Longview Country Club

Longview, TX18 Holes

A public 18-hole course located on TX-42 in Longview offering daily specials and accessible tee times. A solid community course with a welcoming atmosphere and consistent conditions for public play.

9

Wood Hollow Golf Club

Longview, TX18 Holes

An 18-hole public course at the Wood Hollow Golf and Driving Range facility in Longview, featuring 6,102 yards from the longest tees for a par of 70. A completely renovated course offering gorgeous views across the rolling East Texas countryside, located approximately 20 minutes west of Longview near Gladewater. Public play with memberships available.

10

Cherokee Ranch Golf Club

Jacksonville, TX18 Holes

A par-71 championship course built in 1936 with a rolling landscape and strategically placed sand and water hazards offering a unique challenge.

11

Alpine Golf Course

Longview, TX18 Holes

A relaxed, family-friendly 18-hole course that supports veterans, first responders, and senior golfers with discounted rates. Good conditions for the price.

12

Alpine Target Golf Center

Longview, TX9 Holes (Par-3)

A lighted par-3 9-hole course and driving range facility at Alpine Golf Center. Features a lighted driving range, professional instruction, club repair, and a pro shop. Ideal for beginners, juniors, and golfers looking to sharpen their short game.

13

Van Zandt Country Club

Canton, TX18 Holes

A semi-private 18-hole course providing a family-friendly atmosphere with golf, dining, and recreation in a scenic setting.

14

Raven Nest Golf Club

Huntsville, TX18 Holes

A challenging 18-hole layout near Huntsville offering a stern test for low-handicap golfers. Features significant elevation changes and demanding approach shots.

15

Meadowbrook Golf Course

Kilgore, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole course situated in the Piney Woods, offering a picturesque and challenging experience for all skill levels.

16

Carthage Country Club

Carthage, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole course that has been rebuilt to offer a family-friendly environment. A premier spot for golf in the area for over 50 years.

17

Oak Lawn Golf Course

Marshall, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole municipal course with a driving range and clubhouse, open to the public with affordable rates.

18

Elkhart Golf Club

Elkhart, TX9 Holes

Family owned and operated golf club for over 30 years. A 9-hole course with friendly staff and a casual atmosphere.

19

Wildcat Golf Course

Palestine, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole, multi-tee layout with a driving range. Previously Meadowbrook Country Club, revitalized to serve as a working classroom while remaining open to the public.

20

Overton Municipal Golf Course

Overton, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole course with a unique layout of four par 4s, three par 3s, and two par 5s. Features challenging opening and finishing holes with water hazards.

21

Birmingham Forest Golf Club

Rusk, TX9 Holes

A scenic 9-hole course carved through the East Texas forest. Features rolling terrain and tree-lined fairways for a peaceful round.

22

Livingston Municipal Golf Course

Livingston, TX9 Holes

A 9-hole municipal course offering affordable public golf in a relaxed, small-town setting. Good for beginners and casual rounds.

The Bottom Three

These courses consistently fail to meet the standards expected of quality public golf in East Texas. Poor conditions, bad management, and lack of investment have earned them the lowest spots in our rankings.

23

Lumberjack National Golf Course

Nacogdoches, TX18 Holes
24

Garden Valley Golf Resort (Dogwood Course)

Lindale, TX18 Holes
25

Neches Pines Golf Course

Diboll, TX18 Holes