There is no shortage of quality courses for Wise County’s golf enthusiasts. The area is home to three popular golf courses, all challenging enough for the experienced golfer but simple enough for the beginner.

While all three are member courses, each is open to non-member play, some on restricted schedules.

Bridgeport Country Club

Bridgeport Country Club’s 5,983-yard, nine-hole course features Bermuda greens and is one of the top nine-hole courses in the area.

It is open to members only on weekends but is open to all golfers during the week.

The club is closed to visitor play on holidays.

The golf course is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to dusk to the public. The facility is open exclusively to members on weekends and holidays.

Green fees for visitors are $11 for nine holes or $18 for 18 holes.

Carts are also available to all golfers. The fees are $10.68 for nine holes or $21.35 for 18 holes, and two people can share the cart.

Bridgeport Country Club has a well-stocked pro shop in its spacious, new clubhouse that will take care of any player’s needs. A full menu and beverages are available at the clubhouse. A driving range and putting green are also available to all golfers seven days a week.

The Country Club was the site for this year’s Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Another special feature is the Thursday scrambles for members and their guests. This weekly event is held throughout the summer.

The club features a beautiful swimming pool.

The Bridgeport Country Club is accepting new memberships.

Lonnie Benham is the golf professional and general manager. Jane Hall serves as the superintendent.

The Bridgeport Country Club is located on the south edge of Bridgeport, on Farm Road 2123, off Texas 114.

For more information, call the club at (940) 683-9438.

Decatur Golf Club

Golfers can play one of the most challenging nine-hole courses in the area at the Decatur Golf Club. The 6,500-yard setup is difficult but not intimidating.

The fairways have been revamped since last summer and the current members have been thrilled about the new look and challenges.

The course is mostly open with trees lining the outside of a few fairways. Two water hazards provide an additional challenge.

Non-members can play anytime during the week. Walkers are welcome after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fees for non-members are $25 during the week and $32 on weekends. The fee includes a round of golf and half a cart.

Memberships to the club are available every day at the pro shop. Some of the benefits of being a member includes unlimited golf, access to the swimming pool and use of the lounge area.

There is also occasional junior clinics for all children between the ages of 8-18.

The club offers scrambles every Thursday from spring through October. There will also be periodic specials through the summer and fall.

The Decatur Golf Club is waiving the initiation fee for all new associate-level members, a $300 savings.

The Decatur Golf Club is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to dark. The course is closed on Mondays.

Terry Connell is the new golf professional and general manager.

For more information, call (940) 627-3789.

The Club at Runaway Bay

The premier county course is The Club at Runaway Bay, the county’s only 18-hole course. Architects have taken full advantage of the hilly terrain around the shores of beautiful Lake Bridgeport to create the course.

Bent grass greens are just one of the highlights of the spectacular course. Architect Tripp Davis of Norman, Okla., designed the complete makeover of the course.

The Club offers unlimited family golf for $155 per month. Members may use their own cart for a low monthly fee.

Non-members can play the rolling, wooded course any time or any day, providing they call ahead for tee times.

The cost to play this beautiful course is $35 Tuesday through Friday and $45 on Saturday and Sunday. The price includes green fees, a cart and range balls.

Twilight golf begins at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with a fee of $20. Weekends are $27 with a cart. All fees are plus tax.

The Club also has plenty of eating options at the 19th Hole. The full-menu restaurant is open Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday during regular operating hours.

The facility is also a great place for weddings, parties and meetings for up to 300 people.

The course is closed Mondays except on holidays and the 4th of July weekend.

There are also men’s and ladies scrambles every Wednesday at 6 p.m. from March through September.

The new golf professional is Michael Kraus and the new general manager is Kevin Michael.

Additional features include a fully equipped golf pro shop, with condos available for lodging.

For more information, call The Club at Runaway Bay at (940) 575-2225.