The Prairie Club
The Prairie Club in Valentine, Nebraska, combines rugged native sandhills with classic links-style golf across two distinct 18-hole courses. Known for its strategic design and sweeping landscapes, it offers a demanding yet rewarding experience for serious golfers.
Course Overview
The Prairie Club in Valentine, Nebraska, offers an authentic links-style golf experience that stands apart from traditional course designs typical of the Midwest. This private resort features two 18-hole courses, the Dunes and the Pines, each carved into the expansive native sandhills. The Dunes Course, often regarded as the jewel of the club, stretches over rugged rolling dunes with wide fairways framed by tall grasses and native vegetation. The terrain shifts naturally underfoot, calling for strategic play as you encounter deep bunkers and expansive, undulating greens that test precision and touch.
The setting is as much a part of the experience as the golf itself. Sweeping horizons and open skies stretch across the landscape, while persistent winds sculpt the play and reward golfers who embrace the challenge. The Dunes’ firm fairways encourage creative shot shapes and careful club selection, appealing to low handicappers seeking a demanding yet fair test. Meanwhile, the Pines Course combines towering pines with the same sandy soil and natural contours, providing a contrast in style while remaining approachable to players of varying skill levels.
Beyond the courses, The Prairie Club’s lodge and clubhouse complement the remote location with rustic comforts and attentive service. Dining options blend regional flavors with hearty fare, ideal for replenishing energy after a round. The property’s layout encourages walking, with paths thoughtfully designed to traverse the natural terrain without disrupting the land’s integrity. Golfers are encouraged to play on foot to fully absorb the environment and rhythm of the game here.
The Prairie Club demands respect for its combination of wind, terrain, and strategic design. It rewards focused shot-making while offering moments of calm beauty in its wide-open views. Whether you approach the game as a dedicated competitor or a lover of landscapes, this course challenges and invites with equal measure. Planning your visit requires accommodation reservations and familiarity with membership policies, but the payoff is a deeply memorable golf outing unlike most anywhere else in America.
Course Highlights
The Prairie Club stands out with its authentic links-style design set within natural Nebraska sandhills, firm fairways, strategic bunkering, and expansive greens. The landscape’s open exposure to wind adds a dynamic challenge not typical of inland courses. The combination of the Dunes and Pines courses offers contrasting styles, both requiring careful planning and shot execution. The lodge and clubhouse extend the experience with quality service and comfortable accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
S Mills
My two sons-in-law and I traveled from Texas, joined by my nephew from Lincoln, all with high expectations—and this golf sanctuary exceeded every one of them. The atmosphere was exceptional, the layout was nothing short of spectacular, and the attention to detail throughout the course was impressive. The staff, too, were first-class in every respect. We will return.
S Mills
My two sons-in-law and I traveled from Texas, joined by my nephew from Lincoln, all with high expectations—and this golf sanctuary exceeded every one of them. The atmosphere was exceptional, the layout was nothing short of spectacular, and the attention to detail throughout the course was impressive. The staff, too, were first-class in every respect. We will return.
Thomas Swanson
The staff were very helpful and friendly. Both the Pines and Dunes courses were in wonderful shape. The food was great as well as the cabin rooms.
Casey Thompson
I've been loving this place ever since they opened. Amazing!
Thomas Swanson
The staff were very helpful and friendly. Both the Pines and Dunes courses were in wonderful shape. The food was great as well as the cabin rooms.
John Scdoris
My experience at the prairie club was exceptional. My dad took my son and I here for his graduation present and it was a memory we will all cherish forever. The course was in exceptional condition and a fun challenge. The lodging at the club was excellent and the food was delicious. This is a place where everyone is friendly. The staff is great about making the stay wonderful. Always asking how the accommodations are at the lodge. What struck me the most was how the club employees and management(Mandi) knew the club members personally. They knew about the golf members families and asked how they were doing. They also shared with the club members how their own families were doing. The manager of the pro shop knew the members by first name when they walked in. I could go on and on. Do yourself a favor, go to the prairie club and build great memories with your friends and families. The golf is amazing and your interactions with the club and staff will leave you with memories of a lifetime just as it did for my son and I.
Kepha Arcemont II
I recently played The Dunes Course at The Prairie Club, and it was an unforgettable experience. The layout is absolutely stunning, with rolling native sandhills that create a true links-style feel right in the middle of Nebraska. Every hole offers a unique challenge with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and massive greens that test your creativity and short game. What stood out most was the pure serenity and isolation of the course – it’s just you, the land, and the wind. The conditions were pristine, with firm fairways and greens running true. The course design rewards strategic thinking over sheer power, making it a fair test for any golfer. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the views from nearly every tee box are breathtaking. I’d highly recommend walking this course to fully take in the natural beauty. The Dunes Course is a bucket-list destination for anyone who appreciates minimalist, natural golf architecture and a world-class golf experience. Highly recommend coming and playing here.
Nick Krieger
Golf The range and putting areas were very nice. As far as the courses go, I thought the Pines course was excellent but the Dunes fell short for me. The Pines was scenic, playable, and challenging at the same time. The Dunes greens and chipping areas did not play well and depending on skill level, I could see the course playing very long for some people. Sand Hills, Dismal, Landmand and Wild Horse are similar style courses that are better than the Dunes in my opinion. More importantly, the pace of play was disappointing and was a damper on our experience. We played four rounds over two days and waited 5-10 minutes on most shots during three of the four rounds. I would expect that at a packed local public course, but not at a place like Prairie Club. Accommodations We stayed in the lodge and the lodge was well kept and had nice accommodations. Another negative however was there was there was not hot water in the mornings which was disappointing. Food The food at the turn houses and dinner was good. There were plenty of options and it all good was cooked well and tasted good. Breakfast was pretty standard fare that you'd get at most hotels, nothing fancy, but did the job. General Service We found the service good. Employees were helpful, friendly, and responsive.
Kepha Arcemont II
I recently played The Dunes Course at The Prairie Club, and it was an unforgettable experience. The layout is absolutely stunning, with rolling native sandhills that create a true links-style feel right in the middle of Nebraska. Every hole offers a unique challenge with wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and massive greens that test your creativity and short game. What stood out most was the pure serenity and isolation of the course – it’s just you, the land, and the wind. The conditions were pristine, with firm fairways and greens running true. The course design rewards strategic thinking over sheer power, making it a fair test for any golfer. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the views from nearly every tee box are breathtaking. I’d highly recommend walking this course to fully take in the natural beauty. The Dunes Course is a bucket-list destination for anyone who appreciates minimalist, natural golf architecture and a world-class golf experience. Highly recommend coming and playing here.
Rick Reynolds
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Course Details
Access & Location
88897 NE-97, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
The Prairie Club Lodge offers guest accommodations, dining, and pro shop facilities.
Walking is encouraged to experience the natural terrain; sturdy golf shoes recommended due to uneven ground.
Membership required for access; member-sponsored guest play possible via invitation.
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