Trophy Club, Texas
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Trophy Club is a town located primarily in Denton County, Texas, United States (with a very small fraction extending into Tarrant County). It is an affluent suburb of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. When established in the 1970s, it was one of the earliest premier planned communities in Texas, built around the only golf course designed by Ben Hogan. It is located west of the DFW Airport and south of the western edge of Grapevine Lake, spanning the county line separating Denton and Tarrant along State Highway 114. The population was 13,688 in 2020.[5]
Key Information
History
[edit]Trophy Club's history dates back to 1847 when Charles and Matilda Medlin and twenty other families left the state of Missouri to settle in the then-thriving Elizabethtown, Texas.[6] The Medlin's were part of the Peters Colony, a group of settlers in the 19th century that settled in various areas in Texas in hopes to acquire land grants. The families in Elizabethtown remained there until the Elizabeth Creek flooded, causing the families to relocate to higher ground. That area is now present-day Trophy Club.[7]
The Medlins made a lasting impact on the development of the town, and a cemetery was constructed in honor of the Medlins' daughter, Mittie Ann Medlin. The middle school in Trophy Club was also named after the Medlins. The cemetery has information on the settlers that lived in the area.[7]
Long after the time of the Medlins, citizens of DFW began talk about restoring the town. Eventually, the community was developed in 1973 by developers Johnson and Loggins, who created the community as a housing development surrounding the country club. The town was named for the original plan that the country club would house the trophy collections of golf legend Ben Hogan, who designed its golf course.[8] Originally part of Westlake, the town was incorporated in 1985. The first Mayor of Trophy Club was James "Jim" P. Carter, who served as Mayor from 1985 until 1999.[8]
Geography
[edit]Trophy Club is located on the southwestern edge of Grapevine Lake. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.1 square miles (10.5 km2), of which 75% is land and 25% water.
Climate
[edit]Trophy Club, like the rest of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.
| Climate data for Trophy Club, Texas (1981–2010 normals) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 85 (29) |
95 (35) |
96 (36) |
101 (38) |
101 (38) |
102 (39) |
110 (43) |
108 (42) |
109 (43) |
100 (38) |
89 (32) |
84 (29) |
110 (43) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 56.6 (13.7) |
60.1 (15.6) |
67.6 (19.8) |
75.9 (24.4) |
83.4 (28.6) |
90.8 (32.7) |
95.5 (35.3) |
96.5 (35.8) |
88.6 (31.4) |
78.8 (26.0) |
67.0 (19.4) |
57.2 (14.0) |
76.5 (24.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 32.1 (0.1) |
35.3 (1.8) |
44.1 (6.7) |
51.8 (11.0) |
61.5 (16.4) |
68.7 (20.4) |
72.7 (22.6) |
72.5 (22.5) |
64.6 (18.1) |
53.2 (11.8) |
43.5 (6.4) |
33.9 (1.1) |
52.8 (11.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 0 (−18) |
0 (−18) |
14 (−10) |
29 (−2) |
41 (5) |
50 (10) |
57 (14) |
55 (13) |
38 (3) |
22 (−6) |
19 (−7) |
−1 (−18) |
−1 (−18) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.24 (57) |
2.80 (71) |
3.62 (92) |
3.16 (80) |
4.80 (122) |
4.00 (102) |
2.38 (60) |
1.83 (46) |
3.26 (83) |
4.02 (102) |
2.94 (75) |
2.68 (68) |
37.73 (958) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0 (0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.3 (0.76) |
| Source: NOAA[9] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 3,922 | — | |
| 2000 | 6,350 | 61.9% | |
| 2010 | 8,024 | 26.4% | |
| 2020 | 13,688 | 70.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 13,666 | [2] | −0.2% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[10][11] | |||
2020 census
[edit]As of the 2020 census, Trophy Club had a population of 13,688.[12][13]
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 10,601 | 77.45% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 361 | 2.64% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 59 | 0.43% |
| Asian (NH) | 810 | 5.92% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 9 | 0.07% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 33 | 0.24% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 588 | 4.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,227 | 8.96% |
| Total | 13,688 |
The median age was 41.2 years. 28.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 99.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males age 18 and over.[12]
100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.[16]
There were 4,566 households, including 3,360 families. Of all households, 45.3% had children under the age of 18, 77.7% were married-couple households, 7.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 11.6% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 10.9% of households were made up of individuals, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[12]
There were 4,664 housing units, of which 2.1% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6%, and the rental vacancy rate was 4.3%.[12]
Demographic estimates
[edit]As of 2023, the population of Trophy Club is 13,843.[17]
Economy
[edit]Top employers
[edit]According to Trophy Club's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,[18] the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | # of employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest Independent School District | 415 |
| 2 | Baylor Medical Center at Trophy Club | 230 |
| 3 | Trophy Club Country Club | 205 |
| 4 | Tom Thumb | 202 |
| 5 | Town of Trophy Club | 108 |
| 6 | HG Sply Co. | 100 |
| 7 | Hutchins | 85 |
| 8 | Fellowship United Methodist Church | 39 |
| 9 | Premier Academy – Trophy Club | 35 |
| 10 | Church at Trophy Club Lake | 30 |
Government
[edit]Trophy Club is governed by a council-manager form of government. The Council consists of seven members: a Mayor and six council members, with the Mayor serving as presiding officer over Council meetings. Council members are elected at-large-by-place for a term of three years. All powers of the Town are vested in the Council, including but not limited to: enacting legislation, adopting budgets and determining policies. The Mayor participates in the discussion and votes on all matters coming before the Council. Additionally, the Mayor, after Council authorization, signs all contracts, conveyances made or entered into by the Town, all bonds, warrants and any other obligations issued under the Town Charter. The Mayor is recognized as the official head of the town by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process, by the Governor for the purpose of enforcing military law and for all ceremonial purposes.
The town's elected officials[19] (as of May 19, 2023) are:
- Mayor – Jeannette Tiffany (2023)
- Council Place 1 – Stacey Bauer (2023)
- Council Place 2 – Jeff Beach (2023)
- Council Place 3 and Mayor Pro Tem – Dennis Sheridan (2023)
- Council Place 4 – Karl Monger (2021)
- Council Place 5 – LuAnne Oldham (2023)
- Council Place 6 – Steve Flynn (2023)
The Town Council has the authority to appoint and remove the Town Manager. The Town Manager acts as the chief administrative officer of the Town and is responsible to the Council for the proper administration of all the affairs of the Town. In addition to the Town Manager, the Council also appoints the Town Attorney and the Town Secretary, who acts as secretary to the Council. The current Interim Town Manager is Patrick Arata, and the current Town Secretary is Tammy Dixon.
2023 mayoral election
[edit]Despite previously announcing that she would run for re-election, incumbent mayor Alicia Fleury withdrew from the race on the day of the filing deadline. On the same day, Mayor Pro Tem Greg Lamont withdrew from his council race and entered the mayor's race, ensuring that he would run unopposed. Angry at this turn of events, many residents supported former town councilor Jeannette Tiffany, who challenged Lamont as a write-in candidate. Despite not appearing on the ballot, Tiffany won the election with 63% of the vote, becoming the first candidate in recent memory to win an election in Texas as a write-in candidate.[20][21]
Education
[edit]Almost all of Trophy Club is in the Northwest Independent School District.[22][23] A very small part of it is in the Carroll Independent School District.[23]
Schools for the Northwest ISD portions are Lakeview Elementary and Samuel Beck Elementary (in two separate attendance zones),[24] Medlin Middle School,[25] and Byron Nelson High School.[26]
Notable people
[edit]- Tyler Collins, Detroit Tigers – OF – #18
- Terry Fator, winner of America's Got Talent
- Wally Funk, one of the Mercury 13 astronauts
- James Hampton, actor[27]
- Larry Hardy, former coach of the Texas Rangers
- Tommy Maddox, former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Don Stanhouse, former pitcher for major league baseball teams
- Richard William Taylor, swimmer and Speedo model
- Jordan Wall, child actor on Wishbone
- Nini Coco, contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. June 14, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Trophy Club, Texas
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ a b "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
- ^ Elizabethtown no longer exists and is one of 4 ghost towns in Denton County. It currently resides as land across from the Texas Motor Speedway.
- ^ a b "Trophy Club History | Trophy Club, TX". www.trophyclub.org. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ a b "Our Town History". Trophy Club. Archived from the original on May 14, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
- ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
- ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
- ^ https://www.census.gov/ [not specific enough to verify]
- ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
- ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
- ^ "Trophy Club, Texas Population 2023". worldpopulationreview.com. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Town of Trophy Club ACFR FY 2024 Retrieved November 28, 2025
- ^ "Town Council". Town of Trophy Club, Texas. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
- ^ Webster, Teri (May 6, 2023). "Jeannette Tiffany wins Trophy Club mayor race". Community Impact. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ^ Lieber, Dave (May 19, 2023). "Small-town saga led to historic vote". The Dallas Morning News. pp. 1–2B. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Denton County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2025. - Text list
- ^ a b "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Tarrant County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2025. - Text list
- ^ "Approved Elementary Attendance Zones 2024-25". Northwest Independent School District. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Approved Middle Attendance Zones 2024-25". Northwest Independent School District. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Approved High Attendance Zones 2024-25". Northwest Independent School District. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Resources, Axiom Information (October 2005). Ten-Tronck's Celebrity Directory. Axiom Information Resources. p. 99. ISBN 978-0-943213-78-1.
External links
[edit]Trophy Club, Texas
View on GrokipediaHistory
Early Settlement
The early settlement of the area now known as Trophy Club began in 1847, when Charles Medlin (1807–1864) and his wife, Matilda Allen Medlin (1812–1863), migrated from Missouri by wagon train along with their household and approximately 20 other families to claim land grants in North Texas as part of the Peters Colony.[2][9] These settlers initially established themselves along the banks of Denton Creek (also known as Elizabeth Creek) near the site of present-day Elizabethtown, drawn by the fertile lands promised under the colony's empresario contracts from the Republic of Texas.[2][10] However, frequent flooding prompted the group, including the Medlins, to relocate to higher ground a few miles north, forming a stable community in what would become southern Denton County.[9] The Medlin settlement developed as a quintessential 19th-century farming and ranching outpost, where families like the Medlins cultivated crops and raised livestock on their expansive land grants, which could span hundreds of acres per household under Peters Colony terms.[2][10] A key landmark from this era is the Medlin Cemetery, established in April 1850 on land donated by Charles and Matilda Medlin following the death of their daughter, Mittie Ann Medlin, at age 21; the site served as a communal burial ground for early settlers and was later expanded to over 10 acres in 1900 by their son, James W. Medlin.[9][2] Structures such as the Medlin Barn, built by James in the early 1870s with Pennsylvania Dutch-style architecture, underscored the ranching focus, featuring 24 horse stalls, grain storage, and hay lofts to support cattle and horse operations.[2] The region's rural economy was further shaped by its proximity to major cattle routes in the late 19th century, including the Chisholm Trail, which traversed western Denton County from Elizabethtown northward to Bolivar, facilitating thousands of longhorn drives from Texas to Kansas markets between 1867 and 1884.[11][12] This trail's passage through the area brought economic activity to local ranchers, who supplied provisions and rested herds along nearby creeks, contributing to the growth of frontier commerce before the widespread adoption of railroads diminished such overland drives.[13] The community persisted as an agricultural enclave until the 1970s, when planned suburban expansion transformed the landscape.[2]Development and Incorporation
In the early 1970s, Fort Worth lawyer John McMackin envisioned a master-planned community centered on a prestigious golf course, acquiring approximately 2,500 acres of land in 1972 with the involvement of legendary golfer Ben Hogan, whom McMackin convinced to design the course and clubhouse.[2] Hogan, recently retired, created an 18-hole layout that became the only golf course he ever fully designed, emphasizing strategic play and natural terrain integration.[1] This vision built upon the area's earlier rural roots, including 19th-century settlement by families like the Medlins near present-day Grapevine Lake.[2] Development accelerated in 1973 when Houston-based developers Marvin Johnson and Jack Loggins purchased the property and proposed an upscale residential community surrounding the country club, incorporating amenities like pools, tennis courts, and equestrian facilities.[2] The community was named Trophy Club after the original plan to display Hogan's collection of PGA trophies in a dedicated room within the two-story clubhouse, symbolizing its golf-centric identity.[1][2] Ownership changed hands in 1975 to Gibraltar Savings and Loan amid financing challenges, which led Hogan to withdraw his endorsement in 1977, but construction proceeded with the first municipal utility district bonds sold in 1976 to fund infrastructure.[2] Trophy Club officially incorporated as a town on January 19, 1985, following an election where 80% of residents approved the measure to gain independence from Westlake's extraterritorial jurisdiction and establish local governance.[2][1] James "Jim" P. Carter was elected as the first mayor, serving from 1985 to 1999 and guiding the initial Town Council in developing essential services and master planning.[2] Early expansion was bolstered by the community's adjacency to Grapevine Lake and its position within the burgeoning Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, attracting residents seeking suburban amenities near urban opportunities.[1]Geography
Location and Topography
Trophy Club is a town located primarily in Denton County, Texas, with a small portion extending into Tarrant County. It lies approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Fort Worth within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Located at 33°00′57″N 97°11′20″W.[14][15][8][16] The town encompasses a total area of 4.01 square miles (3.98 square miles land, 0.03 square miles water), predominantly land with minimal incorporated water bodies. It is bordered by Grapevine Lake to the south and west, providing a scenic waterfront boundary along much of its perimeter.[8][17][18] The topography of Trophy Club consists of gently rolling hills interspersed with wooded areas and charming creeks, contributing to its lush, natural environment. The average elevation is around 600 feet above sea level. Prominent features integrated into the landscape include the two 18-hole championship golf courses of the Trophy Club Country Club, which wind through the hills and trees.[19][20][21][22]Climate
Trophy Club features a humid subtropical climate classified as Köppen Cfa, marked by hot, humid summers and mild winters typical of the North Texas region. Summers are prolonged and oppressive, with high temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) from June through September, while winters remain relatively temperate, with infrequent freezes. This climate supports a variety of vegetation but contributes to seasonal challenges like high humidity levels that can exceed 70% during warmer months.[23][24] The average annual temperature in Trophy Club is 65°F (18°C), derived from mean highs of 76°F (24°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C) based on 1991-2020 normals from nearby Denton. Precipitation averages 38 inches (970 mm) per year, with the wettest periods in spring and fall; May sees the highest monthly total at about 4.9 inches (124 mm), followed by October at 4.6 inches (117 mm), often from thunderstorms. These patterns reflect the influence of Gulf moisture, leading to lush growth in spring but potential flooding risks.[25][26] Extreme temperatures underscore the climate's variability, with a record high of 113°F (45°C) reached on July 25, 1954, and a record low of -6°F (-21°C) on February 16, 2021, both recorded in Denton. The town's position in North Texas exposes it to occasional severe weather, including tornadoes, as part of the broader Tornado Alley influence; Denton County has documented over 50 tornadoes since 1950, with most occurring in spring. Proximity to Grapevine Lake provides a minor moderating effect on local temperatures and humidity.[27][28]Demographics
Population Trends
Trophy Club's population has grown substantially since its incorporation in 1985, when it numbered approximately 1,000 residents. This early growth laid the foundation for the town's development as a suburban enclave near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. By the 1990 U.S. Census, the population had increased to 3,922, marking the beginning of accelerated expansion driven by migration to the region's burgeoning suburbs.[1] The 1990s and 2000s witnessed rapid population increases, fueled by suburban migration and the appeal of planned communities with amenities like golf courses and proximity to major urban centers. The population rose to 6,435 by the 2000 Census and reached 8,024 in 2010, representing a more than doubling over two decades. This period of vigorous growth continued into the 2010s, culminating in 13,688 residents recorded in the 2020 Census. The town's high median household income has further supported this affluent expansion by attracting families seeking upscale living options.[29] Post-2020, growth has continued, with the population estimated at 14,401 in 2024 and projected at 14,420 in 2025, reflecting an annual change rate of 0.13%. This ongoing expansion aligns with broader regional shifts in North Texas. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2019-2023) highlight growth in the 45–74 age demographic, which has expanded amid the town's maturing suburban profile. This trend contrasts with population decreases observed in nearby areas like Grapevine, underscoring Trophy Club's relative stability in attracting middle-aged and older residents.[30][3] The following table summarizes key population milestones:| Year | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | ~1,000 | Town incorporation estimates[1] |
| 1990 | 3,922 | U.S. Census[1] |
| 2000 | 6,435 | U.S. Census[29] |
| 2010 | 8,024 | U.S. Census[29] |
| 2020 | 13,688 | U.S. Census |
| 2024 (est.) | 14,401 | NCTCOG estimate[3] |
| 2025 (proj.) | 14,420 | NCTCOG projection[3] |


