Texas Star Golf Course

One of the best public facilities in Texas, Texas Star is ironically located in the middle of an industrial area, yet somehow sports the natural look and feel of the Hill Country. Designed by Keith Foster, this is a tough course with numerous hazards, immaculate conditions, and many unique holes.

Foster’s design tips out at 6,936 yards and is a par 71. Hurricane Creek traverses the landscape, and the old oaks that line the course offer the perfect respite from the surrounding industrial community.

No. 15 is one of the better holes--a 37-yarder highlighted by a green-fronting pond and waterfall. The fairway is split due to the hazard, and a solid tee shot of at least 220 yards is required to carry the falls.

Another great hole is the scenic 179-yard No. 16, which plays downhill and is framed by a rock-lined creek on the right. No. 18 is a nice ender, going 535 yards with water everywhere. Leave yourself a short-iron approach, since the green is protected by a creek.

Note that the course is closed on Tuesdays, and in the summer the club is known to limit play to 100 golfers per day. And while some complain that it this is a cart-path-only course, the condition of the fairways more than makes up for the inconvenience.

Getting there : From the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, take Hwy, 183 west to Hwy, 157. Drive south to Hwy. 10 and turn right. The entrance is 1 mile down and visible from the highway.