Why North Dakota golf is affordable, accessible and dirt cheap

Suddenly, as I rounded a rise in the road, the peaceful, pastoral fields turned into chaos. And, as I do with a slippery tripod, I panicked. A herd of 60 bellowing buffaloes, only fifty meters away, was marching towards me in the middle of the road. I slammed on the brakes. (A small rental car against multiple foaming at the mouth 2,000 pound animals is not a fair fight.) What should you do? The options were limited.

Ah yes, North Dakota. There are always a few surprises around the corner. Like beautiful bad lands. Like pristine golf courses parading across the plains. Like a big, burly bison that doesn’t like people stepping in their way.

Speaking of roads, North Dakota has more than enough to make for a great road trip. The Garden State of Peace is also home to a number of sensational golf courses that are beautifully spread across all the quadrants.

Not surprisingly, given the fact that this is one of the least populated states in America (only three states have fewer people) and only one percent of the state is forest or woodland, golf tends to fall into the “internal links” genre. .

For me, a prairie boy who grew up just north of North Dakota in the Canadian province of Manitoba (yes, there is another country up there and I guarantee the winters are no longer welcoming), the spectacular skies of North Dakota, the vast wide and rural ways are a comforting thing. Simply put, I love the state. And, perhaps most importantly, I love golf.

Two simple reasons are because it’s affordable (almost every course in the state is under $100) and it’s accessible (there are only four private clubs in the state, and all allow some non-member play). But perhaps the most important reason is because golf constantly hovers in the better zone than you think and, at times, reaches the point of “outstanding.”

For example, Hawktree in Bismarck, which was first on the dock on my last trip, is a thrilling Jim Engh invention that winds its way through excavated and water-carved landforms along Burnt Creek. Featuring numerous tees, creek crossings, unique black sand bunkers and a wonderful variety of holes carved through naturally formed fairways, Hawktree has been hailed as a “modern masterpiece”. It’s a lofty rating, to be sure, but, without a doubt, this is an ideal spot for golf holes and Engh’s effort certainly warrants “must play” status.

Interestingly, Engh, who was born in North Dakota, is the author of two other notable designs in the state. Minot Country Clubwhich allows some unaccompanied guests during off-peak hours, has a similar look and feel to Hawktree. It showcases Engh’s bold bunkering and contouring, wide fairways of play and magnificent complex greens. And, for the record, the Minot CC is definitely lighter than the Hawktree.

Also, the small town of Killdeer (about an hour and a half northwest of Bismarck) is home to a fabulous under-the-radar 9-hole that Engh designed in 2004. In fact, with its beautiful prairie setting and massive scale, the Medicine Hole Golf Club epitomizes what golf in North Dakota is all about. I’d say pay your $32 and put your brains out until the cows (or buffalo) come home.

In an idyllic North Dakota setting, North Dakota Connections it is difficult to reach the top. Set on rugged, rolling plains above Lake Sakakawea, Links of North Dakota is an incredible inland links course that may be the poster baby for how good this game genre can be. While the non-stop views of the lake are definitely a highlight, it’s the rugged terrain, naturally channeled holes and exceptional driving and shaping that stand out here. For many internal courses using the term “Links” in the title is clearly unfair. But here, 20 minutes east of Williston, in a relatively remote stretch of windswept prairie, it works like a charm. Thanks to an improved irrigation system (work almost done), this course is on the verge of putting a few tough years in the rearview mirror. Be sure to put it on your itinerary.

Although when it comes to golf course names, Popular bully in the little western outpost of Medora, where I played my last round in my Dakota car, takes the cake. The term was coined by US President Theodore Roosevelt, who used the expression to describe a platform to influence or advocate an agenda.

After playing Bully Pulpit, I’ll advocate this: play it. It is a special course designed by the well-known architect Dr. Michael Hurzdan with exciting holes floating near the banks of the Little Missouri River. However, be prepared for some “teaser” holes in your face as well. The final run, a spectacular bolt through the badlands, features some wild and wicked challenges that are not for the faint of heart. The 14th, an ultra-tight par-4 that cuts through a valley, and the 15th, a devilish par-3 with a small green surrounded by sand and devilish slopes, are the two obvious examples.

However, the city of Medora will likely alleviate any purgatorial situations you may have endured along the way. A family-friendly resort town (don’t worry, there’s even a rustic saloon or two), this wicked oasis is also home to legendary and long-running Medora Music, which takes place nightly (in the summer) at Burning Hills. Amphitheater. The outdoor show celebrates the American Wild West and Roosevelt’s historic connection to the area. The 26th President of the United States bought a farm nearby and retired to the area frequently. Simply put, he fell in love with North Dakota.

I’ll bet when you drive through Theodore Roosevelt National Park (the only US national park named after a president), you’ll fall in love with it too. Bad places are amazing.

To cap off my North Dakota swing-fest, I thought I’d drive the spectacular 14-mile drive through the park’s North Unit (about an hour north of Medora) to see the badlands and, maybe, a bison or two. I have succeeded.

And when I came upon that unruly herd snorting and stomping toward me, I immediately locked the doors (it’s hard to pick a lock with hooves), opened my window a crack, grabbed my camera, and photographed the wildlife spectacle. I escaped unscathed and kept a very cool memory. I’d say North Dakota is about that.

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Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.