Golf South Dakota
South Dakota, called the Mount Rushmore State after the wondrous sculpture of the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln which was carved into the Black Hills, is famous for a few other things as well. Not far from Yellowstone, where the monument is located, is the peaceful little town of Sturgis, home to 5000 people – until August, when literally half a million bikers pour in from all over the country for the annual "Born to Be Wild" motorcycle rally. South Dakota is ever the land of extremes, and its golf is no exception. The state’s populations are mostly at either end of the state. On the east end is Sioux Falls, while the west end finds the Black Hills and Rapid City. Highway 90 connects them as it crosses the state, with nearly nothing in between. Those who are driving through South Dakota may want to leave their clubs available for easy access, though. Don’t be too surprised to find that there are actually some pretty good courses to play at both ends of the Mount Rushmore State.
Starting off in the middle of the state, there is Sutton Bay Golf Club in Agar, which is 40 miles north east of Pierre. A private club offering fishing, hunting and accommodations as well as golf, this 5000 acre cattle ranch was converted into the #1 best new course in the country in 2004, according to Golf Digest. Golfweek gave Sutton Bay #2 out of 40 in 2005. The list of awards is long and distinguished, leaves one wondering how something like this ever got lost up in South Dakota, but maybe that’s exactly where it had to be to happen. Regardless, the golf is outstanding; Graham Marsh has designed an 18 hole regulation length course offering up 7,245 par-72 yards on Bluegrass, in a setting that is nothing shy of spectacular, both intrinsically and for its tranquility.
Next in the lineup is the Meadowbrook Golf Course, in Rapid City. What’s most remarkable about this is that it’s a municipal course that got listed in the Best 100 for under $100 in 2002. This 18-hole course offers up 7,054 par-72 yards. With a course rating of 73 and a slope rating of 138 on Blue grass, no one could claim it’s particularly easy. Designed by David Arthur Gill, the Meadowbrook first opened in 1977. In total, there are 36 holes, a 20-tee driving range, and 9 executive holes which can provide a second-play or an abbreviated round if time is short. Rates are VERY reasonable, and include a cart when available.
For an example on the other side of the state, we’ll go to the 18-hole Prairie Green Golf Course in Sioux Falls. Designed by Richard Nugent, this 7,179 yard par-72 course enjoys a rating of 74.2 and a slope rating of 134. First opening in 1995, this municipal course earned a place in the top five courses in the state.
If you happen to have reason to be in Pierre, the state’s capital, the Hillsview municipal is one of two 18-hole courses in the area. Featuring 6,828 par-72 yards, the course rating is 71.4 and it has a slope rating of 122 on Blue grass. A Ron Farris design, this course opened in 1966, and is the only regulation-length course we can recommend in the area at this time.
As you can see, golf in South Dakota is feast or famine, but when it’s feast time, the Mount Rushmore state serves up a huge spread – a golfer’s buffet! If you have reason to be there for business or vacation be sure to sample the local fare. It can be surprisingly good out there!
