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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Golf Club at Red Rock

78

Rapid City, South Dakota

SD #3
Established
2002
Architect
Ron Farris
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
4,896 – 7,006 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict

South Dakota's Destination Public Gem

The Golf Club at Red Rock is a regionally elite public track and the Black Hills’ must-play round. With dramatic elevation swings, pure conditioning, and views that linger, Red Rock delivers a thrilling golf experience—arguably the best public-access round in the state.

Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery
89
Conditioning
86
Shot Variety
79
Walkability
62
Green Complexity
80
Wow Factor
77
Design Quality
75
At a glance

Quick facts

Elevation above sea level
Approx. 3,800 feet
Total elevation change
Over 200 vertical feet
Highest Black Hills view
Panoramas from multiple tees
Bunker style
Links-style flashed bunkering
Public ranking
#1 Golfweek SD Public, 2020
USGA green build
Greens to USGA spec
Par 5 strength
Two over 580 yards
The design

The architecture

Ron Farris’ design at Red Rock seizes the drama of the Black Hills landscape, routing holes across rolling hills, plunging valleys, and natural rock outcrops to craft a round that’s both beautiful and exacting. The course uses over 200 feet of elevation change with clever tee placements, bold approach angles, and smartly positioned links-style bunkers. Strategic options abound—drive placement is crucial, recovery shots are inventive, and the USGA-spec greens present a blend of subtle and bold contouring. The design achieves a modern parkland-resort feel without sacrificing daily challenge or playability for all levels.

Ron Farris’ portfolio is defined by courses that creatively utilize natural terrain, with Red Rock his most acclaimed and visible work.

Defining features
  • Over 200 feet of elevation change
  • Quick, undulating USGA-spec greens
  • Links-style bunkering across rolling terrain
  • Multiple forced carries and elevated tees
  • Strategic risk-reward par 5’s
  • Black Hills panoramas from signature holes
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 2

The Early Gauntlet

PAR
5
YARDAGE
586

This long par 5 comes early and sets the round’s intensity with elevation swings and a twisting fairway that rewards only bold, accurate driving. Three smart shots are usually needed—aggression without control can lead to trouble fast.

Play it smart

Position your tee shot for the best angle up the hillside, then lay up short of potential runoffs; reaching in two requires perfection.

Where it bites

Errant drives can find slopes or rough that punish with uneven lies and blocked approaches, making par an accomplishment.

Course management

Shots to think about

Elevated tee shots on back nine
Club down and trust carry distances—downhill holes can play shorter than the yardage.
Approaching the fast, undulating greens
Play below the hole and avoid short-siding yourself; birdie putts quickly become defensive.
Decision to attack par 5s in two
Only go for it when the fairway is firm and dry; trouble off the flanks makes laying up smart.
Wind gusts on exposed holes
Allow extra margin and embrace knockdowns—wind exaggerates both distance and direction errors.
Club selection on uphill holes
Take enough club to reach your target—elevation can mask distance and leave shots short if you don’t adjust.
Bunkers guarding greens
Misses long or wide usually result in tough sandy recoveries—play conservatively toward the safest section of green.
Sloped fairways affecting stance
Expect uneven lies and practice trajectory adjustments before your round—trust the slope, not your eyes.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Greens are quick, smooth, and genuinely challenging; fairways manicured, rough penal but fair.

Pace

Generally steady on weekdays; weekends can see longer rounds due to popularity. Book an early tee time for smooth play.

Vibe

Welcoming destination feel; regional resort ambiance with spirited local hospitality. Friendly but focused on serious golf.

Dress code

Standard golf attire required (collared shirt suggested); confirm with pro shop if in doubt.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Tune Your Wedge Game

The undulating greens and tight surrounds place a premium on short-game creativity and distance control.

02

Walk or Ride Decision

With over 200 feet of elevation change, carts are popular and advised for most—if you prefer to walk, be ready for a good workout.

03

Weather Watch

Expect wind and fluctuating temps at elevation; layer up and pack rain gear for summer storms.

04

Arrive Early for Range Time

Take advantage of the practice facility to dial in trajectory and prepare for changing elevation.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 2002

    The Golf Club at Red Rock opens for play, designed by Ron Farris.

  2. 2005

    Debuts on Golf Digest's South Dakota Best in State list and quickly gains accolades.

  3. 2007

    Secures consistent Top 5 status in statewide course rankings.

  4. 2019

    Voted #1 Best Golf Course in the Black Hills by local residents.

  5. 2020

    Ranked #1 'Best Courses You Can Play' in South Dakota by Golfweek.

  6. 2025

    Hosts Rapid City Coyote Open and SDGA junior championships.

  7. 2026

    Announced host of an AJGA tournament and more junior events.

Stories & legends

What makes it special

Atmosphere

Teeing Off in the Clouds

With starting elevation near 3,800 feet, your opening drives at Red Rock almost feel as if they're flying into the sky. The opening stretch sets an immediate high-atmosphere tone against the Black Hills backdrop.

Signature Hole

Battle on the Monster Fourteen

The 14th hole, stretching to 603 yards, is the round's daunting hike—forcing players to navigate undulating terrain and resist hero shots until safely home. It’s a true stamina and strategy test that decides many matches.

Event

Paint the Rock Pink Tradition

Since 2008, Red Rock’s annual Paint the Rock Pink charity event has brought the golf community together for a cause in a vibrant atmosphere, exemplifying the course’s strong community ties.

Playability

Greens That Test Your Touch

Players repeatedly cite the greens—fast, true, and full of movement—as both the headliner and the silent assassin of many a scorecard. Distance control and imagination are handsomely rewarded.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Course starts at nearly 3,800 feet above sea level—your drives go further.

2

Holds the Golfweek #1 state public ranking for multiple consecutive years.

3

Hosts annual Paint the Rock Pink charity event since 2008.

4

Two par 5s on the back nine measure over 580 yards from the tips.

5

Greens built to USGA specs—expect slick, multi-tiered putting surfaces.

Build the trip

For a Black Hills golf adventure

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club
Public

Sweeping prairie and foothill holes; top public course for the classic Black Hills doubleheader.

Hart Ranch Golf Club
Public

Friendly public track near Rapid City; makes for an ideal extra morning or afternoon round.

Rapid City

Course DNA

If You Like The Golf Club at Red Rock

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match8.4

Wicker Point Golf Club

Alexander City, Alabama
Scenery

Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in Wicker Point Golf Club's own setting.

Strong DNA Match8.6

The Golf Club at Black Rock

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Scenery

Why it matches: The Golf Club at Black Rock is a natural next stop after The Golf Club at Red Rock: it shares a memorable sense of place.

Strong DNA Match7.9

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club – Azaleas Course

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Why it matches: If The Golf Club at Red Rock is your kind of course, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club – Azaleas Course is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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