North Dakota is a hard land. But harsh winds, little forest, rolling hills, have made the land an epic place for golf. The Links of North Dakota is a true hidden gem and one of America’s most authentic links-style experiences. Perched on windswept bluffs high above massive Lake Sakakawea in remote northwestern North Dakota Designed by Stephen Kay with a minimalist approach (moving very little earth to preserve the natural sandy terrain), it delivers pure links golf: firm-and-fast conditions, wide fairways, massive bunkers, undulating prairie, fickle winds, and panoramic lake views from nearly every hole. Raw, strategic, ground-game golf in a stunning, isolated setting.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: (par-72, up to 7,092 yards) bentgrass greens/fairways/tees for true links play
  • Authentic links style: Firm/fast turf, 45-yard-wide fairways (50% larger than average), over 85 bunkers, native prairie, rolling dunes-like terrain, and constant wind
  • Seasonal play: Typically May to October; peak summer/fall for best weather (60s-80s°F) and prime firm conditions
  • Affordable excellence: Often ranked #1 in North Dakota (Golfweek/Golf Digest), Top 100 public nationally, and 2nd most affordable on some Top 100 lists
  • Remote luxury: Public daily-fee with limited on-site cabins for stay-and-play; worth the drive for pure golf immersion

During the Great Dakota Boom, North Dakota saw massive population growth. Many of the new inhabitants were from Russia who thought the land reminded them of home. Then the Scottish came in and actually made it home by establishing epic links style golf courses. Viva la Scots!

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Destination-style rounds with wind adding strategy and fun, post-golf stories around the clubhouse, friendly matches, and that “middle of nowhere” adventure feel, pair with nearby Bakken area eats or road-trip vibes
  • Families: Scenic beauty and open space for all; more forgiving wide fairways suit varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy Lake Sakakawea boating/fishing or prairie exploration

Top Standout Course

The Links Course (Stephen Kay design)

The sole star, a minimalist masterpiece opened in 1995, celebrated as one of the purest American links experiences. Wide, generous fairways encourage bold drives, but huge bunkers, undulations, and wind demand creative ground game and smart positioning. Stunning Lake Sakakawea vistas from bluffs, dramatic elevation, native grasses, and no artificial water, just nature’s challenges. Frequently #1 in North Dakota (Golfweek/Golf Digest), Top 100 public acclaim, and praised for value, conditioning, and authenticity.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site cabins: Limited one- and two-bedroom options right on property for true stay-and-play immersion; book for convenience and views
  • Nearby Williston/Ray lodging (hotels, etc.) for more options
  • Packages focus on green fees, cabin rentals, and tee times, contact clubhouse for custom group/outings deals; no massive resort amenities, keeping it golf-pure

All Key The Links of North Dakota Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • The Links Course (18 holes, authentic links masterpiece)
  • Plus practice areas, pro shop, and clubhouse with lake overlooks
  • Nearby tie-ins: Triple Golf Challenge card (with Hawktree & Bully Pulpit for multi-course value)

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times and cabin stay-and-play early via thelinksofnorthdakota.com or contact pro shop (limited availability in peak season)
  • Fly into Williston (XWA) for closest access (30-45 min drive); or Minot/ Bismarck for alternatives
  • Pair golf with North Dakota adventures: Lake Sakakawea boating/fishing, prairie hikes, local steakhouses, or Bakken energy vibes
  • Embrace the wind (play low shots!); use forward tees if needed; bring extra balls for bunkers; caddies or local knowledge help navigate strategy

Time to experience pure links golf on the prairie bluffs, battle the wind, and reset in one of America’s most underrated destinations. The Links of North Dakota is calling your escape. 

 

In Michigan’s upper peninsula you can visit the Yoopers, dine on their Pasties and play some immaculate golf. Marquette Golf Club is a standout gem in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled in the highlands near Marquette with two fantastic 18-hole courses, a specialized practice facility, a quality bar and restaurant, and some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find off a tee box. Featuring the nationally acclaimed Greywalls (designed by Mike DeVries) and the classic Heritage, it’s a semi-private facility blending rugged natural beauty, dramatic terrain, and Lake Superior panoramas for an unforgettable “Pure Michigan” golf experience.

Quick Facts

  • Two championship 18-hole courses: Greywalls (2005, Mike DeVries) and Heritage (original 1926, expanded 1969)
  • Rugged UP wilderness: Granite outcroppings, ravines, tumbling fairways, bold elevation changes, and stunning Lake Superior vistas
  • Seasonal play: Mid-spring to fall; peak summer/fall for prime conditions (60s–80s°F), long days, and that crisp Northwoods air
  • Public access: Guest play welcome; stay-and-play packages via local hotels/Airbnbs or the acclaimed “Perfect 4-Some” with Island Resort & Casino
  • Top-ranked: Greywalls frequently #2 “Best You Can Play” in Michigan (Golfweek), top public lists nationally, and praised for its unique, inspiring design

The greatest shame of Wisconsin is that they let the superior Michigan take the land north of their state. Beautiful, rugged and mostly forested the Upper Peninsula offers a surreal experience.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (Greywalls for epic challenge, Heritage for fun variety), post-golf drinks with lake views, friendly competition, and easy ties to nearby UP courses via packages
  • Families: More forgiving Heritage layout for all levels; scenic beauty for non-golfers (hiking, Lake Superior shores, Marquette’s breweries/shops); practice facility for warm-ups

Top Standout Courses

Greywalls Course (Mike DeVries)

The star attraction, opened in 2005 to rave reviews and still wowing golfers. Cut through UP wilderness with diverse terrain: tumbling fairways, boldly contoured slopes, dramatic elevation drops, rolling bunkered links-style land, massive granite walls, ravines, and panoramic Lake Superior views from nearly every hole. Often called one of Michigan’s best (Golf Digest/Golfweek top public); front nine wild and extreme, back nine solid and scenic, pure adventure and unforgettable drama.

 

Heritage Course

The original classic, front nine (1926, William Langford/Theodore Moreau) with gentle rolling terrain, imaginative green complexes, and timeless beauty; back nine (1969, David Gill) adds challenge. Fun, playable track with large, tough greens, rolling hills, and that historic UP charm. Great for relaxed rounds or building confidence before Greywalls.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Local options: Partner hotels, Airbnbs, or Marquette-area lodging for custom packages (via golfgreywalls.com/local-stay-play)
  • Perfect 4-Some Package: Top-tier Midwest deal through Island Resort & Casino (Bark River), 3-5  nights lodging + rounds at Greywalls, plus Sweetgrass, Sage Run, and TimberStone; all-inclusive vibes with casino perks
  • On-site clubhouse for dining/drinks; easy access to Marquette’s dining scene (fresh whitefish, pasties, craft beer)

All Key Marquette Golf Club Highlights at a Glance

  • Greywalls (Mike DeVries, rugged masterpiece, top-ranked drama)
  • Heritage (classic/original, fun & historic)
  • Plus specialized practice facility, pro shop, and bar/restaurant
  • Nearby tie-ins: Sweetgrass/Sage Run (Island Resort), TimberStone

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via golfgreywalls.com (online or 906-225-0721); guest play open to all
  • For packages: Check “Perfect 4-Some” at islandresortgolf.com or local stay-and-play on site
  • Fly into Sawyer International (MQT) near Marquette, or Green Bay (GRB)/Marquette for drives
  • Pair golf with UP classics: Lake Superior beaches, Pictured Rocks hikes, local eats (pasties, fudge), or fall colors
  • Embrace the terrain (carts recommended); forward tees on Greywalls for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on wild holes

Time to conquer granite walls, chase birdies with Lake Superior sunsets, and reset in Michigan’s wild Upper Peninsula. Marquette Golf Club is calling your escape.