The Royal Ravenna Scottish Links Golf Course first opened for play in 1999. The course was designed by David Galvan.
Sandwiched between the Red River and the city of Bonham, TX in the heart of the Blackland Prairie, the town of Ravenna (elevation 597, population 204) is named after the deep ravine that runs through the middle of town. It is here, 70 miles from downtown Dallas, 32 miles north of McKinney, that you'll find the closest thing to Scotland in the Lone Star state. Ravenna and its amazing links-style track known as the Royal Ravenna Scottish Links.
The Royal Ravenna Scottish Links Golf Course is links-style all the way, from narrow fairways to the 3-foot high "heather" that frames the skinny targets. And while the course is short, tipping out at only 5,150 yards (if you play the 9 holes twice), the steady breezes force accurate shot making, and you will definitely lose if you're determined to bang away for distance.
The short, flat course is favorable for walking, which you'll be forced to do just like in the old days. Pull carts are available, but they recommend that you carry your bag to really get into the mood.
Most of the par 4s play against the prevailing wind, but both sides feature numerous short par 4s, and the longest par 4s (# 6 and #15) are impacted only by cross winds.
#15, a 572-yard par5 is the signature hole. Two notable par 3s both play over water-#9 is 160 yards and #18 only goes 145 yards. The greens are a mixture of savannah Bermuda and perennial rye grass, which apparently does well in these parts of Texas.
A real treat is that it only costs $9 to play all day--however, that's bound to increase once the metroplex splurges north and the course becomes more popular.
Royal Ravenna Scottish Links Golf Course closed in 2007.