South Dakota is quietly one of the most rewarding golf destinations in the American West. With roughly 130 golf courses across the state—84 of them public and 36 municipal—there is no shortage of fairways to explore. But if you want a true championship experience that is open to everyone and lets you lock in your round online before you arrive, the list narrows to a handful of standout tracks.

Below you will find the top public-access championship courses in South Dakota where you can book tee times digitally, along with what makes each one worth the drive.

Key Takeaways

• South Dakota has more than 80 public golf courses, but only a select group combines championship-caliber design with convenient online booking.
• The Black Hills region—especially the corridor between Rapid City, Sturgis, and Spearfish—contains the densest cluster of top-rated public championship courses.
• Eastern South Dakota holds its own with highly rated prairie-style layouts near Sioux Falls.
• Most courses listed below offer seasonal memberships alongside daily public rates.

1. Boulder Canyon Golf Club — Sturgis

Boulder Canyon Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course located on scenic Highway US 14-A between Sturgis and Deadwood. Play is open to the public and tests golfers of all skill levels. The course sits within the Black Hills National Forest, offering panoramic views of ponderosa pines and wild-grass meadows from every tee box.

The club provides extra-mile customer service, easy club and cart rental, a driving range for warm-up, and low daily fees for public players as well as affordably priced annual memberships. Online tee times can be booked through Chronogolf on the club's website. A new on-site restaurant, The Canyon Grille, opened in April 2026 featuring mountain-modern architecture and indoor/outdoor seating.

2. Golf Club at Red Rock — Rapid City

The Golf Club at Red Rock has repeatedly been ranked the #1 Public Golf Course in South Dakota by GolfWeek and was voted the #1 Best Golf Course in the Black Hills by local residents in 2019 and 2020. The 6,900-yard, par-72 championship layout features dramatic elevation changes, links-style bunkers, and USGA-specification greens routed through Black Hills terrain with lush fairways surrounded by native grasses and tall ponderosa pines.

With a minimum of four tee placements per hole, the course accommodates every skill level. Tee times start around $65 and can be reserved online through the club's website.

3. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club — Spearfish

Located on the historic Frawley Ranch in western South Dakota, Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is a modern 18-hole championship layout. The front nine is nestled on the side of a mountain with incredible views of the Centennial Valley, while the back nine winds through Polo Creek Canyon and its rock-wall backdrops. Golf Digest ranked Elkhorn Ridge the number-one public golf course in South Dakota, and the club offers eight tee-box combinations to fit every golfer.

Elkhorn Ridge is located minutes from Spearfish and Deadwood. The adjacent Elkhorn Ridge Resort and Miller Creek Pub make it easy to turn a round into a full weekend. Tee times can be booked by phone or through the resort website.

4. Prairie Green Golf Course — Sioux Falls

Prairie Green Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole championship course carved through picturesque prairies on the east side of the state. It was celebrated as the #2 golf course in South Dakota by GolfWeek Magazine and is one of three award-winning courses owned by the City of Sioux Falls. The links-style layout features tall native grasses and open vistas, designed by Dick Nugent.

As a municipal facility, greens fees are notably affordable, and online tee time reservations are available through the Sioux Falls Golf website.

5. Bakker Crossing Golf Course — Sioux Falls

Set in a quiet neighborhood three miles south of Sioux Falls, Bakker Crossing offers 18 holes of championship golf along with a full driving range, putting and chipping greens, and the on-site Duffers Bar & Grill. The rolling terrain and scenic water features provide a different challenge from the prairie-style municipal courses nearby.

Online tee time scheduling is available directly on the Bakker Crossing website with a single click.

6. Hart Ranch Golf Course — Rapid City

Located about 10 miles south of downtown Rapid City and roughly 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, Hart Ranch is an 18-hole championship course with incredible Black Hills views. The course originally opened as a nine-hole layout in 1985 and expanded to 18 holes in 1995. Public tee times with cart start at around $69–$85 depending on the day and time.

How to Plan a South Dakota Golf Trip Around These Courses

The six courses above can be grouped into two logical geographic clusters:

Black Hills Loop (Western SD)

1. Boulder Canyon Golf Club — Base yourself in Deadwood or Sturgis.
2. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club — 20 minutes west in Spearfish.
3. Golf Club at Red Rock — 45 minutes south near Rapid City.
4. Hart Ranch Golf Course — Just south of Rapid City.

This loop can be played comfortably over three to four days, with time for Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Deadwood gaming in between rounds.

Sioux Falls Circuit (Eastern SD)

1. Prairie Green Golf Course
2. Bakker Crossing Golf Course

Both are within minutes of each other in Sioux Falls, making a two-course day entirely feasible.

Tips for Booking Tee Times Online in South Dakota

• Book early for summer weekends. Peak season runs June through August, and the best morning slots fill up quickly—especially at Red Rock and Elkhorn Ridge.
• Check weather-related closures. Black Hills courses may close temporarily for spring snow or heavy rain. Boulder Canyon posts real-time status updates on social media.
• Look for twilight rates. Most courses offer discounted afternoon rates online, which can cut your cost significantly.
• Bundle with stay-and-play packages. Elkhorn Ridge Resort and properties near Boulder Canyon often bundle lodging with rounds at reduced rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 ranked public golf course in South Dakota?

Rankings vary by publication. The Golf Club at Red Rock has repeatedly been ranked #1 by GolfWeek, while Golf Digest has given that distinction to Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club. Both are public and accept online tee time reservations.

Can I book a tee time at Boulder Canyon Golf Club online?

Yes. Boulder Canyon Golf Club offers online tee time booking through its website at bouldercanyongolf.com via the Chronogolf platform. The club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course open to the public near Sturgis and Deadwood.

How many public golf courses are in South Dakota?

There are approximately 130 golf courses in South Dakota. Of those, 84 are public and 36 are municipal courses, giving visitors a wide range of options at every price point.

When is the best time to golf in South Dakota?

The prime season runs from late May through September. July and August offer the longest days but can be hot on the prairie. Early mornings during summer months are considered the best time to play, particularly at courses near Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

Are there championship courses near Mount Rushmore?

Yes. Hart Ranch Golf Course is about 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, and the Golf Club at Red Rock is within a short drive of Rapid City. Both offer 18 championship holes open to the public with online booking.