Golf came to the great state of Nebraska in 1898. Now, we proudly sport more than 200 public and private golf courses throughout the state. With verdant wide open spaces and an abundant water supply, Nebraska is the perfect setting for the game of golf, played seasonally from March 15 to November 14.

Whether you revel in your low handicap or consider yourself a duffer, Nebraska golf courses offer a location for every level (and pocketbook). From 9-hole country courses to country clubs that are listed on Golf Digest’s Top 100, from unique scenery and challenging greens, Nebraska has some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the game of golf.

The Field Club of Omaha, the oldest of the Nebraska golf courses (founded in 1898), is a true urban course, actually crossing Woolworth Avenue four separate times. The Prairie Club (both Dunes and Pines courses), Wild Horse and Quarry Oaks are three courses that appear on both Golf Digest’s and Golf.com’s Top 100 Courses in the United States (and all are open to the public).

On the other hand, If you think you’ve seen and done it all on the course, you haven’t been to Nebraska to swing your clubs. We have a few tricks up our sleeves.

While there are no ocean views, it’s a good bet that no other links feature fences around the greens to keep the cattle from grazing on them (Dannebrog Golf Club). Along similar lines is the Tatanka Golf Club, which is owned and operated by the Santee Sioux Nation. “Tatanka” translates to buffalo, a herd of which actually roam adjacent to the course.

You also have several of options if you’d like to try your stance on sand greens (Danneborg, Riverside, Springview) or challenge yourself by playing on a course sporting Nova grass greens, a synthetic turf (Windmills Links, Elks Creek Country Club).

Short on time? There are plenty of 9-hole Nebraska golf courses, or if you really need a quick fix, check out Prairie Pines, Nebraska’s only 7-hole course (and the best bargain around!).

If you are heading to Nebraska and love the game, be sure to bring your clubs. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Nebraska Traveler