Rapid City, South Dakota
Meadowbrook Golf Course delivers classic parkland championship golf with regional tournament pedigree and an inviting public vibe. With mature trees and Rapid Creek shaping its play, it's Rapid City's essential round for those who want tournament-caliber challenge at a great value. Not a national destination, but a proud mainstay of South Dakota golf.
Meadowbrook Golf Course is a true parkland layout: broad fairways, mature cottonwood and apple trees, and the ever-present Rapid Creek that shapes strategy on nine holes. David Gill’s original routing in 1977 used the topography and creek smartly—not just as a hazard, but to define hole play, create risk/reward decisions, and offer stout challenge for major tournaments. The classic design ethos—generous from the tee, but punishing around the greens and water—means thoughtful play is rewarded. While it lacks modern flash, its time-tested layout and creekside stretch give it a quietly memorable character.
David Gill was known for practical, challenging public layouts in the Midwest; Meadowbrook shows his knack for making water and trees central without tricking up play.
The longest par 5 on the front side traces Rapid Creek, demanding two well-placed shots before confronting a sloping green. Big hitters may be tempted, but most find it's a classic three-shot chess match.
Favor the left side for your tee shot to open up the layup, avoiding the creek lurking on your second. Only go for the green in two if you’re supremely confident, as water and subtle slopes protect the approach.
Any miss right brings Rapid Creek into serious play—especially on a bold approach.
Above-average public course maintenance, with consistent greens and well-kept fairways. Expect quick play early in the day but some traffic at peak hours.
Generally steady but can slow on weekends and busy summer afternoons. Expect 4:15–4:30 for a standard group.
Relaxed but proud championship atmosphere—classic municipal energy with a dose of local pride.
Standard public course golf attire (collared shirt recommended), but official policy needs verification.
With two 200+ yard par 3s and plenty of beefy back-nine approaches, mid- and long-iron confidence is a must.
Greens are solid, not extreme—good lag putters shave strokes, especially on the larger par 3/5 targets.
Check the daily hole locations at check-in; aggressive lines don’t pay here when pins are tucked behind water or bunkers.
Hot, dry air and exposure through the closing stretch mean stamina matters—carry water and snacks.
Course opens as a David Gill design in Rapid City
Hosts the U.S. Women’s Public Links Championship
Site of NAIA College Women’s National Golf Championships
Hosts NAIA College Women’s National Golf Championships again
Named 'Black Hills Best' golf course by Rapid City Journal
Voted 'Black Hills Best' again by Rapid City Journal
Set to host SDGA Men’s Senior, Women’s Senior & Men’s Masters Championships
Rapid Creek cuts through the heart of Meadowbrook, influencing strategy on nearly half the holes and creating genuine championship pressure—especially during big events. It’s the course’s defining natural feature, shaping the play and scenery alike.
The biggest moment in Meadowbrook history came when it hosted the 1984 U.S. Women’s Public Links—putting both Rapid City and this municipal venue on the national golf map, if only for a week. It’s still a badge of honor for local players.
Fans and the Rapid City Journal readers named Meadowbrook 'Black Hills Best' in both 2012 and 2013. Local pride in the course runs deep—it’s the one visitors are pointed to first.
Before Arrowhead Country Club ever opened, Meadowbrook was the course Rapid City grew into, fueling local golf demand and the city’s postwar boom in public golf activity. Its championship blueprint helped anchor a community-wide passion for the game.
Water is a factor on over half the holes—thanks to Rapid Creek.
Played host to a USGA championship before South Dakota’s golf boom.
At peak, Meadowbrook sees nearly 40,000 rounds per year.
The course’s mature cottonwoods and apple trees were intentionally planted for challenge and aesthetics.
Closest public golf to downtown Rapid City—under 10 minutes from most hotels.
Top Black Hills public—scenic, modern contrast to Meadowbrook
Local favorite offering resort-style playability and value
Classic local club if you can arrange access—Black Hills tradition
Quirky, affordable alternative with unique community history
Downtown Rapid City or along Jackson Blvd—easy access to golf, restaurants, and Black Hills routes.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Country Club of Little Rock's own setting.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Williams Country Club's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Fort Collins Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Meadowbrook Golf Course.
Community Sentiment
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