ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
There are no traditional tee boxes on the Red Course—players tee off from areas in the natural landscape, making each round unique and emphasizing Doak’s vision for minimal disturbance.
About
Dismal River Club’s Red Course is a private, 18-hole layout sculpted by renowned architect Tom Doak. Opened in 2013, it lies amid the Nebraska Sandhills, showcasing a blend of rugged natural terrain, strategic routing, and dramatic elevation changes. The course is known for its challenging par 4s, windswept native grasses, and a minimalist approach, delivering an exclusive and memorable golfing experience.
Caddie Tip
Accuracy off the tee is key, as uneven lies and the ever-present Sandhills wind can quickly inflate scores. Always double-check your yardages and pick conservative targets—misses can roll far offline on the rumpled fairways, and native grasses are penal. Keeping the ball below the hole on fast, sloping greens will help you avoid three-putts.
The Main Challenge
The course’s greatest test is shotmaking from dramatic, rumpled lies—a hallmark of Doak’s routing. Wind is almost always present, adding a strategic layer, and recovery from native grasses is difficult. Greens are quick, with sharp contours, demanding precise approaches and confident putting to avoid large numbers.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the Red Course’s expansive Sandhills scenery, strategic variety, and sense of seclusion—each hole feels carved into wilderness, with wide-open vistas and minimal visual distractions. The undulating terrain and natural contours make every round distinctive, and the remote, unplugged environment is a refreshing escape from everyday noise.
The Not So Good
The biggest complaint is the challenge of uneven lies—few flat stances can be found, which adds difficulty for mid- and high-handicap golfers. Also, the natural, unmanicured aesthetic means the course can play very firm and fast; some players wish for slightly softer conditions or more traditional fairway definition.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole, a par 5, is the Red Course’s highlight. It features a partially blind tee shot to a serpentine fairway that winds along a valley bordering the Dismal River. The approach plays into a striking green site set against massive dunes, with panoramic views of the clubhouse and surrounding Sandhills, creating an unforgettable finishing vista.
Clubhouse
Expect a rustic, upscale clubhouse with expansive dining areas, a full-service pro shop, and comfortable locker rooms. Lodging options include on-site cabins and cottages, and there are lounges and patios with panoramic Sandhills views, complemented by high-level service and quality dining.
Practice Facilities
The club offers a full driving range with views of the Sandhills, well-maintained short game area, and large putting green reflecting the undulation of the course’s surfaces. While minimalist in style, these facilities provide everything a golfer needs to warm up before taking on Doak’s challenging design.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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