The Byron Nelson Golf Classic was held at Preston Trail Golf Club between 1968 and 1982, before the PGA Tour moved it on to pastures new.
The Byron Nelson Golf Classic was held at Preston Trail Golf Club between 1968 and 1982, before the PGA Tour moved it on to pastures new.
Site of the Byron Nelson Golf Classic from 1968 to 1982, the course at Preston Trail Golf Club opened for play just a few years before the iconic PGA Tour event was first hosted by the club.
Lord Byron may have been listed as the headline architect at the time but the course was actually laid out by another Texan, Ralph Plummer, a much under-rated designer who, in a 40-year career, constructed or remodelled around a hundred courses, most of them in his native Lone Star State.
White Rock Creek crosses the property and is brought into play on several occasions during a round, most notably at the 422-yard 7th, which dog legs to the right, along the edge of the stream.
Tripp Davis carried out an extensive renovation of the course a few years ago so it’s now well equipped to cope with whatever the modern game can throw at it.
Architect Trip Davis kindly provided us with the following comments:
In 2008 and 2009 we carried out a complete reconstruction at Preston Trail – turned over every blade of grass – putting in new irrigation and drainage systems, sand capping over the original heavy clay soil, building new tees, bunkers and greens, installing new Zyosia grass on the tees, fairways, bunker surrounds, greens surrounds and shaded roughs.
We transplanted about 150 trees and removed about 300. We did not reroute the course substantially, we only moved a few tees and greens somewhat. The course had undergone a lot of little changes over the years, so our overall aim was to restore the original design “intent”, for the most part, as it was originally designed by Byron Nelson and Ralph Plummer.
However, we lengthened and modified the course to better fit the modern game. We also totally rebuilt the driving range, the putting green, and we built a new three-acre short game area. It was pretty much the same scope was building a new golf course. The project turned out well and has been very well received by the membership.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
Five of the most esteemed golf courses in Dallas, Texas Introduction Dallas, Texas, boasts a rich golfing heritage with numerous prestigious courses dotting the landscape. These clubs not only offer challenging and meticulously maintained greens but also embody the history and evolution of golf in the region. From the exclusive memberships to hosting PGA tournaments, each course has its unique appeal and storied past. Dallas National Golf Club Dallas National Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the premier golf courses in the United States. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is set in a natural basin with dramatic elevation changes and stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. It's a sanctuary for serious golfers, offering a pure golf experience without the distractions of a residential development. The club prides itself on its exclusivity and top-notch facilities. Brook Hollow Golf Club Established in 1920, Brook Hollow Golf Club is one of Dallas's oldest and most respected private golf clubs. This prestigious club features a classic course layout designed by A.W. Tillinghast, one of America's most influential golf architects. The course is known for its challenging fairways and historic charm, providing a traditional golf experience steeped in a rich legacy. Preston Trail Golf Club Preston Trail Golf Club has been a staple of Dallas golf since its inception in 1965. Designed by Byron Nelson and Ralph Plummer, this course offers a challenging yet rewarding layout that has hosted numerous professional golfers over the years. Known for its tight-knit member community and its emphasis on the pure golf experience, Preston Trail remains a favourite among Dallas's golf aficionados. Northwood Club Northwood Club holds a special place in golf history, having hosted the U.S. Open in 1952. This club underwent a comprehensive renovation recently to update its facilities while preserving its historical essence. The course is known for its beautiful tree-lined fairways and strategic design, making it a test of skill for golfers of all levels. Trinity Forest Golf Club As the newest addition to Dallas's golf scene, Trinity Forest Golf Club brings a unique link-style experience to the area. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course is built on a reclaimed landfill and is part of a broader environmental restoration project. It's known for its rolling terrain, wind-shaped bunkers, and hosting the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament. Trinity Forest emphasises environmental sustainability and offers a distinct, modern twist on golf in Dallas. Each of these golf courses not only provides an exceptional game experience but also contributes uniquely to the local culture and the broader golfing community. Find out more about travel toLakewood Country Club - Colorado Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips.
US West South Central Division Best in State Rankings 2016 Four States in the South Region are updated in the third of nine US divisional revisions We first established Best in State rankings for the United States four years ago so this is our second biennial update of those charts. In 2014, we revised the standings for the fifty States in four large geographical clusters which, on reflection, was perhaps a bit too unwieldy. This time, we’re spreading the work over nine district divisions and this announcement, our third in the 2016 reappraisal process, relates to the four West South Central States of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. We’re also expanding the number of featured courses in nearly every American State. For instance, in this four-state division, we’ve almost doubled our coverage of courses, up from 80 to 155. In fairness, a large proportion of this increase occurs within the state of Texas, where our former Top 50 listings have now become a Top 100. In particular, the Lone Star State’s major cities of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio all now boast increased numbers of private and public layouts. Texas Having risen one place to the state number 1 position last time around, Whispering Pines retains the top spot in our revised Texan listings. A new millennium track by Chett Williams of Nicklaus Design, the course is something of a testing ground for top amateur players. Our Argentina Correspondent Javier captained his national team in the club’s Spirit International Golf Championship a few years back, at a time when fellow competitors such as Martin Kaymer, Edoardo Molinari and Jason Day were about to embark on their professional careers. Easing up one place to number 2, Colonial is where Ben Hogan played a lot of his early golf. A renowned tough track, the course has staged events on the PGA Tour for more than sixty years now and this original John Bredemus design has also hosted three major professional tournaments – the 1941 US Open, the 1975 Players Championship and the 1991 US Women’s Open. A couple of 18-hole layouts in Dallas rise two places in our new chart: A.W. Tillinghast’s 1922 design at Brook Hollow, which was sympathetically renovated by Coore & Crenshaw in 1993, is at number 4 and Ralph Plummer’s mid-1960s course at the all-male Preston Trail Golf Club, where the Byron Nelson Championship was held from 1968 until 1982, now occupies the number 5 slot in our new listings. Another two new millennium courses make impressive upward moves in the upper reaches of the new Texan Top 100. The first of these, Austin (up five to number 8), is another Coore & Crenshaw design that debuted in 2001, with two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw instrumental in the formation of the club. The other high flying climber is the strategically challenging course at Miramont Country Club (up six to number 12), where Robert Trent Jones Jnr routed no fewer than thirteen of the holes around water hazards. The highest Texan new entry arrives at the lofty position of number 25 and it’s architect Mike Nuzzo’s first design at Wolf Point Golf Club. Built on a flat site close to Port Lavaca, the course was constructed with the assistance of Superintendent Don Mahaffey, who played a crucial role in its development. The property might lack dramatic topography but its designer was able to move small amounts of earth in localised areas to fashion greens and bunkers, thus adding golfing interest to the largely level terrain. We're keeping a close eye on Tiger Woods' first 18-hole US design, which he fashioned with Beau Welling. Opened last month just outside Houston, Bluejack National was just a tad too young for us to include in our Texas rankings this time round. Next time, all bets are off. Rank/ Click this link to see full details of our 2016 Texas Best in State rankings Oklahoma We’ve doubled our coverage of courses in the Sooner State, where we now feature a Top 20, and the Championship course at Southern Hills remains our number 1 track. Laid out by Perry Maxwell in the 1930s, this wonderful 18-hole layout has attracted three US Opens and four USPGA Championships down the years, along with half a dozen USGA national amateur events. The course is also ranked very highly in our US Top 100 chart and it was a new entry in our recently updated World Top 100 so it might be a while before its position as “Best in State” is threatened. The only climber in our state chart is Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, another Perry Maxwell design from the late 1920s, where lakes and creeks come into play at more than half of the tree-lined holes on the scorecard. Host to the1953 US Amateur Championship, the course has been altered and re-sequenced a little down the years but the length and routing remains intact since Gene Littler narrowly defeated Dale Morey in the Amateur final, more than sixty years ago. The highest newcomer at number 9 is yet another Perry Maxwell track – the Tulsa-based architect is reckoned to have designed more than seventy courses and remodelled another fifty during his career – at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club, close to downtown Oklahoma City. Opened for play in 1923, the course was used for the USPGA Championships in 1935 and although the routing is still the same, there are unfortunately very few of the original Maxwell greens still in use today. Click the link to see full details of our 2016 Oklahoma Best in State rankings Louisiana We’ve added another ten tracks to our Louisiana state listings, where Squire Creek holds onto its number 1 status. A Tom Fazio layout that debuted in 2002, the course occupies a central position within a large residential development where native grasses attractively frame the fairways. Wetland areas, small lakes and creeks threaten on occasion but the aquatic element is never too penal. The highest new entry in our newly extended state Top 20 arrives at number 8 and it’s English Turn, a late 1980s Jack Nicklaus design. The course hosted the New Orleans Open seven times between 1989 and 2006 and it’s recognised as a testing layout, which is no surprise when you consider that water comes into play at each and every one of the eighteen holes on the scorecard. Click the link to see full details of our 2016 Louisiana Best in State rankings Arkansas The Arkansas state chart has been extended to a Top 15, which means we’ve added an extra five courses in this revision. Our number 1 in the Natural State is still Alotian, a new millennium offering from Tom Fazio. Laid out across three hundred acres of a hilly, wooded landscape near Little Rock, the course is the private golfing playground of a billionaire investment banker who spent a sizeable chunk of his wealth having a dream course built to exacting standards – the owner is also a member of Augusta National and a number of holes here are said to resemble some on the other, more famous, layout. The highest new entry at number 4 on the new state chart is the Arlington course at the 36-hole Hot Springs Country Club, an old Bill Diddel course that was lovingly reworked by Coore & Crenshaw in the mid-1990s. Such was the attention paid to detail at that time, old drawings were used as a point of reference to ensure the accurate restoration of greens back to their original size and location. Click the link to see full details of our 2016 Arkansas Best in State rankings We’re always keen to know what you think about our re-rankings so please feel free to share your opinion of our four newly updated US Best in State charts. Which course did we leave out or perhaps there’s one listed that really shouldn’t be there? Maybe we’ve ranked a layout too highly or perhaps there’s one sitting too far down its state chart? Whatever your impressions are, please click the “Respond to this article” link at the top or at the bottom of this page to share your thoughts. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
Top Things to see and do Around TPC Craig Ranch TPC Craig Ranch, located in McKinney, Texas, is not only an excellent destination for golf enthusiasts but also a great starting point for exploring various attractions and activities in the area. Here are some recommended things to see and do around TPC Craig Ranch: 1. Historic Downtown McKinney A short drive from TPC Craig Ranch, Historic Downtown McKinney offers a charming glimpse into the past with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. You can spend the day browsing through boutique shops, dining at local restaurants, and enjoying seasonal events and farmers markets. 2. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary This 289-acre wildlife sanctuary and natural science museum is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. It features walking trails, a variety of wildlife, and educational exhibits, including a butterfly house and dinosaur statues. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or a picnic. 3. Adriatica Village Inspired by a European village, Adriatica Village in McKinney is a unique destination that replicates the look and feel of a small Croatian town. Here, you can explore its scenic views, dine at waterfront restaurants, and shop at boutique stores. It’s especially beautiful during the evening hours when the village lights up. 4. Erwin Park If you enjoy outdoor activities, Erwin Park offers mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and picnic areas in a natural setting. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a day outdoors. 5. Allen Premium Outlets For those who love shopping, the Allen Premium Outlets are just a short drive away. You can find a variety of designer and brand-name stores offering goods at discounted prices. It's a great place to find deals on clothing, accessories, and more. 6. The Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney This unique attraction is dedicated to the beautiful crape myrtle plant, which is abundant in McKinney. The Crape Myrtle Trails feature walking paths surrounded by colourful blooms, especially vibrant during the late summer months. 7. Franconia Brewing Company For a taste of local beer, consider visiting Franconia Brewing Company. They offer tours that showcase the brewing process and include samples of their craft beer. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon learning about and tasting different brews. 8. Main Event Entertainment Located in nearby Frisco, Main Event Entertainment offers a variety of activities such as bowling, laser tag, billiards, and an arcade. It's a perfect spot for family fun or a night out with friends. These attractions provide a diverse range of activities close to TPC Craig Ranch, ensuring that there's something interesting for every visitor, whether they are looking to explore local culture, enjoy nature, or simply have fun. Find out more about travel toTPC Craig Ranch Why not register today to be the 1st to US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips.
