Nebraska may not be on every golfer’s radar, but it offers some of the best public courses in the Midwest. From wide-open prairie landscapes to well-kept tracks near cities, there’s something for every kind of player.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging layout, scenic views, or just a fun round without spending too much, Nebraska has a golf course worth checking out. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the best public golf courses in the state, including top-rated favorites and a few hidden gems.
Top-Rated Public Golf Courses in Nebraska
Nebraska has a number of public golf courses that stand out for their design, condition, and overall experience. Whether you’re looking for a challenging layout or simply a course that’s fun to play, these top-rated options are well worth a visit. Here’s a look at some of the best public courses in Nebraska.
The Prairie Club
- Location: Valentine, Nebraska
- Yardage: Dunes Course – 7,147 yards | Pines Course – 6,819 yards
- Par: 72
The Prairie Club is often considered one of Nebraska’s finest golf experiences. Located in the Sandhills, it features two 18-hole courses. The Dunes Course has more elevation changes and risk-reward holes, while the Pines Course is slightly more forgiving but still very enjoyable. Golfers consistently praise the peaceful setting and the quality of the course, making it a must-play for anyone visiting the area.
Wild Horse Golf Club
- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska
- Yardage: 7,250 yards
- Par: 72
Wild Horse Golf Club is a links-style course that gives golfers a taste of traditional Scottish-style layouts without leaving Nebraska. The course features firm fairways, natural bunkering, and plenty of rolling terrain, making each round interesting.
It’s known for being both challenging and fun, with wide fairways that reward good shots and strategic hazards that keep players thinking. Many golfers praise its condition and playability, making it a top choice for public golf in the state.
Bayside Golf Club
- Location: Brule, Nebraska
- Yardage: 6,900 yards
- Par: 72
Bayside Golf Club sits near Lake McConaughy, offering scenic water views on several holes. This links-style course features wide fairways and a layout that balances challenge with playability, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
The course is well-maintained, and many players appreciate the mix of open holes and subtle elevation changes. Its location near the lake also makes it a great stop for a weekend golf trip in Nebraska.
Awarii Dunes Golf Club
- Location: Axtell, Nebraska
- Yardage: 7,100 yards
- Par: 72
Awarii Dunes Golf Club is built among natural sand dunes, giving it a unique and open feel. The course features rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens that keep golfers engaged from start to finish. It’s known for its quiet, rural setting, allowing players to focus on their game without distractions. The layout offers a mix of risk-reward holes and straightforward fairways, making it both fun and challenging for a wide range of golfers.
Quarry Oaks Golf Club
- Location: Ashland, Nebraska
- Yardage: 7,005 yards
- Par: 72
Quarry Oaks Golf Club is located along the Platte River and offers a mix of tree-lined fairways and gentle elevation changes. The course is well-maintained and provides a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Its layout encourages thoughtful play, with strategic bunkers and water hazards adding interest without being overwhelming. Many visitors enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the easy access from nearby Omaha and Lincoln, making it a popular choice for a day trip.
Wilderness Ridge Golf Club
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Yardage: 7,000 yards
- Par: 72
Wilderness Ridge Golf Club offers a resort-style experience while still being open to the public. The course features well-manicured fairways, smooth greens, and a mix of challenging and approachable holes. Its layout includes water features and gentle elevation changes that keep each round interesting.
Many golfers appreciate the course’s excellent conditions and convenient location near Lincoln, making it a popular choice for both local players and visitors looking for a quality public course.
Indian Creek Golf Club
- Location: Elkhorn, Nebraska (near Omaha)
- Yardage: 7,100 yards
- Par: 72
Indian Creek Golf Club features 27 holes divided into three 9-hole layouts, offering flexibility for golfers to mix and match their rounds. The course is known for its well-maintained greens, tree-lined fairways, and thoughtful design that challenges players without being overly difficult.
It also hosts amateur and professional events, giving it a reputation as one of the top public courses near Omaha. Many golfers enjoy the combination of playability, quality, and convenient location.
Hidden Gem Public Courses in Nebraska
Not all of Nebraska’s best golf experiences are widely known. Some courses fly under the radar but offer excellent layouts, scenic views, and a fun round without the crowds. These hidden gems are perfect for golfers looking to explore something different while still enjoying top-quality public golf.
Tatanka Golf Club
- Location: Niobrara, Nebraska
- Yardage: 6,800 yards
- Par: 72
Tatanka Golf Club is a scenic course set along the Niobrara River, offering rolling terrain and open fairways. The course is tribal-owned and provides a quiet, welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels.
With its mix of straight and dogleg holes, players are challenged to think strategically while enjoying the natural surroundings. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and the unique experience it offers compared to more well-known Nebraska courses.
Highlands Golf Course
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Yardage: 6,700 yards
- Par: 71
Highlands Golf Course is a well-kept municipal course that offers great value for public play. The layout features tree-lined fairways, moderate elevation changes, and fast, smooth greens that make for an enjoyable round.
It’s a favorite among local golfers for both practice and casual play. The course is beginner-friendly but still provides enough challenge for more experienced players, making it a solid option for anyone looking for quality golf near Lincoln.
Eagle Hills Golf Course
- Location: Papillion, Nebraska
- Yardage: 6,750 yards
- Par: 72
Eagle Hills Golf Course features a mix of open and tree-lined fairways, along with gentle elevation changes that add variety to each round. The course is known for being well-maintained and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Its layout encourages strategic play without feeling overwhelming, and many players appreciate the quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Eagle Hills is a great option for those looking to experience a quality public course near the Omaha area.
Jackrabbit Run Golf Course
- Location: Grand Island, Nebraska
- Yardage: 6,600 yards
- Par: 71
Jackrabbit Run Golf Course is a local favorite that offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The layout features open fairways with a mix of straight and dogleg holes, along with well-maintained greens that provide a consistent putting surface.
While it’s approachable for beginners, it still has enough challenge to keep more experienced players engaged. Its community-focused feel and affordable green fees make it a great choice for anyone looking for a solid round in central Nebraska.
Map of the Best Public Golf Courses in Nebraska
To make it easier to plan your golf trips, here’s a map showing the locations of the top public courses and hidden gems in Nebraska. From the Sandhills near Valentine to courses around Omaha and Lincoln, you can see where each course is located and plan your route for a day or multi-day golf trip.
Tips for Playing Golf in Nebraska
Playing golf in Nebraska can be a lot of fun, but a few tips can help you get the most out of your round.
1. Best Time to Play
The ideal golf season in Nebraska is late spring through early fall. Summers can get hot, so mornings or late afternoons are often the most comfortable times to play. Spring and early fall offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
2. Expect the Wind
Many courses, especially those in open areas like the Sandhills, can be windy. Keep this in mind when choosing clubs and planning shots.
3. Check Green Fees
Public courses vary in price. Some, like Wild Horse, are very affordable, while others, like The Prairie Club, are higher-end. It’s a good idea to check the current rates and make a tee time if needed.
4. Bring Your Own Gear
While most courses have rental clubs, bringing your own clubs ensures you’re comfortable and ready for different course conditions. If you’re in need of some new gear, their club house has a lot of clubs for purchase including some of the best putters available.
5. Plan Your Route
Nebraska is a big state, and courses can be spread out. If you’re planning multiple rounds, map your route ahead of time to make the most of your golf trip.
Final Thoughts
Nebraska offers more than just open fields and small towns, it has some truly excellent public golf courses. From top-rated tracks like The Prairie Club and Wild Horse Golf Club to hidden gems such as Tatanka and Jackrabbit Run, there’s something for every golfer.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging layout, scenic views, or a budget-friendly round, the state provides plenty of options. Planning a trip to play the best public golf courses in Nebraska can lead to some memorable rounds and new favorite courses along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in Nebraska?
The Prairie Club in Valentine is often considered the top public course, offering two 18-hole layouts set in the Sandhills. Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg is another top choice, known for its links-style layout and challenging design. Both courses provide excellent conditions and a memorable golf experience.
What are the most affordable public golf courses in Nebraska?
Courses like Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln and Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg offer affordable rates for public play. Municipal courses across the state often have lower green fees, making them a great option for budget-friendly rounds without sacrificing quality.
Are Nebraska’s public golf courses beginner-friendly?
Yes. Many courses, including Tatanka Golf Club and Jackrabbit Run, offer forgiving fairways and manageable layouts suitable for beginners. While some top-rated courses are more challenging, most public courses provide options that work for all skill levels.
What time of year is best to play golf in Nebraska?
Late spring through early fall is the ideal season. Summers can be hot, and some courses may close in winter due to weather. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and often quieter fairways.
Which public courses in Nebraska have hosted major tournaments?
Indian Creek Golf Club near Omaha has hosted amateur and professional events, while The Prairie Club is recognized nationally for its design. Other courses host local and state-level competitions, offering a high-quality tournament experience.
Sean’s parents first put a golf club in his hands at the age of 8. He immediately fell in love with the game of golf. Today he’s passing on that love to his own kids.