Childress Hall - Upper Course (Doak)

Childress Hall has emerged as Texas golf's most ambitious project, featuring twin course designs from Tom Doak and Gil Hanse set across the dramatic sandhills of the Texas panhandle. This private destination club represents only the second property worldwide to feature original designs from both architects on a single site, following Scotland's Cabot Highlands.

History of Childress Hall

Development of this extraordinary facility began in earnest during 2023, when construction commenced on Tom Doak's Upper Course with Renaissance Golf Design's Eric Iverson overseeing the on-site construction. The project follows the Sand Hills model, creating a remote fly-in destination designed for multi-day golf experiences.

Work on Gil Hanse's Lower Course design began in 2024, with Heritage Links handling construction and Eric Greytok overseeing the grow-in process. The timing reflects careful sequencing, allowing Doak's course to reach maturity while construction progresses on the second layout.

The property occupies the former Rocking Chair Ranch, transforming historic Texas rangeland into what promises to become one of America's premier golf destinations. Doak's Upper Course opened to members in December 2024, marking the first phase of this ambitious development.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The Upper Course begins in gentler natural terrain before ascending into the spectacular upper sandhills at the seventh hole, where it remains for the dramatic closing stretch. This routing takes full advantage of the site's diverse topography, moving from prairie through canyons and across the property's signature sand formations.

The landscape offers remarkable variety with canyons, expansive sand dunes, gentle terrain, and intimate pockets where visibility alternates between panoramic views and focused, singular hole experiences. These natural features create an ever-changing visual narrative throughout each round.

As expected, given the wind and weather extremes, fairways are designed to play fast and firm, whilst the greens feature Doak's signature shoulders, dips and swales. This design philosophy embraces the site's exposed conditions, rewarding creativity and strategic thinking over pure power.

Hanse's Lower Course sits to the north, where three six-hole loops return to a central focal point, creating a different architectural rhythm from its companion layout. This routing pattern allows for varied wind exposures whilst maintaining the property's dramatic elevation changes.

Notable Architectural Features

The property's geological characteristics played a crucial role in both designs. The dunes feature unique crescent shapes composed of quartz sand, creating barchan dunes formed by prevailing winds. This natural architecture provides both visual drama and strategic playing angles.

Renaissance principal Eric Iverson's construction work included creating a punchbowl green at the fifth hole, drawing from his experience shaping similar features at Tara Iti Golf Club.

The dunes location sits ideally on the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, with the western boundary running along this historic waterway. This positioning takes advantage of both elevation changes and natural drainage patterns across the expansive property.

The architectural significance extends beyond individual features. Childress Hall represents the first collaboration between Doak and Hanse since their joint work at Stonewall's Old Course in Pennsylvania during 1993, bringing their evolved design philosophies to a single magnificent canvas.

Want to know what other travelling golfers really think? Click the Reviews tab to discover the latest ratings and reviews

Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Childress Hall's remote location requires careful itinerary planning, with distances verified for accurate travel coordination:

Within 120km (75 miles): Limited options given the remote panhandle setting, with Childress Country Club (established 1930) providing the closest alternative in town.

120-200km (75-125 miles): Amarillo sits 188km (117 miles) northwest, requiring approximately 1 hour 51 minutes driving time. The Ross Rogers Golf Complex features two championship layouts, with the Mustang Course earning recognition as Texas's top economy course.

200km+ (125+ miles): Dallas sits 398km (247 miles) southeast, requiring 3 hours 41 minutes, whilst Fort Worth lies 359km (223 miles) away at 3 hours 14 minutes driving time. Both metropolitan areas offer extensive golf portfolios for extended itineraries.

Natural Combinations: The remote setting naturally pairs with Amarillo's municipal courses for those seeking variety, though most visitors will focus on Childress Hall's twin layouts across multi-day stays.

Base: On-site accommodation reflects the Sand Hills model, with cabins designed specifically for multi-day golf experiences rather than external hotel arrangements.

Practical Planning

Childress Hall operates as a private destination club requiring membership or guest arrangements. The property emphasises multi-day experiences, following the successful Sand Hills template that revolutionised American golf travel.

Booking becomes essential given the limited accommodation and the exclusive nature of operations. The facility caters specifically to serious golfers seeking architectural excellence in a pristine setting.

Transport Information ✈️

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 398km (247 miles) southeast, approximately 3 hours 41 minutes driving time via major highways. DFW serves as the primary international gateway with comprehensive car rental facilities.

Amarillo International Airport (AMA): 188km (117 miles) northwest, approximately 1 hour 51 minutes driving time. AMA provides regional connectivity with more convenient access to the property.

Private Aviation: The remote location and destination club model naturally accommodate private aircraft, though specific airfield details require direct club consultation.

Car Rental: Essential for reaching the property from commercial airports, with DFW offering the widest selection of rental providers and vehicle options for the extended journey.

Seasonal Timing

Spring: Mild temperatures averaging 84°F (29°C) with moderate precipitation levels around 3.5 inches across approximately 10 days. Optimal conditions for experiencing both courses as they emerge from winter dormancy.

Summer: Peak growing season but with intense heat requiring early morning or late afternoon play. Course conditions reach peak firmness during this period.

Autumn: Pleasant weather with average highs of 79°F (26°C). Generally considered the premium season for visiting West Texas golf facilities with comfortable temperatures and reduced precipitation.

Winter: Off-season play depends on weather conditions, though Texas panhandle winters can provide surprising golf opportunities during mild spells.

Childress Hall: The Verdict

Childress Hall represents a watershed moment for Texas golf architecture. The pairing of Tom Doak and Gil Hanse on a single spectacular property creates an unparalleled opportunity to experience contrasting design philosophies across terrain perfectly suited for championship golf.

The sandhills setting provides both architects with the raw materials that inspire their finest work—natural elevation changes, firm sandy soil, and the kind of windswept conditions that separate strategic design from mere decoration.

With Doak's minimalist approach complementing Hanse's sophisticated classical sensibilities, visitors gain insight into modern golf architecture's highest expressions.

This ambitious project positions Texas as a serious golf destination, offering the kind of remote, architecturally pure experience previously found only at Sand Hills and similar venues.

For travelling golfers seeking America's newest and most significant golf destination, Childress Hall promises to redefine expectations for what Texas golf can achieve.