North Dakota, a state known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities, is also home to some of the finest golf courses in the Midwest. Golfers of all skill levels can be sure to find a course that challenges their abilities while providing a breathtaking backdrop against the state’s natural beauty. With a wide variety of courses to choose from, avid golfers visiting the state will have the opportunity to experience the subtle challenges of the region’s unique terrain.
The best golf courses in North Dakota range from the highly ranked and well-designed Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck to the captivating natural scenery of Bully Pulpit in Medora. Other noteworthy courses include The Links of North Dakota in Ray and Fargo Country Club in Fargo, each boasting unique characteristics and challenges that make them stand out among the rest. So, when planning a golf trip to North Dakota, prepare for a memorable golfing experience that combines the charm of the Midwest with world-class courses.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers a variety of top-quality golf courses for all skill levels.
- Courses like Hawktree Golf Club and Bully Pulpit provide a unique and challenging golf experience.
- The state’s natural beauty adds to the appeal of its best golf courses.
The 10 Best Golf Courses in North Dakota
Hawktree Golf Club, Bismarck
Situated amidst the rolling hills, Hawktree offers a unique golfing experience with its black sand bunkers and challenging fairways. Designed by renowned golf course architect Jim Engh, its beautiful terrain and water challenges make it a favorite among both local and visiting golfers.
The Links of North Dakota, Ray
Perched on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this Stephen Kay design provides golfers with breathtaking views and a links-style layout. Its undulating fairways, native grasses, and pot bunkers pay homage to traditional Scottish courses.
Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Medora
Set in the picturesque North Dakota Badlands, Bully Pulpit offers a mix of woodland, meadow, and river-bottom holes. The dramatic landscapes, combined with challenging golf, make it a must-visit.
King’s Walk Golf Course, Grand Forks
A product of golf legend Arnold Palmer’s design, King’s Walk provides a classic golfing experience. The wide-open fairways, natural prairie wetlands, and meticulous course conditions make it a top choice for many.
Edgewood Golf Course, Fargo
As one of the most esteemed public courses in the state, Edgewood combines a challenging layout with picturesque settings. Its proximity to the Red River adds both beauty and challenge.
Riverwood Golf Course, Bismarck
This parkland-style course is a favorite among local residents. With a mix of tight fairways, water hazards, and mature trees, Riverwood offers a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Prairie West Golf Course, Mandan
Featuring spacious fairways and large, undulating greens, Prairie West provides a strategic challenge for players. Its contemporary design coupled with the scenic backdrop of the Heart River Valley makes it a popular pick.
Maple River Golf Club, Mapleton
Known for its excellent conditions and friendly staff, Maple River boasts a layout that meanders through natural wetlands and alongside the Maple River. It’s a true test for precision and strategy.
Rose Creek Golf Course, Fargo
Located in South Fargo, this course offers a harmonious blend of parkland-style golf with several water features. The meticulously maintained fairways and greens make it a pleasure to play on.
Oxbow Country Club, Oxbow
A private club located just south of Fargo, Oxbow Country Club has long been revered for its manicured grounds and challenging layout. The combination of water hazards, bunkers, and tree-lined fairways offers a comprehensive golfing experience.
Best Golf Cities in North Dakota
Golfing in Fargo
Fargo is a thriving golf community, offering a variety of courses for players of all skill levels. Some of the popular golf courses in the city include Edgewood Golf Course, Osgood Golf Course, and the Fargo Country Club. Each course provides a unique golfing experience for both residents and visitors alike. Fargo’s golf courses are well-maintained, with lush green fairways and exceptional practice facilities, making the city a desirable destination for golf enthusiasts.
Bismarck’s Love for Golf
Bismarck is another prominent golf city in North Dakota, home to some of the state’s top-rated courses. The most notable among them is Hawktree Golf Club, which consistently ranks as the best golf course in North Dakota. Other distinguished courses in Bismarck include Riverwood Golf Course and Tom O’Leary Golf Course. The city’s golf community is continually growing, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. The superb course conditions, coupled with an ongoing commitment to improving local golf facilities, demonstrate Bismarck’s love for the sport.
Grand Forks’ Golf Community
Grand Forks offers a vibrant golf community, with numerous courses catering to golfers of various skill levels. Popular courses in Grand Forks include King’s Walk Golf Course, Lincoln Golf Course, and Ray Richards Golf Course. The city prides itself on providing high-quality golf experiences, with well-maintained greens and thoughtful course designs. Moreover, the golf community in Grand Forks actively fosters a welcoming atmosphere for both local players and visiting golfers.
Unique Features of North Dakota Golf Courses
North Dakota boasts an array of golf courses that take advantage of the state’s picturesque landscapes and natural elements. With a mix of traditional and challenging courses, enthusiasts will find a unique combination of Mother Nature’s beauty and playability in this northern region.
The Badlands area of North Dakota is home to several remarkable golf courses, featuring dramatic terrain, rugged rock formations, and unbeatable scenery. Among them is the Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora, which integrates the natural beauty of the Badlands into its design. Golfers navigating these courses will experience the unmatched splendor of the rolling hills, canyons, and rangeland that define the Badlands region.
Many golf courses in North Dakota are located near Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. This massive body of water not only provides breathtaking views, but also adds an element of challenge as golfers must take water hazards into account. The Links of North Dakota in Ray is a fine example of a course that incorporates this stunning lake view into its play.
The use of black coal slag in course construction is another distinctive feature of some North Dakota golf courses. Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck is a prime example, as it uniquely uses the locally sourced black coal slag for its bunkers. This material effectively creates visually outstanding contrast with the lush fairways and adds a touch of local flair to the course design.
The presence of the Little Missouri River is another defining characteristic for some courses, as it meanders through the landscape creating natural water hazards and picturesque fairway borders. For example, golfers at Fargo-West Fargo Edgewood Golf Course will have the opportunity to play alongside the scenic Red River that contributes to the Little Missouri River.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated golf courses in North Dakota?
The top-rated golf courses in North Dakota include Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck, Links of North Dakota in Ray, and Bully Pulpit in Medora. These courses have received acclaim from golf enthusiasts and publications like GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest.
Which golf courses in North Dakota are must-visit?
Must-visit golf courses in North Dakota include Hawktree Golf Club, Links of North Dakota, Bully Pulpit, and Minot Country Club. These courses offer remarkable scenery, challenging layouts, and top-notch facilities, making them excellent choices for golfers of all skill levels.
Are there any top golf courses near Fargo, North Dakota?
While Fargo may not be home to any top-ranked golf courses in the state, it does provide a variety of golfing options. Golfers visiting or living near Fargo can check out nearby courses such as Edgewood Golf Course, which offers a challenging and well-maintained layout.
Which North Dakota golf courses have PGA-level quality?
Some North Dakota golf courses approach PGA-level quality, such as Hawktree Golf Club and Links of North Dakota. While these courses might not regularly host professional tournaments, they have the challenging layouts and top-tier course conditions that would appeal to professional golfers.
What are some highly recommended public golf courses in North Dakota?
Some highly recommended public golf courses in North Dakota include Hawktree Golf Club, Links of North Dakota, and Bully Pulpit. These courses not only offer exceptional golf experiences but also welcome golfers of varying skill levels.
How do North Dakota golf courses compare to those in nearby states?
North Dakota golf courses, while not as well-known as those in more prominent golf destinations, offer unique and beautiful courses with diverse landscapes and challenges for golfers of all abilities. Comparatively, nearby states like Minnesota and South Dakota also offer top-quality golf courses but may have more higher-profile courses due to their larger golfing communities. However, North Dakota remains a lesser-known gem that is worth exploring for avid golfers.