I'd second the opinion on Pines Dunes being the best course in the area, though it is probably 20-miles from Tyler. I have a couple of friends that are members at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, TX. The course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin in 1983 and weaves through a neighborhood development. I enjoyed the course the only time I played it and seem to recall it putting a lot of pressure on accurate ball-striking. Hollytree has a ton of good players and is a fun environment. In the fall 2008 edition of Golf Digest Index, Hollytree was listed #5 in "The 50 Clubs with the Best Players" article. I've also played Eagles Bluff Country Club, which is about 15 miles outside Tyler as well. I would definitely put it behind Pine Dunes and Hollytree. Garden Valley Golf Club is a semi-private club northwest of Tyler just off of Interstate 20 but have not played the course. Hope this helps.