Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club in Spearfish, SD, offers a well-maintained, 18-hole parkland-style layout with natural elevation changes and thoughtful design. The course welcomes golfers of all skill levels, combining friendly service with scenic views and engaging challenges across the Black Hills’ foothills.
Course Overview
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club, located in Spearfish, South Dakota, offers an 18-hole layout that balances sweeping scenic vistas with engaging golf challenges suitable for all levels. This semi-private course stretches across the gently rolling terrain of the Black Hills’ outskirts, where natural elevation changes subtly influence shot strategy without overwhelming the casual player. Elkhorn Ridge blends parkland style with touches of rugged western character, featuring well-manicured fairways lined by native grasses and distinctive bunkers that echo the surrounding landscape.
The course layout is approachable yet offers enough variety to test players pushing toward low handicaps. Elevation shifts, well-placed hazards, and moderately contoured greens encourage thoughtful club selection and shot placement. Holes on the back nine highlight the course’s architectural strengths, including a series of memorable holes that take advantage of natural drops and angles. A standout is the sequence at 12 through 14, where play unfolds across multiple tiers of terrain and where precision around the greens is rewarded.
Maintenance standards at Elkhorn Ridge maintain firm, true greens and fairways in excellent condition even during busy periods. The staff, from clubhouse to pro shop, receives consistent praise for attentive service—adding a welcoming dimension for visitors and members alike. Golfers will find a fully stocked pro shop and a driving range with quality practice facilities to fine-tune their game before teeing off.
While the clubhouse offers limited food service on weekday mornings, menu offerings expand later in the day and on weekends, giving players proper refueling options. Caddies are not mandatory, and golf carts are available by request, although the course’s moderately walkable terrain is pleasant on foot with appropriate footwear.
Elkhorn Ridge’s location just minutes from Spearfish provides a relaxed atmosphere for visitors wanting quality golf within the broader Black Hills region. Whether playing for recreation or competitive rounds, its blend of natural terrain, condition, and friendly service creates a satisfying, memorable day on the course.
Course Highlights
The course is distinguished by a front nine set along new residential development areas with unique elk track-shaped bunkers, and a back nine that delivers the most dramatic elevation changes and most scenic holes, notably holes 12 through 14. The course’s natural terrain plays a key role in shot-making decisions, and the greens offer moderate contours that reward accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Halsey Hall
Very busy considering it was a Monday. The course is in great condition. Pace of play was good. Word of advice. If you go there Monday through Wednesday, they don't have a full menu at their restaurant. Just sandwiches and chips, grab and go food at a premium cost.
Halsey Hall
Very busy considering it was a Monday. The course is in great condition. Pace of play was good. Word of advice. If you go there Monday through Wednesday, they don't have a full menu at their restaurant. Just sandwiches and chips, grab and go food at a premium cost.
Paul Hanekom
Great golfcourse. Enjoyed plating there in a Booking hot day. Course in excellent conditions and service was great from start tonfinich except for the cart girl, who sat at either hole 1 or 10 the whole time we played. Would have assumed that she would drive around especialy in sich a hot day. I don't think anybody would need something at the holes just after leading the club house.
TNT howard
Having grown up in Rapid City as a lifetime golfer, Elkhorn Ridge is a top tier course in the state. Definitely worth the trip. A must-play experience for the casual tourists and golf enthusiasts alike. I’ve played all over the world (Pebble, Old Course, Sawgrass, etc) and for a course in SD you will be impressed with the value. Fantastic conditions, well manicured fairways and greens, great scenery and fun golf for all skill levels from beginner to scratch. JR and Mike (GM and Head Pro) are part of the secret sauce that make this place truly great. Last month I was fitted for a full bag of new Titleist clubs and was impressed with the experience. I was previously fitted by Club Champion in Colorado but will stay local with these guys in the future. They are expert fitters and have long standing pro relationships with the best brands, especially Titleist. The way they have treated me made me feel compelled to write an overdue google review. Elkhorn is a true Black Hills gem.
Kevin Moore
Saint Simba
Had the best time, the staff was so awesome. Range balls included was nice. The whole experience was amazing. Highly recommend.
Tom Olsen
If you’re a large group, don’t book here. I booked a month in advance letting them know our plans. They called me the morning of our tee time and told us “find somewhere else to play”.
TNT howard
Having grown up in Rapid City as a lifetime golfer, Elkhorn Ridge is a top tier course in the state. Definitely worth the trip. A must-play experience for the casual tourists and golf enthusiasts alike. I’ve played all over the world (Pebble, Old Course, Sawgrass, etc) and for a course in SD you will be impressed with the value. Fantastic conditions, well manicured fairways and greens, great scenery and fun golf for all skill levels from beginner to scratch. JR and Mike (GM and Head Pro) are part of the secret sauce that make this place truly great. Last month I was fitted for a full bag of new Titleist clubs and was impressed with the experience. I was previously fitted by Club Champion in Colorado but will stay local with these guys in the future. They are expert fitters and have long standing pro relationships with the best brands, especially Titleist. The way they have treated me made me feel compelled to write an overdue google review. Elkhorn is a true Black Hills gem.
Mark Watje
This is a really enjoyable course to play. The front 9 is in a new housing development distinguished by a dramatic drop in elevation on hole 5 and bunkers formed to look like elk tracks. But the bright stars are on the back 9. Holes 12, 13, and 14 in particular are stunning. Nice facilities. Helpful staff. Check it out!
Saint Simba
Had the best time, the staff was so awesome. Range balls included was nice. The whole experience was amazing. Highly recommend.
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Course Details
Access & Location
6845 St Onge Rd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Clubhouse with pro shop and dining facilities
Walking is welcomed; terrain includes moderate elevation changes, so sturdy golf shoes with good traction are advised.
Reservations recommended, visitor play permitted with member or guest arrangements.
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