South Dakota is home to roughly 130 golf courses, with more than 80 open to the public. Among those, a handful stand out as true championship layouts that welcome every golfer and let you reserve your round online in minutes. Whether you are planning a Black Hills golf trip near Deadwood and Sturgis or looking for prairie links in Sioux Falls, this guide covers the top public championship courses in the state, what makes each one worth playing, and how to lock in your tee time before you arrive.
What Makes a Course "Championship"?
A championship golf course is a layout designed to host competitive tournament play, typically featuring a par of 70 to 72, multiple tee-box options, USGA-rated greens, and a total yardage that can stretch beyond 6,500 yards from the back tees. South Dakota offers several courses that meet this standard while remaining fully open to public play.
Online tee time booking is a modern convenience that lets golfers reserve a specific start time through a website or app. Most of the courses listed below support real-time online reservations, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Boulder Canyon Golf Club — Black Hills
Boulder Canyon Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course situated in the scenic Black Hills near Deadwood and Sturgis. Play is open to the public and the course tests golfers of all skill levels with stunning panoramic views from every tee box.
Why It Stands Out
Boulder Canyon pairs affordable daily fees with a welcoming atmosphere summed up by its motto, "Where Everybody Plays." The club also offers annual memberships, a sports bar and grill, and group outing packages for corporate or charity tournaments.
Online Booking
Golfers can book tee times online directly through the Boulder Canyon website, making it easy to secure a round during peak summer months or Sturgis Rally week.
New for 2026
The Canyon Grille is opening in April 2026, bringing mountain-modern dining with hand-cut steaks, smoked BBQ, and panoramic Black Hills views right to the clubhouse. It is set to become one of South Dakota's premier destination restaurants.
The Golf Club at Red Rock — Rapid City
Located within minutes of Rapid City, The Golf Club at Red Rock is a par-72, 6,900-yard championship course that has repeatedly been ranked the number one public golf course in South Dakota by GolfWeek. The layout features dramatic elevation changes, links-style bunkers, and lush fairways framed by ponderosa pines.
Booking and Amenities
Red Rock supports online tee time reservations and offers an on-site pro shop, the Rock Bar & Grill, and tournament hosting services. With a minimum of four tee placements per hole, it accommodates players of every ability.
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club — Spearfish
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is a modern 18-hole championship layout located on the historic Frawley Ranch in western South Dakota, minutes from Spearfish and Deadwood. Golf Digest has ranked it among the top public courses in the state.
The Experience
The front nine is nestled on the side of a mountain with views of the Centennial Valley, while the back nine winds through Polo Creek Canyon with dramatic rock-wall backdrops. The course offers eight tee-box combinations and online tee time reservations through its resort website.
Prairie Green Golf Course — Sioux Falls
For golfers on the eastern side of the state, Prairie Green Golf Course delivers 18 championship holes carved through picturesque prairies. GolfWeek Magazine named it the number two golf course in South Dakota in 2024. It is a municipal course run by the City of Sioux Falls and Landscapes Unlimited, meaning it is fully open to the public with online booking available.
Southern Hills Golf Course — Hot Springs
Southern Hills Golf Course is a public 18-hole course in the southwestern Black Hills near Hot Springs. Designed by Dick Phelps and originally opened in 1977 as a nine-hole layout, it expanded to a full 18 and is recognized as one of the best courses in the Black Hills region. Online tee time booking is available through their website.
Course Comparison Table
| Course | Location | Holes / Par | Yardage (Tips) | Online Booking | Notable Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder Canyon Golf Club | Black Hills (near Deadwood) | 18 / 72 | ~6,600 | Yes | Top Black Hills course, Travel SD featured |
| Golf Club at Red Rock | Rapid City | 18 / 72 | 6,900 | Yes | #1 Public Course in SD (GolfWeek) |
| Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club | Spearfish | 18 / 72 | ~7,000 | Yes | #1 Public Course in SD (Golf Digest) |
| Prairie Green Golf Course | Sioux Falls | 18 / 72 | ~7,000 | Yes | #2 Course in SD (GolfWeek 2024) |
| Southern Hills Golf Course | Hot Springs | 18 / 72 | ~6,400 | Yes | Top Black Hills course |
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota has over 80 public golf courses, with at least five offering championship-caliber layouts and online tee time booking.
- Boulder Canyon Golf Club in the Black Hills delivers an 18-hole, par-72 experience at some of the most affordable rates in the region.
- The Golf Club at Red Rock holds the GolfWeek number one public course ranking in South Dakota.
- Elkhorn Ridge earned Golf Digest's top public course honor and sits on a National Historic Landmark ranch.
- Prairie Green in Sioux Falls is the highest-ranked public course on the eastern side of the state.
- Most courses offer group outing and tournament packages, making South Dakota a strong destination for corporate golf events.
- Booking online in advance is recommended during peak season (June through August) and Sturgis Rally week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are championship golf courses in South Dakota expensive?
Not compared to national averages. Many public championship courses in the state, including Boulder Canyon Golf Club, offer daily green fees well below what you would pay at comparable courses in other states. Southern Hills, for example, charges $60 for 18 holes.
Can I book tee times online at Boulder Canyon Golf Club?
Yes. You can reserve your tee time directly through the Boulder Canyon online booking page. It is the fastest way to secure your preferred start time, especially during the busy summer season.
Which South Dakota golf course is ranked number one?
The Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City has repeatedly earned the number one public course ranking from GolfWeek. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club near Spearfish holds Golf Digest's top spot.
Is Boulder Canyon Golf Club open to non-members?
Absolutely. Boulder Canyon is fully open to the public. The club also offers affordable annual memberships for frequent players through its memberships page.
What is the best time of year to golf in South Dakota?
The prime season runs from May through September. Shoulder months like April and October can offer pleasant weather and lower rates, though some courses may have limited hours.
Does Boulder Canyon Golf Club host group events?
Yes. The club accommodates corporate outings, charity tournaments, and private group events. You can learn more on the organizations event planning page or the group outing page.
Where should I stay when golfing in the Black Hills?
Boulder Canyon Golf Club provides lodging guides for Deadwood and Sturgis, Rapid City, and Spearfish, plus curated stay-and-play packages.
How many public golf courses are in South Dakota?
South Dakota has approximately 133 golf courses in total. Of those, around 89 are public and 35 are municipal, giving visitors plenty of options across the state.
Ready to Play? Book Your Tee Time at Boulder Canyon
Experience one of the Black Hills' most scenic and welcoming championship courses. Boulder Canyon Golf Club offers affordable rates, online booking, and a brand-new dining experience at The Canyon Grille opening in 2026. Reserve your tee time now and see why Boulder Canyon is where everybody plays.