South Dakota vacations offer travelers the chance to enjoy an array of recreational pursuits. The state is known for its fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities, but golf in South Dakota is another popular activity. Wherever travelers are planning to visit, there is sure to be a golf course close by as there are nearly 100 courses across the state. Golfers can play in all seasons, though the autumn offers some of the best weather. With warm days and crisp nights between September and November, fall is a wonderful time to golf in South Dakota.

Golf courses in South Dakota are as much places to admire the scenery as they are to take part in the sport. In the Black Hills and the Badlands, golfers hit the links among the foothills and ponderosa pines. In Phillips, golfers can enjoy the fairway of the Lake Waggoner Golf Course, which offers nine holes, all within a short drive of several national parks, Mount Rushmore, the Deadwood casinos, and the majestic badlands.

With the highest concentration of golf courses in the region, Rapid City is a golf destination in its own right. Its Hart Ranch Golf Course suits players of all skill levels, and the site offers something rare among golf courses in South Dakota—a short course designed just for beginners. An 18-hole course is also available to challenge those who want to showcase their skills. Another one of the top-ranked South Dakota golf courses found in Rapid City, the Golf Club at Red Rock has lush greens surrounded by native grasses, dramatic views, and tall pines. With GPS-enabled carts, practice areas, and a well-stocked pro shop, golfers will find a full range of amenities.

South Dakota Map

Southeastern South Dakota golf courses, located in the striking Great Plains scenery, include new facilities and one course designed by Arnold Palmer, the Dakota Dunes Country Club. Nestled along the Missouri River just minutes outside Sioux Falls, the 18-hole championship course offers more than 7,000 yards of greens and fairways. The city of Sioux Falls is another place to find South Dakota golf courses. Prairie Green, which offers a generous fairways and well-bunkered greens set among the prairie wetlands is known for its affordability. Travelers also can book lessons as individuals and groups through the course manager, Dakota Golf.

Visitors also can play golf in South Dakota when vacation plans include the northeastern region of the state known for its glacier-carved lakes and wide-open prairies. Watertown is home to a municipal course as well as a semi-private club. Over in Aberdeen, golfers can spend their time on the driving range, putting greens, and the eighteen holes of the Lee Park Golf Course.

Golf courses in South Dakota near its state capital region are found within a short distance of Missouri River reservoirs and rolling prairie hills. Just a few miles from the Oahe Dam Recreation Area, the Oahe Trails Golf Resort offers nine holes of golf open to the public. Within the city limits of Pierre, golfers can take lessons from PGA professionals at the 18-hole Hillsview Municipal Golf Course. In nearby Fort Pierre, the USGA-rated Dunes Golf Course is located alongside the Fort Chouteau Historical Site.