Golf in the State of North Dakota
North Dakota, nicknamed “Peace Garden State”, is bordered by Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota, as well as Canada's Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces. The state has a sparse population, which accounts for the small number of golf courses (53), with 7 each at Minot and largest city Fargo, 6 at capitol Bismarck and 4 at Grand Forks. However, it seems almost all of the population loves to golf!
Highly-ranked 18-hole championship The Links of North Dakota, Ray, overlooks Lake Sakakawea and has an incredible 85 sand bunkers. Prairie West Golf Club, Mandan, calls itself “a premier public course and the pride of Mandan”, providing ”private course amenities at a public course price.” Hidden gem, Sweetwater Golf Course, Bowman, provides a mix of “straight-forward courses and some that can challenge.” Burlington’s Wildwood Country Club, presently has 12 holes open, all of which offer panoramic views of the Souris River. Pheasant Country Golf Course, South Heart, invites golfers to enjoy nature in North Dakota’ fresh air and open spaces and Scenic Heart River Golf Course, Dickinson, welcomes players of all ages.
In 1955, Beverly Hanson, from Fargo, won the inaugural LPGA tournament. Mike Morley was born in Morris, Minnesota but grew up in Minot. After retiring from play he became a golf course designer, initially working with Tom Watson. In 2011, Tim Hoge, born and still living in Fargo, graduated from college and turned professional. Amy Olson, born in Oxbow combined achievement in both golf and scholastics, winning 20 college events while scoring a 4.0 GPA. In 1978, Pat McGown, from Grand Forks, was named the Golf Digest Rolex Rookie of the Year. Jim Engh, from Dickinson, was an excellent golfer but has made his mark more in course design, including Hawktree in Bismarck.