Let me guess… when you think "golf vacation," South Dakota probably ranks somewhere between Newark and that sketchy muni course with the goose problem. Well, prepare to eat crow (or in this case, pheasant) because South Dakota quietly built itself into the Midwest's most underrated golf destination while you were overpaying in Scottsdale.
Mountain Golf Without the Trust Fund Requirements
The Black Hills region proves you don't need a second mortgage to play elevation changes and pine-lined fairways. At the top of everyone's list sits The Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City, which somehow manages to be both the state's #1 ranked public course AND charge about half what you'd pay for similar quality in Colorado. We're talking 100-foot elevation drops, USGA-spec greens with more tiers than a wedding cake, and a driveable opening hole that'll make you feel like Bryson DeChambeau (results may vary).
Designer Ron Farris clearly woke up and chose violence when he created this 2003 masterpiece. The ponderosa pines aren't just decoration… they're actively plotting against your scorecard. Yet peak season rates max out at $85, which in today's golf economy feels like finding a $20 bill in your rain jacket.
The Black Hills Bargain Brigade
Just down the road, Hart Ranch Golf Club snagged GolfWeek's #1 ranking for 2023-2025, because apparently the Black Hills decided to flex on everyone. This place offers 6,833 yards of "why did I hit driver?" moments through rolling foothills, with dynamic pricing starting at $65. They've got 14 different membership options, which is 13 more than most of us need, plus military discounts because supporting the troops > supporting your buddy's ego.
Here's where it gets interesting for us cheapskates. Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs charges just $54 for 18 holes of genuine Black Hills beauty. Sure, it's "only" 5,905 yards, but when you're navigating the colorful Spearfish Formation (that's geology speak for "pretty rocks that eat golf balls"), you'll use every club in your bag anyway.
The clubhouse serves homemade sandwiches that'll make you question why you ever paid $18 for a sad country club wrap. Plus, they offer a tourist special… bring your hotel receipt and get all-day golf discounts. Because nothing says "we want you here" like actually wanting you here.
Northern Black Hills: Where Golf Meets Drama
Up in Spearfish, Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club takes the whole mountain golf thing literally. The front nine climbs up a mountainside like it's training for American Ninja Warrior, while the back nine descends through Polo Creek Canyon with all the subtlety of a downhill ski run. Golf Digest keeps ranking it among the state's best, probably because their reviewers enjoy a good cardio workout with their bogeys.
Meanwhile, Boulder Canyon Golf Club in Sturgis just dropped over $1 million on improvements, including two miles of concrete cart paths (your back thanks them) and a signature island green that's claimed more balls than a driving range retriever. Located halfway between Sturgis and Deadwood, it's perfect for those who like their golf with a side of motorcycle culture and casino buffets.
Prairie Golf That'll Make You Rethink Everything
Eastern South Dakota might look flat from I-90, but the golf scene has more personality than your cousin's TikTok account.
Prairie Green Golf Course in Sioux Falls holds the #2 state ranking like it's defending a championship belt. Dick Nugent's 1994 design stretches 7,179 yards across prairie wetlands, with weekend rates of $47 that'll make you wonder if they forgot a digit. Golf Digest named it to their Best New Affordable Courses list, which in golf speak means "really good but won't require selling plasma."
The signature 15th hole demands you carry water to reach a multi-tiered green surrounded by prairie grass that's basically nature's ball magnet. Locals describe the greens as "some of the best I've ever played," which either means they're amazing or these folks need to get out more. Spoiler: they're amazing.
Sioux Falls' Other Star
Willow Run Golf Course brings something unusual to eastern South Dakota… actual hills. This Joel Goldstrand design got a facelift from Todd Clark (he's with the American Society of Golf Course Architects, so you know he's legit), resulting in 6,660 yards of "wait, I thought this was supposed to be flat" golf.
Weekend rounds run $60, which includes:
- 4-star Golf Digest rating credentials
- Elevation changes that'll mess with your yardages
- An expanded restaurant with actual good food
- Indoor/outdoor dining (weather dependent, obviously)
- On-site fitness center for GreatLIFE members
North of Sioux Falls, semi-private Brookings Country Club overlooks Lake Campbell like it's posing for a postcard. In Watertown, Cattail Crossing just finished renovating all 27 holes, because apparently 18 wasn't enough opportunity to lose balls in Lake Kampeska.
Central South Dakota: Where Value Gets Ridiculous
This is where things get weird in the best way possible. Broadland Creek National Golf Course in Huron stretches to 7,100 yards and charges… wait for it… $30 for 18 holes.
I'll pause while you re-read that.
With a 74.0 rating and 131 slope, this Garrett Gil design punches way above its price point. Locals call it "the best kept secret in South Dakota," though at this point it's about as secret as your friend's BBQ sauce recipe (hint: it's always brown sugar and paprika).
More Central Gems That Don't Make Sense
Hillsview Golf Course in Pierre sits on Missouri River bluffs like it won the geographic lottery. This 6,735-yard classic from 1965 got a thoughtful renovation in 2002 that kept its character while bringing conditions into this century. Four tee sets mean everyone from your scratch-playing brother-in-law to your "I just like driving the cart" spouse can enjoy it.
Down in Mitchell, Lakeview Municipal Golf Course earned USA Today's designation as the "Top Golf Course in South Dakota under $50." They just completed 2024 improvements and maintain a 300-yard driving range for those of us who need to "warm up" for 45 minutes. The clubhouse even has showers for traveling golfers, which is the kind of thoughtful touch that makes you wonder why fancy private clubs can't figure this stuff out.
The Fancy Pants Option: Sutton Bay
Okay, let's talk about Sutton Bay Golf Course near Agar, the state's "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" option. This Graham Marsh-designed links sits on Missouri River bluffs so dramatic they make other courses look like mini golf. It's primarily private, but the remote resort (40 miles northwest of Pierre) offers packages combining luxury accommodations with golf, hunting, and fishing.
One reviewer's well-traveled brother-in-law said, "Other than St. Andrews, I would have a hard time placing any others above Sutton Bay." Now, either this guy has impeccable taste or terrible memory, but when someone drops St. Andrews in a comparison, you pay attention. The course keeps flirting with Golf Digest's Second 100 Greatest Courses ranking, which is like being the first runner-up in a really, really attractive pageant.
Northern Discoveries for the Adventurous
Aberdeen's Moccasin Creek Country Club breaks the private club mold by actually welcoming public play. Guest fees run $75-100, which sounds steep until you realize you're getting 7,125 yards of William Maddox design maintained to casino-level standards (they host Dakota Tour events, so the greens better be perfect).
In Vermillion, The Bluffs Golf Course lives up to its "Golf on the Edge" tagline with Missouri River views that'll make you forget you just four-putted. Patrick Wyss designed this beauty in 1996, and it's classy enough to host the South Dakota Open Pro-Am. Water comes into play on seven holes, though "comes into play" is golf-speak for "will definitely eat at least three of your balls."
For a history lesson with your hook, check out Two Rivers Golf Club in Dakota Dunes. Dating to 1909, it's one of South Dakota's oldest courses, charging just $24 for 6,043 yards of "holy crap, that tree is old" golf. Small greens and mature trees prove that modern distance is overrated when you can't hit it straight anyway.
Planning Your South Dakota Golf Invasion
Best time to visit? April through October, unless you're into extreme golf (frozen golf balls bounce weird, trust me). Shoulder seasons offer perfect conditions and fewer people, which means faster rounds and better tee times.
Getting there is easier than explaining why you four-putted:
- Rapid City Regional Airport: 17-25 minutes from Black Hills courses
- Sioux Falls Regional Airport: Connected to 11+ cities
Stay-and-Play Options That Actually Make Sense
Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort packages golf with casino action, perfect for those who like losing money in multiple ways. Spearfish Canyon Lodge offers scenic accommodations near several courses, while Boulder Canyon provides customizable packages including lodging, golf, and breakfast (because nobody wants to golf hungry).
Sioux Falls Golf offers multi-course packages that let you sample the eastern region without the hassle of booking everything separately. Many properties will customize packages based on your group's needs, skill levels, and tolerance for early tee times.
The Ultimate Multi-Day Itinerary
Here's a traverse that'll make your golf buddies jealous:
- Fly into Sioux Falls, play Prairie Green
- Drive to Pierre, attempt Sutton Bay (wallet permitting)
- Continue to Rapid City for Black Hills courses
- Pretend you're also there for Mount Rushmore
Non-golfing companions can explore Badlands National Park, historic Deadwood, Custer State Park's wildlife, and Wind Cave tours. This way, everyone's happy and you can golf guilt-free… mostly.
Money-Saving Tips from a Fellow Cheapskate
The SDGA discount card costs $35 and pays for itself in approximately 1.5 rounds. It's like a coupon book, but for people who own multiple putters.
Additional ways to save:
- Book shoulder season (May or September)
- Take advantage of tourist specials
- Play twilight rates
- Join email lists for deals
- Bring your own snacks (kidding… sort of)
Why South Dakota Golf Makes Sense
Look, I get it. South Dakota wasn't on your golf radar. But when you're paying 30-50% less than Minnesota or Colorado, playing uncrowded courses in under four hours, and experiencing everything from mountain golf to prairie links to river bluffs in one trip… suddenly that flyover state starts looking pretty smart.
The South Dakota tourism site and course directory have all the nerdy details you need. But here's the real truth: South Dakota built an incredible golf scene while nobody was watching. The courses are ready, the values are unbeatable, and your only regret will be not discovering this sooner.
Now excuse me while I book my tee time at Broadland Creek. Thirty dollars for 7,100 yards? That's not a green fee, that's a rounding error.
