North Central Nebraska Golf - Prairie Club, Wild Horse, etc.

[Stetson]

On 8/20/2024 at 12:19 AM, Husker4theSpurs said:

Playing GrayBull early September. Looking forward to it.

I don't love Bayside, but I would certainly play it over Lake Maloney in North Platte if it were me.

I do like Bayside, but do not love it. Pretty awesome you got on Graybull so fast

[FuzzyKnuckles]

Trip report:

 

3 rounds at the dunes, 2 at the pines, 2 at Wild Horse. Pretty much all of us voted Wild Horse or Pines as our favorite, with the Dunes the 3rd favorite. Had some wild winds for 2 of the rounds, the rest were pretty mild which was great.

 

Both properties were amazing, really loved both. The Prairie Club plays waaay harder than its slope and rating. Great conditions there. Wild Horse was difficult, the greens were incredibly firm and were rolling around a 13, or 14. They were a ton of fun to play on - felt like a PGA venue in some ways with the firmness.

 

The main complaint we had with the Prairie Club, and the Dunes primarily, is the number of blind shots and the severity of the green slopes. It gets old fast hitting a decent iron shot to 40 feet, but then knowing there’s a good chance you will 3 putt just because of the wild slopes. The courses played almost unfairly difficult around the greens. Had a number of stupid pins right on the edge of the green as well - where there was zero chance to get it close. Wild Horse had a few of those too.

 

Overall though, it was tons of fun. Loved the region of Nebraska, none of us had ever been before and we are very glad we came. Highly recommend both properties. Wild horse was my favorite, followed by Pines and then Dunes

[Stetson]

57 minutes ago, FuzzyKnuckles said:

Trip report:

 

3 rounds at the dunes, 2 at the pines, 2 at Wild Horse. Pretty much all of us voted Wild Horse or Pines as our favorite, with the Dunes the 3rd favorite. Had some wild winds for 2 of the rounds, the rest were pretty mild which was great.

 

Both properties were amazing, really loved both. The Prairie Club plays waaay harder than its slope and rating. Great conditions there. Wild Horse was difficult, the greens were incredibly firm and were rolling around a 13, or 14. They were a ton of fun to play on - felt like a PGA venue in some ways with the firmness.

 

The main complaint we had with the Prairie Club, and the Dunes primarily, is the number of blind shots and the severity of the green slopes. It gets old fast hitting a decent iron shot to 40 feet, but then knowing there’s a good chance you will 3 putt just because of the wild slopes. The courses played almost unfairly difficult around the greens. Had a number of stupid pins right on the edge of the green as well - where there was zero chance to get it close. Wild Horse had a few of those too.

 

Overall though, it was tons of fun. Loved the region of Nebraska, none of us had ever been before and we are very glad we came. Highly recommend both properties. Wild horse was my favorite, followed by Pines and then Dunes

agree on the ranking order. I love links golf but Dunes just didn’t do it for me like I expected. Wild Horse is fantastic and to know it’s a muni is even better 

[Husker4theSpurs]

The Dunes course especially is a wildcard due to exposure to winds. Might be fair to put it in Sand Hills category as far as it shouldn't have a slope or rating. A good rule of thumb at Wildhorse is take off 10-15 yards into greens for bounce and roll (so so firm). Glad you enjoy yourself ... unique area!

[missiondad]

This is a great thread to read - my dad and I are getting ready for our first visit to PC. I live in KC so it is relatively drivable for me.

 

Here is our itinerary:

- Friday 9/27: Wild Horse 

- Saturday 9/28: Dunes Course (18)

- Sunday 9/29: Pines Course (36)

- Monday 9/30: Dunes Course (18) then a long drive home.

 

Depending on how we feel about the Dunes and how our body is feeling I could easily see us just knocking around on the Par 3 course on Monday and heading home a bit earlier - we will play it by ear.

 

Looking forward to how it compares with Bandon Dunes which I was lucky enough to visit last year.

 

Outside of the golf I am excited about how remote the area is. The beauty of the plains, especially in the fall is subtle and often overlooked. This is a wonderful area of the country. Re-reading some Willa Cather to "prepare" for the trip.

[Stetson]

3 hours ago, missiondad said:

This is a great thread to read - my dad and I are getting ready for our first visit to PC. I live in KC so it is relatively drivable for me.

 

Here is our itinerary:

- Friday 9/27: Wild Horse 

- Saturday 9/28: Dunes Course (18)

- Sunday 9/29: Pines Course (36)

- Monday 9/30: Dunes Course (18) then a long drive home.

 

Depending on how we feel about the Dunes and how our body is feeling I could easily see us just knocking around on the Par 3 course on Monday and heading home a bit earlier - we will play it by ear.

 

Looking forward to how it compares with Bandon Dunes which I was lucky enough to visit last year.

 

Outside of the golf I am excited about how remote the area is. The beauty of the plains, especially in the fall is subtle and often overlooked. This is a wonderful area of the country. Re-reading some Willa Cather to "prepare" for the trip.

it will be great. You gotta play the HORSE course regardless of how the body is feeling. Just grab a couple beers, and wedges.

[Chanceman]

We made the trip from Australia to Nebraska a few years ago and loved it. We even managed a gig on Sand Hills and also Ballyneal en route from Denver. Have to agree Wildhorse is awesome just ahead of TPC Dunes/Pines and Dismal River. But the wide expanses and the local dunes cape are the real surprises. If we could guarantee a round at Graybull we might even go back.

[Sleeky_D]

Any recommendations or tips on how to book with prairie club? We’re trying to play there without doing the stay and play packages. Their website says no available times even though it looks like there are open slots. Their phone number doesn’t work and neither does the email. I sent a message via Instagram but haven’t gotten a reply. First time playing - is it possible it’s already booked for the season? Any insight is greatly appreciated

[FuzzyKnuckles]

On 2/26/2025 at 6:41 PM, Sleeky_D said:

Any recommendations or tips on how to book with prairie club? We’re trying to play there without doing the stay and play packages. Their website says no available times even though it looks like there are open slots. Their phone number doesn’t work and neither does the email. I sent a message via Instagram but haven’t gotten a reply. First time playing - is it possible it’s already booked for the season? Any insight is greatly appreciated

Their phone number was always very helpful for me. It could be pretty booked but there would be some times open, however for the public it’s a little tricky as one course is private each day, and they alternate, so all the public is fighting for times on just 1 course.

 

they may not allow advance booking without lodging, but you’d have to ask them that. I’d try their phone number again

[act0fgod]

On 2/27/2025 at 3:41 AM, Sleeky_D said:

Any recommendations or tips on how to book with prairie club? We’re trying to play there without doing the stay and play packages. Their website says no available times even though it looks like there are open slots. Their phone number doesn’t work and neither does the email. I sent a message via Instagram but haven’t gotten a reply. First time playing - is it possible it’s already booked for the season? Any insight is greatly appreciated

They don't have someone on the phone year round, only during the golf season.  As stated they'll help you out on the phone.  I was able to make advanced tee times without lodging last year.