Tenison Park: Highlands Course

Dallas Tee Sheet
May 26
3 min read

Looking for a public course in Dallas that's a step above the usual muni experience? Tenison Highlands might be your spot. It's just minutes from downtown but feels like it’s tucked away from the chaos — with big trees, rolling hills, and a course design that actually makes you think.

Highlands in a Nutshell

Tenison Highlands isn’t your typical flat, dry city course. Thanks to a major redesign in 2001, it now features five lakes, 32 bunkers, and slick TifEagle greens — all laid out across beautiful Bermuda fairways and some surprising elevation changes. Every hole flows naturally with the land, which keeps the round interesting from start to finish.

The course plays:

7,078 yards from the tips (Diamond tees)
6,610 yards from the Golds
5,930 yards from the Men’s Silvers
4,883 yards from the forward Pearl tees

It’s a true par 72, with a solid mix of scoring chances and "hang-on-for-dear-life" holes.

What You'll Notice Out There

Smart Water Hazards: Water comes into play early and often — notably on holes like the 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 13th. If you can get through the front nine without rinsing a ball, you're golden.
Real Bunkering: Those 32 bunkers aren’t just for looks — they’re placed where you might actually land, so you have to pick your spots carefully.
Good Mix of Shots: A lot of holes reward patience and smart shot-making, but there are a few where you can let it rip off the tee.
Greens That Roll True: The TifEagle surfaces are usually fast enough to be fun without being crazy. You'll need a good short game, but they're fair.

Pros and Cons (Straight Talk)

The Good:

Well-designed layout that feels “big” without being exhausting
Some of the best putting surfaces for a public course in Dallas
Fun mix of short holes and true three-shot par 5s
Great scenery with mature trees and elevation changes

The Not-So-Good:

It can beat you up if you're not striking it well
Sometimes after rough weather, bunkers and rough areas can get a little scruffy
Weekends can get a little slow with packed tee sheets (to be expected for a popular course)

Who Should Play Tenison Highlands?

This course is great if you:

Are a mid-to-low handicapper looking for a solid test
Want a nicer-than-average public track without breaking the bank
Like your golf rounds with a side of good scenery and smart design

If you’re brand new to golf or just like wide-open easy courses, Tenison Glen might be the better warm-up for you before taking on the Highlands.

What’s It Cost to Play?

Here’s a quick rundown:

Weekday rounds (Monday–Thursday): about $34–$54, depending on walk or ride
Weekends and holidays: about $44–$64
Twilight/sundown rates: available and cheaper if you don’t mind a late start
Carts: around $18–$19 per person

For what you're getting — a course with real character and better-than-muni conditions — it’s a good deal for Dallas golf.

Bottom Line: If you want a public golf course that feels a little more “country club” without emptying your wallet, Tenison Highlands should be near the top of your list. Bring your A-game, your thinking cap, and maybe an extra sleeve of balls just in case. You’ll have a blast if you play it smart.

👉 Book a tee time here or call (214) 670-1402 to lock in a round.