Marfa Municipal Golf Course
Marfa Municipal Golf Course delivers an authentic West Texas experience with its high-desert terrain, small raised greens, and ever-changing winds. This 9-hole municipal course challenges golfers to adapt to natural conditions, making it a worthy stop for players seeking a straightforward but engaging round in an uncommon landscape.
Course Overview
Marfa Municipal Golf Course offers a distinct golfing experience amid the high desert plains of West Texas. This nine-hole municipal layout stretches out at an elevation nearing 4,800 feet, introducing players to a blend of dry desert ambiance and surprising pockets of well-maintained turf. While compact in length, the course plays a full 18 holes through the use of two different tee sets, presenting a genuine challenge despite its modest size.
Set against the vast, open skies typical of the region, the fairways reveal a rugged character, with patches of rocky terrain and arid desert vegetation shaping both strategy and shot selection. The greens stand out as arguably the course’s most compelling feature: small, raised platforms measuring roughly 200 to 300 square feet, carefully irrigated to remain lush amid the otherwise dry surroundings. They demand precise approach shots and creative short-game tactics, particularly since many are contoured with severe mounding that encourages balls to drift or roll off if not landed carefully. Managing these greens is key to scoring well here.
Wind is an ever-present force on the course, fluctuating in intensity and direction to test the golfer’s ability to control ball flight. Players new to Marfa are often advised to master low, penetrating shots that cut beneath the gusts. The elevation also means the ball will travel farther, requiring recalibration on club selection.
Despite its simplicity, Marfa Municipal extends a welcoming atmosphere to players with a practical focus rather than luxury. A small clubhouse with friendly staff provides basic amenities, while the course supports both walking and the optional use of carts. The landscape can be tough on footing, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Players should prepare for dryness and high UV exposure, making hydration and sun protection essential.
Visitors seeking an authentic slice of West Texas golf will appreciate the course’s raw natural setting, straightforward layout, and open accessibility. Marfa Municipal Golf Course offers a refreshing alternative to traditional resort or championship venues, where the environment itself plays a defining role in the round. For those passing through or staying nearby, it provides an inviting spot to engage with the game at a deliberate pace, in surroundings that are challenging yet approachable.
Course Highlights
The course is distinguished by its elevated, compact greens that require precise approach shots, as well as a natural desert landscape accented by open skies and persistent winds. Its elevation enhances ball flight distance, while the challenging winds and small greens create a test of control and strategy uncommon for municipal courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
R Fielder
We just played 9 holes in Marfa and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The fairway and greens were managed well, we thought. The dry desert look in the background made it different and actually west Texas scenic. We had fun. Mario in the clubhouse was very friendly to us, even walking out after us, making more conversation. We appreciated that. We recommend.
Dustin Roades
I had a couple of hours to kill before getting the day started so decided to play nine holes at the course since I had my clubs in tow. (We were in transit to Lajitas and stayed a few nights in Marfa). Anywho......walked the course and was by myself. If you walk or ride be careful and stay focused. I saw a few desert animals in fairways and rough (desert). See photos. The greens were in pretty good shape and fairways acceptable if you can hit them. Make sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit or debit cards. All in all, for the value it was great to enjoy the cool morning and walk it out.
Maranda Parker
It’s okay course ( lack of good green grass ) . The website is wrong on price ($23 I think) . They take only cash .!! The driving range was great . Not too many people on the course , maybe 2 other groups . We would play again if in the area .
Katherine Pollock
Peaceful and rustic desert golf w great greens!
Michael A
The course itself was in poor condition. The fairways are dried out. Many are half of a fairway at best. But I followed the 90-degree rule. The greens are the most interesting part. Most are raised at least three feet and measure (a 'guesstimate') maybe 200-300 square feet. The greens and surrounding areas were well watered and green. Chipping up is a challenge. The wind will blow hard. This is the highest golf course in Texas. The wind will affect the perceived "the ball flies further at 4,800 feet high. The wind was shifting and rarely behind me. The reason I give 4 stars is because it was a great something to do, since my time in Marfa was early in the week and most galleries are closed Sunday through Wednesday or Thursday. Also, I was the only person playing on the course! It was awesome! There was one gentleman working, and took the money, cut the grass, moved the carts, etc. They have riding and pull carts. It is a 9 hole course, owned by the city. You are required to buy 18 holes. Since I exercised in the morning, I rented a cart. Cart and green fees totaled $34! A great deal. The fees may be more on weekends. I wish I had asked for the gentleman's name, as he was very nice and accommodating. The temperature was in the mid-90s. But it is so dry, it is not that hot. A very high UV index is to be expected. I enjoyed myself very much here. They have snacks, but I am not sure if they serve food/meals. Beer is available. Enjoy!
R Fielder
We just played 9 holes in Marfa and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The fairway and greens were managed well, we thought. The dry desert look in the background made it different and actually west Texas scenic. We had fun. Mario in the clubhouse was very friendly to us, even walking out after us, making more conversation. We appreciated that. We recommend.
Iram Marquez
Timothy Walsh
I had the experience of playing this golf course five times in ten days. I learned a lot! I am a better golfer for playing here. My advice to first timers to this course 1) bring some colored golf balls - the red, pink or blue balls - the white balls blend in with the sun reflecting off leaves and rocks, and it can be quite difficult to find your ball even after a a good shot! 2) learn how to hit low forceful shots that go under the wind - "knockdown shots"? - and run and bounce up on to the green. While the greens are well watered and will hold a good shot, they are small, raised, and seriously mounded to help balls run right off. I estimate you need to drop your ball onto a circle of five to ten yards to hit each green, and with the wind, that is tough to accomplish! Once I got the feel of running the ball up on to the green, I was able to get some pars... The areas around the greens, and the tees, are well watered, and the fairways give nice lies. The rough is rocky dirt, with critter holes everywhere. The course is managed Texas style - if no one is in the shop, go ahead and start your game, you can settle up later. They leave the carts out with keys in to facilitate this. While only 9 holes, this is a full length course, with two sets of tees to make the 18 holes. Have fun playing real West Texas golf!
Michael A
The course itself was in poor condition. The fairways are dried out. Many are half of a fairway at best. But I followed the 90-degree rule. The greens are the most interesting part. Most are raised at least three feet and measure (a 'guesstimate') maybe 200-300 square feet. The greens and surrounding areas were well watered and green. Chipping up is a challenge. The wind will blow hard. This is the highest golf course in Texas. The wind will affect the perceived "the ball flies further at 4,800 feet high. The wind was shifting and rarely behind me. The reason I give 4 stars is because it was a great something to do, since my time in Marfa was early in the week and most galleries are closed Sunday through Wednesday or Thursday. Also, I was the only person playing on the course! It was awesome! There was one gentleman working, and took the money, cut the grass, moved the carts, etc. They have riding and pull carts. It is a 9 hole course, owned by the city. You are required to buy 18 holes. Since I exercised in the morning, I rented a cart. Cart and green fees totaled $34! A great deal. The fees may be more on weekends. I wish I had asked for the gentleman's name, as he was very nice and accommodating. The temperature was in the mid-90s. But it is so dry, it is not that hot. A very high UV index is to be expected. I enjoyed myself very much here. They have snacks, but I am not sure if they serve food/meals. Beer is available. Enjoy!
Timothy Walsh
I had the experience of playing this golf course five times in ten days. I learned a lot! I am a better golfer for playing here. My advice to first timers to this course 1) bring some colored golf balls - the red, pink or blue balls - the white balls blend in with the sun reflecting off leaves and rocks, and it can be quite difficult to find your ball even after a a good shot! 2) learn how to hit low forceful shots that go under the wind - "knockdown shots"? - and run and bounce up on to the green. While the greens are well watered and will hold a good shot, they are small, raised, and seriously mounded to help balls run right off. I estimate you need to drop your ball onto a circle of five to ten yards to hit each green, and with the wind, that is tough to accomplish! Once I got the feel of running the ball up on to the green, I was able to get some pars... The areas around the greens, and the tees, are well watered, and the fairways give nice lies. The rough is rocky dirt, with critter holes everywhere. The course is managed Texas style - if no one is in the shop, go ahead and start your game, you can settle up later. They leave the carts out with keys in to facilitate this. While only 9 holes, this is a full length course, with two sets of tees to make the 18 holes. Have fun playing real West Texas golf!
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Course Details
Access & Location
1502 Golf Course Rd, Marfa, TX 79843, USA
Small on-site clubhouse with friendly staff and basic amenities
Walking is encouraged. Course terrain is dry with rocky patches, so sturdy golf shoes are recommended.
No reservations necessary; payment accepted in cash only.
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