The Inside Swing

Stevens Park Golf Course

Dallas, Texas

Public Course · 18 Holes · Par 71 · 6,545 yds · $35–$65 · 4.3

A beautifully restored 1920s A.W. Tillinghast design in the heart of Oak Cliff, Stevens Park is a civic treasure and arguably the best municipal golf experience in Texas. The hilly layout offers charming character and downtown skyline views.

History & Heritage

Stevens Park Golf Course opened in 1924 as the second municipal course in Dallas, built in the hilly Oak Cliff neighborhood southwest of downtown. The original design is attributed to Jack Burke Sr., father of Masters champion Jackie Burke Jr., though A.W. Tillinghast reportedly consulted on the layout during one of his PGA-funded tours in the 1930s.

By the early 2000s, Stevens Park had fallen into disrepair. A passionate group of Oak Cliff residents organized to save the course, raising funds and pushing the city to invest in a comprehensive renovation that restored the classic character of the hilly routing with improved greens, bunkers, and drainage.

Today Stevens Park is widely regarded as one of the finest municipal courses in the South. Its compact, walkable layout through rolling Kessler Park terrain, combined with views of the downtown Dallas skyline, make it a unique civic treasure.

Signature Holes

1
Hole 1 Par 4 · 383 yards

A welcoming opener playing downhill from an elevated tee with views of the rolling terrain ahead and the Dallas skyline in the distance.

7
Hole 7 Par 3 · 180 yards

A scenic par 3 playing slightly downhill to a green nestled in the hillside. The natural amphitheater setting and classic bunkering make it one of the most photogenic holes on the course.

12
Hole 12 Par 4 · 410 yards

A demanding dogleg par 4 through the most dramatic elevation changes on the course. The approach shot is significantly uphill to a well-defended green.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 402 yards

A strong finishing hole climbing back toward the clubhouse with an uphill approach to a green framed by mature trees.

What to Expect

Stevens Park is a charming, walkable municipal course that punches well above its weight class. The hilly Oak Cliff terrain provides dramatic elevation changes, interesting lies, and excellent views of the downtown Dallas skyline.

At 6,545 yards with a par of 71, the yardage is modest, but elevation changes and small greens make the course play longer than it measures. Conditioning has improved dramatically since the renovation, rivaling many private clubs in presentation.

Playing Tips

The hilly terrain means many approach shots are significantly uphill or downhill. Take extra time to assess elevation changes and adjust club selection accordingly. The greens are relatively small, so accuracy on approach shots is more important than distance.

Stevens Park is a walker's course, and the hilly terrain provides a genuine workout. Early morning tee times are recommended in summer to beat the Texas heat.

Highlights

  • Historic Tillinghast design
  • Best municipal course in Texas
  • Dallas skyline views

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone play Stevens Park?
Yes. Stevens Park is a public municipal course operated by the City of Dallas. Green fees typically range from $35 to $65.
Who designed Stevens Park?
The original 1924 design is attributed to Jack Burke Sr. A.W. Tillinghast reportedly consulted on the layout in the 1930s. A comprehensive restoration in the 2000s brought it back to its classic character.
Is Stevens Park walkable?
Yes, and walking is the best way to experience the course, though the hilly terrain provides a genuine workout.
What makes Stevens Park special among Dallas courses?
Its combination of Golden Age design heritage, dramatic hilly terrain, downtown skyline views, and accessible municipal pricing make it unique. It is widely considered the best municipal course in Texas.

More Courses in Dallas

Explore This Destination

Stay in the Loop

Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.