The golf course was constructed in 1927, designed by Perry Maxwell, designer of many other famous golf courses, Praire Dunes, Southern Hills and Colonial in Ft. Worth to name a few. It was built on very rocky terrain on the site of a fruit farm which was known as a "hardscrabble" way to make a living, which gave the club its' name.

The course was completely renovated in 1998 by Jay and Carter Morrish. Scott Hickey has been director of golf maintenance since 1997. Scott, his assistant, Tim Belcher, and crew annually get excellent reviews from members guests and the PGA Tour players and officials for the superb condition of the course.

At par of 70, the golf course plays much longer than the 6783 yards from the championship tees. There are 10 par 4s and 7 of them are more than 430 yards in length. There are several holes where water, large trees and fairway and greenside bunkers come into play. Golf Digest ranks HCC as the 7th best course in the state in 2007.