There’s nothing better than a comeback story and the return of Tanglewood Resort on the shores of Lake Texoma near the Texas-Oklahoma border is happening. Serial tech entrepreneur Daniel Cocanougher bought the resort three years ago to return the property to its 80’s era glory. While J. R. Ewing and the Dallas TV series was in its prime—Tanglewood was too, alas, Larry Hagman is no longer with us, but Tanglewood Resort is.
Charming downtown Tishomingo, Oklahoma, the home of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant and bar, and the Thompson Theatre
Tanglewood Resort is in the small town of Pottsboro, Texas, just a short drive from Dallas. Gas stations in the area sell bait, barbeque and local smoked sausage. There’s a casino to the east, and another the west where folks wrestle one-arm bandits and blow through their grandchildren’s inheritance. Up the road in Tishomingo, Oklahoma is the hometown of Blake Shelton and his Ole Red restaurant, bar and dance hall. And yes Blake and Gwen make occasional, unannounced appearances on the cozy stage. And down the block from Ole Red is the charming one-screen Thompson Theatre which opened in 1939.
Pickleball is the world’s hottest, and fastest-growing sport
But people primarily visit Tanglewood for the simple pleasures within its gates. Lake Texoma will always be the centerpiece, and there is also the golf course, pickleball courts, the resort pool, sports bar and Tower Whiskey Bar. The golf is a quality value for the region with spring and summer green fees starting at $60. There are ongoing events at the semi-private club such as junior clinics, member events and tournaments.
“We have put so much work into this golf course in the last year and we continue to. This golf course gets a little better every week and we like where it’s going,” Josh Carey, head professional tells WBGD.
Spring showers this year have quenched the golf course’s thirst and its Bermuda fairways and Diamond Zoysia greens are happier than ever. This track is a lot of fun, it plays firm and as a resort course should—it’s friendly and doesn’t bludgeon its guests to submission. From the tips, the par 72 golf course plays just under 7,000 and it will fight back against the player who thinks they’re going to bully this golf course. There are a few little streams and ponds that offer character and there are trees, but they don’t suffocate the fairways. Back at the clubhouse, the 19th hole has plenty of cold beer and a full bar, and there’s a range and golf simulator too for emergency practice sessions and try-hards.
Built in 1974, the Tower was designed by prominent architect O’Neil Ford who was born in nearby Grayson County in 1905
Accommodations range from the Elvis Presley suite to villas and standard hotel rooms too. Rare to resorts anywhere in the world is the Tower. Built in 1974, the Tower reaches for the sky with six themed suites paying homage to Elvis, the Beatles and others. And on the top floor is the Whisky Bar, one of the area’s most popular hangouts for live music, a deep bourbon menu and the best views of Lake Texoma.
A resort’s identity leans on the land and flora where its built. It’s the ocean that makes Pebble Beach special and it’s the moon-like craters and mounds that make Irish links golf memorable. Tanglewood Resort isn’t near the ocean, it’s in the thick of North Central Texas god’s country next to a beautiful lake in a set of far-reaching rolling hills. Coincidently, but not a coincidence, “God’s Country” is the name of the song by local Blake Shelton. But what is “god’s country”? It’s Lake Texoma early in the morning when there’s a layer of fog resting on the water’s surface at sunrise, it’s a herd of cows chewing cud in the pasture looking at cars zoom by on the highway and it’s where people say hello and hold the door for one another at the jiffy store—it’s peace and it’s everywhere in Pottsboro. Cue the Rocky music, Tanglewood Resort is answering the bell and the comeback is in effect.
Visit: tanglewoodresort.com
Useful Info:
- From Downtown Dallas: 80 miles
- Resort Eat + Drink: Lakeside Restaurant in main lodge, Tower Whiskey Bar, poolside bar and grill, sports bar with Vegas wall and 19th hole at golf course clubhouse
- Check resort calendar or ask front desk about yoga, pilates and water aerobics
- Suites with full kitchens availble and supermarkets are nearby
- Boat rentals nearby and boat trailer parking is available on property
- Good for family reunionions, weddings and special events
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