The Definitive 2026 Guide
Top Public Golf Courses
in East Texas
From championship layouts nestled in towering pines to hidden gems with world-class greens, discover the finest public golf experiences the Piney Woods has to offer.
Where Excellence Meets the East Texas Piney Woods
East Texas is home to some of the most remarkable golf courses in the state, where championship-caliber layouts wind through cathedral-like corridors of towering loblolly pines. Our comprehensive ranking evaluates each course on seven critical criteria — from customer service and year-round course conditions to overseeding programs, ownership quality, value, membership options, and ease of access.
Whether you are a scratch golfer seeking a championship test or a weekend player looking for a memorable round, this guide will help you find the perfect course for your game. We rank every notable public course across the East Texas region.
The Rankings
The Elite Three
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club
The undisputed king of East Texas golf
A masterpiece designed by Jay and Carter Morrish, Pine Dunes boasts a 4.5-star Golf Digest rating and is consistently ranked #1 in Texas by GolfWeek. Immaculate conditions year-round with pristine, overseeded greens.
Woodland Hills Golf Course
A local legend, reborn
Designed by Don January, Woodland Hills has undergone a stunning transformation with newly renovated MiniVerde greens that are arguably the best in the region. Fantastic conditions and exceptional value.
Tempest Golf Club
A dramatic and visually stunning challenge
Completely renovated in 2018 by architect Jeff Brauer, Tempest features dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views. Consistently ranked among the top courses in Texas.
Our Methodology
How We Rank the Best
Customer Service
Exceptional staff interactions from arrival to departure
Course Conditions
Pristine fairways, greens, and tee boxes year-round
Overseeding Program
Vibrant turf through dedicated overseeding of greens, fairways, and tees
Quality Ownership
Continuous investment and improvement by dedicated ownership
Price & Value
Outstanding experience relative to the cost of play
Membership Options
Flexible, attractive programs for dedicated golfers
Ease of Access
Convenient tee time availability and public accessibility
Overall Excellence
The complete package that defines a world-class course
Ready to Play the Best?
Explore our complete rankings to find your next great round in East Texas. From the championship test at Pine Dunes to the incredible value at Woodland Hills, there is a course for every golfer.
See All Rankings