Nebraska, though not widely recognized as a golf destination, boasts a diverse array of courses for all skill levels set against its rolling prairies and scenic landscapes.
The state offers wide fairways, well-maintained greens, and strategic layouts by renowned architects. Notable courses include the breathtaking Dismal River Club and the historic Omaha Country Club.
A curated list of Nebraska’s 15 best golf courses highlights top locations like Prairie Club and Wild Horse Golf Club, emphasizing natural beauty and exceptional playability, promising an unforgettable golfing experience for enthusiasts.
From the rugged terrain of Awarii Dunes to the meticulously designed layouts at Firethorn Golf Club, Nebraska’s golf scene caters to every golfer’s preference. Whether you seek a challenging round or a leisurely game, these premier courses provide an ideal backdrop for all players.
15 Best Golf Courses in Nebraska
Nebraska’s golf scene offers a diverse array of courses set against stunning landscapes. From challenging designs to serene settings, these 15 top courses provide unforgettable golfing experiences.
1. Meadowlark Hills Golf Course
Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney, Nebraska, is a well-regarded public course offering an enjoyable experience for a green fee of $27. Golfers appreciate its interesting layout, well-maintained greens, and the course’s integration with the natural landscape.
The clubhouse facilities and friendly staff enhance the experience, making it a top choice in the region for both beginners and experienced golfers.
Another standout is Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg. Recognized for its challenging design and pristine conditions, this course offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
2. Tatanka Golf Club
Tatanka Golf Club in Niobrara, Nebraska, is a highly-rated resort known for its beautiful vistas and rolling hills. Golfers praise its challenging but rewarding layout and exceptional course maintenance.
Green fees are $80, a great value compared to similar quality courses in other states. Visitors highlight the stunning scenery, especially the sunset views on the back nine holes, and the welcoming atmosphere.
The course receives glowing reviews from seasoned golf pros, often making Top 10 lists for its impressive design and natural beauty. It provides an unforgettable golfing experience that keeps players coming back.
3. Elmwood Park Golf Course
Elmwood Park Golf Course in Omaha, Nebraska, is a municipally-owned public course that combines elements of a par-3 and a traditional championship layout, making it ideal for family outings and casual players.
With green fees at $42, it offers an affordable, high-quality golfing experience. Golfers consistently praise its well-maintained greens and excellent conditions, with many believing the experience justifies the cost.
Elmwood Park Golf Course is an accessible and enjoyable option for both residents and visitors, providing a thoughtful design and upkeep suitable for golfers seeking a mix of challenge and family-friendly fun.
4. Hillside Golf Club
Hillside Golf Club in Sidney, Nebraska, offers a well-maintained public course with a $37 green fee, known for its challenging layout and friendly staff.
Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg is praised for its natural prairie landscape and excellent course conditions, with a $45 green fee and a focus on environmental sustainability.
The Prairie Club in Valentine stands out with its striking landscapes and variety of course options, favored by seasoned golfers and noted for exceptional facilities with a $100 green fee.
All three courses provide memorable golfing experiences with their unique features and welcoming atmospheres.
5. Riverview Country Club
Riverview Country Club in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is a highly regarded public golf course known for its high quality and affordability, with a green fee of $40.
Golfers enjoy its pristine greens, well-kept fairways, and challenging rough, making it suitable for all skill levels, along with its serene atmosphere and manageable pace of play.
Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg is another excellent option, recognized for its pristine dunes and links-style layout that offers significant challenges.
Its natural beauty, strategic complexity, outstanding practice facilities, and friendly staff make it a top-ranked public course in Nebraska.
6. Woodland Hills Golf Course
Woodland Hills Golf Course in Eagle, Nebraska, is a public, scenic, and affordable golfing destination, with green fees set at $35.
Despite occasional wear on some greens, it is highly praised by visitors like Justin1818292, who ranks it among the top 5 courses he’s played. The course offers a diverse and challenging 39 holes with well-maintained fairways and strategic water hazards.
Eagle’s natural landscapes add to its allure, making it a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Woodland Hills effectively combines affordability with exceptional quality, earning its reputation as one of Nebraska’s finest courses.
7. Eagle Hills Golf Course
Located in Papillion, Nebraska, Eagle Hills Golf Course is a municipal gem that offers an engaging and highly rated golfing experience.
With a green fee of $38, this course provides significant value for both casual and experienced golfers. Spanning 138 acres, the course features well-maintained fairways and greens that players often praise.
Reviewers, including Gchipps263, highlight the “nice fairways and greens” and emphasize the quality of the electric golf carts.
The course layout is described as challenging yet enjoyable, enhanced by picturesque views throughout the grounds. Eagle Hills combines affordability with a top-notch golfing experience.
8. Lake Maloney Golf Course
Lake Maloney Golf Course in North Platte, Nebraska, is a semi-private golf destination with a $35 green fee, offering an accessible and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors.
Golfers praise the fairway conditions as “like carpet” and the consistently true greens, although the rough can be challenging.
The course is appreciated for its openness, with one reviewer noting they completed a round in just three hours on a Wednesday afternoon due to the lack of crowds.
Features like blind shots add complexity for newcomers, and the helpful staff and pleasant environment make it a must-visit for golfers in Nebraska.
9. North Bend Golf Course
Located in North Bend, Nebraska, North Bend Golf Course offers a great golfing experience for an affordable $20 green fee. Praised for its well-maintained greens and scenic views, it is a public course with 108 reviews from players.
A notable review from a member states, “I enjoyed playing here so much we just got a membership. The course is very well kept and worth the drive.”
Despite the lack of a driving range, the course’s charm and upkeep make it a favorite among locals and visitors, providing a budget-friendly and rewarding round of golf.
10. Benson Park Golf Course
Benson Park Golf Course in Omaha is a public/municipal course known for its well-maintained grounds and affordable green fee of $30. It features fast greens and challenging rough, which test golfers’ skills.
Reviewers praise its exceptional condition, variety of holes, and scenic views. The course caters to different skill levels, making it a recommended destination for both challenging and leisurely rounds of golf in Nebraska.
Another standout is the Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg, a semi-private course celebrated for its unique links-style design and firm, fast fairways. It consistently ranks among the top courses in the state.
11. Bay Hills Golf Course
Bay Hills Golf Course in Plattsmouth, Nebraska offers a budget-friendly golfing experience with a green fee of $24, suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.
The course features par 3 and 4 holes, lush scenery, and a welcoming staff, making it a top choice for golfers in Nebraska.
For more seasoned players seeking diverse challenges, Indian Creek Golf Club in Elkhorn and Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg are recommended.
Indian Creek offers 27 holes across three nine-hole courses, while Wild Horse is known for its links-style layout and challenging wind conditions.
12. Tiburon Golf Club
Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha provides a semi-private golfing experience with the well-maintained and challenging Mako Course for an affordable $36 fee, recognized for excellent conditions and pace of play.
Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, a private course designed by Pete Dye, offers an exclusive par-72 course lauded for its pristine layout and meticulous upkeep.
Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg is a top-rated public course known for its rolling fairways, expertly crafted greens, and strategic design, appealing to golfers of all skill levels.
Quarry Oaks in Ashland enhances the golfing experience with breathtaking views of the Platte River, natural terrain, and well-designed holes.
13. Awarii Dunes Golf Club
Located in Axtell, Nebraska, Awarii Dunes Golf Club offers a highly rated semi-private golfing experience featuring well-maintained fairways, freshly cut greens, and a friendly staff. The pro shop offers hats at competitive prices, enhancing the overall value of the club.
In Gothenburg, Wild Horse Golf Club is renowned for its challenging layout, sweeping prairie views, exceptional course conditions, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in Nebraska.
Situated in Omaha, the Champions Run Golf Course stands out with its meticulously designed holes, lush landscapes, and top-notch amenities, including a state-of-the-art practice facility and fine dining options.
14. Oakland Golf Club
Oakland Golf Club in Nebraska offers a unique golfing experience with a $50 green fee, known for excellent conditions and challenging layouts.
Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg is praised for its design and playability with undulating fairways and strategic bunkers. Quarry Oaks Golf Club in Ashland features scenic views and exceptional course maintenance.
ArborLinks in Nebraska City is a private club known for its immaculate landscaping and challenging holes. Awarii Dunes in Axtell is more family-friendly with lush fairways and a welcoming atmosphere.
These courses highlight Nebraska’s rich golfing environment, providing great value for golfers of all skill levels.
15. River Wilds Golf Club
River Wilds Golf Club in Washington County, Nebraska, is acclaimed for its serene countryside setting, well-maintained 18-hole course, and challenging layout suitable for all skill levels.
Visitors appreciate its scenic views and relaxing environment, making it a perfect getaway. The club features lush fairways, strategic water hazards, and sand traps that keep the game engaging.
Amenities include a pro shop, an on-site restaurant, and top-notch facilities. It holds a 4.3-star rating from 154 Google reviews, highlighting its excellent upkeep and courteous staff.
Located at 14002 US-75, Blair, NE 68008, the course opens at 8 AM, with bookings available online or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Nebraska’s hidden gem golf courses special?
Nebraska’s hidden gem golf courses stand out for their unique combination of affordability, quality, and scenic settings. Each course offers a distinct experience with well-maintained greens, strategic layouts, and amenities, making them appealing to golfers of all skill levels.
Where is Bay Hills Golf Course located?
Bay Hills Golf Course is located in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. It is known for being an affordable option without compromising on quality.
What can golfers expect at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha?
Golfers visiting Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha can expect a well-maintained course that provides great value for money. The club offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers on a budget.
Is Awarii Dunes Golf Club in Axtell competitively priced?
Yes, Awarii Dunes Golf Club in Axtell offers competitive pricing, ensuring a memorable golfing experience without breaking the bank.
What makes Oakland Golf Club engaging?
Oakland Golf Club provides a well-rounded golfing experience at a reasonable price. It features well-kept fairways and greens, and its layout is both challenging and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Nebraska’s golf courses offer diverse options for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Rating high in terms of affordability and quality, Bay Hills Golf Course in Plattsmouth and Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha cater to budget-conscious golfers without compromising the experience.
Awarii Dunes Golf Club in Axtell promises a memorable round with competitive pricing, while Oakland Golf Club delivers an engaging and reasonably priced golfing experience.
Further accentuating Nebraska’s charm, River Wilds Golf Club in Washington County presents a serene countryside setting, boasting a well-maintained 18-hole course with lush fairways and strategically placed hazards.
High ratings and top-notch amenities such as a pro shop and restaurant enhance its appeal. Booking tee times is convenient, making River Wilds an ideal destination for a relaxing game.
These highlighted courses signify just the beginning of what Nebraska offers to avid golfers, showcasing the state’s ability to provide exceptional golfing experiences in picturesque settings.
Colin McCarthy