They say your worst day on the golf course is better than your best day at work. Whether you're getting away from work for the day, planning a weekend outing or just want to try a new golf course, there are plenty of options across North Dakota. With so many golf courses across the state, you'll find reasonable green fees and all types of terrain for a variety of challenges.
North Dakota's courses range from those that have received national recognition to those revered by the locals. North Dakota has over 105 nine- and 18-hole golf courses, more per capita than any other state. Golf Digest added several of North Dakota's course to their list of "The Best Little Golf Town in America." Among these Bismarck ranked No. 29, Grand Forks No. 71 and Fargo No. 87 of the 314 cities included in the survey.
A number of courses that garner a lot of the attention within the state, as well as outside its borders:
In the Fargo area, try Oxbow Country Club, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., designed course. His use of ponds and the famous "Oxbow" lend challenging playability features and natural beauty to the course. John Dahl, the course pro, is recognized by Golf Digest as the top instructor in North Dakota and by Golf Magazine as one of 100 top instructors in the United States. Oxbow is a private club, but people living outside of a 50-mile radius of Fargo are welcome to play the course.
Bully Pulpit Golf Course, a new 18-hole golf course three miles south of Medora opened in 2004. Set in the dramatic North Dakota Badlands landscape, the course features five different tees, ranging in length from a comfortable 5,000 total yards from the forward tees to a challenging 7,300 yards at the tips.
Located near Williston along Lake Sakakawea, The Linds of North Dakota was designed by Steven Kay. It is ranked as the No. 1 course in North Dakota and has received numerous other rankings, including being ranked 57th in Golfweek's list of "America's 100 Best Modern Courses," ranked No. 85 in Golf World's 2002 "Best Golf Courses," and a 4½-star ranking from Golf Digest's "Places to Play."
There are courses scattered throughout the state. Many hotels also offer "stay and play" packages for guests. Ask about lodging packages when you call the golf course. For a unique, historic twist, golfers can follow the Lewis & Clark Trail through North Dakota. The golf trail retraces the route of the 19th century explorers along the Missouri River, identifying 21 golf courses near the trail.
By Leroy Worley
Plan Your Golf Trip:
Go to the North Dakota Tourism Division website to discovered regional events, attraction, recreation, and to plan your trip.
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