An introduction to Texas

Take my word for it, there are some tremendous golf resorts in Texas. The Lone Star State, is after Alaska the second biggest state in the country. 

When you think of Texas, you think of miles upon miles of desert. But incredibly only 10% of the state is desert terrain, with the rest coastline, forests, grasslands and former prairies. 

Unsurprisingly, the largest concentration of golf courses come in and around some of the major cities that sit within this non-desert land. These cities include Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. 

See also: What are the best golf courses in Texas?

Alongside many of these iconic golf courses, are some superb golf resorts. Let’s have a look at some of the best golf resorts in Texas.

The best golf resorts in Texas

Golf Resorts in Dallas, Texas

Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and has around 25 golf courses. It also has some outstanding golf resorts including the two below.

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

If you want to be close to downtown, the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas (let’s call it Club Dallas at Las Colinas for short!) is the perfect spot. You’re literally a 15 minute drive into central Dallas and just under a 10 minute hop to the International airport.

The resort is located in the upmarket neighborhood of Las Colinas, which is a master planned community of elegant family homes dotted around lush golf courses. This is a huge 400 acre site with quite the contemporary Four Seasons hotel occupying the central spot. 

Four Season Dallas CC Golf, Texas

There are 431 guest rooms which are situated in the Tower or in the Villas and include bright and airy guest rooms, or impressive suites. Most have private balconies or walkout patios allowing you to take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

There isn’t a huge choice of dining options, but what it lacks in quantity it certainly doesn’t lack for in quality. LAW is the signature restaurant and it oozes the spirit of Texas with bold flavors and local ingredients. If you like steak, this is the place to come! That said, there are plenty of other great dishes on offer including poultry, seafood and vegetarian. 

Other options include the Agave Pool & Bar, essentially a poolside bar open during the summer months. There is also the Outlaw Taproom, which is a neat saloon style bar which serves Texan beers, wine and craft cocktails.  

Four Seasons Dallas CC, Texas

Alongside the outdoors pools and tennis courts, is the sumptuous Spa. Like any half-decent Four Seasons, the Spa offers a range of sensual treatments including the Arnica Deep Tissue Massage, created especially for athletes to relax sore muscles and stiff joints. 

Golf at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

And finally to the two awesome golf courses. First we have the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas, host course to the PGA Tour Bryon Nelson Championship. This is a top-class golf course which enjoyed a significant renovation in 2008. 

The second course onsite is the Cottonwood Valley Course which was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened for play in 1982. Near perfect conditioning, this 7,100+ yard layout is both challenging and a delight on the eye.

The Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club

A good 45 minute drive north from downtown, west of the Plano neighborhood in Frisco, is the Westin Stonebriar Hotel. 

Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort, Texas

This is a smart hotel, contemporary and off the back of a recent investment, is just that bit more finessed. It sits on a huge 400 acre plot and is a big attraction for both leisure and business travelers. 

All the rooms are modern and comfy, whilst depending on what side of the hotel, you can enjoy some awesome views, either out across the golf course, or down to central Dallas. There are a selection of rooms with balconies that come a bit more pricey but are definitely recommended.

When it comes to dining options, this is where the resort could do with stepping up their game slightly. Beans and Barrel is a day-to-night cafe, open from 6 in the morning through to the later hours of the day. Expect light bites as well as grab-and-go options. 

Honestly, my recommendation would be to wander out and within a 5 minute walk you have two really popular joints. Firstly, the III Forks Restaurant steakhouse or alternatively Kenny’s Burger Joint, which really shouldn’t need any explanation. 

Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort Room, Texas

In terms of facilities, there is a relatively small spa which offers a number of treatments, whilst the fitness studio and outdoor pools are always popular. If you have any young ones in the family, they’ll no doubt enjoy the huge slide. Or maybe you’ll enjoy the new Westin Family Kids Club to get a few hours to yourself!

Golf at The Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club

And so on to the golf, of which the clubhouse is just round the back of the hotel. There are two courses to enjoy, the Country Club Course which was designed by Joe Finger and Ken Dye. When it first opened, it was hailed as one of the best new golf courses in the nation. 

The second course is a pearl called the Fazio Course and designed, unsurprisingly, by Tom Fazio. This elegant layout weaves through the picturesque landscape and is well worth stopping by for.

Golf Resorts near Austin, Texas

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Moving across to Austin Texas and we start with the epic Omni Barton Creek Resort. Now this is unapologetically a golf resort and if you love your golf and upmarket hotels, you’ll love Omni Barton Creek. 

The hotel is located about a half hour drive outside of downtown, so the perfect balance between enjoying the outdoors and countryside, but being able to jump into the city in the evening.

Omni Barton Creek Resort, Austin, Texas

The plot is huge, 4,000 acres. Granted much of this is inhabited by the four golf courses onsite, but this creates a wondrous verdant landscape surrounding the resort. And it is this landscape that the rooms overlook as well as the Austin Hill Country. There are big, plush and comfy beds and all the facilities you would expect in the rooms of a luxury hotel.

When it comes to dining, wow, you’re not going to be short of options. The Omni Barton Creek has nailed it here. So where do we start? Well we’re in Texas, so let’s start with Bob’s Steak & Chop House! This is a nationally-renowned steakhouse specializing in the good stuff! 

The signature restaurant is the Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar, which offers stunning panoramic views of Austin’s Hill Country. Expect healthy dishes and seasonal seafood. Other highlights include Nopales, a Latin-inspired restaurant serving food and cocktails and casual-dining at the Canyons Grill, which overlooks the Fazio Canyons driving range.

Barton Creek Fazio Foothills, Austin Texas

There is a vast fitness center and three outdoor pools with sweeping views of the Texas countryside. And to top things off is the 13,000 square-foot Mokara Spa, which features signature spa treatments, steam rooms, a sauna and much more.

Golf at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

When I said this was unapologetically a golf resort, that’s because there are four superb courses to enjoy. Golf Digest and Golfweek have both garnished praise on the courses in various forms. There are two golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, the Fazio Canyons and Fazio Foothills, of which the latter was named by Golf Magazine as the #3 course in Texas you can play.

The Coore Crenshaw Golf Course is beautiful, routed over the rolling hills and lush landscape of Texas Hill Country. And last but certainly not least is the superb Palmer Lakeside, designed by the great Arnold Palmer. The course is perched on a secluded hilltop and is a big hitters dream with wide open fairways and stunning panoramic lake views.

GOLF Magazine recognised Omni Barton Creek as one of the best golf resorts in the Southwest. Some would argue it might be the best.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

The sprawling golf resort of Horseshoe Bay is approximately 55 miles west of Texas’ quirkiest city, so about an hour’s drive. This is up in Texas Hill Country. The resort has a picturesque spot on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) which is part of the mighty Colorado River. This is definitely one of the most unique golf resorts in Texas.

Incredibly popular with families, golfing groups, couples, this is a resort which caters for all visitor types. Due to the size of the resort, at no point do you feel on top of anyone else. For example, there are plenty of activities for kids and families to go off and enjoy,  whilst in the other direction a group of golfers could enjoy a beach bar or one of the Clubhouses to relax in. 

There is a huge choice of accommodation options, with over 400 luxurious rooms of which all were recently modernized and remodeled. Aside from quality rooms in the Tower, there are Palm Villas which are perfect for groups (or families) who want a more sociable residence style space. There are also waterside condos, again perfect for larger groups or families.

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Austin, Texas

As a resort which caters for all visitor types, so do their dining options. Whether you’re hoping for something a bit more upscale and upmarket, or more of a casual dining vibe for after golf or with kids, you’ll find it here. 

J’s Restaurant and Bar is the newest offering serving up refined Texas barbeque. This is the perfect spot for the post-round drinks and food. The Yacht Club is another great option and the resort’s signature restaurant. With stunning lake views, this is the more upmarket option with a refined menu to reflect the seasons. Seafood, steaks as well as speciality dishes including their signature chicken fried lobster are all on with an extensive wine menu. 

There are plenty more choices including at the Slick Rock Clubhouse, the Slick Rock Bar & Grill for a more laid-back vibe. And a huge favorite for golfing groups, the Whitewater 360 Sports Club which has all the live sports on a litany of screens. Expect beer on tap, crafted cocktails, chicken wings, pizzas. Bliss!

There are plenty of activities off the golf course, with most of them revolving around the lake. Be it sunset cruises, three pools, boating, kayaking, fishing tours, tennis…you name it, they’ll probably have it. 

Summit Rock Horseshoe Resort, Austin, Texas
Golf at Horseshoe Bay Resort

From a golf perspective, there are four golf courses onsite, with three glorious championship courses designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. Like Omni Barton Creek, this is another resort awarded as one of ‘the best golf resorts in the Southwest’ by Golf Digest. 

There have been a raft of other awards and accolades including being one of the ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in America’ by Golf Magazine and you can understand why. The ‘Texas Triangle’ comprises the three RTJ designed courses, Slick Rock, Apple Rock and Ram Rock. All three are superb and have individually each been recognised as some of the best golf courses you can play in Texas. 

There is also the Jack Nicklaus designed Summit Rock, although unfortunately it is members only. But there is the awesome fun Whitewater Putting Course, essentially a mini golf on steroids but in a regulation course layout!

Another superb golf resort in a magnificent location. Check out some of the unlimited golf packages for top value.

Golf Resorts in San Antonio, Texas

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

This upscale golf resort is about 22 miles north of San Antonio in the Bracken-Hills Country Nature Preserve. The resort sits within a stunning 600 acre plot with beautiful oak-covered hills. This is an outstanding example of a golf resort in Texas.

The smart guest rooms are modern, contemporary luxury. The standard rooms are superb, although for a bit of additional space, consider the Deluxe or a Signature View rooms. 

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, San Antonio, Texas

Hungry? Well choose from one of the 7 restaurants with a variety of options to satisfy most taste buds. The resort’s signature restaurant is Cibolo Moon, which serves modern San Antonio-style cuisine alongside margaritas and tequila cocktails.

18 Oaks is where you’ll find prime cuts of steak and lots of it. Although it does also serve up speciality seafood dishes and poultry. There are plenty of other options including amongst others the grab-and-go Spa Bistro, the High Velocity sports bar which shows all the live sports, and the Rivertop Grill which serves hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. 

One of the real attractions is the mammoth nine-acre water park at the heart of the resort. There is an impressive 1,100-foot lazy river, free flowing waterfalls, multiple slides and a number of pools. Adults and children will revel in this aquatic playground. 

TPC San Antonio, Texas

For something a little more indulgent, try out the Lantana Spa. There is a full menu of massage, beauty and wellness therapies which by all accounts embrace the traditions and spirit of Latin American Curanderos.

Golf at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Onsite is the TPC San Antonio golf club, home to two world-class golf courses designed by two renowned architects, Greg Norman and Pete Dye. The Canyons and The Oaks courses have hosted PGA Tour events with The Oaks having hosted the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open. 

Both courses regularly get ranked in the ‘Top Courses you can play in Texas’ and are truly exquisite. Built with being designated an Audubon International Certified Sanctuary, both courses operate eco-friendly irrigation and maintenance methods. 

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

And so on to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort. Like the JW Marriott we just looked at, it’s within the outskirts of San Antonio. The Hyatt is actually 15 miles west of downtown in a secluded setting which despite its proximity to the city, feels a world away.

The plot isn’t as vast as the JW’s but it is just as peaceful with an abundance of greenery and vegetation. The resort has an impressive 500 rooms, of which of those there are 58 suites. The style of the rooms is rustic chic, smart and comfortable. Most rooms feature a balcony which overlooks the landscape.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonion, Texas

When it comes to dining, the flagship restaurant is the Antlers Lodge. This is an award-winning eatery serving up innovative twists on the traditional Texan fare. Yes they serve the usual such as seafood and prime cuts of beef. But keep an eye out for the Texan wild game, which is a speciality.

Throughout the day the Springhouse cafe serves up more casual food options, whilst the Cactus Oak Tavern, located next to the pro shop, is the unofficial 19th hole, with a small menu for lite bites and drinks.

One of the highlights here is the epic Charlie’s Long Bar, which features the longest copper-top bar in the whole of Texas. This is the place to come to relax, catch some sport, play billiards and more.

When it comes to outside entertainment, it’s hard not to be drawn towards the 5-acre water park which has a full-complement of attractions. The lazy-river, numerous outdoor pools and hot tubs and the two-storey water slide. For the even more adventurous, try the FlowRider Wave Machine to test out your surfing skills.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa Room, San Antonio, Texas

If you want to properly indulge yourself, nip off to the Windflower – The Hill Country Spa. It is located in a converted barn with a wonderful homely feel. Expect the full range of spa options whilst there is a private pool, steam room and sauna for that extra bit of peace and quiet.

Arthur Hills designed the 27 holes of golf which are simply beautiful. The site is wondrously green, with tree-shaded plateaus, lush rolling meadows and large lakes and ponds. The courses occupy 200 acres, so at no point do you truly feel like anyone is on top of you. With four tee options on each hole, most abilities can play here.

La Cantera Resort & Spa

And lastly in our golf resorts in Texas list, we go to a special resort. One which simply has to be on this list, La Cantera Resort & Spa.

This is a resort littered with awards and accolades. Ranked #1 Golf Resort in Texas, #3 Resort in the Southwest, Condé Nast Travelers Award and AAA Four Diamond Award to name just a few. 

La Cantera Resort, San Antonio, Texas

La Cantera sits on an elevated plot in the Texas Hill Country. Subsequently it has panoramic views out towards San Antonio which is 18 miles away. The decor is influenced by the world-famous King Ranch in SouthTexas. Expect warm colors, wooden beams, stone fireplaces and immense comfort.

This comfort continues through to the 496 rooms of which there are 34 boutique-style villas which are in high-demand. Each of the rooms is as spacious as it is stylish 

When it comes to cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The creatively named Signature Restaurant, is, yes you guessed it, the signature restaurant, which is an elegant and elevated dining experience. The restaurant specializes in contemporary and innovative twists of classic dishes.

Other great options include the SweetFire Kitchen which features an open-air exhibition style kitchen. This is casual dining offering twists on the regional Texas cuisine. It also has an extensive list of craft cocktails and a decent wine menu. 

Primero Cantina is a Mexican influenced restaurant, whilst Grille 254 is a sports bar come casual restaurant, with a huge choice of beers on tap. 

Loma de Vida Spa is sensational, like a secluded sanctuary separated from the main resort and has a comprehensive list of spa offerings and signature experiences.

Golf at La Cantera Resort

The resort has one top class championship course, The Resort Course.

In years gone by, there were two courses onsite, the second being the Palmer Course. But the future of the Palmer course is very much in doubt as at the time of writing in remains closed. Instead, the resort is concentrating all efforts on ensuring the Resort Course is maintained to the highest standards. 

La Cantera golf, San Antonio, Texas

The course was designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf. Weaving through the Hill Country, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the back tees it stretches just over 7,000 yards and features limestone rock outcroppings, natural waterways and live oak groves. 

It was also the host course to the PGA Texas Open for many years. This is without doubt one of the finest golf resorts in Texas.

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