Prairie Lakes - Blue Course

Prairie Lakes is run by the Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department and for a muni course it is very good and fun course to play. You'll find 27 holes with lots of variety, some challenges, and above average conditions. If we had a rating category of "Good Value for the $," Grand Prairie Lakes would be at the top. In fact, in 2007 the Dallas Morning News rated Prairie Lakes #3 in the "Best Economy Courses."

Each of the nines is a little different and offers its own character and challenges – for example, the White nine is known for it's challenging holes along Mountain Creek Lake; the Red nine is the middle of the road course and the most forgiving; while the Blue Course is the hardest. Each of the nines is a little short (3115 to 3360 from the tips) and common to all three courses is flat to gently rolling terrain, mature mesquite trees guarding most of the fairways, and generally good conditions. All three nines are walkable. If you want to learn more about each nine, the Prairie Lakes web site has a map of the layout and good description of each hole.

The greens are above average size and in pretty good condition, about average speed, and have some minor slope and undulation. The fairways are in ok condition with a good mixture of wide open (let 'er rip) to somewhat narrow. The rough is typically under the trees and most likely you will get to experience what it's like to hit out.

We really enjoyed playing the Blue Course – it's a couple stokes harder than the White and Red course, is more scenic, and has some very fun holes that demand good club selection and course management. You'll have to content with narrow tree lined fairways, some ups and downs, water, strategic shot making, and well protected greens. For example, #5 (number 1 handicap) is a par 5 555 yard slightly narrow dogleg to a pond about 100 yards from the green (the 2nd shot is critical – lay up or go for it?) with severe slope and protected by some rolling mounds. Another fun hole is #7, a short 295 yard par four (do we attempt to risk driving it by flying the tall trees and not worrying about the water in front of the green?) downhill dogleg left with trees lining both sides of a narrow fairway, and a green protected by a pond in front, big hill on the left, and water on the far right. A great nine holes at a fantastic rate.