Pine Dunes Resort and Golf Club

Tell your buddies that you’re planning a weekend of rural 9-hole golf out in the East Texas sticks, then take them to the little town of Frankston and surprise them with the astounding Pine Dunes Resort course. This new course is unlike anything in the state and must be played by anyone interested in the finer Texas tracks.

After Jodi Lutz purchased a rustic old course known as Dogwood Trails, PGA Tour veteran David Frost persuaded Lutz to develop the facility into a world-class layout. Jay Morrish did the work here, and he created a superb variety of holes.

As the name implies, the course actually rests on top of some natural sand hills in the middle of the Piney Woods. The look is so unique that you will not believe you’re in Texas. Anything out of the fairways results in sandy lies among the pine needles. The fairways are framed by both formal and natural bunkers that are reddish-brown in color. In fact when the course first opened, the natural sand framed most of the fairways, but the Bermuda has now grown into the sand, changing the rustic look. The club has even considered ways to eliminate the hardy Bermuda to re-establish the waste areas.

Of the notable holes, No. 5 stands out because of its alternate fairways, neither of which is very inviting. No. 6 is unique because it plays into a pit surrounded by bunkers and a nasty-looking lake on the left.

On the back, the sand is most evident on No. 11–a par 5 that forces a carry of the waste area on the second shot. Nos. 14 and 15 are separated only by a pond; Morrish eliminated the rough between the holes, creating the appearance of one massive fairway. The 15th hole plays downhill and is drive-able.

The ender goes 512 yards around a pond and tight dogleg right. The approach is uphill to an interesting bowl-shaped green.

Wherever you go in Texas, make sure you hit Frankston. As resorts go, this one is a bit rustic but the golf is as good as anywhere in the state.

Getting there : From Dallas take Hwy 175 east to Frankston. Drive South on 155 for 6.2 miles to County Rd. 319. Turn right on 319 for 1.2 miles to the course.