Nestled just 55-miles west of downtown Fort Worth, you’ll find a somewhat hidden gem in the small-town community of Runaway Bay. Spacious and distant, proud locals tout RB Golf Club & Resort as one of the “best kept secrets” for Texas golfers.
With cascading lake views, and lush rolling grounds, RB Golf Club and Resort was founded in the 1960s. Formerly operating as The Club at Runaway Bay, the course has a new owner as of 2018—along with renovated looks and beautiful new champion Bermuda grass. Courtesy photo
The beautiful Lake Bridgeport provides the perfect backdrop for the 18-hole, par 72 course with 6,700-yards of Bermuda grass. With a course rating of 72.1 and a slope rating of 124, RB Golf Club & Resort offers a newly renovated clubhouse, and an escape from busier courses in the DFW metroplex.
Hole #13 is a favorite with an elevated tee box that overlooks the lake. “There’s always an opportunity to hit a good shot there,” says resident golf pro Dylan Rottner, a Decatur native and internationally acclaimed golfer, who has played in the World University Games.
Well-maintained facilities at this north Texas gem include a covered driving range overlooking Lake Bridgeport. Photo courtesy RB Golf Club and Resort
At the third—watch out for local resident and club member Billy Melton, who the hole is “unofficially named after.” One of the most difficult parts of the course, a long par 3 and right at 200 yards, hole #3 is challenging, and according to Rottner, Melton is known for always doing something crazy—perhaps a 30-foot putt, when reaching his namesake hole.
A blind elevated tee shot provides another challenge at hole #5, allowing patrons to hit down a lakeside hill.
Events
The golf course has a Jingle Bell Ball on Dec. 18 and plans for more night golf opportunities in 2022 and seasonal events and parties. Glow-in-the-dark night golf options, offered on a quarterly basis—usually around holidays—offer a stark contrast, with glowing “night flyer” balls illuminated in the sky. At the club’s Halloween celebrations, there was a night golf complete with a “Decorate Your Golf Cart” and Halloween costume contests.
Perfect for private events, weddings—or an evening dinner—a newly renovated pavilion overlooks the course at RB Golf Club & Resort. Courtesy photo
Stay Overnight
Whether you are looking for a weekend with the girls, the guys, or a family outing—there’s something for everyone at Runaway Bay, including a spacious Airbnb rented out by the golf course owners. The newly renovated three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,422 square-foot home has a backyard overlooking hole #1 and is a short walk to Lakeview Tavern & Grill.
Jalapeno Poppers are a delicious dining option, in addition to the Shrimp Brochette. In total, there are 15 different shareables offered at Lakeview Tavern & Grill. Courtesy photo
Dining
The grill is a must for dinner, as Executive Chef Tina Bible and her staff serve up savory shareables including a unique take on Spinach Artichoke Dip. Buttery and richly filled with mozzarella, cream cheese, and hints of artichoke and spinach, this is easily one of the best appetizers on the menu.
Another favorite is the Shrimp Brochette—a serving of crispy, salty onion strings, centered by bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp, cooked to perfection, and drizzled in house-made barbecue and sriracha sauce. For your main course, everything from greens and handheld sandwiches to fish, salmon and pizza are available. The Chicken Carbonara is truly made to perfection with a béchamel cream sauce, bacon, parmesan, thyme, rosemary and hints of ham. An on-site pastry chef also boasts an array of desserts including a New York-style Cheesecake with a lemon-zest foundation and homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Lakeview Tavern & Grill is helmed by Executive Chef Tina Bible and her staff, which includes an on-site pastry chef. Courtesy photo
Visit Year-Round
Relaxing and inviting, RB Golf Course & Resort is open to the public year-round. Starting at only $40 per person, you can book a tee time for RB Golf Course & Resort online.
Head to RB Golf Course & Resort December 18 for their festive Jingle Bell Ball. Courtesy photo
Cover photo courtesy RB Golf Club and Resort
Britni Rachal lives in Austin, Texas. She is a freelance journalist, full-time marketer, and a Realtor®. In addition to writing, Rachal enjoys traveling, event planning, fashion, fitness and serving the Austin community.
