Lakes at Castle Hills

The Lakes at Castle Hills makes no bones about the title water bodies, with ponds dotted across the property. No. 11 is one of the most dramatic examples, calling for a long drive across a lake to a fairway that continues along the same body, daring players to play with fire (er, water) for a shorter approach shot.

More often than not, however, the water players will contend with will be in the form of streams that run between the different lakes. Eight holes at Castle Hills will require crossing these flows, often forcing a lay up for those who have missed the fairway on their tee shot. The closing hole will be the most thought-provoking of the bunch: At 570 yards, players will need to seriously consider whether it’s worth carrying the creek 50 yards out from the green.

That said, Morrish — known for his drivable par fours — doesn’t use any water when defending No. 15, letting the awkward angle of the green dissuade big drivers during this 330-yard hole. The architect came by the North Dallas club for further renovations during 2011, 12 years after it first opened.