ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Sand Hills Golf Club was routed from more than 130 possible holes without heavy earth-moving, resulting in one of the purest minimalist designs in modern golf.
About
Sand Hills Golf Club, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is a world-renowned private course amid Nebraska’s remote sandhills. Known for minimalist, links-inspired routing that uses the natural dunes, it features sweeping fairways, strategic bunkering, fescue grass, and an unparalleled purity of setting. Opened in 1995, it is frequently ranked among the world’s top courses and prized for its natural beauty and challenge.
Caddie Tip
Pay close attention to the wind direction before every shot, as it can change quickly and completely alter club selection and strategy. Spend time with your caddie to understand the subtle breaks on the undulating fescue greens, especially with firm turf that encourages run-up shots and imaginative approaches.
The Main Challenge
Surviving the shifting winds and natural, sprawling dunes is central to Sand Hills’ challenge. Many holes demand creativity, precise distance control, and strategic shotmaking, especially with wide but firm fairways and subtle, sloping greens that can confound putting. The wind, firm fescue turf, and natural hazards elevate the difficulty without feeling punishing.
The Good
Golfers rave about the course’s pure architecture, natural routing, and sense of isolation, making every round feel like a step back in time. The minimalist design encourages creative play, while the vast, windswept landscape delivers unique experiences on every visit. Many describe Sand Hills as spiritual and inspiring, with holes that flow seamlessly through the natural terrain and reward thoughtful shotmaking.
The Not So Good
Some visitors mention the remote location makes travel and logistics challenging, and the club’s exclusivity limits access for most golf enthusiasts. The basic infrastructure—intentionally minimalist—means fewer amenities than one might expect from a top-ranked facility, and unpredictable winds can sometimes frustrate even the best-prepared golfers.
Signature Hole:
#
17
The par 5 17th at Sand Hills winds dramatically through natural dunes, offering a strategic challenge and breathtaking visual drama. The tee shot must navigate wide expanses and shifting winds, placing a premium on both accuracy and placement for those pursuing the green in two. Subtle contours and firm, fast fescue turf reward imagination and shotmaking on every approach.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse is modest yet refined, with comfortable lounging areas, full-service locker rooms, and a well-reviewed on-site restaurant serving excellent food. There are guest accommodations available for members, and a signature halfway house called Ben’s Porch provides refreshments overlooking the 18th green.
Practice Facilities
Sand Hills offers a comprehensive driving range and putting green located along the way from the clubhouse to the course. While not lavish, the facilities are tailored for focused practice, including quality turf conditions, a variety of targets, and minimal distractions suitable for honing your game before play.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
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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