Hills are rare in Dallas, so as you walk this 159-acre Jeffery Brauer design you may feel transported to the Carolina foothills. The course makes excellent use of its unusual hilly terrain and surrounding woodlands. Dramatic elevation changes reveal striking views of the reservoir dam at several points, and the routing feels very natural. A practical bonus: Cowboys Golf Club sits only about 15 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), so you can land and play with minimal travel time.
Cowboys Golf Club is the only NFL-themed resort of its kind, and the owners wisely keep the theme tasteful rather than overdone. The clubhouse is a comfortable spot for lunch or drinks; the lobby displays replica Dallas Cowboys trophies and memorabilia, but the overall atmosphere remains focused on golfers and the game.
Opened in 2001, the course was in impeccable condition during my visit. Aviation fans will enjoy its location beneath DFW’s arrival and departure corridors — we watched a steady stream of American Airlines jets, plus aircraft from Singapore Airlines, US Airways and British Airways, drift across the sky as we played. Like some coastal resort tracks, Cowboys entertains you between shots with airliners gliding overhead.
Hole 1 (533 yards, par 5)
Rated a No. 5 handicap, this opening hole can challenge any golfer. The dogleg left climbs to the fairway and green beyond, offering dramatic elevation and a true risk-reward line. My tee shot found a good position but came up short of prime distance. Charley electrified the group with a booming drive that cleared the left bunkers and left him roughly 170 yards to the green. Gerry found one of the six fairway bunkers on the left. A large, deep bunker guards the front of the green; I misjudged my approach, flew the bunker and chipped on for a bogey, while Charley converted a birdie putt.
Hole 3 (176 yards, par 3)
Short but tricky, this par 3 is played best with a bit more club than you think. Several of our shots came up short, and one found the water that fronts the green and wraps the left side. Shots that go long face a large back bunker, and the green slopes from back to front so balls can roll off if not struck crisply. On this hole, a par feels like an accomplishment.
Hole 4 (366 yards, par 4)
The elevation on this hole is striking — you could be forgiven for wondering if you’re still in Dallas. The Dallas Cowboys star is emblazoned in the center of the fairway; hit it and you’ll be rewarded, miss it and you’ll likely be muttering about Jerry Jones. Avoid the fairway bunkers on the right and you’ll be left with a solid iron into the green.
Hole 5 (479 yards, par 4)
As the course’s No. 1 handicap, this long hole is bordered by native wetlands on both sides. With the prevailing wind at your back you can get added carry, but the green is small, making the approach demanding. Designer Jeff Brauer worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to preserve the property’s natural wetlands and vistas, and this hole showcases that conservation-minded design.
Hole 13 (594 yards, par 5)
This demanding par 5 is framed by trees and wetlands and plays as the course’s No. 2 handicap. The prevailing wind often pushes you forward, but the narrow fairway, small green and marshy water hazards that cut across the landing areas can inflate scores quickly. I watched a fellow player overcommit and come up short on the bridge shot to the green, dropping his ball into the water. I overshot the green on my approach but saved par with a precise chip and a tap-in.
Hole 16 (455 yards, par 4)
One of the longest possible par 4s, this hole rewards a well-struck drive of roughly 170 yards to set up any chance at reaching the green in two. Most players will plan on laying up and taking bogey or better, while the long hitters can be tempted to go for it. The hole plays into the prevailing wind and a large lake sits left of the fairway about halfway in, adding to the strategic challenge.
Hole 17 (194 yards, par 3)
This uphill par 3 is framed by trees and bunkers with a ravine guarding the front. The green slopes from back to front, which increases the difficulty of lagging close on longer shots. The hole is memorable and often described by the course as among the best uphill par 3s you’ll play.
Hole 18 (519 yards, par 5)
The finishing hole is an excellent closing test. From the tee you must avoid bunkers both left and right while contending with the prevailing wind that lengthens the hole. Several moguls on either side create challenging lies, and the second shot should ideally leave you about 120 yards into the green. Big hitters beware: a series of bunkers guards the front-left to center portion of the green, with additional bunkers flanking either side — accuracy is essential. After a wayward drive, I hit a solid 220-yard fairway wood into the apron and managed to save par with a precise wedge and a short putt. As we exited, an attendant was already waiting to clean clubs — a fitting touch of Cowboys hospitality.
Cowboys Golf Club
1600 Fairway Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
tel 817-481-7277