Shady Oaks Course
Fort Worth, TX, USA





Shady Oaks, in Fort Worth's Roaring Springs area, is where Ben Hogan honed his legendary ball-striking. The course, initially routed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., reflects a classic parkland style, meandering through mature oaks and rolling terrain. Hogan, a demanding perfectionist, influenced numerous design modifications over the years, creating a layout that rewards strategic play and punishes errant shots without excessive length. Expect tight fairways that call for controlled ball flights and approaches to subtly contoured greens guarded by strategically placed bunkers. While not a regular stop on the professional circuit, Shady Oaks maintains its reputation as a challenging test of golf cherished by its discerning membership. It stands as a haven for those who value tradition and the purity of the game. The club fostered a community centered around respect for the sport. Beyond the course, Shady Oaks is known for its familial atmosphere and the famed “Hogan Burger,” a testament to the club's unpretentious charm and unwavering commitment to its rich history. It remains a constant reminder of its most notable and missed member, and stands tall today.
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
Unranked
Best in USA
All courses
Best in TX
All courses
Golfers say the OCM redesign delivers a charming, visually appealing layout that plays as fun and delightful as any course in Texas. Most praise the pristine conditioning and well-appointed halfway houses, with one reviewer noting the generous bartender service. Reviewers express surprise that the course doesn't receive more recognition on best-of lists, given its illustrious history as Ben Hogan's preferred home course and the quality of the current routing.
8.6
34 players
The OCM redesign is charming, playable, visually appealing, and delightful. I’m very surprised this course doesn’t get more attention on best of Texas lists given the club’s illustrious history and layout.
OCM went crazy on this one. Halfway houses are pristine and the bartender pours heavy. As fun as golf gets.
Preferred, home course of Ben Hogan
Public courses closest to Shady Oaks.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Shady Oaks has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 21 explicit golfer ratings.
Shady Oaks was designed by Robert Trent Jones and Ralph Plummer.
Shady Oaks is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Shady Oaks is 71.
Shady Oaks plays 6,863 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Shady Oaks is 140.