North Dakota’s 96 golf courses prove that geography is no barrier to a thriving golf culture. Scattered across the Great Plains and the dramatic Badlands of the west, these courses serve a passionate golfer community that treats every short season like a gift. North Dakota has produced a trio of nationally recognized public courses that consistently appear on best-of lists — a remarkable achievement for one of America’s most sparsely populated states.
The “Triple Golf Challenge” — three of North Dakota’s finest: Bully Pulpit near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Hawktree in Bismarck, and The Links of North Dakota near Williston — is a popular touring itinerary for serious players. Bully Pulpit’s dramatic Badlands terrain is the state’s most visually striking course by some distance; the combination of golf and the Theodore Roosevelt landscape makes it a genuine bucket-list destination. Fargo and Grand Forks offer quality public golf for everyday players at remarkably low prices.
North Dakota Golf by Region
Bismarck / Central North Dakota
Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck is the capital city’s premier public layout and one of the state’s most consistently well-rated courses. Designed with open plains sensibility — wind plays a major factor on most holes — Hawktree delivers championship-level conditions at accessible prices. The Riverwood Golf Course in Bismarck overlooks the Missouri River and provides a scenic local alternative. Bismarck’s location makes it a natural hub for exploring central North Dakota’s golf offerings.
Badlands / Medora Area
Bully Pulpit Golf Course near Medora is North Dakota’s most celebrated layout and a frequent winner of “Best Golf Course in North Dakota” from national award bodies. The course plays through dramatic Badlands terrain of ridges, buttes, and colorful rock formations immediately adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park — it’s unlike anything else in Midwest golf. Green fees run approximately $60–$80, and the combination with a Badlands road trip makes it one of the most compelling golf-and-travel experiences in the northern plains.
Fargo / Red River Valley
Greater Fargo offers North Dakota’s strongest concentration of accessible public golf. Edgewood Golf Course — situated along the wooded banks of the Red River since the 1920s — is Fargo’s most celebrated public track and a well-maintained layout at affordable prices. Grand Forks’ King’s Walk Golf Course is a similarly well-regarded links-style public course in the Red River Valley. Green fees across the Fargo-Grand Forks corridor typically run $25–$45.
Top Courses in North Dakota
- Bully Pulpit Golf Course (Medora) — World Golf Awards “North Dakota’s Best Golf Course 2025.” Dramatic Badlands terrain adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park; public; green fees ~$60–$80.
- Hawktree Golf Club (Bismarck) — Bismarck’s top-rated public course; open plains design where wind is a constant factor. Green fees ~$35–$55.
- The Links of North Dakota (Ray) — Links-style public course along the Missouri River near Williston; part of the Triple Golf Challenge itinerary. Green fees ~$40–$60.
- Beowulf Golf Club (Minot) — Ranked #1 in North Dakota by Golfweek; a premium public experience in the north-central region. Green fees ~$35–$55.
- Edgewood Golf Course (Fargo) — Best-regarded public course in the Fargo metro; wooded Red River setting since the 1920s. Green fees ~$25–$40.
- King’s Walk Golf Course (Grand Forks) — Links-style public course in the Red River Valley; consistently top-rated in the eastern part of the state. Green fees ~$25–$40.
When to Play Golf in North Dakota
North Dakota’s golf season typically runs May through September, with some courses opening in late April and staying open through mid-October in mild years. Peak conditions are June through August, with long summer days (nearly 16 hours of daylight at the solstice) maximizing playing time. Badlands courses like Bully Pulpit are best visited June through September. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in midsummer — early tee times help avoid them. Winters are severe; all courses close by November and most don’t reopen until snowmelt is complete, typically late April or early May.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in North Dakota?
North Dakota has 96 golf courses in our database. Despite its sparse population, the state supports active golf communities in its larger cities (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot) and has produced several nationally recognized public courses that draw out-of-state visitors.
What is the best golf course in North Dakota?
Bully Pulpit Golf Course near Medora (Theodore Roosevelt National Park) is the state’s most celebrated course nationally, known for its dramatic Badlands terrain. Beowulf Golf Club in Minot holds the top spot in Golfweek’s state rankings. Both are public.
When is the best time to golf in North Dakota?
June through August. July delivers peak conditions — warm, long days, and well-established course conditions after spring green-up. September is pleasant and less crowded, though temperatures can drop quickly toward month’s end.
How much does golf cost in North Dakota?
North Dakota is one of America’s most affordable states for public golf. Municipal and daily-fee courses run $20–$45; premium public courses like Bully Pulpit run $60–$80. The Triple Golf Challenge bundle offers discounted rates across three top courses for visiting golfers.
Is it worth visiting North Dakota just for golf?
Yes — especially combined with Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Badlands. Bully Pulpit alone is worth the trip for golfers who appreciate dramatic natural settings. Bundle it with the Painted Canyon and the historic Medora Musical for a complete Badlands trip with golf as the centrepiece.
All Golf Courses in North Dakota
Browse all 96 North Dakota golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.