Ray, North Dakota
The Links of North Dakota delivers a minimalist, wind-swept round high above Lake Sakakawea, with an authentic ground-game feel. While it’s not a U.S. Top 100 destination, its fun, variety, and atmosphere make it a regional must-play—the best public test in North Dakota.
The Links of North Dakota is a rare American incarnation of the links ethos—crafted atop rolling bluffs with bold, naturalistic fairways that let the prairie and Lake Sakakawea views steal the show. Stephen Kay’s design avoids overworked earth-shaping, instead using the raw wind, contoured ground, and minimalist bunkering to create engaging ground-game options and wide but wind-exposed corridors. The 2024 upgrades, with improved irrigation and a new green at the 1st, have refined playability and year-round conditioning, preserving the course’s fast, firm spirit. Players can expect authentic strategic choices on almost every approach and tee shot, with the elements truly shaping the day.
Stephen Kay draws on Old World principles here—wide corridors, ground attack lines, and wind-exposed routings—evoking links traditions few modern American designs match.
This cape-style par 5 curves subtly and invites aggression from the tee, with a tumbling fairway and tricky angles into a green that’s gettable in two—but only if you navigate the wind and contours smartly.
Choose your line off the tee based on wind and bravado—lay back for regulation, or pound one and decide if the green is worth chasing. The second shot brings cross-winds and uneven stances.
Native fescue and bunkers left demand control; especially punishing if you overplay the wind or miss high right.
Firm, fast, recently revitalized after 2024 irrigation overhaul; expect some bumpiness in summer’s peak dryness but much improved from pre-renovation.
Generally brisk unless wind/weather delays; remote nature means few packed weekends.
Pure golf trip energy—remote, friendly, welcoming to travelers and buddies’ groups.
Standard golf attire expected—collared shirts, no denim.
Prevailing breezes can turn club selection upside down—bring both knockdown and flighted shots.
The opening stretch demands sharp driving, especially with wind and a new 1st green—don’t play cold.
The fescue and native grass can be penal for offline shots, especially on the longer par 4s and 5s.
There’s little tree cover—prepare for full-sun prairie exposure all round.
Course opens, designed by Stephen Kay
Cracks Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public at #53
Last appears in Top 100 Public; maintains Best in State status
Named #1 public-access course in North Dakota by Golfweek
Major upgrades: new irrigation system, 20-acre lake, new Hole 1 green
Ranked #6 in North Dakota by Golf Digest—longest streak of any public in the state
Stephen Kay’s minimalist routing and sparing earthwork conjure real links spirit on the North Dakota prairie. Golfers routinely comment on the windswept conditions and the ability to run shots in from a variety of angles.
In 2024 and 2025, the course underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration with a brand-new irrigation system, a 20-acre lake, and a rebuilt 1st green—lifting both turf quality and resilience. The transformation has made the course more playable in peak summer.
Repeatedly at the top of North Dakota’s golf rankings, The Links is the go-to destination for regional players seeking a serious test and landscape unlike the usual parkland fare.
From gusty prairie winds to ever-shifting native grasses, this is golf where weather and the land’s mood alter the challenge—no surprise the locals call it a 'true test every time.'
Course was built moving just 7,000 cubic yards of earth—true minimalist roots.
The design’s prevailing westerlies can change a hole’s character by four clubs.
Lake Sakakawea is one of the country’s largest man-made reservoirs, visible from a dozen holes.
Host to wildlife—deer, upland birds, and even the occasional coyote make appearances.
Remote enough that shooting stars are visible walking down the closing stretch at dusk.
Simple, convenient warm-up nine right in town—good for 36-hole day if time is short.
Area 9-hole track with casual local feel—few frills but a different test.
Easiest access from regional lodging hub; flat, forgiving, and affordable.
Williston, ND for best lodging and dining; Tioga or Ray for a quieter stay within 20–60 minutes of the course.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If The Links of North Dakota is your kind of course, Shelter Harbor Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Dismal River Club Red Course is a natural next stop after The Links of North Dakota: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Stonewall (Old Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Links of North Dakota.
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