Tour 18

“America’s Greatest Eighteen Holes” is an ingenious compilation of the greatest golf holes in the nation, giving golfers the chance to play replica holes from 16 top courses. This one is tough--not only because of the challenging and lengthy choice of holes that went into the design, but especially because of the lightning-fast greens and sometimes ridiculous pin placements. While the conditions are probably accurate in terms of what the pros face each week, it can be quite humbling to drop $100 on a green fee and shoot 15 strokes over your handicap because of 4- and 5-putts.

The most recognizable holes on this track are the Augusta National Amen Corner replicas, which make up the final stretch of holes 16-18. The 455-yard No. 16 starts it off, requiring a solid blind tee shot to set up the famous approach over the lake and to the green. No. 17 is the all-time classic, the famous par 3 where Tom Weiskopf once lost the tournament lead by blowing up with a 13. On the ender, a big drive can help you cut the corner of the 485-yard dogleg left, but the average golfer should lay up and prepare for a short iron into over the creek to the tough 18th green.

Other notes: Be aware that the club has a tendency to use shotgun starts in the summer months, which can load the course with hacks and slow play to 5- or 6-hour rounds--not a welcome occurrence when you’re forking out such a high green fee.

Getting there : From Dallas take I-35 north to Lewisville and turn west on FM 1171. Drive 9.5 miles and look for the course on the right side of the road.