Golf In Nebraska – The Best of the West

The beautiful rolling sand hills of Nebraska offer some of the most stunning  and  picturesque scenery in the world and nestled in these rolling hills are some of the best golf courses in the country. Nebraska offers a true links style golf experience reminiscent of some of the world most noted golf courses in Ireland.

Wild Horse Golf Club Course Review

Wild Horse ranks in the top 10 of any public golf course I have played in the United States. This golf course offers stunning views of pristine fairways bordered by tall native grass giving visitors memorable views and an outstanding links golf experience. Wild Horse Golf Club has very generous fairways and numerous blowout bunkers that force players to place a premium on shot placement. Club selection is a key taking into the consideration the stiff winds that swirl over the course.

I found Wild Horse Golf Club to be challenging but very fair and a pleasure to play.  Don Graham and the General Manager / Head Professional and his staff were so pleasant and helpful during my stay at Wild Horse Golf Club. The Clubhouse was well stocked, reasonably priced and offered a fully stocked bar and a very nice menu. Wild Horse is a Must Play during any visit to Nebraska or the Western part of the United States.

Wild Horse consistently ranks among the top courses in the world and I couldn’t agree more. It was truly a unforgettable experience playing this golf course. I was almost disappointed that my round was offer. Wild Horse rewards good shots and gives players room for slightly off line shots while giving them ample opportunities to get up and down for par.  I have added this course to my must play list in 2015.

The Prairie Club Course Review

Prairie Dunes is truly a gem in the sandhills of Nebraska. This 36-hole facility opened for play in 2010 and offers visitors with 2 championship golf courses,, a dual-sided 500 yard practice facility , a clubhouse, a first-class restaurant and cabins for overnight stays.  The Dunes Course and Pines Course are both links style courses that offer breathtaking views of the Nebraska sandhills and the Snake River canyon. Both of these courses rank highly as two of the best golf courses in the country.

I played the Pines course first and found it challenging and very enjoyable. It offered tighter tee shots than the Dunes course but also featured generous rolling fairways that allowed room for a slightly stray shot. However both courses are bordered with native grass and waste areas that put a premium of shot placement. Loose shots will be penalized.

The Dunes Course was spectacular. I will never forget the majestic views form the tee boxes as I made my way around this golf course. The Dunes featured some fairways as wide as 100 yards.  Approach shots wer key because of the tucked pins and undulating greens. Shooting for the flag is not always the right play at the Prairie Club.  Prairie Club is must play for any real golf enthusiast of a recreational golf that wants an enjoyable and challenging golf experience.

Bayside Golf Club Course Review

Bayside Golf Club is a links style golf course that is bordered by the 22-mile Lake McConaughy reservoir that offers spectacular views and stunning sunsets. Bayside offers 2 distinct nine hole layouts. The front nine is flatter and more forgiving. It gives golfer a opportunity to start their rounds off a positive note that hopefully carries over to the much hillier and challenging back nine.

The back nine features more forced carries and tougher approach shots.  A hole that stuck to me was the par-five 11th hole that measured a very imposing 648 yards from the back tees making it arguably the longest hole in the state of Nebraska. This hole features 28 bunkers and a very challenging lay-up and approach shot to the an undulating green.

I had the pleasure of playing Bayside with the owner Cliff Brown. His inside knowledge of Bayside and it’s tricky approach shots was invaluable in giving me an exciting and rewarding playing experience.  The one thing I loved about Bayside was the hospitality and the great food. Bayside has to be included on any trip to Nebraska.

Heritage Hills Golf Club Course Review

Heritage Hills golf course is a truly an enjoyable test of golf featuring dramatic elevation changes. Most holes begin and end with elevated tees and greens. The wind plays a major factor in how tough Heritage Hill plays on any given day.

The long lush fairways are bordered by native grass that places an emphasis shot placement and making smart approach shots into these fast undulating greens. Located in “Hot Spot” of the state McCook Nebraska, Heritage Hills is great place to visit on a trip to Nebraska. Located directly off of the highway the golf is easily accessible and the staff is top-notch. I had a wonderful golfing experience here and I would recommend Heritage Hills to anyone who wants to play real links golf in the western United States.

Heritage Hills is always in great condition and offers visitors a great value and an amazing golf experience. The course borders Colorado is an easy drive form Denver. I recommend Heritage Hills as a must play for any visitor to Nebraska.

Please visit the following websites for great Stay and Play packages that include the courses in this article and many more great places to play in Nebraska.

www.linksofnebraska.com and www.playthewest.com

(Cover Photo Credit)