Golf in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers an unexpected richness that challenges assumptions about Midwest municipal golf. With over 200 holes across 12 facilities and the state's second-ranked course available for public play, this city of 200,000 has cultivated a golf ecosystem that rivals metropolitan areas many times its size.
Prairie Green stands as the crown jewel of public golf
Prairie Green Golf Course represents everything right about municipal golf done well. This Dick Nugent design stretches 7,179 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 134, earning its designation as the #2 golf course in South Dakota by GolfWeek Magazine in 2024.
The prairie links-style course charges just $41 for weekday 18-hole rounds and $47 on weekends, delivering exceptional value for a layout that hosted Golf Digest's "Best New Affordable Course" award in 1996. The course features rolling fairways carved through prairie wetlands, with strategically placed bunkers guarding expansive greens that average 7,000 square feet. The front nine plays as a clustered loop, while the back nine winds through residential areas, creating distinct playing experiences within the same round.
Local reviewers consistently praise the firm, fast fairways and "flawless" greens that run true at tour-level speeds. The 74.2 course rating from the championship tees provides a legitimate test for accomplished players, while multiple tee boxes accommodate all skill levels.
Amenities match the championship layout
The facility includes everything serious golfers expect from a premium course:
- Full driving range (tokens $8-14)
- GPS-equipped carts ($23 per person)
- Multiple practice greens
- Restaurant serving the 19th hole
- Pro shop with equipment
- PGA instruction available
What separates Prairie Green from typical municipal courses is its commitment to championship-level maintenance. The course employs the same agronomic practices found at private clubs, resulting in conditions that one reviewer described as "currently in excellent condition with lush fairways, firm greens, and full water hazards."
Elmwood delivers variety with 27 holes of parkland golf
Elmwood Golf Course serves as the flagship facility of Sioux Falls' municipal system, offering 27 holes of tree-lined parkland golf that underwent a $5 million renovation in 2013. The championship rotation combines the West and North nines for 6,798 yards of traditional golf featuring domed greens and classic bunkering.
The East nine adds 3,363 yards at par 36, while a unique five-hole par-3 course provides a quick-play option for $5-15. Green fees match Prairie Green at $41 weekday and $47 weekend for 18 holes, with the East nine available for $33-35.
Recent improvements elevate the experience
The 2013 renovation brought significant upgrades that elevated Elmwood to modern standards. New irrigation systems ensure consistent conditions throughout the season, while reconstructed greens and tees provide optimal playing surfaces. The improved drainage means fewer cart path only days, even after heavy rains.
Currently, a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse is under construction to further enhance the facility. The signature 16th hole demands a precise drive through a tree chute to reach an elevated green, epitomizing the course's strategic demands that earned it a 4.5-star GolfPass rating.
The variety at Elmwood makes it particularly appealing for local golfers who can play different nine-hole combinations throughout the season. The course rating varies from 35.5 for the East nine to championship-level ratings when combining the West and North layouts. Better yet, the pace of play allows 18 holes in three hours during off-peak times… a minor miracle in modern golf.
Budget-friendly options expand playing opportunities
Not everyone needs championship golf every round, and Sioux Falls delivers affordable alternatives that keep the game accessible. These courses prove that budget golf doesn't have to mean settling for goat tracks.
Northern Links offers the best bang for your buck
Northern Links Golf Course takes the crown for affordability with weekday nine-hole rates starting at just $17. The family-owned operation converted from farmland in 1998 features nine holes playing to par 36 across 3,176 yards.
The Martin Johnson Jr. design includes the area's only island green on the second hole, creating a memorable challenge early in the round. Weekend 18-hole rounds cost just $26, making this the go-to spot for golfers watching their wallet. The 7,000-square-foot greens provide ample room for pin placements, while the links-style layout offers gentle elevation changes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Executive courses for quick rounds
Kuehn Park Golf Course fills the niche for quick rounds and beginner-friendly golf with its nine-hole, par-30 layout measuring 2,115 yards. Green fees top out at $31 for 18 holes on weekends, making it the most affordable option in the municipal system.
The course operates on a walk-on basis without tee time reservations, perfect for spontaneous rounds. While some reviewers note firm greens and overgrown trees, the course serves its purpose as an entry point for new golfers and a practice facility for working on iron play.
Private clubs elevate the competitive landscape
The private side of Sioux Falls golf punches well above its weight class, hosting PGA Tour events and attracting top architects to create memorable layouts.
Minnehaha Country Club hosts the pros
Minnehaha Country Club holds the distinction of hosting the PGA Champions Tour's Sanford International, elevating Sioux Falls' golf profile nationally. The 1905 Langford and Moreau design measures 6,437 yards at par 71, with a slope rating reaching 135 from the championship tees.
The course has welcomed golf legends including Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen throughout its storied history. Steve Stricker claimed four victories at the Sanford International, demonstrating the course's championship pedigree. Golf Digest ranks Minnehaha as the #2 course in South Dakota, recognizing its tree-lined fairways, elevated greens, and deep bunkers that create a classic parkland test.
The Country Club adds depth
The Country Club of Sioux Falls anchors the traditional private golf scene with 27 holes including an 18-hole championship layout playing 7,028 yards and a nine-hole executive course. Originally founded as Westward Ho Country Club in 1959, the E. Lawrence Packard design underwent renovation by Jim Lipe in 2017.
The championship course carries a 74.0 rating and 129 slope from the back tees, providing a stern test for accomplished players. Members enjoy extensive amenities including tennis courts, fitness facilities, swimming pools, and multiple dining options.
New private option coming in 2025
Mapletøn Golf Club represents the future of Sioux Falls golf, with this new private facility scheduled to open in 2025. Designed by renowned architect Scott Hoffman across 210 acres along Slip Up Creek, the club will limit membership to 175 single memberships plus corporate and national options.
The golf-focused concept eliminates traditional country club amenities like swimming and tennis in favor of pure golf experiences. The walkable design features short green-to-tee connections and approximately half the holes playing without trees, creating an open, links-influenced layout.
Additional public options round out the scene
Beyond the headline courses, Sioux Falls offers several more public options that deliver solid golf experiences at reasonable prices.
Willow Run Golf Course earned a four-star Golf Digest rating for its Joel Goldstrand design that plays 6,520 yards at par 70. Recently renovated by American Society of Golf Course Architecture member Todd Clark, the course winds through rolling hills east of Sioux Falls. Daily fees range from $40-60 depending on day and season, with a pro shop operated by local retail giant Austad's Golf.
Bakker Crossing Golf Course, located three miles south of Sioux Falls, offers 18 championship holes at par 71 stretching 6,940 yards. Designed by Donn Hill, the course charges $40-60 for daily play and features Duffers Bar & Grill for post-round refreshments. The course participates in the GreatLIFE membership system, which provides access to 18 regional courses for those seeking variety.
Playing seasons require strategic planning
Sioux Falls golf operates on a typical northern climate schedule, with courses opening in early April and closing by November. The official season runs April through October, though mild springs occasionally allow March play and Indian summers can extend into November.
Best times to play
Smart golfers target specific months for optimal conditions:
- September-October: Perfect weather (74°F average)
- June-August: Peak season (77-82°F)
- April-May: Variable conditions but fewer crowds
- July: Hottest month (87°F average)
- May-June: Most rainfall
Peak season spans June through August when average temperatures reach comfortable levels for all-day play. Mid-July peaks around 87°F provide ideal conditions for morning and twilight rounds. September and October deliver exceptional playing conditions with temperatures averaging 74°F in early fall, fewer crowds, and courses in peak condition after summer growth.
Weather-savvy golfers should note that May and June bring the most rainfall, coinciding with the growing season that produces lush conditions. Winter effectively closes courses from December through February, with average temperatures ranging from 10-27°F and regular snowfall of 3-4 inches monthly.
Instruction opportunities abound for improvement seekers
The instruction quality in Sioux Falls punches well above its weight class, attracting talented teachers who could succeed in much larger markets.
Top instructors lead the way
Danny Sinksen, the 2017 PGA Dakota Chapter Teacher of the Year, heads the instruction scene as Director of Player Development for Sioux Falls Golf. With 19 years of experience and a master's degree in adult education, Sinksen brings academic rigor to golf instruction. He oversees the Sioux Falls Golf Academy with 20-30 regular students, directs the junior tour serving 60-80 young players, and manages the men's golf club's 400+ membership.
Erik Hansen at Willow Run adds another accomplished instructor to the scene. The former All-American collegiate player specializes in custom club fitting while offering lessons for all skill levels. His decade-plus of golf business experience helps students navigate equipment choices alongside swing improvements.
Year-round instruction options
For winter practice, the Sanford Sports Academy provides indoor lessons from October through May at Great Shots, then moves outdoors to Prairie Green and Elmwood for summer programs. PGA-certified coaches use video analysis for adult programs while running seasonal programs for grades 1-12.
The municipal system's commitment to growing the game shows in its junior programs, which reach 800+ participants annually through First Tee programming. These programs create a pipeline of young golfers while making the game accessible to families regardless of economic background.
Local retail and services support the golf community
Austad's Golf, founded in Sioux Falls in 1963, has grown into a regional golf retail powerhouse while maintaining its family-owned roots. Recognized as a Golf Digest Top 100 Club Fitter, the store at 2801 E 10th Street employs master fitters using cutting-edge technology for custom builds.
Beyond retail, Austad's provides comprehensive services that keep golfers on the course:
- Club repair and restoration
- Custom ball printing
- Golf simulator sales
- Professional fitting studios
- Major brand inventory
- Trade-in programs
- Seasonal equipment storage
They operate the pro shop at Willow Run, stocking major brands including Titleist, PING, Mizuno, TaylorMade, Cobra, and Callaway. The family atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a gathering spot for local golfers seeking equipment advice or just talking shop.
Municipal golf benefits create exceptional value
The Sioux Falls municipal golf system, managed by Landscapes Unlimited, demonstrates how city-owned courses can rival private facilities when properly operated. The three municipal courses totaling 59 holes consistently earn accolades for maintenance quality while keeping green fees accessible.
Season passes and daily deals
Season passes provide exceptional value for frequent players. Options range from unlimited all-time passes to weekday-only and age-specific discounts. Pass holders receive partner benefits including 35% off Anytime Fitness memberships, creating value beyond the golf course.
Daily specials further expand access:
- Military personnel: 15% discount
- Seniors: 50% off Tuesday mornings
- Ladies: 25% off Monday mornings
- Twilight rates after 5 PM
- Junior rates for under 18
- Family packages available
Tournament schedule brings competitive opportunities
The municipal tournament schedule creates competitive opportunities for all skill levels. The Mayor's Cup serves as the city championship, supported by qualifying events throughout the season. Night golf events using glow balls add a fun twist to traditional play, while couples championships and adult-junior tournaments ensure variety beyond traditional stroke play competitions.
The Bryce Rockafellow Scholarship Tournament stands out for its community impact, awarding 47 scholarships over 29 years. This demonstrates the system's commitment to growing the game among young players while supporting their educational goals.
Planning your Sioux Falls golf experience
Whether you're a local looking to explore new courses or a visitor planning a golf getaway, Sioux Falls delivers quality experiences at every price point.
Booking and technology
The Sioux Falls Golf website centralizes booking for all municipal courses, while their mobile app simplifies on-the-go reservations. Stay-and-play packages starting at $219 combine lodging with golf, making weekend trips affordable. All major facilities offer rental equipment, eliminating the need to travel with clubs.
What makes Sioux Falls special
The combination of championship-quality municipal courses, respected private clubs, accomplished instructors, and comprehensive retail services creates a complete golf ecosystem typically found only in major metropolitan areas. Green fees ranging from $17 at Northern Links to $47 at Prairie Green on weekends deliver exceptional value compared to comparable courses in Minneapolis, Omaha, or Kansas City.
With 12 courses offering over 200 holes within a 20-minute drive of downtown, variety keeps the game fresh throughout the season. The pace of play averages under four hours even on weekends, while the friendly Midwest atmosphere welcomes visitors warmly.
Prairie Green alone justifies a golf trip, ranking among the state's finest courses while charging municipal rates. Add in the depth of options from executive courses to PGA Champions Tour venues, and Sioux Falls provides appropriate challenges for every skill level and budget. The city has quietly built one of the Midwest's most complete golf scenes… all while keeping it accessible to everyone who loves the game.
