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. 

 

Hawktree Golf Club is North Dakota’s premier public golf destination, a standout Jim Engh design on the outskirts of Bismarck, set across rolling hills, native prairie grasses, and sweeping views with dramatic elevation changes, black-sand bunkers, water features, and that wide-open Great Plains feel. Often ranked among the best in the state (and nationally acclaimed as a top public course), it’s a challenging, fun links-style layout that’s pure prairie golf joy, unexpected for the region and worth the trip for serious players seeking something unique.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: Par-72, over 7,000 yards from the tips, public daily-fee
  • Prairie links style: Natural elevation shifts, rough fescue-like grasses, strategic bunkers (including signature black sand), water on several holes, and wildlife-filled open terrain
  • Seasonal play: Late spring to early fall; peak summer for warm days (70s-90s F) and long daylight; shoulder seasons for value and fewer crowds
  • Top acclaim: Frequently #1 or top public in North Dakota (Golf Digest, Golfweek); Jim Engh’s bold, creative design with big visuals and shot-making rewards
  • Public-friendly: No resort on-site, but easy Bismarck lodging nearby plus packages through local deals or the Triple Golf Challenge (with Links of ND and Bully Pulpit)

Dakota has a rich history full of both Native history and the history of the U.S.A. From pioneering towns to Native memorials there is a lot to learn there, plus golf!

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-energy rounds with elevation drama and risk-reward holes, post-golf beers at the clubhouse grill, friendly bets on tough approaches, and easy multi-day play (pair with nearby courses for a ND golf road trip)
  • Families: Forgiving forward tees and wide fairways make it accessible; Bismarck-area hotels with pools/spa; non-golfers enjoy city sights, Missouri River activities, or nearby parks

Top Standout Course

Hawktree golf course

Hawktree Golf Club (Jim Engh Design)

The main event — a modern masterpiece that weaves fairways around Burnt Creek, with eight holes hugging the water and others climbing hills for panoramic prairie vistas. Bold contours, elevated tees (watch your ball fly forever), huge greens with subtle breaks, and creative bunkering — challenging from the back but playable up front. Signature holes feature dramatic drops, forced carries, and that “wow” factor Engh is known for. Often called one of the most fun and visually stunning courses in the Midwest — a bucket-list stop for prairie golf fans.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • No on-site resort, but Bismarck has plenty: Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, or Hampton Inn (many with packages or deals near the course)
  • Golf packages: Check northdakotagolf.com or local CVB for Bismarck bundles; Triple Golf Challenge pass for Hawktree + Bully Pulpit + Links of ND saves big
  • Nearby lodging options include vacation rentals/VRBO for groups wanting space

All Key Hawktree Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Hawktree Golf Club (18 holes, Jim Engh prairie links masterpiece)
  • Plus full practice facility, driving range, putting green, and pro shop
  • Nearby pairings: Bully Pulpit (Medora), The Links of North Dakota (Williston) for epic ND trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via hawktree.com or apps like GolfNow; peak summer weekends fill up; GPS carts included for strategy
  • Fly into Bismarck Municipal (BIS); course is just a short drive northwest (off Highway 1804)
  • Pair golf with Bismarck/Mandan classics: steakhouses, craft beer, Missouri River cruises, or the state capitol sights
  • Embrace the wind and elevation; play smart angles; forward tees keep it enjoyable for all; bring bug spray for prairie evenings

Time to conquer the prairie hills, chase birdies across wide-open fairways, and reset with North Dakota’s best golf experience. Hawktree is calling your escape.