By Eli Jordan

If you grew up around any cowboys, you’ve probably heard the old wrangler’s saying: “All hat and no cattle,” used to describe someone who talks a big game but doesn’t put in the work to back it up. That certainly doesn’t apply to J.J. Henry or Andy Mitchell.

Henry’s passion for Panther City is palpable. From his days on the TCU golf team, to his years on the PGA Tour, Henry has always wanted to cement a legacy in the city he loves. Over the last five years, through vision, perseverance … and even some doubt, that legacy is rapidly developing just 20 miles from downtown Fort Worth. 

As Henry’s plan began to take shape, a partnership with Escalante golf fizzled and the project was in danger. Henry stepped back and began to wonder if his dream might never become a reality. 

Henry began to explore ways to stoke the flames back to life, which cued up a meeting with Dallas investor and the brains behind Bluejack National, Andy Mitchell. Mitchell, a fellow TCU grad, immediately jumped on board, matching Henry’s enthusiasm for creating a legacy driven club with every amenity one might need to create a generational property that can be enjoyed for decades to come.

Working with 914 acres of acquired land in Aledo, Mitchell officially recapitalized the project … but there was still one question … who would be tasked with designing the course?

For the better part of three decades, Tiger Woods has been one of the most recognizable people on the planet. There is no need to revisit his extensive Tour resume to understand his impact on the game of golf. After Mitchell stepped in, one of the first things he and Henry did was make the call to the 15-time major champion to see if he would attach his name to the new property by designing the course, just as he had done for Bluejack National a little over a decade ago. Henry has a previous relationship with Tiger from his time on Tour. Woods and Henry are now 50 and 51, respectively, and Henry was a member of the 2006 Ryder Cup team alongside Woods. 

On a site visit late in 2025, Tiger boasted about the unique land he and his lead golf architect Beau Welling are working with. 

“The shot shapes, the views and the landscape is just unlike anything you will find here in Fort Worth. You will be blown away.” Woods said.

Bluejack Ranch is a little different from National in the sense that most property owners at National use the retreat as more of a vacation home. Being just a half hour from downtown Fort Worth, Mitchell and Henry expect Bluejack Ranch to serve as the primary residence for many who build there and join the club.

“Only about 15 percent of people at National are primary residents.” Henry said. We feel like it could be 60 percent or more here because of where we’re located and being in the Aledo school district.”

The vision is for those who build on one of the close to 500 homesites to have a property where they never need to leave. Bluejack Ranch will be a golf cart community, where those who pull through the gates may not need to leave the property for days, if not weeks, at a time. This is all by design, as Mitchell, Henry, Woods and Welling created an amenity driven concept that will, once complete, offer a spa, fishing, active ranch, racquet sports, wiffle ball field, pools, retail, practice facility, short course, golf cabins, performance center and of course luxury homes … all surrounding Tiger’s 18-hole gem. 

The course weaves around Bear Creek, with almost resort-like spacious Zoysia fairways, Arkansas white sand bunkers that frame holes wonderfully, and TifEagle greens that put a premium on speed control rather than an abundance of undulation. The course plays over Bear Creek on four occasions, with gorgeous views of the exposed creek bank lined with chalky rock that contrasts the green corridors for those holes nestled in the lowland part of the course.

The real star of the show is the topography and terrain. With almost 200-feet of elevation change from the highest point to the creek bottom, short of Dallas National, you won’t find another course in the Metroplex with this kind of dynamic land movement. The first tee shot alone offers a 70-foot drop in elevation from tee to fairway, and once holed on the first green, players ascend to the second tee for another shot that drops some 60-feet. The land profile makes this more akin to a Hill Country layout than anything you find in North Texas. 

In addition, Tiger and his design team kept the integrity of the land by utilizing the natural caliche, barrancas and live oaks to mimic that Hill Country vibe. The color contrasts are by design, with vibrant greens, gleaming whites, wildflowers that really pop and wispy native that twists and flows as the predominant southern breezes swirl across the natural rolling hills and subtle knolls.

The course will tip out near 7,900-yards from the “Tiger tees,” but multiple sets of boxes will offer respite for those wanting a more user-friendly experience while still preserving the integrity of the architectural elements Tiger and company envisioned. As of late March, with around 100 workers on-site daily, almost all grassing and sod work has been completed, with just a couple greens left to sprig. It’s taking shape quickly, with several holes that could easily be played right now.  

The 18-hole championship layout will also borrow Bluejack National’s legendary Jerky Shack, which is the mother of all comfort stations. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to put a peg in the ground at National comes away stupefied with the abundance of offerings at their Jerky Shack, and Bluejack Ranch will offer a similar on-course experience. No official word on a signature cocktail just yet … but we can only imagine. The Jerky Shack will sit perched on a hill and will also feature a seating area with a fire-pit where members can watch golfers hit shots on multiple holes.

The yet to be named short course is also taking shape, with one hole featuring a horseshoe shaped putting surface that looks a lot like the Bluejack Ranch logo. Two dozen golf cabins will surround the short course, and each will check in at around 3,600 square-feet. The short course will have lights, tunes and will stay open until midnight for those who want to dial a few wedges with a beverage late-night. Safe to assume there may be some cash that changes hands on this whimsical addition to the club. 

Bluejack Ranch isn’t just a catchy name based on its rustic zip code … there is an actual working ranch planned, with “The Lodge” being the focal point. Horse stables, bucking chutes, trail rides on club-owned steeds are all planned for members to enjoy. Longhorn steer, donkeys and other livestock are planned to graze in turnout meadows around The Lodge, which will be visible just beyond the greeter’s barn as you enter the property. Although golf is a major part of this development, one of the first things you will see once through the gates at Bluejack Ranch is a true taste of Fort Worth cowboy culture, with roping exhibitions and even a viewing deck. This main hub of the property will be a place for families to meet, friends to enjoy cocktails, and will serve as the heartbeat of the ranch. 

Although golf is expected to debut around Labor Day, long-term plans will see the addition of racquet sports, a spa and wellness center and an 8,500 square-foot state-of-the-art performance academy. There will also be an 85-acre plot dedicated to high-end commercial real estate space. This will be known as “Bluejack Town,” and the design firm of Bennett Partners will spearhead that effort along with other architecture at the development. If you are familiar with Mule Alley, near the Hotel Drover, Bennett Partners were major developers of that area in the Stockyards. Although plans aren’t yet finalized, Henry sees boutique shops, dining, and even a possible general store. Racquet sports and retail will sit closest to Highway 377 and will not only serve as another wonderful amenity center, but also act as a buffer from highway noise for residents. 

Phase one of the project also includes “The Fort,” which will be a space that includes bowling, arcades and other activities for kids of all ages. 

There are two membership options at Bluejack Ranch. One offers all the amenities with access to golf. The other comes without golf access, but still allows members to utilize all the other activities and fun the club will have to offer. Homes are already going up, with premium course view properties selling fast. 25 homes are expected to be under construction or complete by the end of the year. The property truly speaks for itself, and Henry’s enthusiasm shines when he speaks about the community coming together. 

“We’ve had fun creating the culture of the club.” Henry said. “It’s a little slice of Americana. I can picture the people pulling up in their golf carts to the arena to have a drink. I can picture the kids running around, or the adults watching a rodeo or a concert. It’s going to be special. The passion and the perseverance behind it still amazes me. I’m truly proud to be a part of this every single day.”

The Bluejack Ranch vision is becoming a reality. And we’re here for it.