Golf Course Review: Old American Golf Club - A Dallas/Fort Worth Delight

I've had time to absorb my buddy's golf trip to Dallas. I can reflect on the fact that a) DFW has some great golf courses, and b) I Can't wait to return to Dallas, TX.

One of the courses I was most excited to play was the Old American Golf Club. Having played so many different styles of courses over the years, I'd never played a course modelled after the "Classic American Designs" of the era from about 1910 to about 1937.

This was a period when golf designers like A.W. Tillinghast, Seth Raynor, Donald Ross, and Perry Maxwell worked their design magic on land that would become courses like Shinnecock, National Golf Links, Maidstone, Pinehurst, and Prairie Dunes. Tripp Davis and Justin Leonard did a beautiful job at Old American, using the inspiration of these "Classic" designers.

In 2010, the railroad bridge in the background was brought to the Old American Golf Course from the Red River, about 100 miles away. The bridge, built in 1900, provides a remarkable backdrop on the second hole.

The Old American includes many natural bunkers with a variety of native grasses. They are scattered throughout the layout and are sometimes quite difficult to get out of, so it's often best not to play the hero and just get out the easiest way available.

You're treated well at Old American, with complimentary drinks and snacks at two fully stocked comfort stations on the golf course. The day we played, Alex made some great Bloody Marys, a perfect drink for a round at Old American.

Whether you're in one of the bunkers or in some of the native rough, most approach shots involve playing positional golf. Davis and Leonard's design encourages strategy in shot selection.

As you can see from my pictures, Old American is quite a beautiful and picturesque golf course that winds around Lake Lewisville.

The wind was quite strong the day we played Old American, like most days in Texas. So strategy, where to place the ball, and club selection definitely entered our minds during the round. 

At Old American, all bunkers are considered waste bunkers, so they are genuinely hazardous. Golfers are allowed to rake when finished in any bunker.

The par 3s at Old American are challenging and will leave you guessing at club selection, especially with the Texas wind. Native grass and bunkers make for a picturesque view of every hole.

I love the old-school pin and flag, another homage to the old "Classic" designs.

Old American is a must-play when you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Dallas Invitational, and Old American is a stand-out to return for 2017. Green fees run at $150 on weekdays and $175 on weekends, which is high-end but well worth the "classic design," fantastic customer service and Texas Golf experience.