To Stevens Park Golf Course in Dallas,
I love Stevens Park because it’s convenient (10 minutes from downtown Dallas), the pro shop staff (Aaron, Scott, and Mark) are extra-friendly, and the carts have range finders, maps, and automatic hill-breaks. The course has creeks, hills, and skyline view thrills (the 15th tee).
Tournaments like the Green Space event are efficiently run (thank you, Wayne!), and the option to “Play 9-before-9” is an awesome way to get the weekend going. The café is efficient at the turn, well-stocked, and clean. Yeah, there isn’t a locker room, but there isn’t one at Torrey Pines, either! And it costs about $225 less to play Stevens. Stevens Park is the best value in Dallas.
Love,
James Harris
You would think I would get tired of playing the same course every single Sunday afternoon. Or at least fed up with waking up at 7 a.m. every Sunday morning to call for the 1 p.m. tee time for the following Sunday.
Nope! Playing at Stevens Park is an experience worth repeating every week.
Kudos to the entire staff: Aaron and Scott are friendly, efficient voices on the phone every Sunday morning. Even the groundskeeping crew is ready with a nod or a wave. The course is beautifully woven into the neighborhood. While it is in the middle of busy Oak Cliff, you still feel like you are on vacation, with plenty of creeks to cross and groves of mature trees (although I might occasionally wish someone would take an axe to the one that overhangs my intended path down the left-hand side of No. 10 as I am trying to avoid the strategically threatening bunkers).
I even profess some love for the legendary Hole No. 16, with its almost vertical carry and cavernous ball-grabbing expanse. There definitely are bragging rights on any day you hit a perfect drive and your second shot lofts the ball over that gap, thereby avoiding the Drop Zone that sees plenty of use on the other side.
Although it is a relatively short course, there are enough challenges to keep it interesting week after week. And my final favorite feature is the view on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy a 19th Hole libation while cheering on other golfers when they make a great putt on the ninth green.
Elaine Stillman
To River Crossing Golf Club in Spring Branch,
The people at River Crossing are wonderful! The management and staff are fantastic, and the course is always in great condition. Kudos to our Director of Golf, David Petry. He listens to every member who has something to say and will do his best to take care of your concerns.
He is top-shelf, and without David there, I’m not sure I would want to be at the club, as it would be a devasting loss for the members. Paul Lane has been our course superintendent since RCC opened; what a job he and his crew do! When I bring guests to the club, they rave about the condition of the course.
Our General Manager Mark Mattox does a great job of listening to members suggestions and complaints. He does a good job of navigating sometimes tough waters. All the managers and staff typically go above and beyond to accommodate members, whether it is the MGA, WGA or a social member and it is always appreciated.
I love River Crossing.
Ken Brazle
To my three favorite clubs,
I want to profess my love for Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Lakewood Country Club in Dallas, and Whispering Pines in Trinity.
I love the risk/reward shot on Royal Oaks’ par-5 18th hole to go for it in two. There’s a creek short and left, and a shallow green that requires a well-struck shot to stay on the surface. It’s a challenging green with a false front, side, and back to threaten even the strongest players.
Lakewood is the club I played as a child. They served “The Arkansas traveler” plate, and I still remember how tasty it was, even though I have not been a member there in 50 years.
I was a member at Whispering Pines from 2016-18. The final six holes are magnificent. All have parts of Lake Livingston challenging your play. The peace and quiet of the surrounding forest with the lake winding in and out of the course creates an aura unlike anything else in Texas.
With love,
Lee Sandlin