Golf in Dallas During Super Bowl XLV Week

The Super Bowl is the ultimate sports vacation. With this year's game between two of the NFL's most storied franchises, in what's being hailed as the newest cathedral of American sports, there's only one thing that could make the trip better... golf. The Dallas-area does not wont for great places to tee it up. While the game won't be decided until Sunday evening, there are some sure bets for golfers headed to the "Big D." Here's our list of Super Bowl Superlatives.

Best New

The Old American Golf Club
The Old American Golf Club is to golf as Cowboys Stadium is to football. While both are relatively new, they are already being hailed as a one of a kind experience. Opened in September, The Old American, located just north of Dallas in The Colony, has already garnered "Best New" honors from GOLF Magazine, LINKS Magazine, Golfweek and AVID Golfer. The course is the brainchild of acclaimed architect Tripp Davis and PGA TOUR star and native Texan, Justin Leonard. The design is inspired by the "Golden Age" of golf course architecture between 1911 and 1937 and features natural contours, hazard styles, native grasses and green shapes reminiscent of such masterpieces as Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links, Prairie Dunes and Crystal Downs.

For more information visit www.theoldamericangolfclub.com or call (972) 370-4653.

Closest to the Stadium

Texas Star Golf Course
Texas Star is a fitting name for a course located just more than six miles from Cowboys Stadium. The course's proximity to the stadium and DFW International Airport will make it attractive to fans lucky enough to have reserved hotel rooms close to the festivities. The municipal track was designed by Keith Foster and gives off a Texas Hill Country-vibe. The par-71, measuring at just less than 7,000 yards features stacked rock ponds, waterfalls and natural woodlands that provide a relaxing atmosphere during what is one of the most electric sports weekends of the year.

For more information visit www.texasstargolf.com or call (817) 685-7888.

Best Value

Bear Creek Golf Club
For those fans who splurged on lower-level 50-yard line tickets and are looking to save some money on golf, Bear Creek is the place to play. True to Texas' "bigger is better" bravado, Bear Creek features 36 holes of championship golf. The two distinct layouts - the East and West Courses - pack a one two punch that has earned Bear Creek a place among Golf Digest's "Top 50 Resort Courses in America" and The Wall Street Journal's "10 Great Places to Golf." While the golf may be bigger, the prices are not. From now until Tuesday, February 8, Bear Creek is offering a package for fans including greens and cart fees, lunch and a beverage for $79.99 Friday through Sunday and $69.99 Monday through Thursday. Rental clubs - in conjunction with the special - are $25, a 50 percent savings.

For more information visit www.bearcreek-golf.com or call (972) 456-3200.

Best Place to Stay-and-Play

The Tribute
For those fans who were lucky enough to snatch up a Super Bowl ticket last minute or who have procrastinated when it comes to a hotel, The Tribute provides both accommodations and a Scottish-inspired golf experience deep in the heart of Texas. While links golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Super Bowl weekend, The Tribute has golf chops that can't be ignored. Golf Digest has named the Tripp Davis design the No. 1 public golf course in the Dallas-area and one of "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses." The Tribute features a quaint guest house with seven suites. The guest house is also home to The Old Tom Morris Pub, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks.

For more information visit www.thetribute.com or call (972) 370-5465.

Most Unique

Bridlewood Golf Club
In every crowd, there's someone who prides themselves on being different. Like the guy wearing a Shaun Suisham or Mason Crosby jersey on gameday, Bridlewood Golf Club marches to the beat of its own drum. The D.A. Weibring design nestled in the rolling hills of North Texas is a unique experience. Measuring 7,000 yards from the back tees, Bridlewood bobs and weaves its way through thick forests of hardwood as well as lakes and creeks, which make water an omnipresent hazard. The volume and size of the large oaks onsite leave a lot of decisions in the hands of golfers and affords them the opportunity to use a different strategy on each hole.

For more information visit www.bridlewoodgolf.com or call (972) 355-4800.