The Great Plains don't sound like golf country, but they hide some of America's most remarkable courses. The rolling grass-covered dunes of Nebraska's Sandhills region create natural links-like golf far from any sea, Kansas has prairie courses shaped by wind, and the Dakotas offer golf among badlands and river valleys. Expect wind, open space and tremendous value.
Nebraska
- The Sandhills: a vast region of grass-covered sand dunes in central Nebraska, where courses follow the natural contours with firm, fast, links-like turf. Some of the region's most famous courses are private, but there are public options.
- Omaha and Lincoln: good-value city golf.
Kansas
- Prairie courses: rolling grassland, native grasses and wind.
- Kansas City and Wichita: public and private courses.
The Dakotas
- South Dakota: courses near the Black Hills and the Missouri River.
- North Dakota: badlands scenery and riverside golf.
When to go
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May to June | Green, fresh, windy at times |
| July to August | Warm to hot; storms possible |
| September to early October | Settled, firm and fast |
Playing tips
- Wind: read how to play golf in the wind and golf trajectory control.
- Firm, links-like turf in the Sandhills: use the ground. Read links vs parkland courses.
- Native grasses punish misses. Read golf trouble shots.
- Storms: read golf course safety.
Practical tips
- Distances are large; plan a road trip. Read golf road trips.
- Book remote destination courses well ahead; lodging is limited.
- Value: green fees in towns and cities are often low.
Hidden gems and small-town golf
The Great Plains reward golfers willing to drive. Away from the cities, small towns often have nine-hole courses run by the community, with honesty boxes, tiny green fees and friendly locals. These courses are quiet, unpretentious and great fun. Read nine-hole golf.
The region also has some highly regarded modern courses built on natural sand hills and prairie, where the land was so suitable that architects moved very little earth. These are often remote, so plan well ahead.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska sand hills | 4–5 days | Drive into the sand hills and play remote prairie courses |
| Kansas and Nebraska cities | 4 days | Golf around Omaha, Lincoln, Wichita and Kansas City |
| Dakotas adventure | 7–8 days | Combine golf with the Badlands, the Black Hills and small-town courses |
| Plains road trip | 10 days | A long loop through all four states, mixing city courses with small-town nine-holers |
Playing in the wind
The open prairie means the wind is almost always a factor.
- Keep the ball low: play punch shots and take extra club into the wind. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Use the ground: firm, fast fairways let you run the ball onto many greens.
- Expect bigger crosswind effects than you're used to; aim well off the target.
- Stay balanced: widen your stance slightly in strong gusts.
Practical tips for the region
- Distances are big: plan fuel stops and allow plenty of driving time.
- Phone signal can be patchy in remote areas, so download maps and course information in advance.
- Weather changes fast: thunderstorms, hail and strong winds can arrive quickly in spring and summer. Leave the course at the first sign of lightning.
- Cash is useful at small courses with honesty boxes.
- Book remote courses early, especially if they include on-site lodging.
Costs
Golf on the plains is some of the best value in the country, with low green fees at municipal and small-town courses. The exception is the handful of destination courses, which charge premium rates and may limit access for visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is there links golf in Nebraska?
The Sandhills region has natural dune golf with links-like conditions, though it's far from the sea.
When is golf season in the Great Plains?
Roughly May to October.
Is golf in Kansas good value?
Yes. Many courses offer very reasonable green fees.
Why is wind important on the Plains?
The open landscape means wind is almost always a factor.
Why is Nebraska known for golf?
The natural sand hills provide ideal ground for golf, and several acclaimed modern courses have been built there.
Do small-town courses take visitors?
Almost always, and they're usually delighted to see them. Some use honesty boxes, so carry cash.
The bottom line
The Great Plains offer surprising, uncrowded golf, from natural dune courses in Nebraska to prairie and badlands layouts. Embrace the wind and the open space. For more central US golf, read golf in Missouri and the Ozarks.