Golf Magazine Says South Dakota’s Best Public Courses Are in Black Hills
Compared to some of the warmer spots in the United States, we don't get to play a ton of golf in South Dakota, but when we do get the chance to tee it up, we do it with a vengeance.
Just ask Golf Magazine.
Last year, they ranked South Dakota tops in the nation in what they call 'golf avidness' - which combines data from the National Golf Foundation on Household Participation Rate (the percentage of a state’s population that plays golf) and Rounds Per Golfer (the frequency of rounds among regular players).
Golf Magazine was so impressed with South Dakota, they suggested we add a golfer to Mount Rushmore.
So where should rabid South Dakota golfers head to get in some quality golf in their home state?
Golf Magazine has published 'The Best Courses You Can Play in Every State', a list they compile every two years, touting the best public golf courses in the nation.
In South Dakota, Golf Magazine loves West River courses. In fact, Prairie Green (Sioux Falls) is the only course East of the Missouri to crack the top five.
- Red Rock, Rapid City
- Hart Ranch, Rapid City
- Meadowbrook, Rapid City
- Prairie Green, Sioux Falls
- Southern Hills, Hot Springs
Eastern South Dakota golfers won't have to lug their bags far to play on one of Iowa's Top Five public courses. According to the report, The Falls at Grand Falls Casino, just over the border in Larchwood, is the number four course.
- The Harvester, Rhodes
- Spirit Hollow, Burlington
- Blue Top Ridge at Riverside, Riverside
- The Falls at Grand Falls Casino, Larchwood
- The Preserve at Rathburn Lake, Moravia