Pecan Hollow Golf Course is a municipal 18-hole course in Irving, Texas, known for its tree-lined fairways, mature pecan trees and challenging layout that rewards accuracy over distance. Opened in 1975, this Joe Finger design remains one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s most popular public courses, offering a traditional parkland experience at an accessible price point for golfers of all skill levels.
Key takeaways:
- Par-70 course playing 6,534 yards from the championship tees with four sets of tees to suit different abilities
- Signature feature: mature pecan and oak trees creating tight landing zones and doglegs
- Typical weekday rates range from $30–50, weekend rates $45–65 depending on season and time of day
- Course conditions vary by season; spring and fall offer the best playing surfaces
- Advance tee time booking recommended, especially for weekend morning slots
Course Layout and Design Philosophy
Architect Joe Finger designed Pecan Hollow Golf Course to take advantage of the natural terrain and native pecan groves that define the property. The result is a course where positioning off the tee matters more than pure distance, with narrow fairways, strategic bunkering and elevated greens that punish wayward approach shots.
The par-70 layout includes four par 3s, ten par 4s and four par 5s. From the championship tees, the course measures 6,534 yards with a slope rating of 122 and course rating of 71.5. The white tees (6,026 yards) and gold tees (5,494 yards) offer more manageable distances for mid- and high-handicap players, while forward tees (4,866 yards) keep the course accessible for beginners and seniors.
Water comes into play on seven holes, most notably on the par-4 15th, where a creek runs along the left side of the fairway and fronts the green. Bunkers are positioned to catch both aggressive tee shots and poorly executed approach shots, with greenside bunkers deeper than they appear from the fairway.
Signature Holes
The par-3 7th hole plays downhill to a green surrounded by water on three sides, demanding precise club selection and commitment to the shot. Any miss short or left finds water, while bailing out right leaves a difficult chip back to a green that slopes away from the player.
The par-5 18th is a strong finishing hole that doglegs right around mature trees. Long hitters can reach the green in two if they carry the corner, but the safer play is a layup to 100 yards, avoiding the fairway bunkers that guard the landing zone for second shots.
The par-4 13th requires a tee shot threaded between pecan trees on both sides to a fairway that narrows at the 150-yard marker. The approach plays uphill to a two-tiered green where club selection and ball position are critical for avoiding three-putts.
Course Conditions and Maintenance
As a municipal course, Pecan Hollow’s conditioning varies with budget cycles and seasonal weather patterns. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) typically offer the best playing conditions, with firm fairways, consistent greens and manageable rough. [EDITOR: add current green speed measurements and recent maintenance schedule]
Summer heat (June–August) can stress the Bermuda grass, leading to tighter lies in the fairways and occasional bare spots in high-traffic areas. The course aerates greens in early spring and again in fall, which temporarily affects putting surfaces for 2–3 weeks.
Greens typically run at 9–10 on the Stimpmeter during peak season, which is moderate speed for a public course. Players report that greens hold well-struck iron shots but reject anything hit thin or landed short of the green’s front edge.
[EDITOR: add photos showing current fairway and green conditions from different seasons]
Tee Times, Rates and Policies
Pecan Hollow Golf Course accepts tee time reservations up to seven days in advance for the general public. Irving residents can book eight days ahead. Weekend mornings (7:00 AM–10:00 AM) fill quickly during spring and fall, so booking at the earliest opportunity is recommended.
Pricing Structure
| Day/Time | Resident Rate | Non-Resident Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (before 2:00 PM) | $28–38 | $35–50 |
| Weekday (after 2:00 PM) | $22–30 | $28–38 |
| Weekend/Holiday (before 12:00 PM) | $40–50 | $50–65 |
| Weekend/Holiday (after 12:00 PM) | $32–40 | $40–52 |
Rates vary by season and may change; confirm current pricing when booking. Cart fees are included in greens fees. Walking is permitted, though the course layout makes it a long walk with significant elevation changes between some holes.
[EDITOR: confirm current rates, resident/non-resident policies and cart requirements with course directly]
Pace of Play
Expected pace is 4 hours 15 minutes for a foursome. Weekend rounds during peak times can stretch to 4 hours 45 minutes. Marshals monitor pace and will skip groups ahead if necessary. The course layout includes several bottlenecks where groups can back up, particularly at the par-3 7th and the narrow 13th.
Practice Facilities
Pecan Hollow offers a grass driving range, practice putting green and short-game area. Range balls are available for $6–10 per bucket depending on size. The range runs parallel to the first fairway and provides adequate space for working on all clubs, though the hitting area can become worn during busy periods.
The putting green is large enough to practice lag putts and features similar grass and speed to the course greens, making it valuable for pre-round warmup. The short-game area includes a practice bunker, though it is smaller than greenside bunkers on the course.
For golfers looking to improve their game beyond the course, consider building a home practice setup to work on fundamentals between rounds.
Amenities and Services
The clubhouse includes a pro shop stocked with basic equipment, apparel and accessories. Club rentals are available (graphite and steel options) for $20–30. Pull carts rent for $5.
Food and beverage service includes a snack bar with standard fare (hot dogs, sandwiches, beer and soft drinks). The turn is between the 9th green and 10th tee, with a beverage cart that circulates on weekends and during peak weekday times.
Group outings and tournaments can be arranged through the pro shop. The course accommodates shotgun starts for groups of 60 or more players. Corporate and charity events are common during spring and fall.
What to Expect: Skill Level and Strategy
Pecan Hollow rewards accuracy and course management over raw distance. Low-handicap players will find the course challenging when played from the tips, particularly in windy conditions when tree-lined fairways offer little room for error. The course’s slope rating of 122 from the championship tees is modest but understates the penalty for missing fairways.
Mid-handicap players (10–20 handicap) will find the white tees provide a fair test without excessive length. The key is selecting the correct tee box: playing too far back turns manageable par 4s into three-shot holes and removes risk/reward decisions on par 5s.
High-handicap players and beginners benefit from the forward tees, which reduce forced carries over water and shorten approach shots to more hittable distances. The course can be enjoyable for all levels if egos are checked at the first tee and the appropriate tees are chosen.
Course Management Tips
- Club selection off the tee: a 3-wood or hybrid often provides better position than driver on tight par 4s, particularly holes 4, 10 and 13
- Avoid short-siding yourself on approach shots; greens slope back-to-front on most holes, so missing long is better than short
- Pay attention to pin positions: front pins are often tucked behind bunkers, while back pins require an extra club due to green depth
- In windy conditions, expect the tree-lined corridors to create swirling winds that make club selection difficult; trust the yardage and add a club for headwinds
- Water hazards are clearly visible; commit to the shot or play away from trouble rather than hoping for a perfect strike
Reading greens accurately is critical at Pecan Hollow, as multi-tiered surfaces and subtle breaks can add strokes quickly. For tips on improving your green-reading skills, see our guide on how to read golf greens before you line up a putt.
How Pecan Hollow Compares to Other Dallas-Fort Worth Courses
Pecan Hollow sits in the middle tier of Dallas-Fort Worth public golf in terms of conditioning and challenge. It offers better tree-lined traditional golf than many newer courses that prioritize length and open designs, but it does not match the conditioning of premium daily-fee courses or the architectural interest of newer Joe Finger or Robert von Hagge designs in the area.
Compared to other municipal options in the metroplex, Pecan Hollow is more challenging and better maintained than many city courses but lacks the length and modern amenities of newer facilities. The value proposition is strong for golfers seeking a legitimate test of golf at an affordable price without the crowds or premium rates of championship daily-fee courses.
For golfers exploring other options in Texas, our guide to the best golf courses in Texas covers premier destinations across the state.
Nearby Accommodations and Logistics
Pecan Hollow Golf Course is located at 4010 Pecan Hollow Drive, Irving, TX 75038, approximately 15 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Multiple hotels are within a 5-mile radius, making it a convenient option for travelers with layovers or business in the area.
Free parking is available adjacent to the clubhouse. The course is accessible from Highway 114 and is well-marked with signage from major roads. GPS coordinates are 32.8806° N, 96.9861° W.
[EDITOR: confirm address, phone number and hours of operation match current course information]
Booking and Contact Information
Tee times can be booked online through the City of Irving golf portal or by calling the pro shop directly. Online booking is recommended for convenience and to view real-time availability. The course accepts major credit cards for both online and phone bookings.
Cancellation policies require 24-hour notice to avoid charges. Rain checks are issued for course closures due to weather but are not provided for pace-of-play delays or personal schedule changes.
Group bookings and tournament inquiries should be directed to the course’s event coordinator at least 30 days in advance for spring and fall dates, which book quickly.
Final Verdict: Is Pecan Hollow Worth Playing?
Pecan Hollow Golf Course delivers a solid traditional golf experience at a fair price for players who value shot-making over length and appreciate mature tree-lined parkland golf. The course rewards accuracy, punishes mistakes and provides enough variety to keep regulars engaged while remaining accessible to mid- and high-handicap players from appropriate tees.
Conditioning can be inconsistent compared to premium daily-fee courses, and weekend pace of play can test patience, but for the price point and convenience, Pecan Hollow remains a worthwhile option in the Dallas-Fort Worth public golf rotation. Book a morning tee time in spring or fall, choose the tees that match your game, and prepare for a course that demands smart play rather than brute force.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to play Pecan Hollow Golf Course?
Weekday rates for non-residents range from $35–50 before 2:00 PM and $28–38 after 2:00 PM. Weekend and holiday rates are $50–65 before noon and $40–52 after noon. Irving residents receive discounts of approximately $8–15 per round. Cart fees are included in greens fees.
Can you walk Pecan Hollow Golf Course?
Walking is permitted at Pecan Hollow, though the course layout includes significant elevation changes and distance between some holes, making it a long walk. Most players choose to ride, as cart fees are included in the greens fee and do not add to the overall cost.
How far in advance can you book tee times at Pecan Hollow?
The general public can book tee times up to seven days in advance, while Irving residents can book eight days ahead. Weekend morning times (7:00 AM–10:00 AM) fill quickly during peak season, so booking at the earliest opportunity is recommended.
What is the slope rating and course rating at Pecan Hollow?
From the championship tees (6,534 yards), Pecan Hollow has a slope rating of 122 and a course rating of 71.5. The white tees measure 6,026 yards with a lower slope, and forward tees provide additional options for higher-handicap players seeking a more manageable challenge.
What is the best time of year to play Pecan Hollow Golf Course?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best playing conditions, with firm fairways, consistent greens and moderate temperatures. Summer heat can stress the Bermuda grass, while the course aerates greens in early spring and fall, temporarily affecting putting surfaces for 2–3 weeks.
Does Pecan Hollow have a driving range and practice facilities?
Yes, Pecan Hollow offers a grass driving range, practice putting green and short-game area with a practice bunker. Range balls cost $6–10 per bucket depending on size. The putting green provides similar speed and grass type to the course greens, making it useful for pre-round warmup.
