7.2 ⭐️ Tenison Highlands

East Dallas | Booked via Clubhouse | Price paid: $58 | 12 min from Downtown Dallas

It’s wooded, hilly in parts, and feels surprisingly natural for being inside the city. If you’ve never spotted an armadillo on a golf course, this is probably your best chance. Historical charm, decent value, and proximity tkeeps this place full.

The Course

Highlands is a blast to play. Fun, strategic holes, including a short par 4 (No. 7 or 8) that tempts you to take on water. The design balances risk/reward without being punishing, and conditions are usually good for a city course. I’m biased—I played well here—so it left a sweet impression. It stacks up with Stevens Park and is probably a notch above the overall experience at Cedar Crest (though Cedar may be the more “pure” golf test).

🏌️ Practice Facilities

Tenison is an underrated practice hub:

A strong putting green on-site with a separate chipping/bunker area. Across the street, a large paid range that draws golfers city-wide, mats only though. With two courses (Highlands and Glen), you can always find a way to get reps in.

📍 Location & Access

Just minutes from downtown Dallas, it’s a quick escape into trees and rolling fairways. Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. Your car feels safe onsite.

But here’s the rub: singles can’t book online. You have to show up and join a standby list. I got called quickly, but it feels crazy to drive out not knowing if you’ll actually play.

There is a sister course on the property, Tenison Glen. If you can’t play Highlands, you may get on this…but it doesn’t quite stack up.

Final Word

Tenison Highlands is neck-and-neck for the best city course in Dallas. Close to downtown, wooded, scenic, and with strong practice options, it’s worth the trip. The booking setup for singles is a headache—you’re stuck on a standby list—but if you don’t mind rolling the dice or already have a group, it’s one of the top muni experiences in the city.

That said, Luna Vista still edges out as our go-to muni for repeat rounds thanks to its accessibility and pure “golf test” vibe.

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