Manhattan, Kansas
Colbert Hills offers a true taste of high-plains golf, stretching more than 7,500 yards across the rolling Flint Hills. This is a muscular, wind-exposed public course that rewards power and precision, deeply rooted in K-State spirit. While a top destination for Kansas and the Big 12 golf scene, it’s a challenging, fresh-air adventure just a few hours from Kansas City.
Pause to appreciate the wildcat paw-print bunker on the 5th green—it’s a uniquely Kansas State touch you won’t find anywhere else.
Colbert Hills is a modern prairie-links creation, pairing a broad-shouldered landform with championship scale and a bold, open routing shaped by Kansas wind and terrain. Brauer and Colbert’s vision translated the Flint Hills' rolling contours into a muscular test: long par 4s, exposed par 5s, and an array of elevation changes underline the wide-open architectural DNA. Zoysia turf, the wildcat paw bunker, and panoramic Kansan vistas reinforce a homegrown sense of place, making the course as much a statement of regional golf identity as a tough challenge for tournament play.
Jeff Brauer’s hallmark here is big, bold land movement and open-shot options, with Jim Colbert’s championship pedigree lending tournament flair and K-State spirit throughout.
The 5th hole stands out with its wildcat paw-shaped bunker guarding the green, making accuracy paramount and delivering a uniquely regional twist. Framed by native grass and exposed to the ever-present Kansas wind, the approach can make or break the front nine.
Favor the left center off the tee to open up the green, but account for crosswinds that can push your approach toward the signature bunker.
Miss right or short and you’ll contend with the deep paw-print hazard, making an up-and-down a Wildcats-size challenge.
Firm, fast zoysia turf with slick but fair greens; expect premium public-course standards.
Championship length and busy tee sheets lead to 4.5+ hour rounds on weekends—pace is steady but not brisk.
Upbeat and polished—big-city championship feel paired with college-town hospitality.
Golf attire required; collared shirts and non-denim pants or shorts recommended.
Check the forecast and bring your shot-shaping A-game—breezes are a constant and can add two clubs or more.
Prime tee times, especially on weekends and during college events, fill fast—reserve a slot ahead online.
The back tees demand frequent hybrids and long irons into exposed greens—practice those full-swing approaches.
Late afternoon offers the best bargain and the most dramatic prairie sunsets over the back nine.
Official course opening with celebrity pro-am event.
Hosted Big 12 Women’s Golf Championship.
Hosted NCAA Men’s Central Regional.
Hosted Kansas Amateur Championship and ranked top-10 U.S. college course by Golf Digest.
New clubhouse completed and dedicated.
On the fifth hole, sharp-eyed players will notice a greenside bunker shaped like a wildcat’s paw—a tribute to Kansas State pride. It’s one of the cleverest visual homages in all of Big 12 golf, delighting Wildcat fans and adding a memorable risk-reward wrinkle.
When Colbert Hills opened, the course welcomed legends including Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, Annika Sorenstam, Deb Richard, and Tim Finchem to its inaugural pro-am. It set an auspicious tone for a course always meant to serve as a championship venue under the wide Flint Hills sky.
No matter your plans or strengths, the Kansas wind is the course’s true architect. On the exposed ground, even the best-laid tee shots and approaches take on more risk, and scoring depends as much on trajectory and feel as it does on brute force.
The course is home to the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy, connecting the deepest local roots (Earl grew up in Manhattan) to the future of the game by supporting junior golf with leading instruction and outreach.
The 5th green’s wildcat paw-print bunker is a unique Big 12 tribute.
Home to the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy, honoring Tiger Woods’s father.
Hosts both the K-State Wildcats golf teams and the First Tee of Manhattan.
Has been ranked Kansas’s best public course and a Golf Digest Top 10 U.S. college course.
Opening day featured golf legends including Lee Trevino and Annika Sorenstam.
Brauer’s acclaimed tribal casino course, consistently ranked Kansas’s second-best public layout.
Local favorite just across town—low-key, fun, and a quick add-on for a true Manhattan doubleheader.
A short, approachable local course for a warmup or family-friendly bonus round.
Classic in-town private course—try for access through a member or reciprocal.
Stay in Manhattan, Kansas—ideally near K-State or the western edge for easy access to the course and city nightlife.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? Brings a comparable level of challenge — a familiar feeling, expressed in Blackwolf Run (River)'s own setting.
Why it matches: If Colbert Hills Golf Course is your kind of course, The Club at Iron Lake is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Why it matches: What links these two? Brings a comparable level of challenge — a familiar feeling, expressed in Gallery Golf Club (South Course)'s own setting.
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