The Inside Swing

Waterchase Golf Club

Fort Worth, Texas

Public Course · 18 Holes · Par 72 · 7,304 yds · $65–$110 · 4.2

Consistently rated the top public golf course in Fort Worth, Waterchase stretches to 7,304 yards — one of the longest public tracks in the DFW metroplex. Six tee sets make the course playable for all abilities, while the championship configuration provides a genuine test for scratch players.

History & Heritage

Waterchase Golf Club opened in 2000, designed by Steven D. Plummer on rolling hills in east Fort Worth near the Trinity River. The layout stretches to 7,304 yards from the championship tees — one of the longest public courses in the DFW metroplex — with an unusual configuration of five par 3s and five par 5s (rather than the standard four of each).

The course quickly established itself as the top-rated public course in Fort Worth, carrying a 4.6 out of 5 GolfPass rating with 95.6% of reviewers recommending it. It has hosted the USBGA (United States Blind Golf Association) Nationals, reflecting its championship-caliber layout. The on-site Jim McLean Golf Center provides one of the premier practice and instruction facilities in the DFW region.

The cascading waterfall between the 9th and 18th greens serves as the course's visual centerpiece — one of the most scenic finishes in DFW public golf.

Signature Holes

9
Hole 9 Par 4 · 433 yards

The front nine closer plays to a green area framed by the course's cascading waterfall feature. Favor the left side off the tee for the best approach angle. Water behind the green punishes anything long — this is not the hole to be aggressive on the approach.

10
Hole 10 Par 5 · 633 yards

A monster par 5 and the longest hole on the course. At 633 yards from the tips, this is a genuine three-shot hole. Course management is essential — forced heroics on the second shot rarely pay off.

18
Hole 18 Par 5 · 570 yards

The finishing hole shares the cascading waterfall backdrop with the 9th, creating one of the most scenic finishing holes in DFW public golf. Lay up to approximately 120 yards for an ideal uphill approach rather than forcing a risky go-for-it second shot.

17
Hole 17 Par 4 · 484 yards

A nearly 500-yard par 4 from the tips — one of the toughest two-shot holes in Fort Worth. Plays as a borderline par 5 for most amateurs. Two quality shots are mandatory to reach the green in regulation.

What to Expect

Waterchase plays through rolling terrain unusual for the flat DFW area, mixing tree-lined doglegs with open exposed holes. Water comes into play on 11 of 18 holes, and over 50 soft sand bunkers guard landing zones and greens. Six tee sets span from 4,941 to 7,304 yards, making the course genuinely playable for all skill levels.

The five par 5s — including two over 600 yards (holes 10 and 13) — are the defining features. They demand careful course management but offer genuine birdie chances for those who plot their way intelligently. The Champions Bermuda greens are large, undulating, and roll true.

Green fees starting around $35 make this exceptional value for a championship-quality layout. The modest clubhouse is the only weak point — the course quality far exceeds the facility.

Playing Tips

Choose tees wisely. The 7,304-yard tips with 137 slope will test even low-handicap players. The blue tees at 6,661 yards offer a challenging but fair test for mid-handicappers.

Respect the par 5s — all five are genuine three-shot holes from the back tees, including two over 600 yards. Play them conservatively rather than forcing heroic second shots into water.

Bring extra golf balls. Water on 11 holes burns through ammunition quickly.

On Hole 9, favor the left side off the tee. On Hole 18, lay up to 120 yards for the best uphill approach angle. Both holes share the waterfall — don't let the scenery distract from the strategy.

Holes 15 and 18 share the same tee-shot landing area — be aware of other groups on the adjacent hole.

Highlights

  • 7,304 yards — among DFW's longest public courses
  • Six tee options accommodate all skill levels
  • Top-rated public course in Fort Worth

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Waterchase the best public course in Fort Worth?
By most measures, yes. It carries a 4.6/5 GolfPass rating with 95.6% recommending it, and is consistently rated the top public course in Fort Worth by multiple publications.
How long is Waterchase?
At 7,304 yards from the tips, it is among the longest public courses in the DFW metroplex. Six tee sets ranging down to 4,941 yards make it playable for all abilities.
What makes the finish special?
The cascading waterfall between the 9th and 18th greens creates one of the most scenic finishes in DFW public golf. Both holes play toward the waterfall backdrop.
What practice facilities are available?
The Jim McLean Golf Center on-site features a grass driving range, chipping area, bunker practice, and putting greens — one of the premier practice facilities in the DFW region.

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