The best golf courses in South Dakota, USA

Sutton Bay Golf Club, located in central South Dakota on the bluffs of the Missouri River, is a private, destination club designed for world-class outdoor recreation. The course features a unique prairie links feel and was created by master golf architect Graham Marsh. Members and guests enjoy first-class golf, fishing, and hunting in a serene setting.

Dakota Dunes Country Club is a private championship course in South Dakota, designed by Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, and Erik Larsen. Set among wooded dunes along the Missouri River, the course features strategic bunkering, water hazards, and well-groomed fairways, providing a challenging and visually appealing experience, regularly recognized by major golf publications.

The Golf Club at Red Rock, designed by Ron Farris, is widely regarded as South Dakota’s premier public golf course. Set amid the Black Hills, it features rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, links-style bunkers, and fast USGA specification greens. The course combines strategic shot values and scenic beauty, appealing to golfers of all skill levels.

Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is an 18-hole public course in Spearfish, South Dakota, designed by architect Larry W. Flatt and set on the historic Frawley Ranch. Offering a modern layout with dramatic elevation changes and scenic Black Hills views, the course combines thoughtful design with excellent practice facilities, making it a standout destination in the region.

Minnehaha Country Club, established in 1905 and designed by Langford & Moreau, is Sioux Falls’ premier private golf course. The par-71 course utilizes the Great Plains’ gentle hills and mature trees, providing a traditional parkland feel and a classic club atmosphere. Recent renovations have enhanced playing conditions and helped the club secure events like the Sanford International.

Arrowhead Country Club is a private, member-owned golf club in the Black Hills of Rapid City. Designed by Chris Barnes, it offers a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, fast greens, and views of the surrounding hills. Known for excellent maintenance and a friendly club culture, Arrowhead delivers a premium private-golf experience.

Prairie Green Golf Course in Sioux Falls, designed by Dick Nugent in 1996, is a prairie links-style course lauded for its rolling fairways, prairie wetlands, and strategic bunkering. It caters to all skill levels with generous landing areas and challenging back tees. Consistently ranked as a top public course in South Dakota, Prairie Green is known for affordability, friendly staff and natural beauty.

Hart Ranch Golf Club in Rapid City is an 18-hole public course designed by Patrick Wyss, known for its rolling terrain, picturesque setting, and challenging play for all levels. The course features well-groomed fairways, excellent greens, and welcomes both locals and visitors to enjoy a memorable round in the Black Hills.

Moccasin Creek Country Club, established in 1971 and located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a respected private club known for its well-conditioned parkland layout. The course was designed to serve as a premier club for the region and offers tree-lined fairways, multiple sets of tees, and strong member programming.

Southern Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public course nestled in the rolling pine hills of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Known for scenic mountain views, varied elevation, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a playable yet engaging layout for all skill levels. Designed to blend into its Black Hills surroundings, it attracts both locals and visiting golfers.

Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in Yankton, South Dakota is a semi-private club designed in the classic Parkland tradition. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, challenging layout, and meticulously maintained Bentgrass greens, the course hosts the Dakotas Tour Pro-Am Invitational and caters to golfers of all skill levels, with scenic views and a full suite of amenities.

Meadowbrook Golf Course is a parkland-style, 18-hole public facility designed by David Gill in 1972, featuring Rapid Creek meandering through the course and water in play on 9 holes. Awarded Black Hills' Best Golf Course, it is known for mature trees, engaging design, and a welcoming atmosphere at the foothills of the Black Hills.

Rocky Knolls Golf Course, established in 1965, is a scenic 9-hole public parkland course set in the Black Hills of South Dakota just outside Custer, known for its beautiful views, fun design, and friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The course offers quality conditions and good value for locals and visitors.

The Bluffs Golf Course, designed by Mark Clark and Rusty Jensen in 1996, is an 18-hole public parkland layout set atop the Missouri River Bluffs. This well-rated destination offers strategic design, beautiful river valley views, and strong conditions, attracting golfers regionally for its challenge, scenery, and enjoyable experience.

Lakeview Golf Course is a municipal 18-hole course in Mitchell, South Dakota, offering a fun and fair challenge for all skill levels. Originally opened in 1966, its continuous upgrades are evident in its well-conditioned greens and fairways. Designed for approachability and affordability, Lakeview is appreciated locally and across the region.