Texas, USA
Red Feather Golf & Social Club represents a bold transformation of West Texas flatland into dramatic golf terrain. King-Collins-Dormer Golf excavated 1.3 million cubic yards to create an 80-foot canyon and strategic water features, establishing both the shortest par-3 and longest par-5 in Texas on this innovative Lubbock layout.
Red Feather Golf & Social Club represents a bold transformation of West Texas flatland into dramatic golf terrain. King-Collins-Dormer Golf excavated 1.3 million cubic yards to create an 80-foot canyon and strategic water features, establishing both the shortest par-3 and longest par-5 in Texas on this innovative Lubbock layout.
Red Feather Golf and Social Club opened in autumn 2023, transforming 135 acres of former cotton field into West Texas's most distinctive golf experience. Located at 15807 FM 1730 in Lubbock, this King-Collins-Dormer design demonstrates how modern architecture can create compelling golf from seemingly unpromising terrain through bold earth-moving and strategic water management.
Professional golfer JJ Killeen and technology executive Brad Ralston first contacted architects Tad King and Rob Collins in 2020 about developing a private golf course with a residential component on a cotton field site south of Lubbock. The location presented unique challenges that would ultimately define the course's architectural character.
The site for Red Feather is a playa lake, explained Collins. These dry features collect drainage from surrounding areas during West Texas's infrequent but intense rainfalls. Local regulations mandated the course accommodate a 500-year flood event, creating both an engineering challenge and a design opportunity.
King-Collins responded with unprecedented earth-moving. The project saw 1.3 million cubic yards of dirt moved so the heavily contoured golf course site can store enough water to handle a 500-year flood event. This massive excavation created multiple drainage canals, barrancas, and one central cavern over eighty feet deep, establishing the foundation for Texas's most topographically dramatic inland course.
The 7,259-yard, par-72 layout weaves around, over, and across the excavated water features, creating a landscape that mimics West Texas canyon country. King-Collins designed the course with Zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens, with fairways mown very low to promote ground game options throughout the routing.
Red Feather features both Texas's shortest par-3 (99-yard 17th) and longest par-5 (721-yard 14th), demonstrating the architects' commitment to strategic variety over conventional hole lengths. Most holes offer 360-degree views across the property, whilst others utilise the manufactured terrain to create blind approach shots and strategic positioning requirements.
The greens, like the bunkers, are diverse in their shapes, contours, and size, notes Collins. The putting surfaces roll around 14 during peak conditions, settling to approximately 12 for regular play. Bold contouring allows skilled players to use slopes for approach positioning, whilst wayward placement above holes creates genuine challenge requiring precise execution.
The course's ground game emphasis reflects West Texas conditions. With tightly mown turf throughout and minimal rough, players can employ putting strokes from considerable distances, making course management and creativity more important than pure power.
Shaper Robert Nelson poured his creativity into building one of the most diverse sets of bunkers that I've ever seen on a golf course, explains Collins. The hazard placement includes tiny pot bunkers, narrow slivers, and intricately detailed large bunkers, with some hidden from view and playing much larger than their actual size due to ground contouring that funnels balls toward them.
The dramatic finishing stretch provides match-play-ready excitement. The drivable par-4 16th begins a closing sequence that includes the 99-yard 17th, creating opportunities for both scoring and large numbers depending on execution and course management decisions.
Each hole is unique and asks its own set of questions, yet they are all tied together visually and thematically, observes Collins. This design philosophy creates a course where local knowledge and strategic thinking matter more than simply overpowering the layout.
Red Feather's Lubbock location provides access to West Texas's premier golf venues, though significant distances reflect the region's expansive geography.
Within 30km (19 miles):
30-60km (19-37 miles):
300km+ (186+ miles):
Multi-course Planning: West Texas golf holidays work best combining Red Feather with The Rawls Course and Lubbock Country Club within a concentrated 30km radius. Extended trips incorporating Dallas-Fort Worth require dedicated driving days due to significant distances.
Accommodation Base: Lubbock hotels provide excellent access to all regional courses, with downtown locations placing golfers within 30 minutes of major venues. The city serves as the logical hub for broader West Texas golf exploration.
Golf Heritage: West Texas golf reflects agricultural heritage, with many courses built on former cotton fields. Red Feather represents the modern evolution of this tradition, using contemporary earth-moving to create dramatic terrain where natural topography provided minimal variation.
Red Feather operates as a private club requiring member introduction or special access arrangements. The facility emphasises a relaxed social atmosphere alongside serious golf, reflecting the founders' vision of combining championship design with West Texas hospitality.
Seasonal conditions favour spring through autumn play. West Texas summers require early morning or late afternoon tee times due to intense heat, whilst winters offer surprisingly mild conditions compared to northern regions.
The club's social facilities extend beyond golf to include dining, spa services, and recreational amenities, requiring comprehensive resort-style visit planning rather than golf-only scheduling.
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB): 25km (16 miles), 25 minutes via I-27 and Quaker Avenue. Airlines include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, and Phoenix providing connections to national and international destinations.
Car Rental: Available from all major providers at LBB, essential for multi-course Texas golf itineraries. Red Feather's location provides direct access to I-27 for regional exploration.
Ground Transport: Taxi and ride-sharing services connect the airport to the course. Private transfer services are recommended for golf groups with equipment transportation requirements.
Regional Connections: Dallas-Fort Worth lies 319-345km (198-214 miles) southeast, requiring 4.5-5 hours driving time. Fly-drive combinations prove most practical for eastern US connections.
Spring (March-May): Optimal playing conditions with moderate temperatures and reduced wind. Course conditioning peaks following winter maintenance programmes.
Summer (June-August): Early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm) play is recommended due to intense heat. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are possible but typically short-duration.
Autumn (September-November): Excellent conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal wind. Peak season for West Texas golf tourism.
Winter (December-February): Mild compared to northern climates, though occasional cold fronts can temporarily impact play. Reduced daylight limits scheduling flexibility.
Red Feather demonstrates modern architecture's ability to create compelling golf from unpromising terrain through bold engineering and strategic design. The King-Collins team transformed flat cotton field into a course featuring genuine topographical drama and strategic complexity that rivals naturally dramatic sites.
The layout's combination of extreme hole length variety and manufactured terrain creates a unique Texas golf experience that emphasises course management over pure power. Strategic bunker placement and bold green contouring reward local knowledge and creative shot-making rather than simply rewarding distance.
For travelling golfers, Red Feather represents West Texas golf's evolution from traditional agricultural layouts to bold contemporary designs that demonstrate how modern earth-moving technology can create world-class golf experiences in challenging environments.
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
Texas Golf Boom Creates New Championship Destinations Something extraordinary is happening across the 268,596 square miles of Texas. In boardrooms from Dallas to Houston, on dusty ranch land from the Panhandle to the Hill Country, and in the pine forests of East Texas, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The Lone Star State—long known more for oil derricks than golf courses—is making an audacious play to become a player in America's big money destination golf scene. No fewer than 13 Texas golf courses are in the pipeline, either in planning stages, under construction, or ready to open. This renaissance has everyone from Tom Doak to Tiger Woods picking up shovels in the Texas dirt, creating golf experiences that rival anything found in established golf destinations. Why Texas Golf is Attracting World-Class Architects The appeal is undeniable: vast landscapes, diverse topography from prairie to forest to hill country, and developers with vision and resources to create something special. While other states compete for space, Texas offers golf course architects blank canvases measured in thousands of acres, allowing for the kind of ambitious designs that create legendary golf experiences. Panhandle Prairie Golf Childress Hall - Destination Golf in the Texas Panhandle Childress Hall represents destination Texas golf at its most ambitious. Modelled after the country's other great fly-in destination clubs, this remote development 250 miles northwest of Dallas features two championship courses that showcase the dramatic landscape of the Texas Panhandle. Tom Doak's Upper Course opened in December 2024, beginning in gentler natural terrain before powering into larger upper sandhills. The course embodies links-style golf with fast, firm fairways and greens full of shoulders, dips and swales that challenge golfers to think strategically about every shot. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner's Lower Course features three six-hole loops returning to a high focal point, with Irish-style choppy, intimate dunes. Expected to open in fall 2025, it promises a completely different character while maintaining the destination's commitment to world-class golf. Red Feather Golf & Social Club - Modern Engineering Red Feather Golf & Social Club in Lubbock showcases what happens when innovative design meets Texas ingenuity. Architects Rob Collins and Tad King transformed a dried playa lake into an awe-inspiring golf landscape featuring an 80-foot-deep canyon and strategic barrancas that collect rainwater to sustain the course. This King-Collins design creates the ultimate Texas golf superlative: both the shortest par-3 (99 yards) and the longest par-5 (721 yards) in the state. The course opened in 2023 to immediate recognition as one of Texas's most innovative golf experiences. Austin Hill Country Golf Loraloma Golf Course - David McLay Kidd's Texas Masterpiece Loraloma sits like a jewel on the palisades 30 to 40 feet above the Pedernales River bend west of Austin. David McLay Kidd, architect of the original Bandon Dunes course, has created several holes that run along the river similar to his acclaimed oceanside cliffs design. Set to open in 2025 as part of a luxury master-planned community by Areté Collective, Loraloma represents the sophisticated side of Texas golf development. Nearly half the holes edge along interior ravines, creating dramatic golf that celebrates the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Travis Club - Lake Travis Golf with Panoramic Views Travis Club spans 1,500 acres with 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage, featuring 389 feet of elevation change from high point to lake level. Beau Welling calls this project "the one I've been preparing for my whole life." The par-72 course, scheduled to debut in late 2025, will feature green-ribboned fairways winding past native oaks with panoramic lake and Hill Country vistas. Groundbreaking occurred in April 2024, with the course positioned to become Austin's premier golf destination. East Texas Forest Golf - Dream Golf's Public Resort Wild Spring Dunes - Tom Doak's East Texas Forest Design Wild Spring Dunes represents Texas's boldest public golf statement. Set on 2,400 sandy, secluded acres near Nacogdoches, this Dream Golf resort features 120 feet of elevation change through four distinct ecosystems: towering pines, hardwood forests, open meadows, and steep ravines carved by spring-fed creeks. Tom Doak's first course, targeting a 2026 opening, winds through terrain unlike anything in his previous portfolio. The course will be accessible to all golfers, continuing Dream Golf's mission of creating world-class public golf experiences. Wild Spring Dunes Second Course - Coore & Crenshaw Design Wild Spring Dunes will eventually feature a second championship course designed by the legendary team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The routing is complete for this course, which will showcase different aspects of the remarkable East Texas property. Located just two hours from both Dallas and Houston, Wild Spring Dunes positions itself to become Texas's premier public golf destination, offering the kind of pilgrimage-worthy golf that attracts players from around the world. Houston Area Elite Golf - Golden Age Revival The Covey at Big Easy Ranch - Chet Williams' Championship Design The Covey at Big Easy Ranch has quickly established itself as one of Texas's premier golf experiences. Built on a 2,000-acre hunting preserve 75 miles west of Houston, the course features 50-60 feet of elevation changes, weaving through groves of pine, brush, and specimen oaks. Chet Williams designed dynamic and challenging green complexes, with thirteen greens featuring false fronts and strong internal contours that create strategic interest without requiring excessive green speeds. The course completed its second year of operation in 2024 and has gained recognition as the state's top golf destination. Darmor Club - Hal Sutton's Golden Age Tribute Darmor Club, located just five miles from The Covey, represents 1983 PGA Championship winner Hal Sutton's tribute to Golden Age golf architecture. Opening in June 2024, the course features template holes inspired by C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, including Sahara, Alps, Road hole, Dell, and Biarritz designs. Built on former sand and gravel mining land, Darmor Club showcases geometric design principles with rectangular tee boxes and greens, wide welcoming fairways, and strategic challenges that reward thoughtful play over pure distance. Central Texas Golf - Experimental Design Laboratory Luling Golf Course - Kyle Franz's Barranca Masterpiece Luling Golf Course showcases the cutting edge of golf design thinking. Set on 1,100+ acres between Austin and San Antonio, Kyle Franz's design features extensive barrancas ranging from three to 30 feet in depth, with some rugged and exposed, others grassed for strategic variety. Franz uses these natural features to create alternate fairways and optional routes of play on nearly every hole. The walking-only course emphasises firm, fast conditions and Golden Age-influenced architecture, targeting a 2025 opening with a second course by Ogilvy Cocking Mead also planned. Fort Worth Area Golf Development Bluejack Ranch - Tiger Woods' Second Texas Course Bluejack Ranch represents Tiger Woods' return to Texas golf design. Set on over 900 acres along Bear Creek in the Fort Worth area, this TGR Design project includes a working dude ranch, lighted short course, and television production studio. Expected to open in spring 2026, the course will likely feature Woods' signature style of generous fairways with demanding approaches to creative green complexes. The project continues Woods' evolution as a golf course architect while adding to Fort Worth's growing golf reputation. The site that is now Bluejack Ranch is the most recent iteration of what was the Avanzanda Golf and Ranch Club. Texas Golf Courses vs National Competition Building Toward Golf Destination Status While Texas golf courses are gaining recognition, the state still trails established golf destinations in course quantity and championship pedigree. Florida boasts over 1,000 courses, California claims more than 900, and New York's metropolitan corridors house some of golf's most hallowed championship venues. However, the foundation being laid today suggests Texas is serious about joining the top tier of American golf destinations. The architects involved—Tom Doak, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, Gil Hanse, David McLay Kidd—represent golf design's elite level, while the sites being developed showcase Texas's remarkable geographic diversity. The Future of Texas Golf Tourism Several recently opened projects demonstrate the quality potential of Texas golf development. With destinations like Wild Spring Dunes promising world-class public access, remote experiences like Childress Hall offering Sand Hills-calibre golf, and championship courses like The Covey earning national recognition, Texas is building something special. The challenge isn't just creating great golf—it's developing the depth and variety that defines premier golf regions. Texas may still be chasing other states' established reputations, but with courses targeting golfers from around the world, the Lone Star State is positioning itself as America's next great golf destination. Texas Golf Courses - A Rising Destination The story of Texas golf is still being written, one spectacular hole at a time. From Panhandle prairie links to Hill Country blufftop experiences, from East Texas forest golf to innovative barranca designs, the state is creating golf experiences that celebrate its diverse landscapes while challenging its best players. Texas has always done things its way, and golf is no exception. While other regions focus on existing population centres, Texas is creating golf destinations in remote locations that will draw golfers seeking authentic experiences. The combination of world-class architecture, diverse terrain, and Texas-sized ambition suggests the Lone Star State's golf renaissance is just beginning. Visit Top100GolfCourses.com to discover more about these exciting Texas golf destinations and plan your Lone Star golf adventure.
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.
Places to Eat and Drink Outside the Texas Rangers Golf Course Here are ten places to eat and drink near the Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, Texas, perfect for a meal or drink after a round of golf: Home Plate Restaurant and Patio - Located right at the Texas Rangers Golf Club, offering a full-service dining experience with spectacular views of the golf course. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and feature a variety of beers on tap. PopStroke - This venue combines golf and dining with a fun twist, featuring two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods, alongside a full-service restaurant that serves a variety of dishes including tacos, burgers, and custom milkshakes. Cut & Bourbon - A steakhouse known for its artisanal menu located at the Loews Hotel, very close to the Texas Rangers Golf Club. Texas Live! - A vibrant dining and entertainment district near the golf course, offering a range of restaurants and bars, ideal for sports enthusiasts. Legal Draft Beer Co. - A brewery that offers a great selection of craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after golf. Torchy's Tacos - Known for their unique and flavourful tacos, this is a great casual spot to refuel. J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill - An Arlington staple known for its Irish nachos and a lively bar scene. Flying Fish - Offers a variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed setting, great for a post-golf meal. The Tipsy Oak - A gastropub with a great selection of craft beers and a creative menu, located in a quaint, rustic setting. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House - Famous for its family-style servings of fried chicken, this restaurant offers a homey dining experience. Each of these places provides a unique dining experience, ranging from casual to fine dining, and most are conveniently located within a short drive from the Texas Rangers Golf Club. Enjoy your visit and the variety of culinary delights these venues have to offer! Find out more about travel toTexas Rangers Golf Club 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
