Title Changed: Trying to play all of Kansas, the journey continues...

[st8kdinr]

Update: 8/24/18

Hey all! I travel for work and always have the clubs in the car. I live in Omaha and my region just shifted to included all of Kansas. I've played everything around the KC area but have never ventured west of Topeka. Looking to see what courses I should put on my radar and as always willing to play with anyone that's interested. At this point, I'm not really very competitive and I just like a good golf course with interesting holes and architecture. I'm usually able to get out on a course by 3 or 4 and later is always fine. Today I played Colbert Hills in Manhattan. Below are just a couple photos I took.

 

 

 

Signature par 3 5th I believe with the paw-print sand traps with purple sand.

 

 

 

So here's what I've played so far, not including the KC area, I know I've got plenty more to play. So if you think your local muni or wherever is a must, let me know and I'll be there. And I'm always willing to play with another WRXer! I've decided life is too short to spend on crappy golf courses that I play out of pure convenience and holes I've seen a hundred times. Variety is the spice of life. Thanks!

 

Colbert Hills - I enjoyed the course, overall it was in pretty good condition. I know there's been some heat and the greens definitely have seen some traffic, but rolled well. Would I play it again? I would, not only because it was only $42, which is a great price for the venue, but everything was in front of you and you tell the superintendent and maintenance crew took pride in the course. For a Wednesday at 4pm, it was fairly busy as I was allowed through a 2-some and 4-some on the front nine alone.

 

Sand Creek Station - I played this about a month ago, really liked it, definitely used every club in the bag. Great views of some really cool holes and I felt it was pretty easy to keep the ball in play. This will definitely be on my list to play again soon.

 

Firekeeper - I played this once last year and again early in the season this year. I thought I'd like it more and I'm not quite sure why I don't. I think it may be that there are some holes that really punish you for just being slightly out of position or off line. Both times it's been in great condition and that's always a plus.

 

Emporia Golf Course - Great for a smaller town muni. I've played this twice now and I love that there are multiple holes where you have options. Again, green appeared to be well cared for.

 

Woodland Hills Golf Course - Faldo design in Hutchinson. Great layout, just needs some love and I would definitely play again. Has multiple holes that give you realistic options on your approach which I always enjoy.

[pdakc]

Try to get on Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, Flint Hills in Andover and Wichita CC. Prairie Dunes is the most underrated course in the country, in my opinion.

[Demo1]

I'd recommend the following public courses:

 

Eagle Bend-Lawrence

Lake Shawnee-Topeka

Buffalo Dunes-Garden City

[st8kdinr]

Try to get on Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, Flint Hills in Andover and Wichita CC. Prairie Dunes is the most underrated course in the country, in my opinion.

 

I've heard great things in Prairie Dunes. Wild love to play there.

[st8kdinr]

I'd recommend the following public courses:

 

Eagle Bend-Lawrence

Lake Shawnee-Topeka

Buffalo Dunes-Garden City

 

Been to Topeka a few times and never played at Shawnee. It will be on the list for next time. As will the others. I'll keep this updated as much as possible.

[pdakc]

Try to get on Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, Flint Hills in Andover and Wichita CC. Prairie Dunes is the most underrated course in the country, in my opinion.

 

I've heard great things in Prairie Dunes. Wild love to play there.

 

If you're a member anywhere, you can have your pro call Prairie Dunes and get you on. I've done that several times and never had a problem.

[farmer]

Buffalo Dunes in Garden City if you get that far west. Kind of PD Lite.

[st8kdinr]

Buffalo Dunes in Garden City if you get that far west. Kind of PD Lite.

 

Sounds good, I will have to visit Garden City very soon, so I'll have to hit it up. Thanks!

[st8kdinr]

8/24 Update:

Played Cottonwood Hills Golf Club in Hutchinson, KS this week. Nick Faldo design that seems to need some love. I played on Wednesday afternoon in an on and off rain and I was the only one out there the majority of the time. Weather was great as there was no wind, but if the wind picks up this course could be a beast. Looks like they had some issues with the tee boxes and some greens (although they rolled pretty fair). Not sure if they've had heavy rains that have washed out the bunkers or they need some new sand. A lot of weeds that, if they could get cleaned up, this would be a no doubt play again course. There's some good bones there and some nice nature views and you can lose yourself going between holes and having some distance between every fairway.

 

I took a couple photos of some holes below. I played the blues and at 6700ish yards, it was more than enough for me. Great finishing hole that is a typical hard par-4 that you see at many upper tier courses.

 

 

 

 

 

[ascottwaddell]

Another vote for Buffalo Dunes.

One of the best municipally owned courses in the country.

 

Southwind is also great and I think can be played without a member.

[dlygrisse]

In no particular order. I’ve played all but PD.

Flint Hills

PD

Shadow Glen

Canyon Farms

Sycamore Ridge

MacDonald GC

Prairie Highlands

Colbert

The Highlands

Lions Gate

Indian Hills

Fire keeper

Wichita CC

Alvamar, is this now the Jayhawk club?

 

Wolf Creek, Hallbrook, Mission Hills I Haven’t played.

[st8kdinr]

After a couple weeks of playing little outside of 3 rounds in Orlando, I'm back to traveling in my region! Played Tex Consolver today in Wichita and thoroughly enjoyed it! Pretty open and tough to get into too much trouble. I've also decided to start prepping for some tournament play next year. This will be a huge adjustment as I've played this year up until today without keeping score. The competitive itch is starting to be unavoidable and I figure some tournament play next year may be the best medicine.

 

As far as the Tex course, here are my thoughts:

- Decent price, wasn't packed on a hot Tuesday afternoon.

- Did have a handful of holes that blended together. I felt like 3-5 par 4's could be confused with each other and because of the wind, 3 of the par 3's were an 8 iron. Not the fault of the course, just the way it worked out.

- Great feel, a handful of deer just hanging out not to bothered by the humans.

- Enjoyed the 18th. It fooled me off the tee as I thought the bunker could be avoided by just tapping one down there and didn't realize there was room to the lest of it. Hit it in the bunker but it was so playable from there that it made the recovery easy

- Replay-ability 8/10. Definitely will hit it up again as you learn a lot from the first time around about some lines.

[sbrylant]

Prairie Dunes is a must...one of my faves!

 

Hidden gem that's cheap and never crowded...Quail Ridge in Winfield

 

https://www.golfquailridgeonline.com/

[st8kdinr]

Prairie Dunes is a must...one of my faves!

 

Hidden gem that's cheap and never crowded...Quail Ridge in Winfield

 

https://www.golfquailridgeonline.com/

Ha! Played Quail Ridge TODAY! I wasn't totally sure I'd have time but it was open and it took all of 2.5 hours to play. Quite windy today and it took a handful of holes to get some distances right, but it was a lot of fun.

 

Thoughts on Quail Ridge:

Price: $25!! Can't beat it!

 

Really enjoyed this course overall. Greens were much better pace than yesterday and even from their tips at 6800ish I had a lot of short irons in because it was running fairly fast.

 

Par 3's- used everything from a 7 iron to 4 hybrid. Great mix and approachable greens.

 

Par 4's- I felt all had fair landing spots. I got fooled on #3 because I didn't look at their GPS and see there was more room than it looked but that's on me. Green complexes were nothing amazing but a few putts had some decent breaks.

 

Par 5's- Man I wish I could play these again! Did not take advantage of them at all and they are getable. Even an average hitter has the ability to get it close to the green in two.

 

Great looking course overall and was in a great condition. Greens rolled true and fairways looked nice.

 

Replay-ability: 9/10

Would play this again in a heartbeat because of price and knowing some different lines to take and where the misses are. Wish I hit a few short iron approaches closer but love the run up ability to almost every hole. Didn't take many pictures just because I was enjoying the peacefulness!

[ESP]

I live in Wichita and you’ve hit most of the highlights. To answer your question, yes, Alvamar in Lawrence is now the Jayhawk club.

 

I recently played Topeka Country club and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a Perry Maxwell design and was in good shape.

 

Cottonwood Hills went under and closed for a few years. It has never really taken off which is why it is in subpar condition. I played it when it was first open and it was in great shape and I generally like it but there are a few gimmicky holes that I don’t care for.

 

In Wichita have you played Crestview CC? There are 2 courses and one hosts a web.com event each year. Also, there is Rolling Hills CC and Reflection Ridge on the West side of town that are good tracts.

[st8kdinr]

I live in Wichita and you’ve hit most of the highlights. To answer your question, yes, Alvamar in Lawrence is now the Jayhawk club.

 

I recently played Topeka Country club and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a Perry Maxwell design and was in good shape.

 

Cottonwood Hills went under and closed for a few years. It has never really taken off which is why it is in subpar condition. I played it when it was first open and it was in great shape and I generally like it but there are a few gimmicky holes that I don’t care for.

 

In Wichita have you played Crestview CC? There are 2 courses and one hosts a web.com event each year. Also, there is Rolling Hills CC and Reflection Ridge on the West side of town that are good tracts.

 

Thanks for the recommendations in Wichita. If any members want a playing partner for a casual round feel free to message me. I have plans to be in the Wichita area next week and will try and know another course off the list.

[st8kdinr]

Busy week, so I think today's round will be the only golf I'll get to play. Played zero golf last week except for a local scramble on Sunday the 23rd. Hoping the weather holds off and I can play as long as possible this year. Went to Goodland, KS today and played Sugar Hills Golf Club. Big props to the maintenance crew as they are apparently closed on Mondays but I showed up and they made a quick phone call and allowed me to play. There were probably three other people on the course, that I'm sure were members and took advantage of a quiet course on a beautiful day.

 

Thoughts on Sugar Hills Golf Club:

Price: $25 Fair, not 100% sure if I'd get this price showing up Wednesday at noon, but I feel it's priced appropriately for a 4:30ish tee time.

 

This is a course that had their original 9 built in 1921 and a second 9 built much later. Had a couple funky holes, including the 8th (pictured below) that was a par 3 that gives this view from the blue tee boxes. Trust me there is a green behind those trees. To be fair, the other tees are positioned that show a clear view of the green. And at 170 yards, it's not impossible and was kind of fun. By about the 7th hole, I feel this is a great Sunday bag course. I play a Sunday (6-8 club) bag occasionally and enjoy it very much. The reason i feel this way is that I hit PW or Gap to so many holes and carrying a 3w and only even or odd irons would create a number of fun and imaginative shots through the round. it's not long, sub-6500 yards I believe, but offered some shots that if you're offline you definitely need to think about because the greens are small and can create some attention grabbing chips.

 

 

 

Par 3's - Like I mentioned, #8 was a fun one to throw in the mix, although I don't want a round of 4 of them, but one is great. Others were 4-iron to 8 iron for me. Nothng spectacular as you need to be fairly precise because of the smaller greens. Loved #10 as it's a 200 yard hole a little down hill that's a tough green to land on. Great change of pace to start the back nine and get your focus up.

 

Par 4's - It's a decent mix, but I hit driver on all of them but one (#4). The approaches had some elevation changes and made me consider and change what club to use a number of times, but it seemed like it was PW or 9. Putts had minimal movement and two putts seemed given.

 

Par 5's - There's only 3 and hole #1 is one of them. I feel they are all reachable if you know the proper line with the longest being in the 530 range. Again, if your accurate with your long irons/fairways you can hit the green and have a makeable eagle putt.

 

Final thoughts: Condition was a 6/10, it was fine for a weekday round and I think they work hard to make it as playable as possible. Yes there are bumpy greens and some have some have some dead spots and your fairway ball isn't always pristine, but it's what I've come to love about muni-golf.

 

Replay-ability: Like I mentioned before, this is a great Sunday bag course. Next time I'm in town, I may just grab 4 clubs, carry them with no bag and enjoy the walk. I'm also just realizing that I don't think there are any bunkers! It just hit me, that I don't remember seeing any. Having the course basically to myself on a beautiful evening made certainly increased the replay factor.

[jayhawk0624]

I also recommend Southwind in Garden City. Can be an incredibly difficult course when the wind picks up.

[vernon]

Although I haven't played it since the U.S. Women's Open was at Prairie Dunes in 2002, Turkey Creek in McPherson is a semi-private that you might want to consider if ever by that way.

 

Granted, it was sixteen years ago now (hard to believe) but it was pretty inexpensive and the layout was great fun and the conditioning was excellent.

 

If I remember correctly, it was built in the early 90's and was designed by a young man that went on to become one of Jack Nicklaus' top guys.

 

Again, it's been a long time but it's something to consider. If I am ever back in the area I will definitely make an effort to play there again.

 

I haven't traveled west of Colbert Hills in Manhattan or south to Wichita in probably 30 years now but have great memories of Southwind and Buffalo Dunes. As I recall, Southwind was super private before the oil market crash and Buffalo Dunes was the most amazingly manicured muni I'd ever set foot on.

 

I still remember maintenance guys with the old scissor like hand trimmers edging bunkers when I played Buffalo Dunes and I think the greens fee was $8 and a cart for 18 was $8 per rider!

 

God, I'm old.....

[QMany]

Out West, Southwind (Garden City), Buffalo Dunes (Garden City), and Mariah Hills (Dodge City) are legit. The High Plains Amateur got moved to Mariah this year, and I was pleasantly surprised. Kansas is windy, but Western Kansas is something else.

[st8kdinr]

Well weather did not cooperate this week as the rains have come down here in KS and NE. Was hoping to hit a couple favorites in the middle of Nebraska and a round or two in Kansas but it looks like today's 9 holes will be all I'm able to get in. In Wichita tonight and was able to squeeze in the back 9. Decided to walk and enjoy the cool weather and the feeling of fall golf.

Thoughts on McDonald Gold Course in Wichita:

 

Price: Very affordable as there seems to be plenty of $25 rates online. Can never complain about that.

 

Wished I would have brought my Sunday bag but overall pleased with the course. Again, only played the back but 16, 17 and 18 make a great finish that could be tough if you aren't hitting it well. Par 3's kept you focused and the par 5's were nothing to laugh at. Greens were slow but I put that up to the rain, if they're running fast I can imagine a very tough round.

 

Replay-ability: will definitely hit this one again. Nice municipal course in a neighborhood that just has a great vibe.

[st8kdinr]

Although I haven't played it since the U.S. Women's Open was at Prairie Dunes in 2002, Turkey Creek in McPherson is a semi-private that you might want to consider if ever by that way.

 

Granted, it was sixteen years ago now (hard to believe) but it was pretty inexpensive and the layout was great fun and the conditioning was excellent.

 

If I remember correctly, it was built in the early 90's and was designed by a young man that went on to become one of Jack Nicklaus' top guys.

 

Again, it's been a long time but it's something to consider. If I am ever back in the area I will definitely make an effort to play there again.

 

I haven't traveled west of Colbert Hills in Manhattan or south to Wichita in probably 30 years now but have great memories of Southwind and Buffalo Dunes. As I recall, Southwind was super private before the oil market crash and Buffalo Dunes was the most amazingly manicured muni I'd ever set foot on.

 

I still remember maintenance guys with the old scissor like hand trimmers edging bunkers when I played Buffalo Dunes and I think the greens fee was $8 and a cart for 18 was $8 per rider!

 

God, I'm old.....

 

Thanks for the info. I played Turkey Creek a week or so ago. Not sure where my review went but re-done below.

[st8kdinr]

Turkey Creek in McPherson:

Price: Another bargain at $34 with a cart during the week.

 

I felt this course has a great variety of holes and used every club in the bag. From beginning to end, there were some birdie holes where you could get on a run and have a decent stretch where you would have decent looks on all of them. I wouldn't classify them as easy but they were just there for the taking. Greens had some movement on them and were in ok condition, speed was fair but they definitely had some heavy play on them and had some spots. Fairways may have seen a little too much water as well and they had some bare spots.

 

Par 3's: OK, honestly after a couple weeks since playing them, I'm having a little trouble remember the distances. The ones on the back 9 were a bit more challenging.

 

Par 4's: This is where the variety kicks in. Started a little slow with #1 but the next 3 had unique challenges. #3 was short enough to give you a pitch in if you could keep it straight, #4 had a carry over water with plenty of trees to the right and #4 was a lay-up short of water that I misjudged terribly. :taunt: I felt this went on throughout the round, with some risk-reward holes and just some scenic shots.

 

Par 5's: Reachable with good drives in the fairway as I felt I was getting some decent run on drives. The greens seem to have just enough trouble around them that a thought of eagle could quickly turn into a rush to save par.

 

Replay-ability: If condition was just a touch better, I would say it's a no-brainer. if it was between a course nearby that I haven't played before and this one, I'm probably going to the one I haven't played before. Another example, Sand Creek Station is 40 minutes away and price is $15 or less difference, I'm choosing Sand Creek every time. Not a dig on Turkey Creek, but the drive is worth it.

[ascottwaddell]

Although I haven't played it since the U.S. Women's Open was at Prairie Dunes in 2002, Turkey Creek in McPherson is a semi-private that you might want to consider if ever by that way.

 

Granted, it was sixteen years ago now (hard to believe) but it was pretty inexpensive and the layout was great fun and the conditioning was excellent.

 

If I remember correctly, it was built in the early 90's and was designed by a young man that went on to become one of Jack Nicklaus' top guys.

 

Again, it's been a long time but it's something to consider. If I am ever back in the area I will definitely make an effort to play there again.

 

I haven't traveled west of Colbert Hills in Manhattan or south to Wichita in probably 30 years now but have great memories of Southwind and Buffalo Dunes. As I recall, Southwind was super private before the oil market crash and Buffalo Dunes was the most amazingly manicured muni I'd ever set foot on.

 

I still remember maintenance guys with the old scissor like hand trimmers edging bunkers when I played Buffalo Dunes and I think the greens fee was $8 and a cart for 18 was $8 per rider!

 

God, I'm old.....

I was once one of those kids with a pair of scissors.

[st8kdinr]

Tough couple of weeks, not able to play much. Got to play Stag Hill in Manhattan today. Actually ended up playing the front 9 twice and then the back nine. One word: LEAVES

 

It's been a while since I've played a course like this in the fall. Surprised I didn't lose a ball because of leaves.

 

Overall a fun experience, played with a member the last 13 holes or so and had a great time. Loved how great the greens ran and had some decent pace. Really had some holes where driver was pointless so you had to think which I do enjoy.

$29 For twilight and you can play as much as you want so what's not to love!!!

 

I'd definitely play again as it seems like the type of course you feel like this is the day I'm gonna shoot under par and end up scrambling to break 80

[scagnetti]

Anybody on here ever play Hesston in Newton north of Hutch, or Sim Park in Wichita? Those are the only two pub courses I haven’t seen listed on here so far...

[ESP]

Anybody on here ever play Hesston in Newton north of Hutch, or Sim Park in Wichita? Those are the only two pub courses I haven’t seen listed on here so far...

 

I've played Hesston once and liked it. Sim Park is just ok, there are several better public options around town.

[scagnetti]

> @dlygrisse said:

> Indian Hills

>

 

how'd you get on there?

I'm seriously interested in getting on there for a project I'm working on. DM if sensitive. thanks

[Invert99]

I know it has been a while since this has been updated but if you are ever in Wichita again I am a member out at crestview cc and would be happy to play a round with anyone interested in seeing the courses there.

[cory_jensen]

Cedar Hills in Washington, yes it is 9 holes but it is good.