If you’ve lived in East Dallas for more than a week, you’ve probably heard someone mention "Tenison." It’s basically a rite of passage. But here’s the thing about Tenison Golf Course Dallas—it isn't just one place. It’s a tale of two wildly different experiences sitting right next to each other in the heart of Samuel-Grand Park. You have the Highlands, which feels like a posh, expensive private club you accidentally stumbled into, and then you have the Glen, which feels like a backyard barbecue where someone happened to bring golf clubs.
Most people who search for a tee time here don't realize how much the choice matters.
The history here is deep. We’re talking 1924 deep. Back then, it was just the "Tenison Park" course, named after Edward Chase Tenison, who donated the land in memory of his son. It was the first municipally owned course in the city. Since then, it has survived the Great Depression, hosted the 1968 U.S. Public Links Championship, and seen millions of divots. Honestly, if these fairways could talk, they’d probably tell you to fix your slice and stop swearing so loud near the 10th tee.
The Highlands vs. The Glen: Making the Right Call
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of why you’d pick one over the other.
The Highlands is the showstopper. In 2001, Ralph Plummer’s original design got a massive $4.5 million facelift by architect D.A. Weibring and Golf Resources Group. They didn't just move some dirt; they completely reimagined it. It’s hilly. It’s got TifEagle Bermuda greens that are faster than a Dallas driver on 75. It’s a "resort-style" course, which is basically code for "it’s going to look great in your Instagram photos but might hurt your feelings if you can't hit a straight long iron."
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The elevation changes are what catch most people off guard. Texas is supposed to be flat, right? Not here. You’re playing over creeks and navigating hardwood forests. It feels isolated from the city, even though the skyline is just a few miles away.
Then there’s the Glen.
The Glen is the "old school" side. It’s flatter, shorter, and significantly cheaper. If you’re a beginner or just want to play a quick round with your buddies without losing twelve balls in a creek, this is your spot. It’s got that classic parkland layout. It's approachable. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a guy in a t-shirt and work boots playing alongside a college kid with a $3,000 bag. That’s the magic of Tenison. It’s incredibly democratic.
Why Tenison Golf Course Dallas Actually Matters to the Community
You can't talk about this place without talking about the culture. This isn't some stuffy country club where you need a recommendation from a Senator to get through the gate.
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Lee Trevino—yes, that Lee Trevino—used to hang out here back in the day. Before he was winning majors, he was a legendary "hustler" at Tenison. There are stories of him winning bets using a soda bottle as a club. That gritty, competitive, yet welcoming spirit still lingers. You feel it in the clubhouse. You feel it at the practice range, which, by the way, is one of the better spots in the city to work on your game under the lights.
The Tenison Golf Course Dallas pro shop is actually helpful. That sounds like a small thing, but if you’ve ever been looked down upon by a 22-year-old assistant pro at a high-end club, you know why it matters. The staff here actually knows the regulars by name. They know who likes their coffee black and who’s likely to be late for their 7:15 AM tee time.
Navigating the Challenges
Is it perfect? No. It’s a muni.
Because it’s popular, pace of play can be... let's call it "leisurely." On a Saturday morning, you might be looking at a five-hour round. The drainage on the Glen side can be a bit wonky after a heavy North Texas thunderstorm. If it rains three inches on Tuesday, the Glen might be a swamp on Wednesday. The Highlands handles the weather better because of the modern irrigation and sand-based greens, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
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Also, the squirrels. I'm convinced the squirrels at Tenison are part of a coordinated crime syndicate. If you leave a sleeve of crackers in your cart, they will find them. They aren't scared of you. They’ve seen thousands of golfers; you’re just a mobile snack delivery service to them.
The Technical Specs (For the Gearheads)
For those who care about the numbers, here is the breakdown.
The Highlands plays at 7,078 yards from the back tees. It’s a par 72. The slope rating is 130, and the course rating is 73.7. Basically, if you play from the tips, you better have some game. The greens are often elevated, meaning if you come up short, your ball is rolling thirty yards back down a hill.
The Glen is a par 71 and significantly shorter, topping out around 6,000 yards. It’s much more manageable for the average amateur. The greens are generally smaller and flatter, making for a faster, less stressful putting experience.
Real Advice for Your First Visit
If you’re heading out to Tenison Golf Course Dallas for the first time, here is the unvarnished truth on how to handle it.
- Book early. This isn't a suggestion. If you want a weekend spot, you need to be on that website the second the window opens.
- Warm up at the Cafe. The grill at Tenison is actually good. Get a breakfast taco. It’s a local staple.
- Check the wind. Being in East Dallas, the wind can whip through the trees. On the Highlands, especially on the back nine, the wind can turn a 7-iron into a 5-iron real fast.
- Don't overthink the Highlands greens. They look like they break more than they do. Trust the line, hit it firm.
- Watch out for the 18th on the Highlands. It’s a beastly par 4 with water and a demanding approach. Many a good round has died a painful death on that final hole.
The beauty of this place is the variety. You can go from feeling like a pro on the Highlands to feeling like a kid again on the Glen. It represents the best of Dallas golf—accessible, historic, and just challenging enough to keep you coming back even when you swear you’re quitting the game forever.
Actionable Next Steps for Golfers
- For the Competitive Player: Book a morning tee time on the Highlands. Focus on your approach shots; the greens are well-guarded, and missing on the wrong side will lead to an automatic bogey or worse.
- For the Weekend Hobbyist: Grab a twilight rate on the Glen. It’s the best value in the city and allows for a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
- For the Improver: Use the Tenison practice facility in the evenings. The lighting is solid, and the atmosphere is far less intimidating than some of the private ranges in North Dallas.
- Logistics: Always check the Dallas Park and Recreation website for current cart path rules, especially during the spring "rainy season," as the Glen side is frequently restricted to path-only play.