Vaquero Club
The Cost
~$325,000 Initiation | ~$3,250/mo Dues
The Vibe
Celebrity enclave and modern luxury.
Why It's Top 10
Vaquero isn't just a country club; it's a fortress of privacy for the ultra-wealthy. Located in the affluent Westlake community, it’s the preferred playground for CEOs, professional athletes, and the Jonas Brothers. The Tom Fazio-designed course is impeccable, but the real draw is the "concierge lifestyle." Members enjoy a level of service where their favorite drink is waiting before they ask, and the culinary program rivals the best restaurants in Dallas. It is widely considered the gold standard for modern club amenities in Texas.
Signature Amenity
The Fish Camp, a stocked fishing lake with a dedicated clubhouse for family events.
Northwood Club
The Cost
~$225,000 Initiation | ~$1,125/mo Dues
The Vibe
Championship history meets family-forward elegance.
Why It's Top 10
Northwood is steeped in history, having hosted the 1952 U.S. Open, but it refuses to live in the past. A massive renovation has revitalized the clubhouse and course, making it one of the most desirable memberships in Dallas. It strikes a perfect balance between a serious golfer's club and a family retreat. The social scene is vibrant, and the waitlist is long, reflecting its status as a "total package" club that caters to every generation of the Park Cities elite.
Signature Amenity
The newly renovated PGA championship golf course.
Brook Hollow Golf Club
The Cost
~$242,000 Initiation | ~$1,565/mo Dues
The Vibe
Old money, understated power, and architectural purity.
Why It's Top 10
If you have to ask how to get in, you probably can't. Brook Hollow is the bastion of Dallas's old guard. Founded in 1920, it features a classic A.W. Tillinghast course that is revered by golf purists for its architectural integrity. The club eschews flash for tradition; it’s where business has been conducted for a century. The membership is a who's who of Dallas society, and the "invite-only" culture is strictly enforced. It is the definition of quiet luxury.
Signature Amenity
The Tillinghast course, consistently ranked among the best classic courses in America.
Dallas Country Club
The Cost
~$225,000 Initiation | ~$1,145/mo Dues
The Vibe
The social epicenter of Highland Park.
Why It's Top 10
Sitting on prime real estate in the heart of Highland Park, DCC is the oldest and most socially exclusive club in Dallas. For generations, it has been the living room for the city's most influential families. The waitlist is legendary—often measured in years or decades. While the golf course is excellent, membership here is primarily a statement of social arrival. The grand new clubhouse overlooks Turtle Creek, serving as the backdrop for the city's most important debutante balls and weddings.
Signature Amenity
The sheer exclusivity of the membership roster.
Shady Oaks Country Club
The Cost
~$150,000 Initiation | ~$1,228/mo Dues
The Vibe
Ben Hogan's sanctuary.
Why It's Top 10
Shady Oaks is hallowed ground for serious golfers. It was the longtime home of legend Ben Hogan, and his spirit permeates every corner of the club. Unlike the social-heavy Dallas clubs, Shady Oaks is unapologetically about the game. The membership is tight-knit and golf-obsessed. The course is demanding, the practice facilities are world-class, and the culture is one of reverence for the sport. It carries immense cachet among those who know a birdie from a bogey.
Signature Amenity
The Little Nine, a par-3 course designed for short-game perfection.
Royal Oaks Country Club
The Cost
~$125,000 Initiation | ~$1,086/mo Dues
The Vibe
Consistent excellence and community.
Why It's Top 10
Royal Oaks is the "golfer's country club" of Dallas. It consistently ranks at the top for course conditions and tournament play. While it has all the trappings of a high-end social club, the heart of Royal Oaks is its Fred Couples signature golf course. The membership is active and engaged, creating a vibrant atmosphere that feels less stuffy than some of its older counterparts. It’s a place where people actually play, not just dine.
Signature Amenity
The Fred Couples Signature Golf Course.
Colonial Country Club
The Cost
~$100,000 Initiation | ~$1,195/mo Dues
The Vibe
PGA Tour history and "Hogan's Alley."
Why It's Top 10
Colonial is perhaps the most famous club in Texas, known globally as the host of the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge. Walking the fairways here is walking in the footsteps of legends. The club is currently undergoing a massive Gil Hanse renovation to restore it to its original glory, ensuring it remains a championship test for decades to come. Membership here connects you to the deep roots of Texas golf history.
Signature Amenity
The Wall of Champions, featuring every winner of the Colonial tournament.
Bent Tree Country Club
The Cost
~$125,000 Initiation | ~$1,130/mo Dues
The Vibe
North Dallas luxury and challenging play.
Why It's Top 10
Bent Tree is a powerhouse in the North Dallas corridor. Known for hosting LPGA tournaments and the Senior PGA, the course is a serious test of golf with water in play on nearly every hole. The club is in the midst of a full course renovation that promises to elevate its standing even further. It attracts a mix of corporate executives and serious golfers who appreciate the challenging layout and the impeccable service.
Signature Amenity
The challenging water features that define the course layout.
Lakewood Country Club
The Cost
~$135,000 Initiation | ~$975/mo Dues
The Vibe
Historic charm and a young, active membership.
Why It's Top 10
Lakewood is the soul of East Dallas. Founded in 1912, it features a charming Spanish Colonial clubhouse and a classic course that is fun yet tricky. In recent years, it has become the club of choice for young, wealthy families who want a relaxed but upscale environment. The pool scene is legendary, and the upcoming renovations have members buzzing. It’s less formal than the Park Cities clubs but no less prestigious.
Signature Amenity
The iconic Spanish Colonial clubhouse.
Gleneagles Country Club
The Cost
~$80,000 Initiation | ~$1,450/mo Dues
The Vibe
The 36-hole powerhouse of Plano.
Why It's Top 10
Gleneagles is the undisputed king of the suburbs. With two championship 18-hole courses (The Kings and The Queens), it offers variety that few other clubs can match. It is the social hub of Plano’s elite, with a massive clubhouse, extensive tennis facilities, and a busy social calendar. Both courses have been fully updated, ensuring they are in peak condition. It’s the best overall value for the active family that wants it all.
Signature Amenity
36 holes of championship golf.