Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2020 - 15

SAND HILLS GOLF CLUB
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HAWKTREE GOLF CLUB, BISMARCK; BULLY
PULPIT, MEDORA; AND THE LINKS OF NORTH
DAKOTA, WILLISTON, N.D.
If your idea of destination golf includes being " in the middle of
nowhere, " this trip is for you, says Bill Homeyer, an MGA rules
official. On his annual migration to Arizona, Homeyer set aside
two days to play Hawktree Golf Club, just north of Bismarck,
Bully Pulpit Golf Course, located about 130 miles west on
I-94 in Medora, and the Links of North
Dakota in Williston, 128 miles north of
Dickenson on U.S. 85 North. Hawktree,
near the Missouri River, is mostly rolling
prairie. The bunkers feature black
sand, which doesn't blow away in the
wind, according to the golf course's website.
" The scenery was beautiful and the
courses were great, " says Homeyer. At the
Links, we were the only people on the
golf course for our first 13 holes. " You
can play all three courses for $165.
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NAIRN GOLF CLUB, NAIRN,
SCOTLAND
" The view from every hole of the
golf course is spectacular, and the greens
are wonderful, " says MGA rules official David Senner. " The three
holes that are not along the sea form a curious set perpendicular
to the coastline, with the Moray Firth providing a stunning
backdrop for the signature par-3 14th hole. Dining at the club is
superb. The staff is great. However, the special aspects of Nairn
are the warmth and hospitality of the members of the club and
the townspeople. We forged friendships with locals over the
subsequent two decades that create a strong draw. While travel
during the next six months seems unlikely due to COVID-19
restrictions, I plan to return. My wife and I attended the 1999
Walker Cup at Nairn. It was the best Walker Cup experience
of my dozen or so. The opening ceremony was outstanding,
culminating in the pipe band's stirring rendition of 'Highland
mngolf.org
Cathedral.' We engaged in conversation with a Nairn member
at the flag raising and frequently saw him and his wife on the
course during the competition. Our families rendezvoused at
subsequent Walker Cups and in Nairn, and formed a warm
international friendship. "
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" There is something
special about
playing a traditional
out and in links
course in Scotland
that is well over
100 years old. "
NAIRN GOLF CLUB, NAIRN, SCOTLAND
" My most memorable destination is the Nairn golf club
on the Firth of Moray, Scotland, " says Stanley Trollip,
author and member of University Golf
Club. " It is quite close to the town of
Inverness. Each year Nairn holds an open
amateur golf week. The only requirement
is that you have a handicap of 20 or less.
You are guaranteed at least five rounds. If
you do very well, you may end up playing
seven rounds in five days. Nairn is a traditional
links course in one of the driest
areas of Scotland. The price tag of about
$250 for the week's rounds is a real bargain.
However, the warmth and friendship
of the people is what makes it so
special. In addition, of course, Scotland
is a most beautiful country, especially
up north. And, depending on the timing,
you may be able to tie it in with the
Edinburgh Festival. There is something special about playing a
traditional out and in links course in Scotland that is well over
100 years old. Add to that an attractive price, a beautiful area,
and very friendly people, it is hard not to want to go back year
after year. I have a fond memory of slicing my drive on the first
hole onto the beach. Fortunately, it was low tide, so I was able to
hit my second back onto the course. A good chip and a one putt
resulted in my first Nairn par.
SAND HILLS, MULLEN, NEB.
Located in the sand hills region of middle Nebraska, near
Mullen, and known for its cattle ranching, the Sand Hills
Golf Club consistently ranks among the top golf courses in the
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Fall 2020 MINNESOTAGOLFER
15
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAND HILLS GOLF CLUB
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2020

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