In August I may have the chance to play Cowboys Golf Club around Dallas.  One friend has given it a strong recommendation.  I'm a little thrown off... it's supposed to be the world's first (possibly last?) NFL-themed golf course.

What does that mean?

* Instead of a front 9 and back 9, the sides are 11 holes each and called "offense" and "defense".  (Presumably the other will be "special teams" when the third side is complete.)
* The shortest holes vary between 175 and 200, the approximate weight of the smallest players.  Most are in either the 225 to 275 or 300 to 330 ranges.  One, however, is called "Nate Newton" and stretches to a whopping 400.
* Instead of being numbered 1 through 18, the holes are anywhere from 1 to 99 and don't fall in sequential order.  For example, the 81st is on the offense side and checks in at 202 - a typical weight for a speedy receiver.
* No Ranger or "Players Assistant" here.  The guy is called "Coach" and he does three things - yell, cuss, and yell cuss words if you don't keep pace.
* The assistant in the shop wears a zebra shirt should he be consulted for any rulings.  If it involves stakes for either hazards or O.B., he refers it to another referee, this one with a different color hat, called the Line Judge.
* Players often use steroids, which isn't a problem.  However, you'll be booted - not to return for a few holes - if you're caught.  Second time offenders can't play another round for a while.
* Instead of choosing between different sets of tees, you can alter the character of the course by whether you play on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.  Unlike the NBA, you can't play on Sundays unless you've already played Saturdays.
* Any time a hole is won in Match Play, the golfer must put his ball on a tee and kick it at least 25 yards straight forward.

Seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing this place.  I remember rumors about a "Dallas Stars Club" in the same area.  Don't know if it ever came into existence.

John,

You'll find that other than the historic foot notes on each tee, that it is a very traditional course.  The putting green was star shaped at one time, but it was too hard to mow.

As to Dallas Stars CC, it is the old Stonebridge Ranch Golf Club, with a Pete Dye and Art Hills course. They actually give us Dallas Stars season ticket holders (and, as of today, when the players are voting on a new CBA, my tickets have some other value) a few free rounds and a social membership, with the option to add a golf membership. Its too far from my house, and out of my price range (all my cc memberships are honorary, with $0 dues)

I asked if the Pete Dye course was available for free golf last year. The answer was heck yeah, they WANTED to shunt us over there. Apparentlythe regular members prefer the kinder, gentler, Hills course.

We'll get you on the Brauer tour when you get here. Perhaps no substitute for the Brauer Trail in Minnesota, but I think you will enjoy the golf.

No, but I presumed you would prefer the Minnesota trail as its your home state.....Also, the pines, lakes, etc. of Minnesota are a bit prettier than Texas, and the Quarry is unique to almost anywhere.  

However, you'll find both Cowboys and Indian Creek sit on well wooded property and are quite attractive, and not the "Tumbleweed Trail" or "Goat Hill" courses some associate with Texas.........

Paul,

John better hope I play better than I played with you!  Somehow, I don't think it will be as cold as it was when you played, though......BTW, almost called you Tuesday, as I had a quick one day in and out from Midway. No time, though.

To quote the rainman

"I'm and excellent driver....."

Most of the time.....

I won't not look you up again, especially if I have time to play golf.

the bunkers have great sand.Great set of par 3's.I can't think of a better uphill par 3 than 17,the green reminds me of 6 at Muirfield.Fairway bunkering,including some cross bunkering is very attractive.The course looks like it has been there for a long time.Might be one or two long green to tee walks.I don't think walking is an option.Close to airport and Gaylord Texan.

FYI, the latest GolfWorld Magazine has a profile of the course.

edited to change magazine name...I got both Golf and GolfWorld delivered the same day and mis-attributed the story.