This is a great trip if you love college football, amazing food, Oklahoma, and golf. Karsten Creek Golf Club is Oklahoma’s premier collegiate golf showcase, a Tom Fazio masterpiece just outside Stillwater, home to the powerhouse Oklahoma State University Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams (12-time national champs). This elite layout features dramatic terrain, a massive 110-acre Lake Louise in play on many holes, Tahoma-31 Bermuda fairways, and a reputation as one of America’s toughest and most respected public-access courses. With recent renovations enhancing its challenge, it’s pure bucket-list golf in the heart of the plains.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: Tom Fazio design (1994, with Andrew Green updates in 2024\)
  • Brutal yet beautiful: Over 8,000 yards from the tips, slope up to 152, Lake Louise hazards, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens
  • Year-round play: Ideal spring/fall (mild temps); summer mornings to beat heat; peak conditions for visitors
  • Public access with premium feel: Guest play available (often via memberships or packages), high greens fees ($125-$300 including cart), but worth it for the pedigree
  • Accolades galore: Former Golf Digest Best New Public (1994), longtime fixture in America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, top-ranked in Oklahoma, and elite collegiate venue (hosted NCAA Championships)

The State nickname for Oklahoma is the Sooner State. I would be pissed if I were OSU, your rival takes the state nickname for their name? It’s egregious, it lacks honor. Choose a different nickname. We are all sooners here.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a tour-level test, post-golf analysis over beers, bragging rights on surviving the back-nine lake drama, and easy access to Stillwater’s college-town energy (OSU games, breweries)
  • Families: More forgiving forward tees make it playable; practice facilities and range for all levels; nearby Stillwater offers family-friendly eats and OSU campus vibes (non-golfers can explore town or relax)

Top Standout Course

Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio)

The only course here, and it’s a stunner, designed to push elite players (built for OSU recruiting/development). Front nine winds through open plains with strategic challenges; back nine brings Lake Louise into play on multiple holes, culminating in the epic 624-yard par-5 18th (downhill finish hugging the water). Iconic holes include the long par-4 16th (scenic approach to the lake) and risk-reward par-5s. Renovated for even more challenge, it’s often called one of the hardest public courses you’ll play. Rewarding precision and strategy.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Karsten Creek Lodges: On-site accommodations (lodge rooms with lake/course views, check-in flexible, complimentary drinks, quiet vibe); limited but immersive. Contact golf shop for availability and packages
  • Nearby options in Stillwater: Hotels like Hampton Inn or Airbnb/Vrbo homes for groups; pair with guest fees or membership perks for multi-round access
  • Packages often through the club (unlimited practice, preferred guest rates for members’ friends); no massive resort, but the focus is pure golf immersion

All Key Karsten Creek Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio, elite collegiate/test track)
  • Massive practice range and facilities (open to guests)
  • Lake Louise drama (back-nine centerpiece)
  • Clubhouse with restaurant (lunch/brunch), pro shop, and Ping fittings
  • Tobacco-free, high-maintenance conditions year-round

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early (up to 2 weeks in advance) via karstencreek.com or call 405-743-1658, guest play requires coordination; check for seasonal closures (e.g., winter maintenance)
  • Fly into Oklahoma City (OKC) 1-hour drive or Tulsa (TUL) for options
  • Pair golf with Stillwater classics: OSU Cowboys games (if in season), local BBQ/breweries, or campus tours
  • Play from forward tees unless you’re ready for the challenge; carts required on paths in certain conditions; embrace the wind and lake hazards

Time to test your game on one of America’s toughest public gems, chase birdies around Lake Louise, and reset with collegiate-level intensity. Karsten Creek is calling your escape.

 

Deep within the beautiful swaying fields of Nebraska lies a golf course of legend. Landmand Golf Club is a modern masterpiece in the heartland, tucked into the dramatic Loess Hills near Homer, Nebraska (about 90 miles north of Omaha, close to Sioux City, Iowa). Designed by King-Collins Golf Course Design (Rob Collins and Tad King, of Sweetens Cove fame), this public-access gem sits on vast, tumbling farmland with raw, natural contours, massive elevation shifts, horizon-to-horizon views, and that wide-open, links-inspired feel in America’s breadbasket. It’s bucket-list territory for adventurous golfers seeking epic scale, strategic fun, and pure escapism.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course First full 18 by King-Collins; huge property (580+ acres) with raw loess formations, eroded valleys, and prairie-like openness
  • Adventure-style golf: Wide fairways, bold greens, risk-reward holes, massive contours, and “farmer’s golf” vibe, playable yet wildly engaging
  • Seasonal play: Typically mid-May to early October; peak summer/fall for best conditions and long days
  • High demand: Tee times sell out fast (2026 sold in under an hour); ranked top public in Nebraska, \#18 on Golfweek’s Best You Can Play (2025), Best New Public 2022 (Golf Digest)
  • Public focus: Welcoming, fun atmosphere with on-site cabins for stay-and-play

“Babe, we’re taking our vacation in Nebraska this year.” No offense to Nebraska but that might be a hard sell. But if you just include that Nebraska offers a unique, underrated mix of pioneering history, diverse natural landscapes, and top-tier attractions like golf you should be good.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-energy rounds with jaw-dropping views, post-golf hangs at The Farmer’s Table, friendly bets on creative holes, and that remote, no-distractions reset
  • Families: Spacious cabins for groups, forgiving wide fairways for varying skill levels; non-golfers enjoy the scenic drives, nearby towns, or heartland vibes

Top Standout Courses

Landmand Course (King-Collins Design)

The star — a raw, natural stunner winding through bluffs, valleys, and endless vistas. Massive scale with holes visible across the property (stand on \#12 tee and spot 8–10 others\!), downhill screamers, huge greens, strategic options, and that “Sand Hills meets links” feel. Memorable from start to finish — often called one of the most exciting new public courses in America.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site Cabins: Below the 18th fairway; each sleeps 4 (four bedrooms); Layover packages guarantee tee times \+ 36 holes (or more with extra nights), book early for priority
  • Landmand Layover, Cabin stay \+ rounds (you pick times, they lock ’em in); includes access to The Farmer’s Table (breakfast/lunch/dinner), Comfort Station on-course snacks
  • Nearby Sioux City options for overflow (e.g., Delta Marriott for events); but on-property immersion is key

All Key Landmand Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Landmand Course (18 holes, epic adventure design)
  • On-site cabins for stay-and-play
  • The Farmer’s Table (dining)
  • Comfort Station (mid-round fuel)
  • Massive practice areas and pro shop

Pro Tips

  • Book Layover stay-and-play packages early via landmandgc.com (cabins tab). Sells out quick; guarantees tee times in high-demand seasons
  • Fly into Sioux City (SUX) for closest access (20-30 min drive), or Omaha (OMA) 90 min
  • Pair golf with Nebraska heartland classics: farm-fresh eats, steaks, local brews, or scenic drives through the Loess Hills
  • Embrace the wide fairways (forgiving off the tee); use multiple angles for approach play; forward tees keep it fun for all

Time to chase birdies across endless horizons, embrace the raw beauty, and reset on one of America’s hottest public courses. Landmand is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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. 

 

Sand Valley is a modern golf mecca in the heart of Wisconsin’s Central Sands, a sprawling 12,000-acre resort near Nekoosa with five world-class courses (plus short options) built on massive prehistoric dunes. That’s so cool you can golf on something considered prehistoric.  True links-style golf far from any ocean. Inspired by Mike Keiser’s Bandon Dunes vision, it features firm/fast fescue turf, exposed sand blowouts, strategic routing, and pure, walkable play amid rolling heathland, wild grasses, and serene wilderness. 

 

Quick Facts

  • Five championship courses + short course designs by Coore & Crenshaw,David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, and a recreated Golden Age classic (The Lido)
  • True inland links: Firm conditions, massive dunes, waste areas, blind shots, multiple angles, and creative recovery options, walk-only (caddies available)
  • Seasonal play: Mid-May to October for ideal weather (60s-80s°F summers, crisp falls); peak summer for long days, fall for colors and fewer crowds
  • Premium resort: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked (Sand Valley & Mammoth Dunes in national top 100 public lists, Sandbox top short courses)
  • Pure golf immersion: Minimalist vibe, farm to table dining, trails, lakes for non-golf activities

Wisconsin has so much to offer, more hills than Illinois, cheese curds, delicious beer, awesome golf, and memories you’ll never forget. 

 

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (Sand Valley for strategy, Mammoth for drama, Sandbox for fun), post-golf fireside hangs or patio views, and that high-energy, no-distractions golf focus
  • Families: Luxe lodging (cottages, suites), outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, water activities); forgiving short courses; non golfers enjoy nature, tennis, or relaxation

Top Standout Courses

Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw)

The flagship. Rolling sand hills with massive exposed dunes, firm/fast fairways, enormous greens, strategic choices, and hidden putting surfaces. Often compared to Sand Hills/Pine Valley hybrids but uniquely its own; a thoughtful, walkable test that rewards imagination and precision.

Mammoth Dunes (David McLay Kidd)

Towering sand features and bold scale,  huge dunes, wide fairways, dramatic elevation, and risk-reward holes with epic views. More power-friendly than Sand Valley but full of drama; a visual stunner with that “wow” factor on every hole.

Sedge Valley (Tom Doak)

Heathland-inspired gem, colorful meadows, thoughtful routing, strategic bunkers, and a shorter par-68 layout for faster, engaging rounds. Subtle yet challenging; provides variety and a nod to classic Old World links in the Midwest.

The Lido (Jim Craig recreation)

A Golden Age revival passionate rebuild of C.B. Macdonald’s lost 1920s masterpiece (once world-class). Timeless strategic test with bold features; exclusive access adds historic magic.

The Sandbox (Coore & Crenshaw, 17-hole short course)

Fun, creative par-3/approach layout, holes 40–140 yards with wild green complexes (double plateaus, lion’s mouth), sand prairie setting. Perfect warm-up, family play, or quick fun; highly ranked short course.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Sand Valley on-site, Cozy lodge rooms, suites, cottages with wilderness views; farm-to-table dining, casual bars
  • Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority/multi-course), practice, and perks. Book early for peak season
  • Focus on immersion, walking paths, trails, lakes for paddleboarding/kayaking

All Key Sand Valley Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw, rolling strategic links)
  • Mammoth Dunes (Kidd, towering dune drama)
  • Sedge Valley (Doak, heathland meadows)
  • The Lido (recreated classic, Golden Age test)
  • The Sandbox (17-hole short, fun & creative)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via sandvalley.com or specialists. Fills fast, especially summer/fall; multi-round discounts
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE)  2-2.5 hours drive, or smaller airports like Central Wisconsin (CWA)
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin favorites: cheese curds, craft beer, farm-to-table eats, or nearby hiking/lakes
  • Walk the courses (caddies recommended for strategy); embrace firm conditions and run-the-ball play; forward tees for accessibility

Go experience the rolling dunes of Wisconsin at Sun Valley. You’ll thank me later,

Erin Hills is a world-class golf pilgrimage site, sprawling, links-style masterpiece carved from 652 acres of glacial kettle moraine terrain in Erin, Wisconsin. Conveniently located just outside of Milwaukee. Erin Hills has it all, dramatic elevation changes, vast fescue fairways, perched greens, and natural wetlands/river features. It’s built as if there was always a golf course there. It fits perfectly into the land, paying tribute to mother nature on every hole.

Quick Facts

  • One epic 18-hole championship course + Kettle Loop: (5-hole preview/short option) + Drumlin putting course (fun, lit evening putting)
  • Minimalist, natural design: Glacially sculpted land with minimal earth-moving, firm/fast conditions, wind play, strategic options, and huge scale
  • Walking-only (carts limited/ADA only), enhances the traditional, immersive experience
  • Seasonal play: Spring to fall; peak summer/fall for best conditions (60s-80s degrees F); shoulder seasons offer Stay & Play deals
  • Elite status: Golf Digest Top 10 public (often #10), Top 50 overall; U.S. Open pedigree and top Wisconsin ranking

Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in America. A trip to Erin Hills would give you a reason to experience all Milwaukee has to offer. Great food, Lake Michigan, and immaculate golf. Fun for the boys, fun for the family.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a major venue, caddie-guided strategy, post-round chef-prepared meals or drinks overlooking the course, and that “U.S. Open” fantasy vibe, easy to add multi-day immersion
  • Families: Charming village-style lodging, relaxed short options (Kettle Loop/Drumlin putting), and scenic beauty; non-golfers enjoy the peaceful setting, dining, or nearby Holy Hill shrine

Top Standout Features

The Main Course (Hurdzan/Fry/Whitten Design)

A modern classic, immense scale with wide fairways, massive bunkers, perched greens, and glacial contours creating endless variety. Risk-reward par-5s, strategic short par-4s (like #2 & #15), and dramatic elevation/wind make it playable yet punishing. U.S. Open host with that “never played anywhere like it” feel, pure exhilaration from 140-yard terror to 620-yard brutes.

Kettle Loop (5-Hole Preview/Short Course)

Carved from the main layout, perfect for late-afternoon quick rounds, warm-ups, or post-sunset fun for overnight guests. Adds replay value and that extra touch of adventure.

Drumlin Putting Course

Lit evening putting green centerpiece, fun, social, and visible from dining/lodging areas. Great for unwinding, family games, or testing green speeds under the stars.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site “village” lodging: Irish Lodge suites (rustic inn charm) or luxurious four-bedroom cottages (private baths, antique furnishings, modern tech)
  • Stay & Play packages: Include rounds, reduced/discounted second rounds (especially shoulder seasons like May/September-October), priority tees, resort fee perks (valet, club storage, Caddie Barn access, Kettle Loop golf)
  • Chef-prepared dining (breakfast/lunch/dinner with course views), signature drinks, and intimate setting; book direct for best deals

All Key Erin Hills Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Main Championship Course (U.S. Open host, glacial drama)
  • Kettle Loop (5-hole short/preview fun)
  • Drumlin Putting Course (evening social putting)
  • Plus massive practice areas, pro shop, and caddie program (highly recommended)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via erinhills.com or call 866-772-4769 for season specials (reduced second rounds); fills fast; caddies essential for strategy/local knowledge
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE), 45-minute drive, easy access from Chicago or Midwest hubs
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin classics: craft beer, cheese curds, farm-to-table eats, or nearby Holy Hill views/hikes
  • Walk the course (firm/fast means run the ball!); forward tees for fun; embrace wind and natural contours

Time to walk the glacial fairways, channel U.S. Open vibes, and reset on one of America’s elite public treasures. Come to Erin Hills.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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Fellas, when is the last time you got to enjoy the timeless beauty of Colonial Williamsburg? Probably since you were 12 and went on that class trip where you tried to kiss Ash M., but missed and got her ear, but told everyone you made out with her…

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is a premier historic golf destination, right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, offering 45+ holes of championship golf amid rolling hills, mature pines, and serene woodlands. With designs from legends Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, plus a new par-3 course, it’s a perfect blend of classic architecture, modern upgrades, and that timeless “step back in time” vibe, steps from America’s revolutionary history.

Quick Facts

  • 45+ holes across three layouts: Gold (18), Green (18), and The Shoe (9-hole par-3)
  • Classic & challenging design: Undulating terrain, strategic bunkers (including state-of-the-art “Better Billy”), modern turf renovations, and memorable par-3s
  • Year-round play: Mild Virginia climate (great spring/fall); peak conditions with recent Rees Jones updates to tees, greens, and bunkers
  • Public resort access: Tied to Colonial Williamsburg hotels; stay-and-play packages with priority tees and exclusive perks
  • Top-ranked: Gold Course consistently in America’s Top 75-100 public courses (Golf Digest, Top 100 Golf Courses); historic pedigree with Masters-like feel

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (Gold for challenge, Green for variety, Shoe for quick fun), post-golf history walks or tavern beers, and easy combo with nearby Williamsburg courses
  • Families: Walkable layouts, beginner-friendly par-3 Shoe, historic charm; non-golfers dive into Colonial Williamsburg tours, museums, or shopping

Top Standout Courses

Gold Course (Robert Trent Jones Sr., renovated by Rees Jones)

The flagship legend, one of America’s first island greens, ranked among the toughest public tracks historically, with rolling hills, pines, visually exciting par-3s, and that “untouched land” feel. Recent upgrades (modern turf, reimagined tees, Better Billy bunkers) keep it elite; often called a “Masters-like experience” — pure drama and bucket-list quality.

Green Course

Classic RTJ Sr. woodland beauty on 105 acres, tree-lined fairways, strategic play, and natural serenity without homes. More forgiving than Gold but still a solid test; great for groups wanting scenic, enjoyable rounds in peaceful surroundings.

The Shoe (9-hole par-3, Rees Jones)

New fast-paced gem, designed for fun and accessibility next to the Gold Course views. Ideal for beginners, families, warm-ups, or quick evening rounds; the only course of its kind in greater Williamsburg.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Colonial Williamsburg Resort hotels: Official partners (e.g., Williamsburg Inn, Lodge, Griffin Hotel) with historic charm, modern comforts, pools, dining
  • Stay-and-play packages include nightly lodging, daily Gold rounds, discounts, and resort access — perfect for immersion in history and golf

All Key Golden Horseshoe Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Gold Course (RTJ Sr./Rees Jones, top-ranked classic)
  • Green Course (woodland serenity)
  • The Shoe (9-hole par-3 fun)
  • Plus expanded practice areas, putting green, and pro shop

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via colonialwilliamsburg.org or goldenhorseshoemembers.com; includes top-100 Gold access and savings
  • Fly into Richmond (RIC) 45 min or Newport News (PHF) 30 min; easy drive to Williamsburg
  • Pair golf with Williamsburg classics: colonial tours, taverns, fresh seafood, or nearby Jamestown/Yorktown history
  • Use carts if needed for hills; forward tees for fun; embrace the walkable, no-homes feel for pure golf focus

Time to tee it up where history meets championship fairways, chase birdies amid pines, and enjoy one of America’s great golf destinations. Golden Horseshoe is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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