From Westward Ho to CCSF
The club's roots began as Westward Ho Country Club, only adopting the present-day Country Club of Sioux Falls name in a 2015 rebranding—capping more than five decades of evolution in service, course, and community stature.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Country Club of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Established
1960
Architect
Jim Lipe (2017 renovation/redesign)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,402 – 7,020 yds
The verdict
Refined Suburban Parkland With Modern Edge
Country Club of Sioux Falls is a classic example of traditional American parkland design, dramatically refreshed by Jim Lipe’s comprehensive 2017 renovation. Expect firm turf, rebuilt bunkers, and subtly contoured greens that reward precision—delivering a polished members’ club experience with genuine strategic interest.
Course DNA
Difficulty
75
Scenery62
Conditioning83
Shot Variety71
Walkability68
Green Complexity78
Wow Factor60
Design Quality72
Don't miss
Join members for a post-round drink on the patio, overlooking the closing holes and catching a South Dakota sunset—a quiet ritual many regulars cherish.
At a glance
Quick facts
Course address
3400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Renovation year
2017–2018 (Jim Lipe)
Course style
Traditional parkland with modern enhancements
Primary turfgrass
Hybrid low-mow bluegrass
Club original name
Westward Ho Country Club
Executive course
9 holes, par 27, 1,315 yds
Club ownership
Member-owned since 1960s
The design
The architecture
Country Club of Sioux Falls is a classic parkland layout, thoroughly refurbished in 2017 by Jim Lipe. The renovation brought rebuilt bunkers with modern shaping, recontoured putting surfaces for subtle short-game defense, newly positioned tees, and updated fairways featuring low-mow hybrid bluegrass. While the course flows over gently rolling suburban land, the design’s personality comes from how it balances aggressive options with safe play—rewarding careful planning and shot execution more than brute force.
Jim Lipe’s work at CCSF carefully preserved the original parkland lines while bringing the course forward in playability, turf performance, and shot values.
Defining features
- Comprehensively rebuilt bunkering to modern specs
- Recontoured greens for nuanced putting challenges
- Hybrid bluegrass fairways promoting smooth roll
- Generous but strategic tee shot corridors
- Well-paced mix of reachable par 4s and demanding par 3s
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
Risk-Reward Dogleg
PAR
5
YARDAGE
545
This stout par 5 glides along a slight dogleg, tempting ambitious players with the prospect of reaching in two but demanding a well-placed tee ball and thoughtful second shot. Elevated bunkers defend the lay-up and approach, with fairway width narrowing toward the green.
Play it smart
Decide between aggressive second-shot heroics and a prudent lay-up to your best approach distance, making sure to avoid the fairway traps.
Where it bites
Misjudged lay-ups leave awkward angles or play into deep greenside bunkers; overzealous second shots can quickly turn birdie hopes into scramble scenarios.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long approach to a recontoured green
Take an extra club for the elevation and play for the fattest part of the putting surface—subtle breaks make short-siding risky.
Tee shot on the short par 4 fifth
Resist the urge to always go for the green—sometimes a well-placed lay-up gives a far simpler birdie look.
Second shot on a reachable par 5
If the pin is tucked, weigh risk of bunkers versus reward—front pins reward cautious lay-ups while aggressive plays bring double into view.
Chipping from tight bluegrass surrounds
Trust the firmness—practice your bump-and-run and low-spinning shots to tame the turf.
Nearing the turn on hole nine
Hold focus—this tough closing hole demands a disciplined approach to avoid starting the back nine with a deficit.
Handling crosswinds on par 3s
Favor center targets; side winds and subtly contoured greens demand proper shot shaping.
18th tee in a tight match
Stay committed to your line—a safe drive leaves a fairway approach and sets the stage for a winning finish.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Excellent modern conditioning with firm, smooth fairways and tightly mown surrounds.
Pace
Member pace—typically brisk during off-peak hours, but may vary with club event days.
Vibe
Traditional, understated private club atmosphere; expect polished service and a focus on golf.
Dress code
Standard private-club attire—collared shirt, no denim; confirm exact policy before arrival.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Sharpen Your Short Game
The recontoured greens put a premium on up-and-down skills, so arrive early for chipping and putting practice.
02
Check Wind Conditions
South Dakota breezes can change club selection and shot shapes, especially on longer par 3s and open holes.
03
Review the Club’s Dress Policy
Private-club standards are enforced—double-check details to ensure a smooth arrival.
04
Hydration for Summer Rounds
Bring water and sun protection; warm weather and exposed fairways can catch you off-guard.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1959
Membership drive launches for new club
- 1960
Westward Ho Country Club officially opens; first clubhouse completed
- 2015
Club rebrands from Westward Ho to Country Club of Sioux Falls
- 2017
Jim Lipe engaged for major course and turf renovation
- 2018
Renovated championship course fully reopens to members
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Modern Parkland Overhaul
The 2017–2018 Jim Lipe renovation touched every element of the championship course, delivering new bunkering, recontoured greens, hybrid bluegrass fairways, and playability enhancements. It’s a rare complete refresh that sustains classic parkland charm with modern strategic bite.
No Fading Into History
While many private clubs age into obscurity, CCSF turned a bold corner with its recent redesign—reasserting its relevance among the area’s strong club golf options and ensuring every generation of members finds a fresh challenge.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The club was originally named 'Westward Ho Country Club' until a rebranding in 2015.
2
The championship course's major renovation in 2017–2018 shut it completely for nearly a year.
3
All fairways are now hybrid low-mow bluegrass, a rarity in the region.
4
CCSF operates a separate 9-hole executive course for fast, casual play.
5
The club celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020.
Build the trip
If You're Golfing in the Sioux Falls Area
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Elmwood Golf Course
Public
A well-maintained, playable municipal 27-holer right in the city—perfect for value and accessibility.
Prairie Green Golf Course
Public
Laid-back modern muni with ample space and forgiving fairways—great for a stress-free second round.
Bakker Crossing Golf Course
Public
An accessible public course often rated among the area's best outside the private clubs.
Kuehn Park Golf Course
Public
Casual city-run nine-hole loop—ideal for quick rounds or warmups.
Stay in southwest Sioux Falls near 22nd Street for the shortest commutes to both CCSF and the best public options.
Course DNA
If You Like Country Club of Sioux Falls
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Baton Rouge Country Club
Baton Rouge, LouisianaConditioning
Why it matches: If Country Club of Sioux Falls is your kind of course, Baton Rouge Country Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Colonial Country Club
Fort Worth, TexasConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Colonial Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Country Club of Sioux Falls.
Strong DNA Match8.8
Interlachen Country Club
Edina, MinnesotaConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Interlachen Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Country Club of Sioux Falls.
The architect's other work
More from Jim Lipe
Castle Pines Golf Club
Castle Rock, ColoradoElevated championship drama in Colorado’s pines
The Club at Boot Ranch
Fredericksburg, TexasChampionship-caliber golf in Texas Hill Country luxury
The University Club
Baton Rouge, LouisianaLSU’s Tournament-Ready Championship Home Track
Colleton River Club (Nicklaus Course)
Bluffton, South CarolinaNicklaus architecture, Lowcountry drama, top-tier South Carolina private
Community Sentiment
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