The Black Hills Fourball Tradition
Southern Hills is home to the celebrated Southern Hills Fourball, a staple for golfers across the region. The event brings a community spirit and competitive spark to this classic course each season.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Southern Hills Golf Course
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Architect
Richard Phelps, ASGCA
Access
Public
Par
Par 70
Length
4,800 – 5,905 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Black Hills Standout For Public Golf
Southern Hills delivers a scenic, casual, and welcoming Black Hills golf experience with polished fairways and regionally recognized quality. It’s an ideal, budget-friendly play for visitors and locals alike—best enjoyed as part of a Black Hills itinerary, but a worthy solo stop for golfers traveling through Hot Springs.
Course DNA
Difficulty
66
Scenery75
Conditioning74
Shot Variety70
Walkability68
Green Complexity64
Wow Factor71
Design Quality67
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation
3,400 feet above sea level
Course setting
Pine-covered Black Hills terrain
Recognized awards
Golfweek 'Best You Can Play'; GD 4.5 stars
Typical pace
Relaxed public-golf tempo
Signature event
Southern Hills Fourball
Facilities
Driving range, full-service clubhouse
Family friendliness
Juniors, casual play encouraged
The design
The architecture
Built by Richard Phelps, Southern Hills Golf Course is a model of accessible, scenic Black Hills public golf. The routing capitalizes on native pine terrain, pairing open fairways with the occasional elevation change. Emphasis falls on playability and good looks rather than architectural fireworks—the challenge comes more from well-placed bunkers and shifting yardages than from ultra-penal rough or tricked-up greens. It's fun for the casual player, playable for families, but also tests smarter strategy if you chase par.
Richard Phelps focused on providing an enjoyable test for a variety of skill levels, working with the Black Hills scenery to enhance playability and keep the course engaging for repeat visitors.
Defining features
- Short and semi-reachable par 5s
- Mix of risk/reward par 4s
- Alluring pine and hill vistas
- Playable green surrounds
- Walkable yet varied terrain
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Pine Ridge Gamble
PAR
4
YARDAGE
335 yds
A short, drivable par 4 shadowed by pines, where length tempts but clever placement pays. The hole is an invitation for the aggressive player to attack, but a sharp approach from the right angle often trumps raw power.
Play it smart
Conservative tee shot leaves a full wedge in, while risk-takers can challenge the green if wind conditions suit.
Where it bites
A wayward driver brings tree trouble and awkward chips, so measured aggression is critical.
Course management
Shots to think about
Short par 4 with wind off the right
Play a controlled hybrid or long iron; don’t chase driver unless you’re comfortable with a tight landing zone.
Uphill approach from the rough
Club up and focus on a safe carry; short is better than long with these receptive greens.
Long par 5 layup with trees ahead
Pick your layup number early—don’t risk flirting with overhanging limbs or rough.
Downhill wedge shot with firm greens
Land it short and let it release—spin is hard to control with extra rollout.
Pin tucked behind a bunker
Aim for the broad side of the green and trust your lag putt—par saves the round here.
Narrow fairway between pines on a windy day
Shape the ball with the wind and keep it low; center cut is the safest play.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Manicured fairways and smooth public-golf greens; a few rough patches typical to municipal maintenance but overall smartly kept.
Pace
Generally relaxed with occasional wait times; casual local pace favored by twilight rounds and walk-on policies.
Vibe
Friendly Black Hills community feel—laid-back and welcoming, with regulars mixing comfortably with travelers.
Dress code
Collared shirts recommended, but t-shirts are allowed (no tank tops); dress is casual and player-friendly.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Extra Layers
Black Hills mornings can be chilly even in summer—dress for changing temperatures.
02
Check the Wind
Breezes can pick up in the pines, especially on exposed holes—adjust your club selection.
03
Hydrate Early
At over 3,000 feet elevation, dehydration sneaks up fast—carry a water bottle for the back nine.
04
Arrive Ahead For Range Access
Warm up at the full practice range before heading to the first tee—helpful for finding your rhythm amid the hills.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2019
Named 'Best of the Black Hills' by Rapid City Journal
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Course For Locals And Travelers
Regularly rated among the best public tracks in South Dakota, Southern Hills bridges the gap between friendly local play and a detour-worthy regional destination. Its relaxed vibe and welcoming staff keep travelers coming back.
From Pine Forests To Fairways
Routed through the signature pines of the Black Hills, the course offers a sense of retreat, with each hole delivering a slice of South Dakota's character. It's a setting that lingers after the round.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Set at 3,400 feet, expect extra yardage on every shot due to the altitude.
2
Twilight rates start four hours before sunset, making late rounds especially affordable.
3
Southern Hills is repeatedly voted among the Black Hills’ favorite public courses.
4
T-shirts are allowed—a rarity for most golf courses in the region.
5
Golfweek and Golf Digest have both recognized the course for value and experience.
Build the trip
If you’re crafting a Black Hills golf loop
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Rocking Tree Golf Course
Public
A Custer-area staple with casual play and fun routing—easy to pair with Hot Springs.
The Golf Club at Devils Tower
Public/Resort Guest
Destination-caliber mountain layout; worth the drive for a truly different Black Hills round.
Hart Ranch Golf Club
Public
One of the top public options in the Black Hills—well-conditioned and scenic, near Rapid City.
The Golf Club at Red Rock
Public
Recognized for quality and design—an essential Rapid City round for serious road-trippers.
Boulder Canyon Golf Club
Public
Solid Deadwood-area choice—good for those venturing north after Hot Springs.
Rapid City for access to multiple courses, dining, and a central Black Hills location.
Course DNA
If You Like Southern Hills Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Secession Golf Club
Beaufort, South CarolinaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Secession Golf Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Dorset Field Club
Dorset, VermontWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Dorset Field Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Southern Hills Golf Course.
Strong DNA Match7.4
Latrobe Country Club
Latrobe, PennsylvaniaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Latrobe Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Southern Hills Golf Course.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?