Must Play Golf Course in Dallas: Buffalo Creek Golf Club

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With loads of golf courses to choose from in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ve got a bunch I’ve played and totally recommend, check them out here. But for the next few posts, I am going to cover a golf course in Dallas that I believe, is a must play.

First up? My all-time fave – Buffalo Creek Golf Club. This place has the whole package. Reasonable green fees, prime conditions, solid amenities, and just the right amount of challenge on the course. Trust me, it’s a winner.

Buffalo Creek Golf Club has recently been rated as one of the top public golf courses in both the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the nation. 

AvidGolfer Magazine and GolfDay have recognized its excellence, with AvidGolfer ranking it No. 11 on their “Best of Public Golf” East Course list and listing it among the “Top Luxury Courses” ($65-$74).

GolfDay placed Buffalo Creek at No. 73 on its prestigious “U.S. Top 100 Public Courses” list, alongside renowned venues like Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines.

If my recommendation wasn’t enough, I believe these publications are more than enough to prove that Buffalo Creek Golf Club, is a must play golf course in Dallas.

Pulling up to the course:

When you’re coming from Dallas, you’ll pass over the stunning Lake Ray Hubbard – especially serene if you’ve snagged an early morning tee time. As you roll into the neighborhood, you’ll catch sight of a couple of holes on your way to the clubhouse.

Pulling into the parking lot, you’ll immediately spot the clubhouse. You won’t need to look around aimlessly, even if it’s your first visit.

The clubhouse rocks a classic colonial-style vibe with big pillars and brick walls. Inside, it’s your typical clubhouse setup with a neat little shop and a counter serving up food and drinks.

Just outside and to the right of the clubhouse sits the Buffalo Creek Pavilion, a sweet spot for hosting events.

Pre-round:

One of the best things about this course? The green fees. They’ve got a bunch of options and rates that’ll suit any golfer. And let me tell you, the fees for midweek and weekends are totally reasonable.

If you’re a Dallas local hitting the links around here, you know how pricey green fees can get. Finding a course that’s in top-notch condition and still under 80 bucks on the weekend is a rare find!

Check out the rates graphic below to see what I’m talking about.

Once you’ve sorted out your green fee, snag a cart and cruise right behind the clubhouse to hit the driving range.

Now, here’s where Buffalo Creek really shines. Their driving range is top-notch. What sets them apart? They’ve got a mostly grass driving range with mat options, which, in my experience, is becoming harder to find at public courses.

A lot of courses have switched to mats, or their grass sections are either undergoing repairs or just not up to par. But not Buffalo Creek. Their grass areas are on point, maybe even better than some courses’ actual playing conditions!

After you’ve warmed up your driver and irons, take a quick stroll over to their putting/chipping green.

This space is generously sized, so you won’t be battling other golfers for a spot to practice your chip shots or putts. Plus, they’ve got the putting green meticulously rolled, mirroring the course conditions. 

It’s a great opportunity to dial in your speed before teeing off.

Front 9:

Now comes the exciting part – kicking off your round!

The front nine is a tad shorter than the back, measuring in at 3470 yards from the tips and typically offering three tee options. It’s a par 35 with a diverse mix of holes, including one par 5 and a blend of both challenging and more manageable ones.

Hole 1: Par 4, slightly uphill and dogleg left. Narrow tee shot but keep it straight and you will come out alright on this first hole

Hole 2: Par 4 downhill and dogleg right. You can cut the corner but it is a blind short. Best bet is to play a reliable club to the middle.

Hole 3: The only par 5 and it is a long one! Not to mention yet another narrow tee shot. Don’t try to make it on in 2 as there is a double curve in the fairway that can hurt you

Hole 4: Par 3, and this one is fairly straight forward no frills or fuss. Fair warning that it plays further than it looks! Might want to club up.

Hole 5: Par 4, time to take a risk or play it safe. Short hole but there is a strategically placed creek in front of the green. If you can carry your tee shot a good ways take the risk!

Hole 6: Par 4, but by far the hardest hole and plays like a par 5. Water runs the entire length on the left side that cuts across forcing you to lay up on the tee shot. Any miss left or right and your dropping a ball. Good luck. This hole alone is enough to make Buffalo Creek a must play golf course in Dallas.

Hole 7: Par 4, a dogleg right with water along the right side of the fairway. Don’t hit the water and you should be fine here.

Hole 8: Par 3, and this one is a bit daunting. It is not long by any means but it has a narrow green with a large sand trap to the left and a steep drop off on the right.

Hole 9: Par 4, Straight forward. Go score. Wide open fairway so a miss hit won’t hurt you. 

The turn:

Stop by the clubhouse, or pavilion, for a quick bite to eat on your way to the back 9. The drive is not far so you don’t feel too rushed making the turn.

Back 9: 

Stretching a bit further at 3608 yards from the tips, the back nine features two par 5s. In my experience, it tends to play slightly easier compared to the front nine.

Hole 10: Par 4, don’t worry if you are a little full from your hot dog This hole is a nice one. Slight dogleg left with one annoyingly placed tree on the left side. Keep it right and you will be happy

Hole 11: Par 4, dogleg right but fairly short. Yet another narrow tee box. Avoid the bunker on the right side corner of the dogleg.

Hole 12: Par 3, probably the easiest hole you will play on the day. No fuss.

Hole 13: Par 4, dogleg right and not terribly long. The tee shot is blind with  strategically placed fairway bunker on the right side, so careful if you try to go at the green here!

Hole 14: Par 5, straight away. Go for this one! If you can drive it past the first fairway bunker you will hit a downslope that will set you up for chance to go for the green in 2!

Hole 15: Par 4, long and straight. If you split the fairway bunkers you should come out ok here. It is a long second shot in.

Hole 16: Par 5 and LONG. There is water all along the left side fairway. Be prepared to lay up here as the creek and trees form a tight bottleneck about 130 yards from the uphill green.

Hole 17: Par 3, and fairly straightforward. Club up here because being short to either side will hurt you.

Hole 18: Par 4, and a hard dogleg right. You can cut the corner to set yourself up for an easier shot in but there is another creek that cuts off the fairway. Keep your tee shot alive and you have a chance!

And that concludes the review of Buffalo Creek! In my opinion, the course offers a genuine golfing experience and is an easy pick as a must play golf course in Dallas. With a round or two under your belt and a bit more course familiarity, you’ll likely have the chance to achieve some of your lowest scores while still being tested by the course! Shoot me a message to let me know how your round went!

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