Dallas private clubs

loupus · September 27, 2012

I've recently moved back to Dallas and I'm looking at different clubs. Several years ago I was a member at Brookhaven and Oak Cliff CC (now Golf Cub of Dallas). My biggest gripes about Brookhaven were the crowds, terrible practice facilities and nickel and diming you with little fees (range balls? Really?). Oak Cliff was terrific. Great course, decent range and never crowded. The only downside was the 30-minute drive.

I now live near 75 & LBJ. Some of my requirements are: a good course for walking that's playable for my wife (i.e. well-placed forward tees), good practice facilities, and minimal crowds. I'd prefer a course that's self contained and doesn't wind through houses. Three clubs I've been considering are Royal Oaks (five minutes from my house), Dallas Athletic Club and Honors Club.

Royal Oaks is obviously the most expensive ($85K initiation if Avid Golfer is accurate) and I couldn't afford that right away. The location is by far the closest to my house, but I hear they have significant drainage problems.

Honors Club isn't too far (~20 mins) and I hear the course is solid. I understand they don't take tee times (good sign) but are short on members (bad sign). I also hear the average handicap is pretty high.

DAC's location isn't convenient, but the drive from my house is actually a bit shorter than Honors. They have a lot of low and even plus handicaps, but I worry my high-handicap wife might feel self conscious and rushed. I also worry they might be the most crowded of the three clubs.

I plan to tour all three before I make a decision, but I'm curious to get any WRXer input I can. Of course, I'm also open to other club recommendations too. Any insight into the membership culture (e.g. "Too Bushwoody") would be great.

Thanks

Conman48 · September 27, 2012

Stonebridge (dye and ranch) course aren't too far from you and the dye course is tough to beat, although very difficult. I prefer it over Stonebriar any day and I personally like it better than Dallas Athletic and honors. The practice facility is decent with a so so range.
Also I don't think your too far away from Old American and you should for sure check out that semi-private track.

TexasAg · September 27, 2012

Also take a look at Lakewood and perhaps Northwood. Prestonwood is also probably closer to you than DAC.

loupus · September 28, 2012

Thanks for the tips. I've played the Stonebridge Dye course as well as both Prestonwood courses. I liked the Dye course (although it has more houses along it than I'd prefer), but McKinney is farther than I'd like to drive. I definitely want to play Old American.

My grandfather is a member at Prestonwood and I've played there with him a few times. I like the location of Prestonwood's Dallas course, but the driving range is tiny and always seems worn out. The Plano course is nice and has a much nicer range, but I'm not sure I'd drive out often enough to take advantage of it. Lakewood is definitely attractive; I'll have to do a test drive. We have friends that lived in Lakewood and it was a bit congested getting in and out of the area.

Northwood is a mystery honestly. Never played there and don't know any members. Fair or not, I've always lumped them with Dallas CC as clubs said to have discriminatory membership practices and that's a deal breaker. This is mostly based on heresay, so I'm open to other impressions.

Also, any input on how crowded any of the courses get?

Thanks again

Conman48 · September 28, 2012

I completely agree with your Lakewood assessment it's a tough course to join. But it is definitely a great course area! So what are you deciding on?

loupus · September 30, 2012

Not sure yet. We probably won't pull the trigger until next spring. I'll visit some of these clubs between now and then.

GoStars · October 5, 2012

1) The Honors Club has a nice course, but the clubhouse isn't much, and .. yes.. the club has been hurting for members. You might also fight a lot of traffic getting there after work.
2) Royal Oaks has a nice course, but it is EXTREMELY tight, probably the narrowest fairways in the area, with a ton of trees. it's also set in a low lying area and will flood during periods of significant rain (though I believe they are always working on the problem).
3) Northwood/Dallas CC/Brookhollow GC are all great clubs, but significantly north of $85K. The "racially discriminatory policies" can also be a bit overblown. DCC has minority members (though admittedly not many), but there are people who will tell you that minorities aren't allowed there, which is rediculous. All three have nice courses, though DCC isn't very long. The renovated Brookhollow course should be quite difficult. You also need to know members of these clubs to get in, and there can be a significant lobbying process.
4) I believe DAC has a quite a few low handicap players, if thatis important to you.
5) Lakewood is a very nice club with a nice course. Not sure about the practice facilities. Might take you 20 minutes to get there (go down Abrams/Skillman/Greenville rather than Central during rush hour).

Feel free to PM me if you have questions you would like answered privately.

MizzyMan · October 19, 2012

I'm a Dallas resident and I'll chime in a bit. Have been a member of some of these and have played at all the ones you listed. Currently a member of Dallas National and Dallas CC. DCC is very difficult to get in, usually takes years and that's if you know the "right" people (membership chairman, etc). Old-school admission policy and not great for golf. Dallas National is to me the best club, but pretty far from you and pretty steep to get in, even though I think they're still allowing a 50-50-50 policy (50 annually for 3 years). But no houses anywhere, you feel like you are out in the country. Huge elevation changes and some spectacular holes. And the best practice place in the metroplex. Ant given day, you're likely to see Hunter Mahan, Lee Trevino, Notah Begay out there practicing. Lots of interesting people you'll run across, too. Might just see George W, for good or bad.

Northwood is close to you and a very good, old-fashioned course. I don't think the admissions policy is that difficult or discriminatory, but haven't heard much recently. Lakewood is also a good choice, although I think their practice facilities are a bit lacking. Royal Oaks is like playing golf at a bowling alley. Fairways about as wide as lanes.

Might I suggest Bent Tree CC? I was a member there and it is a very friendly place. Pretty good practice areas and good for women. And they re-designed the course a few years ago to make it stronger, but playable for women as well. But almost every hole is to next houses, albeit nice ones.

Considering your location, I would say Northwood CC has the most attributes you mentioned you were looking for. PM me if you need/want more info.

snyper1d · October 22, 2012

[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1350653269' post='5816231']
I'm a Dallas resident and I'll chime in a bit. Have been a member of some of these and have played at all the ones you listed. [u][b]Currently a member of Dallas National and Dallas CC[/b][/u]. DCC is very difficult to get in, usually takes years and that's if you know the "right" people (membership chairman, etc). Old-school admission policy and not great for golf. Dallas National is to me the best club, but pretty far from you and pretty steep to get in, even though I think they're still allowing a 50-50-50 policy (50 annually for 3 years). But no houses anywhere, you feel like you are out in the country. Huge elevation changes and some spectacular holes. And the best practice place in the metroplex. Ant given day, you're likely to see Hunter Mahan, Lee Trevino, Notah Begay out there practicing. Lots of interesting people you'll run across, too. Might just see George W, for good or bad.
[/quote]

Drool...... Dallas National. Just moved to the area from FL and joined Canyon Creek due to friends belonging there, and the access to other Clubcorp courses. But Dallas National is on the bucket list.

DFW Snowman · October 24, 2012

No kidding. Dallas National is on my bucket list as well. Someday. I cancelled my membership at Hackberry recently, but I enjoyed having access to all the ClubCorp courses.

I've heard good things about Bent Tree as well.

GoStars · October 25, 2012

The thing you have to remember about a small membership club like Dallas National is that when they want to make an improvement, renovate the course.. Etc that cost is spread among very few people... So be sure you have the cash for assessments beyond the initiation fee.

Conman48 · October 25, 2012

[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1350653269' post='5816231']
I'm a Dallas resident and I'll chime in a bit. Have been a member of some of these and have played at all the ones you listed. Currently a member of Dallas National and Dallas CC. DCC is very difficult to get in, usually takes years and that's if you know the "right" people (membership chairman, etc). Old-school admission policy and not great for golf. Dallas National is to me the best club, but pretty far from you and pretty steep to get in, even though I think they're still allowing a 50-50-50 policy (50 annually for 3 years). But no houses anywhere, you feel like you are out in the country. Huge elevation changes and some spectacular holes. And the best practice place in the metroplex. Ant given day, you're likely to see Hunter Mahan, Lee Trevino, Notah Begay out there practicing. Lots of interesting people you'll run across, too. Might just see George W, for good or bad.

Northwood is close to you and a very good, old-fashioned course. I don't think the admissions policy is that difficult or discriminatory, but haven't heard much recently. Lakewood is also a good choice, although I think their practice facilities are a bit lacking. Royal Oaks is like playing golf at a bowling alley. Fairways about as wide as lanes.

Might I suggest Bent Tree CC? I was a member there and it is a very friendly place. Pretty good practice areas and good for women. And they re-designed the course a few years ago to make it stronger, but playable for women as well. But almost every hole is to next houses, albeit nice ones.

Considering your location, I would say Northwood CC has the most attributes you mentioned you were looking for. PM me if you need/want more info.
[/quote]

Sir if you ever want to trade a round at Colonial I would love to play National again. I hear quite a few members have left how true is that?

loupus · October 25, 2012

I recently drove by Lakewood and am adding it to my list. The location isn't the most convenient, but there are multiple routes in/out. The driving range looks nice after its renovation, but it still looks snug. The course looked terrific from the road.

The parking lot was pretty full for a weeknight; anyone have any input on that? The course and range didn't seem crowded, so perhaps lots of members were dining, using the gym, etc.