You’re driving down Highway 360, past the suburban sprawl of South Arlington, and suddenly the landscape just... opens up. It’s weird. You expect more strip malls, but instead, you get this massive expanse of green and oak trees. That’s Mansfield National Golf Club. It’s one of those courses that feels like it shouldn't be as good as it is for the price. Honestly, North Texas golf is getting expensive. Like, "why am I paying $120 for a muni" expensive. But Mansfield National has always occupied this sweet spot. It's a Par 70, which might turn off some of the long-ball hunters, but if you think that makes it easy, you’re in for a long afternoon.
It’s a John Colligan design. If you know DFW golf, you know Colligan. He’s the guy behind the massive renovation at Stevens Park in Dallas and the miracle work at Squaw Creek. He doesn't do boring. At Mansfield National, he took 225 acres of what used to be rolling farmland and turned it into a 6,850-yard challenge that feels way tighter than the scorecard suggests. It opened back in 2000, and while a lot of courses from that era have started to look a bit tired, this place keeps its teeth.
What the Scorecard Doesn't Tell You About Mansfield National Golf Club
Most people look at a Par 70 and think "birdie fest." Don't.
The course rating is 72.7 from the back tees with a slope of 128. That tells you everything you need to know. It’s not just a walk in the park. You've got four par-3s and only two par-5s. This layout forces you to be precise with your long irons and hybrids because those par-4s? They aren’t jokes. Some of them play straight into the prevailing Texas wind, making a 420-yard hole feel like a marathon.
The conditioning is usually the big talking point here. They use 419 Bermuda grass on the fairways and MiniVerde Bermuda on the greens. If you’ve played on bentgrass your whole life, the MiniVerde is going to be a shock to the system. It’s fast. It’s grainy. It’s unforgiving if you’re on the wrong side of the hole. During the peak of a Texas summer, when the ground gets hard as a rock, the ball will roll forever, but it also means your approach shots need to have some serious spin to stay on the surface.
The Lowdown on the Front Nine
The opening hole is a bit of a "handshake" hole. It’s a 372-yard par 4 that doesn't demand too much, just get it in play. But by the time you hit the back-to-back par 4s at 5 and 6, the honeymoon is over.
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Hole 6 is particularly nasty. It’s a 455-yard par 4 that usually plays into the wind. If you don't hit a pure drive, you're looking at a wood or a long hybrid into a green that’s protected by bunkers. Most amateurs are happy to walk off with a five there. Honestly, a bogey doesn't even feel that bad. It's just a brute.
The Back Nine Burn
The back nine at Mansfield National Golf Club is where rounds go to die, specifically because of the water. You’ll notice the elevation changes more on this side. It’s less "flat Texas" and more "rolling hills."
The par-3 13th is the one everyone remembers. It’s not exceptionally long—usually playing around 160 to 180 yards—but it’s all carry over water to a green that feels about the size of a postage stamp when you're standing on the tee box. If the wind is swirling, which it always is in Mansfield, club selection becomes a guessing game. Take an extra club. Just do it. The bunker behind the green is a much better place to be than the pond in front.
Then you hit 17 and 18.
17 is a short par 4, only 340 yards, but it’s a total "risk-reward" play. You can try to drive it close, but the fairway narrows and there’s trouble everywhere. Most regulars just hit a 4-iron and a wedge.
18 is a finishing hole that requires a forced carry over a creek on the second shot. It’s dramatic. It’s stressful. It’s exactly how a golf course should end.
Why the "National" Name?
People sometimes ask if it’s a private club because of the "National" in the title. Nope. It’s 100% public. It’s owned by the City of Mansfield but managed by Arcis Golf. That’s an important distinction. Arcis is one of the biggest players in the golf industry, and they’ve poured a lot of money into the infrastructure here.
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The clubhouse isn't a Taj Mahal, but it’s functional. The "Lowland Grill" serves up a solid burger and the beer is cold. That’s really all you need after 18 holes in the sun. They also have a massive practice facility. The driving range is grass (most of the time, unless they're letting it heal), and there's a big chipping area. It’s a popular spot for local high school teams and "range rats" who just want to beat balls for two hours.
Let’s Talk About the "Arcis" Factor
Because it's an Arcis-managed property, you'll see a lot of people using their Arcis Players' Club memberships. This is basically a subscription model for golf. You pay a monthly fee and get discounted rates and free range balls.
- Pro: It makes golf super affordable for locals.
- Con: It makes the course very busy.
If you're trying to play on a Saturday morning, good luck getting a tee time less than a week in advance. The pace of play can also be a bit of a slog on weekends. We’re talking 4.5 to 5 hours. If you want a quick round, you’ve got to be the first one off the tee at sunrise or wait for a Tuesday afternoon.
The Environmental Side of Things
One thing most people don't realize is that Mansfield National is an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary. This isn't just a fancy title. It means they have to follow strict rules about how they use water, chemicals, and how they protect the local wildlife. You’ll see plenty of hawks, bobcats (rarely, but they’re there), and a ton of water birds. It gives the course a more natural, rugged feel compared to the manicured, "country club" look of places like TPC Craig Ranch or Cowboys Golf Club.
Common Misconceptions and What to Watch Out For
A lot of golfers think because Mansfield National is near Joe Pool Lake, it’s going to be swampy. Actually, the drainage here is surprisingly good. Even after a heavy North Texas thunderstorm, the course usually dries out faster than the municipal courses in Arlington or Grand Prairie.
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Another misconception? That you can just "grip it and rip it."
If you spray the ball at Mansfield National, you're going to lose a dozen balls. The rough is thick Bermuda, and if you go past that, you're in the native tall grass or the trees. It’s a "target" golf course disguised as a traditional layout.
Wait, what about the price?
Prices fluctuate based on dynamic pricing. On a weekday, you might find a deal for $45. On a prime weekend morning, it might spike to $85 or $90. For the quality of the layout, it’s still a steal. Compare that to some of the high-end daily fee courses in North Dallas where you’re paying $150+, and you’ll see why people drive from all over the metroplex to play here.
Practical Tips for Your First Round
- Check the Wind: Seriously. Look at the flags. If the wind is out of the South at 20 mph, the back nine plays two clubs longer.
- Stay Below the Hole: The greens have some subtle breaks that you won't see until the ball is six feet past the cup.
- Use the GPS: The carts are usually equipped with GPS. Use it. There are several blind shots where you think you have room, but there’s a bunker or a drop-off waiting for you.
- Book Online: Don't just show up. They are almost always at capacity.
How It Compares to Nearby Courses
If you’re debating between Mansfield National and, say, Tierra Verde or Tangle Ridge, here’s the breakdown.
Tierra Verde is more "nature-heavy" and can be even more punishing.
Tangle Ridge has more dramatic elevation changes and a more "resort" feel.
Mansfield National is the blue-collar champion of the three. It’s consistent. It’s fair. It’s just solid golf without the pretension.
Actionable Insights for Golfers
If you’re planning a trip to play Mansfield National Golf Club, keep these specific strategies in mind to save a few strokes:
- The "Safe" Play on 18: Most players try to crush a driver on the final hole. Don't. A 3-wood or even a hybrid off the tee leaves you a manageable shot over the water. It’s much better than hitting from the weeds.
- Warm Up on the Short Game Area: Since the MiniVerde greens are the course’s primary defense, spend 20 minutes on the practice green. Getting the speed down is the difference between a 32-putt round and a 40-putt disaster.
- Hydrate: There isn't a lot of shade on the fairways. In July and August, this course turns into a furnace. Bring more water than you think you need.
The real draw of this place isn't just the golf; it's the fact that it feels like a community hub. You’ll see the same groups of retirees every morning and the same groups of young professionals every twilight. It’s got a soul. In an era where golf is becoming increasingly corporate and "sterile," Mansfield National remains a bit raw, a bit wild, and thoroughly Texan.
To get the most out of your visit, book your tee time exactly seven days in advance through the official website to secure the best rates. If you're a local, look into the Arcis Players' Club 'Prime' tier—it usually pays for itself if you play more than twice a month. For those traveling from outside the area, aim for a mid-morning tee time on a Thursday; you'll miss the early bird rush and the course will be in its best shape before the weekend crowds arrive.