
Painted Woods Golf Course
Painted Woods Golf Course in Washburn, ND, offers a challenging yet accessible 18-hole public layout with rolling terrain, strategic bunkers, and natural prairie scenery. Its well-maintained fairways and inviting greens create an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Course Overview
Painted Woods Golf Course, located just off US-83 in Washburn, North Dakota, offers an engaging 18-hole layout that blends natural beauty with solid playability. This public course extends just over 6,600 yards from the back tees, presenting a par 72 challenge suitable for a wide range of golfers. The landscape here tells its own story, combining rolling terrain, well-placed bunkers, and mature trees that frame fairways with thoughtful precision. Water features and native grasses add both visual contrast and strategic complexity as you navigate from tee to green.
Walkers and riders alike will find Painted Woods accommodating, though some cart paths are unpaved and can be uneven in spots; comfortable footwear and cautious driving are recommended. The fairways are consistently maintained, offering true lies and smooth lies that reward accurate shots. Greens can be quick but receptive, requiring careful pace control to avoid costly three-putts.
The course strikes a rare balance between challenge and approachability. While the rough presents a relevant test of skill, it also invites creative shot-making without overly punishing mid- to high-handicap players. Many holes incorporate subtle elevation changes, encouraging players to think strategically about club selection and shot trajectory.
The clubhouse maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff ready to assist. Though modest in size, it offers essential amenities including a pro shop and basic dining options where players can unwind post-round. Seasonal improvements and ongoing maintenance efforts speak to a commitment to quality without extravagant frills.
For golfers traveling through central North Dakota, Painted Woods proves a rewarding stop. The course runs alongside scenic patches of native prairie and gentle water hazards that come alive with the changing seasons, creating a dynamic backdrop for play. Whether seeking a weekend outing with family or a focused practice round, Painted Woods invites players to experience golf at its straightforward and satisfying best.
Course Highlights
Painted Woods offers a thoughtfully designed layout incorporating native North Dakota prairie elements and water hazards that demand strategic play. The course’s combination of rolling fairways and subtle elevation changes creates diversity from hole to hole, rewarding precision and shot creativity. While the cart paths vary in condition, the course’s natural setting and well-groomed greens stand out as key attractions. The clubhouse provides friendly service and essential amenities for a complete golf experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
J D
Beautiful, challenging course! Made the trip up after multiple friends suggested it. Worth the drive and worth much more than what they charge! Staff was friendly and helpful. The course itself is one of the best I've been on. Greens and fairways were beautiful. The layout got a little confusing, but the signage was well placed and made it clear where to go. Wish I could give more than 5 stars!
NDSOLDIER
The clubhouse staff is very friendly and courteous. The course is in good shape, with one exception...the greens. There was some winter kill and they haven't recovered yet. Hopefully as the season goes on, the greens will come back. UPDATE: Golfed this course again yesterday and the greens have improved.
Danny Smith
Golfed this course for the first time last June 2022 with my son and brother, we all enjoyed it and will golf it every year. It is an incredible course for the money. Greens and fairways are great, the rough is a challenge to play out of as it should. The cart path when paved are good but the un paved paths are a bit rough. For the price, this course is one of the best i have played in North Dakota. The club house is modest but the staff was great. Give it 4.5 stars
Thomas Smith
Nice course. Good scenery, helpful staff. Well cut greens and fairways. My only negative take away was the roughness of the non paved cart paths. Some of the bridges across the river were very rough. Otherwise a great day of reasonably priced golf!
Lila Teunissen
Fun and Scenic course. Good hazards, decent distances for us amateurs. Cart paths were inconsistent and work was being done on the course. We played 9 of 18 so can't speak to the second half. Similar prices to other courses. Golf carts were clean and ready to go.
CJ Back7
Kicked off for playing barefoot
Augustine Macleod
Beautiful
Jill Gange
Beautiful golf course, it was really fun! Lost a few balls but the views make it totally worth it
Curt Dahme
Susan Schafer
Course is in great shape and staff is very accommodating.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1156 US-83, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop and casual dining area
Walking allowed and well-supported; paths vary between paved and natural surfaces, so sturdy shoes are advised
Open to the public; advance tee time recommended during weekends and peak season