Augusta In Oak Cliff?
Local players have long called Stevens Park their 'Little Augusta,' thanks to its clever land use, surprise elevation, and leafy parkland corridors. The course’s vibe is pure Dallas muni, with just enough flair to feel special.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Stevens Park Golf Course
Dallas, Texas
Established
1924
Architect
Jack Burke Sr. & Syd Cooper (1924), John Colligan (2011 renovation with Trey Kemp)
Access
Public
Par
Par 70
Length
4,824 – 6,285 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
The Quintessential Dallas Muni
Stevens Park delivers a classic parkland test, elevation changes, and a memorable Dallas skyline backdrop—all for a muni price. The Colligan-led renovation modernized play but kept the city spirit alive. A round here is local golf at its most charming and accessible.
Course DNA
Difficulty
68
Scenery79
Conditioning77
Shot Variety72
Walkability63
Green Complexity74
Wow Factor77
Design Quality75
At a glance
Quick facts
Downtown Dallas Views
Most notably from the elevated 15th tee
Major Renovation
Completely rebuilt by Colligan Golf Design in 2011
Terrain
Compact, hilly, treelined urban parkland
Course Bunkers
38 rebuilt in 2011 and upgraded in 2025
Original Name
Named for Walter A. Stevens’ family
Favorite Local Nickname
"Little Augusta" among Oak Cliff golfers
Value Reputation
Cart-inclusive fee never exceeds $60
The design
The architecture
Stevens Park’s architectural DNA blends classic municipal parkland with smart modern strategy. Colligan’s 2011 reboot didn’t try to fight the hilly, urban site—instead, it celebrated tight doglegs, gullies, elevation shifts, and mature trees, turning constraint into character. Compact corridors, varied par-3s, and contoured greens force precision over brute force. The result is a playable, strategic, and quirky round you won’t mistake for a typical municipal plod.
John Colligan’s renovation showcases tactical use of land, with Trey Kemp assisting and a nod to classic parkland lines.
Defining features
- Tight, tree-lined corridors and short cross-country walks
- 38 sharply defined bunkers—fully rebuilt in 2011 and renovated for superior drainage in 2025
- Elevation changes on several holes, most spectacularly at the iconic 15th tee
- Strategic doglegs and approach-angle decisions throughout
- Small, often contoured greens that demand thoughtful recovery play
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
The Nerve-Tester
PAR
4
YARDAGE
439
Hole 5 is a muscular par 4 demanding pace control and nerve; the tee shot plays into a corridor of mature trees, and the approach must navigate subtle angles to a narrow green. Par here is a genuine achievement, and mistakes can lead to a big number.
Play it smart
Favor accuracy off the tee to set up a clean approach—angle is everything.
Where it bites
A single offline shot brings thick trees and awkward recovery into play.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long par-4 approach with trees pinching
Keep it under the hole and avoid forcing a hero shot—recover and play for par.
Dogleg-right drive with a fairway bunker
Favor a controlled fade off the tee; biting off too much brings trouble.
Downhill par 3 with swirling wind
Club down, trust the pace, and favor the fat of the green.
Tight par-5 tee ball with fairway landing slope
Prioritize finding the short grass over max distance to set up your layup.
Approach from a sidehill lie
Adjust stance and club; don’t chase the pin if the green slopes away.
Short par 4 with layered bunkers
Pick a conservative layup, then attack with a wedge rather than risking OB or trees.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Strong for a muni—renewed bunkers and fairways, but expect a few classic rough spots.
Pace
Steady but can run to 4.5 hours midweek; popular slots move more slowly on weekends.
Vibe
Relaxed, affordable, community-minded—expect groups from all Dallas walks of life.
Dress code
Standard public golf attire; no collared shirt strictly required, but shirts must be worn at all times.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Early For Weekend Times
Tee sheets fill up quickly—especially Friday through Sunday mornings.
02
Walk Or Ride
Course is walkable in size, but elevation may challenge some—feel free to rent a cart.
03
Bring Your Short Game
Small, contoured greens and tight surrounds reward sharp chipping and putting.
04
Embrace City Sounds
Urban parkland means city views—and occasional city noise; go with the flow.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1924
Opened as Dallas’s second municipal course, designed by Jack Burke Sr. & Syd Cooper
- 2011
Comprehensive $8M renovation by John Colligan and Trey Kemp modernizes layout
- 2011
38 new bunkers constructed and greens, tees, fairways, and irrigation fully rebuilt
- 2012
Course reopens as a revitalized Dallas municpal gem with new routing
- 2015
Skyline view from 15th tee becomes social media signature
- 2025
Bunker renovation: sand, drainage, and shaping all upgraded
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The View From 15
Standing on the 15th tee, you get a sudden, stunning vista of the Dallas skyline—a curveball for first-timers and a must-snap for veterans. It’s the moment that turns a round into a Dallas memory.
From Quirky To Polished
The 2011 Colligan renovation kept Stevens Park’s idiosyncratic feel, but dialed up conditioning, strategic risk/reward decisions, and green contouring. Today it’s a course where locals brag to visitors, 'You’ve never played a muni like this.'
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course is built on land donated by the Stevens siblings in honor of their parents.
2
On clear days, 15th tee offers a postcard-worthy Dallas skyline view.
3
The 2011 rebuild included 38 new bunkers and a full re-routing.
4
Stevens Park is affectionately dubbed 'Little Augusta' by Dallas locals.
5
Bunkers were upgraded with capillary concrete and new sand in 2025.
Build the trip
Building The Ultimate Dallas Public Golf Trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Tribute Golf Club
Public
Dramatic lakeside routing and links-inspired design north of Dallas.
TPC Las Colinas
Resort/Public
Former PGA Tour layout with polished conditions and pro pedigrees.
Cowboys Golf Club
Public/Resort
Unique NFL-themed golf and high-end amenities open to all.
Tenison Highlands
Public
Classic Dallas muni with wider fairways and a forgiving, fun layout.
Firewheel Golf Park
Public
Muni value, 63 holes, and no-nonsense booking for groups.
Downtown Dallas or Bishop Arts District for shortest commutes and true Dallas flavor.
Course DNA
If You Like Stevens Park Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.9
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Dunes Course)
Pebble Beach, CaliforniaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Dunes Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Stevens Park Golf Course.
Strong DNA Match8.7
Sand Valley
Nekoosa, WisconsinWhy it matches: Sand Valley is a natural next stop after Stevens Park Golf Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Meadow Club
Fairfax, CaliforniaWhy it matches: Meadow Club is a natural next stop after Stevens Park Golf Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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