Hawktree Golf Club
Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck, ND, blends bold elevation changes with native prairie landscapes to deliver an 18-hole challenge that favors strategic shotmaking. With multiple tee boxes and rugged natural details, the course offers a rewarding test for golfers seeking variety and character.
Course Overview
Hawktree Golf Club offers an engaging test of golf that challenges players while rewarding thoughtful strategy. Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, this 18-hole, public layout is defined by bold elevation changes and natural prairie landscapes that shift dramatically from tee to green. The routing demands a versatile game with a blend of power and precision, as fairways wind through tall native grasses that both frame shots and penalize wayward drives. The course’s distinct personality emerges in features like the elevated third tee box, which looks down onto a well-protected green encircled by mature oak trees, creating a memorable challenge for any golfer.
The design invites golfers of various skill levels to test themselves without feeling overmatched; multiple tee boxes allow players to tailor their experience according to ability. While the course’s rugged character suits more seasoned competitors, it remains approachable for committed amateurs ready to navigate its subtle complexities. Bunkers filled with black sand add visual contrast and demand accurate shot placement, enhancing the course’s dramatic aesthetics.
Facilities at Hawktree include a well-maintained practice range with included balls, encouraging players to warm up fully before heading out. The staff is known for their welcoming demeanor and helpful attitude, ensuring each round flows as smoothly as possible. Although the natural setting is magnificent, golfers should prepare for periods of less signage and some uneven course conditions, particularly in the fairways, where grass quality varies. Clear awareness of yardage and attention to wayfinding will elevate the experience.
This course calls for patience and a steady tempo, especially on days when winds sweep through the rolling terrain. It does not simply reward brute force but demands calculated play, making it a fitting destination for golfers who appreciate courses with character and challenge. Visitors will encounter striking homes that line parts of the course perimeter, adding a residential charm to the otherwise rugged environment.
Those planning a visit should allow ample time and embrace the course’s distinct pace, which, combined with its varied elevations and natural hazards, creates a memorable and authentic Dakota golf outing.
Course Highlights
Signature elements include elevated tees that frame sweeping views, native prairie grasses lining fairways, distinctive black sand bunkers, and thoughtful elevation shifts that challenge club selection and shot execution. The elevated third hole is notable for its downhill approach to an oak-surrounded green. Residential areas along select holes introduce a subtle contrast to the natural setting. The course design emphasizes strategy over power, favoring shotmakers who can manage both wind and terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Benjamin Kaasa
I was unaware of Hawktree until I read Tom Coyne's book titled A Course Called America, and he rated it higher than Bully Pulpit in his book. Given a professional golf writer's rating I thought I had better see it for myself. My family and I played nine holes (front nine) on a Tuesday at the end of August. The conditions were very warm. However, the carts were clean, staff was courteous, the starter was helpful and knowledgeable, and the course was in very good condition compared to many courses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We lost a few balls along the way in the rough of the taller grasses. We also encountered a first: bunkers that utilized black sand. The significantly elevated third hole tee box that played down to a green surrounded by oak trees was a pretty cool hole. The homes that lined the course edges were impressive to view as well. Hopefully on the next pass I can complete the remaining holes.
Dara Warkenthien
I experienced my first round this week. It's a beautiful course with amazing views and friendly staff. A great long and challenging course. Unfortunately we lost more balls than usual, the course was very confusing even with the GPS on cart. There is definitely a lack of signage regarding what hole you are on and where and what tee box to use. Also the wait time was really unfortunate, it says expected pace of play is 15 mins each hole, but impossible to do with t-times 6 minutes a part!
Dara Warkenthien
I experienced my first round this week. It's a beautiful course with amazing views and friendly staff. A great long and challenging course. Unfortunately we lost more balls than usual, the course was very confusing even with the GPS on cart. There is definitely a lack of signage regarding what hole you are on and where and what tee box to use. Also the wait time was really unfortunate, it says expected pace of play is 15 mins each hole, but impossible to do with t-times 6 minutes a part!
hyperglobalmega
Very well manicured
Jodi Weaver
Course was beautiful but the tee boxes were poorly labeled, some of the box markers were in the weeds. Luckily we figured to look for the white lines on the path for tee boxes. Make it easier for guests to find their way!
Dan Wood
Hawktree was a great golfing experience. Excellent layout with multiple elevation changes. Course was difficult but fair. Course requires you to stay in play. Multiple tee boxes for every skill level. Nice practice range and the balls are included with golf. I recommend this course to anyone who enjoys golf.
Zach Sonnenberg
Course was in great shape, and pace of play was excellent. Not quite as scenic as Bully Pulpit, but a solid course nonetheless.
Nick Schmit
They let 6 sums on the course and don’t manage pace of play. Plan on 5 hours while you wait.
J J
The only reason this course even deserves one star is because of the layout, which is fantastic. I’ve played this course various times since it was initially built so I’ve seen it through the ups and downs. The last few years are definitely the down years. The fairways are some of the worst fairways I’ve played on. It appears the owner or greenskeeper doesn’t believe in fertilizer, urea, and/or grass seed. It’s unfortunate to hit a drive in the fairway and you have to figure out how you’re going to hit the shot because of the way the ball nestles down into the hardpan. Speaking with locals they told me the greens have been aerated for a month and still aren’t healthy. The local city courses may not have the layout or views that Hawktree has but they are in far superior condition. I really hope the owner/greenskeeper makes some changes because it isn’t the Hawktree it once was.
Jodi Weaver
Course was beautiful but the tee boxes were poorly labeled, some of the box markers were in the weeds. Luckily we figured to look for the white lines on the path for tee boxes. Make it easier for guests to find their way!
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Course Details
Access & Location
3400 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND 58503, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop and dining facilities
Walking is permitted and offers a rewarding way to experience elevation changes; shoes with good traction are advised due to varied turf and elevation.
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends; tee times can be booked online or via phone.
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