There is a picturesque beauty to Nebraska and its landscape of rolling hills and fields filled with waves of grain. Known for its crops and football, many golfers don’t realize the hidden treasures of golf courses that weave a footprint across the Cornhusker State.

You’ll discover enough golf to satisfy the appetite of any golfer seeking a challenge. Ace Golf Netting recommends pursuing these public play opportunities while embracing the character and lifestyle of this hard-working state.

Nebraska Links Wild West And Golf

Topping the list of challenging courses is Wild Horse Golf Club in Gothenburg. This links-inspired course regularly appears in the highest rankings of golf publications throughout the country.

Don’t get distracted by the surrounding farm operations or the churning of nearby windmills. There’s a reason that cow skulls mark the yardage at tee boxes. If you stray into the thickets and wilds surrounding the fairways your scorecard will become a wasteland of frustration.

Embrace the challenge of Wild Horse and take in the nearby historic Pony Express Stateion before you head down the road to the next Nebraska course.

Championship-caliber play continues at The Prairie Club in Valentine. It’s worth an extra day to play the Dunes Course on your first outing and then enjoy an overnight stay in the cabins before tackling the Pines Course. Majestic views abound as you gaze across the horizon of sandhills and the Snake River Canyon.

In the middle of all the rolling hills there is an oasis for golfers who miss a waterfront view. Bayside Golf Club in Brule sits along the shore of Lake McConaughy. It boasts lake views from almost every hole.

As with all these links courses, you’ll want to avoid creative shots that leave you off the fairways in the sand or shrubbery. Err on the side of “playing within your game” and you’ll enjoy all that Bayside offers.

You can enjoy the sunsets over the lake after a late round and even join a campfire outing on the beach.

Surprising elevation changes mark the challenge of Heritage Hills Golf Club in McCook. This course can get away from cautious golfers that don’t have a solid strategy.

Fast greens await golfers who successfully navigate the lengthy fairways. Avoid the hazards by focusing on calculated approach shots and selective shot placement. Errant shots here will leave you knee deep in native grass or hitting from a bunker where your head is below cup level.

Urban Golf Creates Challenges

Golf in Nebraska isn’t all rural wonderlands. Big-city golf is available in Omaha and Lincoln for travelers sticking to interstate of fly-in travels.

Ominous water hazards give way to greens with inviting pin placement at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln. Amazing landscaping throughout the course and along the fairways encourage you to play at your best level before settling into the classic-style clubhouse.

Brace yourself for a 9-hole triple threat at Himark Golf Course in Lincoln. The Blue, Red and White courses offer an affordable option for anyone wanting back-to-back-back challenges.

Highlands Golf Course and Crooked Creek Golf Club in Lincoln are two highly-rated public-access courses. Highlands features devilishly deceptive greens and Crooked Creek is a bargain for any skill level.

Public links options abound here for golfers.

Johnny Goodman Golf Course in Omaha offers a traditional layout that is walkable and affordable while presenting a few tricky elements to challenge your skills.

Another affordable mid-city option is Elmwood Park Golf Course. It’s an accessible, fun course that’s easy on the handicap with attractive amenities.

Golfers wanting a quick round or who just enjoy the pace of a 9-hole course have a variety of options in Omaha.

You can challenge the “sharks” at Tiburon Golf Club with its Mako, Hammerhead and Great White Courses. Each 9-hole layout is set to take a bite out of your game if you don’t stay inbounds.

The Eagle Run Golf Complex and Stone Creek Golf Club each offer multiple 9-hole courses with friendly staffs and well-maintained links.

Nebraska delivers a taste of golf in the wild west, and Ace Golf Netting recommends you make this a definite golf destination.