Rockwood Park Golf Course is one of Fort Worth's city-run courses, an 18-hole, par 72 layout that first opened in 1938 and reopened in 2017 after a $5.1 million rebuild. It plays up to 7,053 yards, has four sets of tees from about 5,400 to 7,100 yards, and gives you views of downtown Fort Worth and the Trinity River from several holes.
What is the history of Rockwood Park?
The original course was designed by John Bredemus, one of the most important early course architects in Texas, and opened for play in 1938. Ralph Plummer later upgraded it. For decades the site had 27 holes: an 18-hole course plus a nine-hole loop called the Blue Nine.
The old course closed in late 2015 for a full rebuild led by John Colligan and Trey Kemp of Colligan Golf Design, an Arlington firm. They used land from part of the Blue Nine to stretch the main course from about 6,300 yards to just over 7,000, and kept some of the original Bredemus character. Rockwood reopened on June 30, 2017, and the city reports it hosted 40,000 rounds in its first full year back.
One detail worth looking for: a rock bridge on the property was built by Works Progress Administration workers in the 1940s and is still there.
What are the standout holes?
- No. 2: A par 5 with water in play.
- No. 3: A short par 4 with one of the best views of downtown Fort Worth.
- No. 7: A drivable par 4 for longer hitters, protected by deep bunkers. Classic risk and reward.
- No. 8: A downhill par 3 from the highest point on the course. It was about 142 yards from the top tee when the course reopened.
- No. 18: A par 5 with deep cross bunkers roughly 50 yards short of the green, so the layup matters.
Tips for playing Rockwood
- Play the right tees. At over 7,000 yards from the tips, Rockwood is long. With four tee options, there is a set for every swing speed.
- Think on No. 7. Going for a drivable par 4 only pays off if you can carry the bunkers. A layup to a full wedge distance is often the higher percentage play.
- Check your yardages on No. 8. Downhill par 3s usually play shorter than the card. Club down if you normally fly the green.
- Lay up with a plan on 18. Know your carry over the cross bunkers before you hit your second shot.
What else should I know?
Rockwood has its own restaurant, the Rockwood Grille. The pro shop number is (817) 392-6560, and tee times are booked through the City of Fort Worth's golf site, fortworthgolf.org. Green fees change by season, so check there before you go.
Clubs for Fort Worth golfers
GolfRoots is in Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, but you don't have to drive across the Metroplex to use us. Every used club we sell is listed individually with exact specs and a 1 to 10 condition grade, and it ships to you, free on orders over $400. Want to upgrade? Get an instant quote from our trade-in value calculator; trade-ins of $50 or more get a free prepaid shipping label. If you are ever on our side of town, you can try clubs on our in-shop simulator Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. See our Dallas shop page for everything we can help with.
Planning more rounds? Read our list of the best public golf courses in Dallas-Fort Worth, the best driving ranges in DFW, and our DFW golf calendar.
Playing more Fort Worth munis? Read our Meadowbrook Golf Course guide. Both courses were renovated by the same design team.
FAQ
Is Rockwood Park Golf Course public?
Yes. It is run by the City of Fort Worth, and anyone can book a tee time.
What par is Rockwood Park?
Par 72, playing up to 7,053 yards from the back tees.
Who designed Rockwood Park?
John Bredemus designed the original 1938 course. Colligan Golf Design (John Colligan and Trey Kemp) rebuilt it, and it reopened in 2017.
Can I buy used golf clubs in Fort Worth from GolfRoots?
Yes, online. We ship from our Farmers Branch shop, and orders over $400 ship free with our 60-day return policy.
