Public and Private Golf Courses in Tyler Challenge All Skill Levels
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Golfers new to Tyler have some tough decisions to make when it comes to teeing it up. The area has more than a dozen public and private courses to choose from‚ ranging from leisurely links to downright challenging layouts.
“There are all sorts of opportunities for golfers around here‚” says Darrell Chase‚ head pro at Peach Tree Golf Club in Bullard. “There’s definitely a nice mix of courses.”
Chase‚ of course‚ is partial to Peach Tree‚ a public facility that is actually two distinct 18-hole layouts. The Peach Tree course is a par-70 executive-length course ideal for juniors‚ seniors and beginners. The adjacent Oak Hurst course‚ designed by noted architect Carlton Gipson‚ is a par-72 championship layout measuring 6‚813 yards from the back tees. Water comes into play on 11 of 18 holes.
“We have something for everybody‚” says Chase‚ adding that Peach Tree also has a complete practice facility.
There are several other public golf courses within a short distance of Tyler. Pine Springs Golf Course is notable for its oversized greens and nine holes lighted for night play. The course went through a redesign in 2006 that added 500 yards to its overall length.
Garden Valley Golf Club in Lindale has 27 holes. The 18-hole‚ 6‚754-yard Dogwood course is reminiscent of Augusta National with its bountiful azaleas and towering pines. Meanwhile‚ the par-35 Hummingbird course is suited for less skilled golfers.
Twin Lakes Golf Course in Canton is one of the longest courses in the area‚ measuring 7‚171 yards from the gold tees. The par-72 course has rolling‚ tree-lined fairways and TifEagle Bermuda greens.
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Frankston is a par-72‚ 7‚117-yard course that has received much praise since opening in 2001. Golf Digest called the Jay Morrish design “a genuine joy to play” for its variety of holes.
Embassy Hills Golf Course in Big Sandy‚ formerly CharacterLinks‚ has nine holes. Each hole has two sets of tee boxes to create an 18-hole‚ 5‚785-yard experience.
The Tyler area also has a number of high-quality private courses. The Cascades (par 71‚ 6‚930 yards)‚ known for its dramatic elevation changes‚ recently became home to the fourth Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf under the direction of head pro Kenny Huff. Recently renovated Hollytree Country Club (par 72‚ 6‚805 yards) is rated among the state’s top layouts.
Eagle’s Bluff Country Club‚ situated on Lake Palestine in Bullard‚ features a challenging‚ 7‚000-yard layout. Each nine has an island green. Nearby‚ Emerald Bay Club is considered to be one of the area’s best residential/golf communities.
Willow Brook Country Club‚ which opened in 1953‚ hosted the Women’s Texas Amateur Championship in 2006. Hideaway Lake Golf Course near Lindale has three nine-hole courses‚ two of which were recently renovated.
Story by Edward Navarro
Photo by Antony Boshier
