Starr Hollow Golf Club

This famous course, sometimes referred to as “Little Augusta,” sits in the middle of a 3,000-acre ranch bought in 1965 by Colonial CC founder Marvin Leonard, who built the course primarily for his friends and a few area ranchers. Leonard never finished the back nine, but what was finished is considered one of the most interesting golf experiences in the state.

Most of the unusually small membership reside in Fort Worth and Dallas, so there’s room in the gravel parking when you drive to this remote 9-hole course. The clubhouse is the epitome of casual, exuding an old-school charm with walls covered by photos of Ben Hogan and aerials of the course.

The course bends around Leonard’s manmade lake, which as legend has it, covers up the canyon where outlaw Bell Starr once stashed her stolen loot. Each hole, sporting its own unique Texas-like name, features two tees and two flags, enabling the complete 18-hole experience.

Given the charm described above, it’s worth a shot at hustling your way onto this 9-hole Texas treasure.

Getting there : Tolar is southwest of Fort Worth between Granbury and Stephenville.