Your Guide to Golf in the Northeast Nebraska Area
Photo: Tatanka Golf Club near Niobrara, Nebraska
It is no secret that golf in Nebraska is epic, and the discussion typically focuses on courses in the Sandhills. That region is characterized as a mixed-grass prairie on a grass-stabilized sand dune. The Sandhills encompass over one-quarter of the state and are a designated National Natural Landmark. Similar characteristics exist in the northeast corner of the state. Instead of sand, very fine particles of wind-blown silt, known as loess, created the Loess Hills when glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age.
It's all about the terrain.
Photo: Covington Links Golf Course in South Sioux City, Nebraska
Sand, or rather wind-blown silt, is the tie that binds, but the Missouri River is the architect that showcases what golf is like here. For instance, Covington Links Golf Course in South Sioux City, Nebraska, is built right on the banks of the Missouri with several signature holes overlooking the "Mighty Mo." The course was built on a sandy base, the remnants of the river flooding. The roots of the giant cottonwood trees run deep into the sand and line the fairways, testing your driving accuracy. Opting for less than driver off the tee is acceptable, considering the course is not lengthy, measuring 6284 yards from the blue tees.
The view from "Up Top."
Aside from the river shore is a nearby course that rises two hundred fifty feet, Landmand Golf Club near Homer, Nebraska. You arrive "Up Top" at the modest clubhouse a mere twelve miles up the road. The vantage point provides views of three states, including the Loess Hills to the east and rolling hills to the south and west. Will Andersen's team moved massive amounts of earth, an estimated two million cubic yards, creating eighteen distinct holes. It is hard to pick a favorite. Expect wide fairways and huge greens but expect the unexpected, as each hole has something new, a redan green, barranca in the fairway, and a tribute to the Sitwell Park green. Landmand will be at the "top" of your must-golf list on this trip.
Watch our video of Landmand.
Read our full story on Landmand.
Photo: Landmand Golf Club near Homer, Nebraska
Ride the wind.
The wind that shaped the Loess Hill is still ever-present today. It is a part of the challenge – it can also be part of the fun! Equalizing it can give you a sense of accomplishment. Landmand has a different par depending on what direction the wind is blowing. Selecting the correct tees for your handicap can make for a more pleasing round of golf.
Photo: Landmand Golf Club near Homer, Nebraska
Where the buffalo still roam.
When considering the hills, you must recognize the terrain at Tatanka Golf Club near Niobrara, Nebraska, constructed in 2015. This course is draped over hills, and drives fly over ravines safely to the fairway. Second shots will find uphill, downhill and even sidehill lies. Be mindful of the slope, as the actual "plays at" yardage will differ. Like Landmand, the wind can and will affect play, but don't keep that from holding you back from adding it to your "must golf" list. The history and culture of the Sioux Nation were accounted for when Paul Albanese designed the course. Unique bunker designs and a herd of buffalo await your arrival. Enjoy the beautiful vistas, rolling hills, lush fairways, and large greens; you can't miss the Ohiya Casino and Resort that shares the same property.
Watch our video of Tatanka.
Read our full story on Tatanka.
Photo: Tatanka Golf Club near Niobrara, Nebraska
Return to the river—two, to be exact.
The oldest course in the region is the Two Rivers Golf Club, built in 1909 on the convergence of the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers. The rivers formed this area after the last ice age leaving primarily flat land to build on. This mature, parkland eighteen-hole course is loaded with mature trees and smaller-sized greens protected by sand traps—three holes run near the Big Sioux before it empties into the Missouri. Several recent renovations to the clubhouse, course, and new water features have earned Two Rivers high marks on our must-play list in the Sioux City area.
Photo: Two Rivers Golf Club, Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
In the middle of it all is our final featured course, Will Andersen's original track, Old Dane. Located in Dakota City, Nebraska, each of the nine holes is named for Andersen's Danish heritage. The links-style course has tall prairie grass lining the fairways. In contrast to Landmand, which is less than 15 minutes away, Old Dane lies in lowlands below the high Missouri River bluffs where Landmand was built.
Photo: Old Dane Golf Club, Dakota City, Nebraska
The Northeast Nebraska area is becoming the new destination in Nebraska for golf and is closer to large airports like Omaha, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls. Golfers may consider hitting one of these courses on their way to other Nebraska destinations like Prairie Club, Dismal River, CapRock, Lost Rail, Sand Hills, Wild Horse, or Awarii Dunes. The Northeast Nebraska area courses don't have that private club vibe of the Sandhills area courses but take our word for it. Golf here is extra special.
The Sioux Links area is blanketed with excellent 9 and 18-hole courses. Click to view the map, start your adventure and discover what the area offers. Here are a few to consider.
Covington Links Golf Course
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402-494-9841
This eighteen-hole course on the banks of the Missouri River is a par 71 and 5977 yards from the back boxes. Covington Links doesn't have a ton of length but is guarded by tall cottonwoods and other tree varieties, plus hazards that add to the challenge. The unique layout has three par fives on the front nine and memorable par threes. A courteous clubhouse and affordable rates make it an excellent choice for your Northeast Nebraska trip.
Landmand Golf Club
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402-987-1100
The 588-acre property sits atop the hills overlooking the Missouri River. The land hadn't been farmed for a few years, and a golf course was a natural fit. The biggest surprise at Landmand might be its playability for the everyday golfer but preserving a high level of challenge for the low-handicap player. The greens are massive, complex, and simply stunning. Each hole presents something new. Expect the unexpected and enjoy the beauty of this King-Collins Golf Course Design track.
Old Dane Golf Club
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402-987-1100
When planning a trip to this area, you must consider Will Andersen's (mastermind of Landmand) first course, Old Dane. This nine-hole, par 36, links-style course measures 3300 yards from the back tees with narrow fairways lined with tall, native grasses. Number eight is the signature hole, a 236-yard par three with water on the left, and requires a skilled tee box shot to achieve par. The course has excellent practice facilities, including a simulator at the clubhouse, which even has a great pub and restaurant.
Tatanka Golf Club
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402-857-3504
Tatanka is one of the longest courses that Sioux Links features in our Golfer's Guide, playing 7450 yards from the black tees. For an easier routing, we recommend the yellow boxes that measure 6703 yards. Prepare to encounter substantial elevation changes off the tee and large expanses to reach the fairway. Each hole is different and memorable; each is named and derived from a story from the Sioux culture. Consider making the Ohiya Casino and Resort your lodging and entertainment destination when planning your trip.
Two Rivers Golf Course
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605-232-3241
Golf the oldest course in the area! Two Rivers is a classic parkland course that is over 100 years old. Mature trees line the fairways, challenging the approach shots to the small to medium-sized greens. Built on the banks of the Big Sioux River, the par 70, 6074 yard layout is an absolute classic full of charm and familiarity. The clubhouse staff will make you feel at home with their Midwest hospitality.
Need more info about golf in Nebraska? Reach out to Sioux Links for additional resources or recommendations. Are you planning the trip of a lifetime? We can create a video and photo package to document your journey to ensure you never forget the memories you made.