Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course
Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course in Terlingua, Texas, presents a challenging yet accessible 18-hole layout set against the striking Big Bend landscape. Impeccably maintained greens, natural hot springs, and sweeping views of the Rio Grande create a golf experience unlike any other in the Lone Star State.
Course Overview
Carved into the rugged terrain of West Texas’s Big Bend region, Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course offers an 18-hole public layout that challenges and captivates golfers of all levels. This unique desert-style course takes full advantage of its dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views, with the Chisos Mountains looming in the distance and the Rio Grande meandering near several holes. The landscape shapes the game here, demanding precision and strategic thinking more than sheer power, with fairways that roll gently amid natural rock formations and sand bunkers that stand ready to test your accuracy.
From elevated tee boxes, players confront sweeping vistas that heighten both the thrill and the focus required for each shot. The course is particularly known for its impeccable conditioning: carpet-smooth greens respond true and fast, while the fairways maintain a lushness rare in desert climates. A standout feature includes natural hot spring-fed creeks that thread through the property, sometimes veiling the course early in the morning with a soft steam, adding an almost otherworldly character to the setting.
The design balances challenge with approachability. While the layout rewards thoughtful shot placement, it does not alienate higher handicappers; the varied teeing grounds accommodate diverse skill levels. Protective rough and well-positioned hazards encourage risk-reward decisions, especially on key holes near the Rio Grande. The 15th tee offers a memorable moment where players can attempt a daring tee shot over the river into Mexico.
Service and amenities complement the golfing experience without overstating it. Players receive generous hydration with ice-cold water bottles on the course, and a well-maintained driving range provides ample practice before setting out. The pace of play is managed carefully, often grouping golfers in twosomes to maintain a thoughtful rhythm absent of pressure. Rental clubs are available and up to standard, accommodating travelers who prefer to travel light.
Black Jack’s Crossing invites golfers seeking a blend of natural wonder, precise playability, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether emerging early to witness steam rising from hot springs or finishing with a confident putt amid spectacular mountain backdrops, the course offers a singular adventure well worth the journey to Terlingua.
Course Highlights
The course features dramatic elevation shifts with multiple holes offering expansive views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. Hot spring-fed creeks wind through the terrain, creating natural hazards and unique visual elements. Well-maintained fast greens and immaculate fairways set a high standard, while the opportunity to play a tee shot over an international border adds a memorable thrill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Zach Smith
Phenomenal golf course. Peaceful, perfectly maintained. Hot spring fed creek throughout. They drained and were re-lining a lake while there, but otherwise completely pristine course. Must add for anyone’s bucket list.
Steve Schramm
OMG this was so much fun! Definitely go early morning before the wind comes up. Also the send you out as twosomes and that was great for my wife, who likes to play without being pressured to hurry up from other players. They give you six water bottles on ice with plenty more on the course. Good food and drinks available also. Rental clubs were good! Fantastic grass driving range with all the balls you need. We played in 4 hours and 10 minutes; nice pace. Enjoy the incredible mountain and canyon scenery, but the course itself is amazing: the greens are electric; so smooth and fast, the sand is absolutely perfect to hit out of, and the fairways and tee boxes are fantastic. This course is in really really great shape. That’s the main attraction from a golf standpoint. Also note that the water from the wells comes out at about 100°F, so in the early morning the waterfalls have steam coming off of them near the green on the third hole, which is pretty. Don’t forget that you are at altitude, and a 3000 feet elevation. My shots went farther than they usually do at sea level. I birdied the last hole, which made me happy. Don’t forget to hit a ball over the Rio Grande into Mexico on the 15th tee!
Wilson Randolph
It’s the nicest course I’ve ever played. Not only because of the carpet fairways, literally perfect greens, and interesting elements between holes such as hot springs and scenic drives… but also the atmosphere. It’s so dang quiet. Everyone seems relaxed. Happy to see you. Happy to answer questions you have. Marshalls are on top of things and are seen not heard. Genuinely a track I would happily come back to and bring friends. There’s really nothing else like it in Texas that is open to the public. Endless views. You will feel small. As Big Bend and the panhandle should make you feel. 6 stars out of 5.
Jim Otepka
Heaven.
Tyler W
Black Jack’s Crossing is hands down one of the most memorable golf experiences I’ve ever had. Tucked away in the heart of Big Bend country, this is a bucket-list course with jaw-dropping West Texas scenery. Every hole feels like a postcard — dramatic elevation changes, manicured fairways, and panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. The course layout is challenging but fair, offering a great mix of risk and reward. Whether you’re standing on a high tee box or navigating a tight approach shot, you’ll constantly be in awe of your surroundings.
Jon Levy
I can’t say enough good things about this golf experience. It’s a hidden gem, the service is fantastic, and the golf course is a boatload of fun. We played four rounds in three days and typically you might think that would be enough on one golf course, but the incredible thing is that there are new shots to play all over the place. A big shout out to the staff who is unbelievable and first class. Anthony McNamara And Armando gave a great warm welcome And I can’t say enough about the operation they run. The outside operations team all go above and beyond to make for a great experience. We can’t wait to get back down to Lajitas and Enjoy some world class golf again.
Jon Levy
I can’t say enough good things about this golf experience. It’s a hidden gem, the service is fantastic, and the golf course is a boatload of fun. We played four rounds in three days and typically you might think that would be enough on one golf course, but the incredible thing is that there are new shots to play all over the place. A big shout out to the staff who is unbelievable and first class. Anthony McNamara And Armando gave a great warm welcome And I can’t say enough about the operation they run. The outside operations team all go above and beyond to make for a great experience. We can’t wait to get back down to Lajitas and Enjoy some world class golf again.
Wilson Randolph
It’s the nicest course I’ve ever played. Not only because of the carpet fairways, literally perfect greens, and interesting elements between holes such as hot springs and scenic drives… but also the atmosphere. It’s so dang quiet. Everyone seems relaxed. Happy to see you. Happy to answer questions you have. Marshalls are on top of things and are seen not heard. Genuinely a track I would happily come back to and bring friends. There’s really nothing else like it in Texas that is open to the public. Endless views. You will feel small. As Big Bend and the panhandle should make you feel. 6 stars out of 5.
Tyler W
Black Jack’s Crossing is hands down one of the most memorable golf experiences I’ve ever had. Tucked away in the heart of Big Bend country, this is a bucket-list course with jaw-dropping West Texas scenery. Every hole feels like a postcard — dramatic elevation changes, manicured fairways, and panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. The course layout is challenging but fair, offering a great mix of risk and reward. Whether you’re standing on a high tee box or navigating a tight approach shot, you’ll constantly be in awe of your surroundings.
Nick Ponomarenko
Outstanding Golf Course. Service by employees are awesome.
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Course Details
Access & Location
70 Clay Henry Blvd, Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop, dining, and rental services
Walking encouraged, especially to fully appreciate natural terrain; sturdy shoes recommended due to elevation changes and rocky paths
Open to all golfers year-round; reservations recommended during high season
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