Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club

One of the better public access courses in the state, Sky Creek Ranch boasts an immaculate Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that is kept in immaculate condition by former Barton Creek Resort superintendent Steven Best. The clubhouse is perched atop the highest point in Tarrant County, and from this vantage point you’ll have a great view of the fine 419 Bermuda fairways and the bent-grass greens that are framed by a forest of oak trees and carved by the frustrating Big Bear Creek.

The key to Sky Creek is playing from the correct set of tees. Water comes into play on 16 of 18 holes, and most of the greens are elevated and surrounded by trouble that will make your score skyrocket. From the tips, high handicappers will struggle with their inconsistency, since there is virtually no room for error at any point on this course. Rounds from the more forward tees are amazingly different, with hackers being able to hit 4 irons off the tee and mid-short irons in–a huge advantage on this course.

Jones, Jr.’s design features five par 5s that offer some intriguing risk-reward opportunities. Three of them have water fronting the green, forcing hacks to think about going for home in two. No. 5 might be the best of the bunch: a snaking 534-yard hole that requires a precise fade around the dogleg right, followed by a perfect layup to be in position for the regulation approach. The creek circles around the elevated green, and trees loom left of the fairway for layups that stray too far left. This hole requires some strategy.

Sky Creek also offers five par 3s–some very difficult, and others nice respites from the other challenging holes. No. 14 is probably the scariest hole on the course, a 212-yard par 3 that is lined by trees on the left and a huge lake along the right and beside the green. This hole, which has ruined many a round, does have a small bail-out area left, but otherwise you’ll need a perfect shot to keep the score reasonable.

A bit pricey for some North Texas golfers, Sky Creek is worth it for the die-hards. In addition to the layout and condition, the practice facility is phenomenal–it features a driving range that plays downhill into an open valley with numerous target flags, as well as a large putting green that gives you a great feel for the round ahead. Chipping and pitching areas are available too.

Getting there : From Ft. Worth, take I-35W north to Exit 64. Turn right on Golden Triangle Rd. and drive 7 miles. Turn right on Bear Creek Pkwy. and drive to the Hidden Lakes subdivision (west side of road). Turn right on Promontory Dr. to the course.