Darren Carroll for Golf Digest
Darren Carroll for Golf Digest
Colonial Country Club
Fort Worth, TX•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
Colonial Country Club
3735 Country Club Cir
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1099
United States
Overview
We give credit to Texas golf historian Frances G. Trimble for establishing the fact that Perry Maxwell, not John Bredemus, originally designed Colonial Country Club for Fort Worth businessman Marvin Leonard. Both architects submitted routings. Maxwell’s was used, while Bredemus supervised construction. Colonial sported the first bentgrass greens in Texas when it opened in 1936. In 1939, the USGA awarded Colonial its 1941 U.S. Open, the first ever in Texas, so Leonard brought Maxwell back to toughen the course. He added 56 bunkers and created the present par-3 fourth and par-4 fifth (two of the famed Horrible Horseshoe trio of holes) and a par-3 13th (since replaced following a 1968 rechanneling of the Trinity River). Keith Foster’s 2008 restoration wasn’t to everyone’s satisfaction. In 2023, Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner initiated a warp-speed, total renovation of the design using Maxwell's 1941 modifications as a roadmap, a similar treatment they implemented when remodeling Maxwell's Southern Hills in 2018, on display at the 2022 PGA Championship. This ranking does not reflect the Hanse/Wagner work: Their changes will be revealed in the 2027-'28 results.
About
Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 Greatest / Best In State Scores
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Strategic Golden Age Perry Maxwell design that was recently renovated by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Doglegs off the tee; small greens surrounded by rough, and fast bent grass greens provide all the challenge you'll want. No wonder it's held up to the pros for 75 years. Excellent conditions were prevalent throughout. The staff was welcoming and walking is encouraged. Definitely accept the invitation if invited to enjoy this classic layout."
Read More2026
Review
“If you get the opportunity to play Colonial golf Club I would highly recommend. The course is fast and firm, like most of Texas golf need to be in the fairway to score. Putts don't break as much as one might think."
Read More2026
Review
“Never playing Colonial before the remodel, Can only judge a historic golf course from the new design and utilizing an existing foot print. The course was challenging with thick rough and fast greens. A few tee shots that really challenge the eye from the tee box. The back nine was really a highlight of the course closing 4 holes are all very strategic holes."
Read More2026
Review
“Renovation has restored the course to its classic roots, including a more natural looks without so many man-made river banks/retaining structures. The green conditioning is outstanding (albeit at a price); but such a joy to putt the consistent and true bent grass."
Read More2026
Review
“Great renovation - brought back to the most original design they could with modern technology to help the course along. Not a grip and rip course, requires strategy off the tee instead of length. Greens are mostly very subtle to look at but once on the greens, there are not many straight putts on the course. The back nine really has some enjoyable holes. Shot options are strong here as your tee shot decision affects the incoming shots to the green."
Read More2026
Review
“Great renovation - brought back to the most original design they could with modern technology to help the course along. Not a grip and rip course, requires strategy off the tee instead of length. Greens are mostly very subtle to look at but once on the greens, there are not many straight putts on the course. The back nine really has some enjoyable holes. Shot options are strong here as your tee shot decision affects the incoming shots to the green."
Read More2026
Review
“The renovation at Colonial Country Club masterfully revived the course’s original character and natural beauty. The removal of hardscape drainage restored the native contours, enriching both aesthetics and playability. Lowered tee boxes and greens now sit naturally within the landscape, creating a layout that’s inviting to the average golfer yet remains a true test for the accomplished player. It’s a timeless reflection of Perry Maxwell’s architectural brilliance."
Read More2025
Review
“Gil Hanse redo really enhanced this classic layout particularly the par 3 8th hole. The old hole was just a way to get from 7 green to 9 tee but the new hole utilizes a creek and ravine and is quite good. Some great work also was noticed on the par 3 13th. The redo also brought back the course to top notch agronomy standards which it sorely needed."
Read More2025
Review
“The renovation didn't change many of the holes, but allowed the course to thrive in Texas heat. You cannot overpower Colonial, long hitters will either be too long, or the fairway will narrow. This is a great example of a shotmakers course."
Read More2025
Review
“I love what they have done with the golf course. The integrity of the original design and greens were preserved, but the course is so much better. Hard to hit fairways. 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, and 17 use the creek and barranca perfectly. 18 is a terrific finishing hole as well, The club and it’s tradition is so complementary to the golf course."
Read More2025
