In-Depth Profiles
The Elite Three
A comprehensive look at the three golf courses that have earned their place at the top of our rankings. All photos are sourced directly from each course's official website.
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club
"The Undisputed King of East Texas Golf"
Course Overview
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Frankston, Texas is the crown jewel of East Texas golf and one of the finest public-access courses in the entire state. Designed by the legendary father-and-son team of Jay and Carter Morrish, this par-72 masterpiece stretches 7,117 yards through a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, towering loblolly pines, and pristine lakes that create a golfing experience unlike any other in the region.
The course has earned a coveted 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest and has been consistently ranked as GolfWeek's #1 Resort Course in Texas. Every aspect of Pine Dunes is maintained to an extraordinary standard — the overseeded greens are silky smooth year-round, the fairways are lush and perfectly manicured, and the bunkers are filled with pristine white sand. The attention to detail is evident from the moment you arrive at the elegant clubhouse to the final putt on the 18th green.
What truly sets Pine Dunes apart is the complete experience. The resort offers luxurious on-site accommodations, a full-service restaurant, and a staff that treats every guest like a VIP. The course design rewards both power and precision, with strategic bunkering, dramatic water features, and greens that are both challenging and fair. Pine Dunes is not just the best golf course in East Texas — it is a world-class destination that belongs in any conversation about the finest public golf in America.
Tee Options
- Championship: 7,117 yards
- Back: 6,587 yards
- Middle: 6,037 yards
- Forward: 5,437 yards
- Ladies: 4,837 yards
Amenities
- • Luxurious on-site resort accommodations with golf packages
- • Full-service restaurant and bar with panoramic course views
- • Fully stocked pro shop with premium equipment and apparel
- • Expansive practice facility with driving range and short game area
- • Professional instruction available from PGA-certified staff
- • Corporate retreat and tournament hosting capabilities
- • Wedding and special event venues overlooking the course
Awards & Recognition
- Golf Digest 4.5-Star Rating — one of the highest in Texas
- GolfWeek's #1 Resort Course in Texas
- Ranked among the Top 50 Public Courses in Texas by multiple publications
- Featured in Golf Magazine's 'Best You Can Play' list
- Recognized by Dallas Morning News as a top destination course
Membership & Access
Pine Dunes welcomes public play and offers premium golf packages that include accommodations, meals, and unlimited golf. Annual memberships are available for frequent players, providing priority tee times, discounted rates, and access to exclusive member events. The resort also offers corporate membership packages ideal for businesses seeking a premier entertainment venue.
Why #1 in East Texas
- ✓Golf Digest 4.5-star rating and GolfWeek's #1 Resort Course in Texas
- ✓Immaculate year-round conditions with professional overseeding program
- ✓World-class Jay & Carter Morrish design through stunning East Texas terrain
- ✓Exceptional customer service — staff treats every guest like a VIP
- ✓Complete resort experience with accommodations, dining, and practice facilities
- ✓Ownership deeply committed to continuous improvement and excellence
- ✓Five sets of tees making the course enjoyable for all skill levels
What Golfers Are Saying
Woodland Hills Golf Course
"A Local Legend, Reborn with the Best Greens in the Region"
Course Overview
Woodland Hills Golf Course in Nacogdoches has undergone a remarkable transformation that has elevated it to the second-best public golf course in all of East Texas. Under dedicated ownership that continually invests in upgrades, the course now features newly renovated MiniVerde greens that are, without exaggeration, the finest putting surfaces in the entire region. These ultra-dwarf bermudagrass greens provide a smooth, true roll that rivals courses costing three times as much to play.
Designed by PGA Tour legend Don January, the par-72 layout winds through beautiful East Texas pines with tight, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee. The signature tri-level 8th hole is one of the most unique and memorable holes in the state. The course rewards strategic play and shot-making ability, making it a favorite among serious golfers who appreciate classic course design.
The overseeded fairways and tees pair perfectly with their pristine MiniVerde greens. Compared to all other courses in East Texas, they, by far, have the best conditions throughout the winter and early spring. This is one of the many things that has elevated them to #2 on our list.
What makes Woodland Hills truly special is the combination of exceptional quality and outstanding value. The ownership and staff are deeply passionate about golf and committed to providing the best possible experience at a fair price. The customer service is warm, welcoming, and genuine — you feel like a member from your very first visit. The course conditions are maintained to a standard that would satisfy the most discerning golfer, with well-irrigated fairways and meticulous attention to every detail.
Tee Options
- Back: 6,620 yards
- Middle: 6,200 yards
- Forward: 5,400 yards
- Ladies: 4,900 yards
Amenities
- • Newly renovated MiniVerde greens — the best putting surfaces in the region
- • Full-service pro shop with knowledgeable, friendly staff
- • Practice facilities including driving range and putting green
- • Friendly, welcoming staff that creates a comfortable atmosphere for all golfers
- • Classic Don January design that rewards accuracy and strategic play
- • Flexible membership options including student and family plans
Awards & Recognition
- Home to the finest MiniVerde greens in the East Texas region
- Designed by PGA Tour champion and Texas Golf Hall of Famer Don January
- Recognized for exceptional value and course conditions by GolfPass reviewers
- Features one of the most unique holes in Texas — the tri-level 8th
- Praised by Golf Digest reviewers for quality of greens and overall experience
Membership & Access
Woodland Hills offers some of the most accessible and affordable membership options in the region. Individual, family, student, and senior memberships are available, all providing unlimited golf and preferred tee times. The course also welcomes public play at very competitive rates, making world-class greens accessible to every golfer.
Why #2 in East Texas
- ✓Finest MiniVerde greens in the entire East Texas region
- ✓Exceptional value — world-class putting surfaces at affordable prices
- ✓Dedicated ownership that continually invests in course improvements
- ✓Warm, welcoming customer service that makes every golfer feel at home
- ✓Classic Don January design with the iconic tri-level 8th hole
- ✓Comprehensive overseeding program for year-round playability
- ✓Flexible membership options for individuals, families, and students
What Golfers Are Saying
Tempest Golf Club
"A Dramatic and Visually Stunning Challenge"
Course Overview
The Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater is a bold, dramatic, and visually breathtaking golf experience that stands as one of the finest courses in all of Texas. The course underwent a complete transformation in 2018 under the direction of acclaimed architect Jeff Brauer, and the result is a layout that is both a feast for the eyes and a formidable test of golf.
What immediately strikes you about Tempest is the terrain. The course features dramatic elevation changes that are rare in East Texas, with tee shots that launch from hilltops to fairways far below and approach shots that climb to elevated greens perched above the surrounding landscape. The panoramic views of the pine-covered hills are simply stunning, and every hole offers a new visual experience.
The course conditions at Tempest are consistently superb. The greens are overseeded for year-round play and maintained to a standard that would satisfy the most demanding golfer. The fairways are lush and well-irrigated, the bunkers are filled with pristine white sand, and the overall presentation of the course is impeccable. The ownership and management team are deeply committed to providing a premium golf experience, and their investment in the course is evident at every turn.
Tee Options
- Championship: 7,229 yards
- Back: 6,700 yards
- Middle: 6,200 yards
- Forward: 5,600 yards
- Ladies: 5,000 yards
Amenities
- • Beautiful clubhouse with dining facilities and Tudor Hall event space
- • Full-service pro shop
- • Extensive practice facilities including driving range
- • 2,000 sq. ft. veranda for events and gatherings
- • Wedding and corporate event hosting
- • Locker rooms with premium amenities
Awards & Recognition
- Consistently ranked among the top courses in Texas by Dallas Morning News
- Recognized by Avid Golfer Magazine for design and value
- Praised for its dramatic Jeff Brauer renovation
- Known as one of the most visually stunning courses in the state
Membership & Access
Tempest Golf Club offers a range of membership options including Individual, Family, Social, and Corporate packages. Members enjoy exclusive tournament access, advance tee time bookings, discounts on club services, and access to the clubhouse dining and social events. The club also welcomes public play, making it accessible to all golfers.
Why #3 in East Texas
- ✓Dramatic Jeff Brauer design with elevation changes rarely found in East Texas
- ✓Superb overseeded greens maintained to championship standards year-round
- ✓Ownership committed to continuous improvement and premium experience
- ✓Full-service club amenities including dining, events, and practice facilities
- ✓Five sets of tees making the course enjoyable for all skill levels
- ✓Consistently recognized by major Texas golf publications