Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Texas Rangers Golf Club

74

Arlington, Texas

Established
1982
Architect
Ken Killian, Dick Nugent (original); John Colligan, Trey Kemp (renovation)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
4,874 – 7,010 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict

Baseball-Branded Golf, Stadium Style

Texas Rangers Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind public course, blending top-tier resort-like conditioning with the branding flair of MLB. With a challenging, well-routed layout and fast greens, this is Arlington's most memorable public golf experience.

Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery
65
Conditioning
83
Shot Variety
79
Walkability
56
Green Complexity
77
Wow Factor
75
Design Quality
73
Don't miss

Order the brisket nachos from the Home Plate Grill—locals rate them as Arlington’s best post-round bite with a ballpark view.

At a glance

Quick facts

MLB Affiliation
The world's first and only MLB-branded golf course
Recent Renovation
Reopened in 2019 after a $24 million overhaul
Host Club
Home course for University of Texas at Arlington golf teams
Annual Korn Ferry Host
Host of Veritex Bank Championship since 2021
Clubhouse Size
33,871 square feet, opened 2021
Signature Greens
Fast, undulating putting surfaces
Course Elevation Change
55 feet used across routing
Arlington Location
Minutes from Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium
The design

The architecture

Texas Rangers Golf Club is a model for what municipal renovation can achieve—transforming a vanilla 1980s layout into a fiercely strategic and visually dynamic public golf experience. Colligan and Kemp used the property’s 55 feet of elevation, reoriented holes for drama and playability, installed creative bunkering, and layered in fast, contoured greens to test every level of player. With influences from resort and championship golf design, the course juxtaposes generous landing areas with punishing hazards and an energy driven by its MLB identity. Every hole presents an invitation: play it safe or go for glory, with water, sand, and quick greens ready to punish hesitation or poor execution.

Colligan and Kemp’s overhaul delivers both tour-level test and lively, accessible energy—and you won’t forget the stadiums on the skyline.

Defining features
  • Extensive new bunkering (111,000 sq ft across the course)
  • Aggressive routing taking advantage of natural elevation
  • Signature fast, sloped TifEagle greens
  • Strategic use of water hazards on multiple holes
  • Broad fairways that reward position for approach
  • Modern clubhouse with panoramic course views
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 1

Opening Salvo

PAR
5
YARDAGE
589

A sweeping par 5 to start the round, 'Opening Salvo' lets you experience the full scale of the course from shot one—long, inviting, and loaded with strategic choices thanks to the redesigned bunkering and risk-reward landing zones. The hole doglegs and presents multiple routes to a target green, inviting boldness but quick to penalize any wayward drive or approach.

Play it smart

Drive to the right side for a better angle, then decide whether to attack in two or lay up short of defending bunkers for a comfortable wedge.

Where it bites

Miss the fairway to find deep bunkers and a challenging layup; approach from the wrong angle and the green’s slope will punish you.

Course management

Shots to think about

Downwind on the opener
Don’t over-swing on the first—find the fairway and set up your birdie by laying back to wedge distance.
Firing at tucked pins on 6 or 15
Play conservatively to the wide side of the green and use the slope to feed the ball close; long or short will leave brutal recoveries.
Second shot on the 8th hole
Lay up to your best distance—even if that means playing it as a par 4.5; minimal advantage comes from attacking with a long club.
Aggressive drive on 16
If going for the green, favor the safe line—missing short is better than flying into deep bunkers or rough long.
Approach on 12 in the wind
Take extra club but maintain tempo—staying below the hole gives you a realistic par look.
Going for the 18th in two
Know your carry distance—anything short is sand or trouble; a layup leaves a straightforward wedge to finish strong.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Firm, fast greens and well-maintained fairways and bunkers; modern, tour-caliber surfaces.

Pace

Busy public/resort pace; expect congestion on peak days, especially weekends and tournament times.

Vibe

Energetic, vibrant public facility with pro-sports flair and welcoming staff.

Dress code

Standard golf attire—collared shirts required; no unusual formalities.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Book early for mornings

Prime tee times fill up quickly, especially on weekends—lock in your preferred start a week ahead if possible.

02

Map out parking

Large events or stadium days can crowd lots; check for alternate parking on big Rangers or Cowboys game days to avoid a surprise walk.

03

Practice fast greens

Arrive early to get a feel for the practice green—speed and subtle breaks mean your putting touch is crucial.

04

Bring water and sunscreen

Texas sun can be intense, with little natural shade—stay hydrated and protected, especially in the summer months.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1982

    Chester W. Ditto Golf Course opens as City of Arlington muni

  2. 2016

    Full-scale renovation begins with Colligan Golf Design

  3. 2017

    Renovation construction completed

  4. 2019

    Reopens as Texas Rangers Golf Club with MLB branding

  5. 2021

    Veritex Bank Championship Korn Ferry Tour event debuts

  6. 2021

    New 33,871-square-foot Ditto Clubhouse opens

  7. 2024

    Frankie Capan III shoots 58 in Veritex Bank Championship

Stories & legends

What makes it special

identity

Baseball Brand, Golf Spirit

Born from a city partnership with the Texas Rangers, the course is the only one in the world to carry Major League Baseball branding. The clubhouse, practice range, and on-course touches blend pro-sports flair with municipal accessibility.

history

A Record-Breaking 58

During the 2024 Veritex Bank Championship, Frankie Capan III carded a stunning 58, putting Texas Rangers Golf Club into the record books and proving that the renovated layout can yield drama as well as challenge.

legacy

Honoring Arlington Heritage

Despite branding updates, the course’s Chester Ditto history lives on; the new 33,871-square-foot clubhouse still bears his name, preserving its muni roots for generations of Arlington golfers.

access

A Golf City for All

Built for access, not exclusivity, Texas Rangers GC offers affordable rates, brisk pace-of-play protocols, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of every stripe. Whether chasing a bucket-list Korn Ferry venue or a fun round with friends, public play is the priority.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Only golf course in the world with Major League Baseball branding.

2

The $24 million renovation included moving more than 100,000 cubic yards of earth.

3

Every hole features subtle baseball nods, from tee names to leaderboard-style signage.

4

Korn Ferry Tour players have praised its greens as being among the fastest in Texas public golf.

5

The on-course Home Plate Grill is a favorite for post-round local fare and sports-viewing.

Build the trip

If you’re making an Arlington golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Cowboys Golf Club
Public

Big-resort feel, immaculate conditions, and a sports-themed experience matching Rangers GC’s energy.

Texas Star Golf Course
Municipal/Public

Accessible, popular, and consistently ranked among locals’ top DFW plays.

The Tribute Golf Club
Public

Links-influenced challenge for varied shot demands, plus an open booking policy.

Bridlewood Golf Club
Public

Strong public test north of the city, offering variety and solid pace.

The Nelson Golf & Sports Club at Ritz-Carlton Las Colinas
Resort/Private

Premium experience for those willing to splurge on high-end golf and amenities.

Arlington's Entertainment District—close to Globe Life Field, with easy access to golf, sports, and nightlife.

Course DNA

If You Like Texas Rangers Golf Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

The architect's other work

More from John Colligan

Stevens Park Golf Course

Dallas, Texas

Dallas’s Crown Jewel Muni With Skyline Views

Mansfield National Golf Club

Mansfield, Texas

Challenging public golf in the heart of Mansfield

From the community

Community Sentiment

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