Colonial Course
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Colonial Country Club, host of the longest running PGA Tour event on the same course, exudes a Texas-sized helping of old-school charm amidst Fort Worth’s upscale neighborhoods. Carved into the gently rolling prairie land, the course embodies a classic parkland design that favors strategic play over sheer power. Ben Hogan, forever linked to Colonial, left an indelible mark on its lore as both a competitor and consultant. John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell’s original design, later refined by the likes of Marvin Demaret and Dick Wilson, presents a compelling test where subtly contoured fairways and impeccably manicured Bentgrass greens place a premium on approach shots and putting prowess. Water hazards meander throughout, demanding thoughtful club selection, while strategically placed bunkers punish errant drives. The course's defining stretch, "Horrible Horseshoe," encompassing holes 3, 4, and 5, is one of the most challenging starts in professional golf. Since 1946, Colonial has been home to what is now known as the Charles Schwab Challenge, attracting the world’s best players annually. The Wall of Champions, emblazoned with the names of past winners from Ben Hogan to Jordan Spieth, serves as a constant reminder of the championship pedigree associated with this venerable course. Beyond the competition, Colonial cultivates a close-knit membership known for its deep appreciation of golf history and traditions, complemented by a convivial atmosphere and a reputation for classic Texas hospitality. The club's stately clubhouse, a social hub for generations, stands as a testament to Colonial's enduring legacy.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in TX
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Golfers say Colonial is a special historic Perry Maxwell design that demands precision over power, with recent Gil Hanse renovations enhancing the experience. Most praise the extremely fast greens that roll true, the strategic routing that includes the famous "Hogan's Horseshoe" stretch on holes 3-5, and the walkable layout that showcases classic Maxwell green complexes. Reviewers note the course's difficulty stems from tree-lined fairways, bunker-protected greens, and tight targets that severely punish wayward shots, with doubles and triples lurking alongside birdie opportunities. The consensus is that Colonial offers an incredible, tradition-rich experience, though some acknowledge it's one of the toughest tee times to secure in the South.
8.7
52 players
One of the smoother walks in golf, Colonial is a special historic course. The Perry Maxwell design, with Hanse Reno is just a fantastic combo of architects. It’s a tough course that is just very hard to overpower. Placement is key and your typical Maxwell green designs leave you scratching your head. A little out of place off the tee and you have to hit it over or around some tree lined fairways into bunker protected greens that can easily turn into doubles. Just a special walk around those grounds
One of the toughest tee times to get in the south! Perry Maxwell built this gem in 1936, Gil Hanse renovation in 2023. The fastest greens ever, but they roll true. Hogans horseshoe on 3, 4, 5 are brutal. This was an incredible experience and chance of a lifetime
Historic club. Knew a member for a long time so I’ve played out here 5-10 times.
A great experience with a ton of tradition. As most Perry Maxwell designs, execution is key to scoring on this course. Extremely small greens and a few tricky tee shots allow take away the ability to go low on the course but there are some birdies to be found. Unfortunately, there are also some doubles and triples to be found. Excited to play it after the overhaul and see how it compares. Great club and course!
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Colonial has a Course Vaults score of 8.7 out of 10 based on 37 explicit golfer ratings.
Colonial was designed by John Bredemus, Keith Foster, Perry Maxwell, and Robert Trent Jones.
Colonial is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Colonial is 70.
Colonial plays 7,204 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Colonial is 137.
