SPLIT RAIL GOLF CLUB

The rolling limestone terrain west of Fort Worth creates natural drama that architect Jeffrey Brauer exploits masterfully, routing holes through creek beds and over ridges that demand both power and precision. Water comes into play on half the holes, but it's the elevated tee shots over native Texas scrubland that separate this daily-fee gem from the suburban cookie-cutters. The risk-reward par-5 16th, where mesquite trees guard the layup area and Willow Creek snakes behind the green, epitomizes why serious golfers make the drive from Dallas.