South Dakota’s 90 golf courses divide between two very different landscapes: the dramatic Black Hills in the west, where courses wind through pine-covered canyons and mountain terrain that rivals any scenic golf in America, and the Great Plains east, anchored by Sioux Falls’ excellent and affordable municipal golf network.
South Dakota punches above its weight in golf destination appeal. The Black Hills — home to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Deadwood — have become an emerging golf destination, with layouts that take genuine advantage of the region’s ponderosa pines, canyon walls, and mountain elevation. Green fees are exceptionally affordable by national standards, and the crowds are a fraction of what you’d encounter at equivalent-quality courses in other states.
South Dakota Golf by Region
Black Hills / Spearfish / Rapid City
The Black Hills offer South Dakota’s most spectacular golf. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club in Spearfish — Golf Digest’s top-ranked public course in the state — sits on a historic ranch with its front nine hugging a mountain slope above Centennial Valley and its back nine winding through Polo Creek Canyon. Boulder Canyon Golf Club near Sturgis delivers panoramic canyon views on a par-72 public layout. The Golf Club at Red Rock near Rapid City offers a minimalist mountain design praised for how naturally it fits its dramatic terrain. Together these courses make a compelling case for the Black Hills as a destination golf trip.
Sioux Falls / Eastern South Dakota
Sioux Falls operates three city-owned courses totaling 59 holes — Elmwood, Prairie Green, and Kuehn Park — all managed to high standards for a Plains city of its size. Prairie Green is the flagship, a links-influenced layout in southern Sioux Falls with strong course conditioning and low fees. This eastern region is flatter and less scenic than the Black Hills, but offers exceptional value for local golfers and visitors passing through on I-90.
Top Courses in South Dakota
- Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club (Spearfish) — Golf Digest’s top-ranked public course in South Dakota. Front nine on a mountain slope above Centennial Valley; back nine through Polo Creek Canyon. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- The Golf Club at Red Rock (Rapid City) — Minimalist mountain design praised for natural integration with its dramatic terrain; compared to Coore and Crenshaw’s best work. Green fees ~$45–$75.
- Boulder Canyon Golf Club (Sturgis area) — Public par-72 with panoramic Black Hills views from every tee box; open to all golfers. Green fees ~$40–$65.
- Prairie Green Golf Course (Sioux Falls) — Best of the city-owned Sioux Falls courses; links-influenced layout with strong conditions for a municipal. Green fees ~$20–$35.
- Elmwood Golf Course (Sioux Falls) — Historic municipal layout and the oldest of the three city courses; tree-lined with a classic park layout. Green fees ~$18–$28.
- Meadow View Golf Course (Aberdeen) — Top public option in central South Dakota; well-maintained and affordable. Green fees ~$20–$30.
When to Play Golf in South Dakota
South Dakota’s golf season runs May through September in the Black Hills (where elevation brings cooler temperatures and snow risk in shoulder months) and April through October on the eastern plains. Peak conditions across the state are June through August, with long daylight hours (nearly 15 hours in late June) maximizing rounds per day. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in midsummer — morning tee times are advisable. The Black Hills in September are spectacular: clear skies, cool temperatures, pine-scented air, and essentially no crowds. Sioux Falls municipal courses are among the best spring and fall value rounds in the Midwest at under $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in South Dakota?
South Dakota has 90 golf courses in our database, split between the Black Hills in the west and the Plains cities (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Pierre) in the east. The state’s small population and spectacular terrain in the Black Hills make for an underrated golf destination with very low green fees.
What is the best golf course in South Dakota?
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club in Spearfish is Golf Digest’s top-ranked public course in the state and the clear destination choice for visiting golfers. The Golf Club at Red Rock near Rapid City is a close second by most national rankings and is widely praised for its design quality relative to its price.
When is the best time to golf in South Dakota?
June through August for the longest days and warmest weather. September is excellent in the Black Hills — comfortable temperatures, no crowds, and stunning fall color. Avoid May for Black Hills courses as late-season snow is possible at elevation.
How much does golf cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota is one of America’s most affordable golf states. Sioux Falls municipal courses run $18–$35; Black Hills mid-range courses charge $40–$65; and top-tier options like Elkhorn Ridge run $55–$85. There are virtually no premium resort-pricing courses in the state.
Is the Black Hills worth a golf trip?
Yes — especially combined with Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Deadwood. Three to four excellent public courses are within 30 minutes of each other in the Spearfish-Sturgis-Rapid City triangle, all at prices far below comparable-scenery courses in Colorado or the Pacific Northwest.
All Golf Courses in South Dakota
Browse all 90 South Dakota golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.