BROOK HOLLOW. Featuring a traditional Tillinghast design, this demanding course with relatively tight fairways and small greens requires that you hit the ball well to shoot a good score. To be in great shape, avoid trees off the tee, and accurately place the ball in the fairway to avoid being blocked out for the approach. Take advantage of early holes since they only get harder as the round goes on.

HEATH. A championship course, Buffalo Creek has garnered recognition from the likes of "Golf Digest" (which awarded it four stars) and "Golf Week" (which named it one of Texas's top 15 courses). Featuring rolling, tree-lined fairways and tantalizing water hazards, the course offers challenges for even the most experienced golfers. Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Dallas.

DALLAS. At this private course, overhanging trees line narrow fairways and often reach out and grab shots that are slightly off-line. Place your tee shots carefully because it's possible to be blocked out on several approach shots if you're on the wrong side of the fairway. To play this elite club, you must either be a member or be accompanied by a member.

IRVING. Expect trouble on this outstanding course. It boasts hazard-lined fairways and greens protected by gaping bunkers, so you'll want to hit the ball on target. With a number of stout par-4's and some demanding par-3's, the challenging par-70 layout plays even tougher when the winds blow. Be prepared for tricky putts because greens are large and sloping.

DALLAS. This impressive course has played host to a number of important tournaments, including the 1952 US Open. Offering a traditional layout, fairways are framed by large, mature trees but provide generous landing areas. Precise iron play is a must to find the putting surface on these small greens. Relatively secluded, the course comes as a revelation to first-timers, who can't believe what they've been missing. N.B. Green fees are billed only through member accounts.