
Elkhorn Ridge Course
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club

About this course
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club sits in the northern Black Hills near Spearfish, South Dakota, where the High Plains meet forested ridgelines and limestone outcroppings. Designed by Patrick Wyss and opened in the early 2000s, the course occupies rolling terrain that offers elevation changes uncommon in the region, with fairways that move through ponderosa pine stands and across open meadowland. The routing takes advantage of natural contours and rock formations characteristic of the Black Hills geology. The layout presents a mix of strategic challenges shaped by the topography. Several holes play along ridgelines with downhill tee shots, while others require uphill approaches or navigate draws between wooded slopes. The design incorporates native grasses and maintains a relatively natural aesthetic that reflects the surrounding landscape. Greens are typically elevated or contoured to test approach accuracy, and the course rewards players who can work the ball with the terrain rather than overpower it. Elkhorn Ridge serves as a daily-fee facility and has become a notable destination for golfers visiting the Black Hills, which include Mount Rushmore and other regional attractions. The course complements the area's tourism infrastructure while offering a golf experience distinct from flatter prairie layouts found elsewhere in South Dakota. Its setting provides views of the surrounding hills and occasional wildlife sightings typical of the region.
Quick facts
- Location
- Spearfish, SD, USA
- Access
- Public
- Holes
- 9
- Designer
- Patrick Wyss
- Par
- 36
- Length
- 3,655 yards
- Difficulty
- 37.4/133
- Course Vaults score
- 7.7
Getting there
The journey to Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club begins at Rapid City Regional Airport, a compact gateway roughly fifty miles southeast that serves the Black Hills region with daily connections from Denver, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. From there, the drive north on Interstate 90 unfolds as a gradual transition from the wide-open prairie into the forested foothills, with Spearfish Canyon's limestone cliffs rising dramatically to the west as you approach town. The final ascent to Elkhorn Ridge carries you above the valley floor into ponderosa-studded high country, where the clubhouse emerges at nearly four thousand feet - perched on a ridgeline with sweeping views back toward Wyoming and the northern Black Hills.

FAQ
Common questions about Elkhorn Ridge
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Elkhorn Ridge has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 5 logged golfers.
Elkhorn Ridge was designed by Patrick Wyss.
Yes. Elkhorn Ridge is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Elkhorn Ridge is 36.
Elkhorn Ridge plays 3,655 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Elkhorn Ridge is 133.



