Prairie Dunes Course
Hutchinson, KS, USA
Prairie Dunes is revered for its purist experience: walking the rolling sand hills near Hutchinson, Kansas, is a pilgrimage for those who appreciate the game's traditional soul. The architecture, a masterful blend of Perry Maxwell’s vision from the late 1930s and his son Press Maxwell’s subsequent refinements, embodies the Golden Age ethos. The rugged prairie landscape dictates play – expect demanding carries over native grasses, challenging approach shots into subtly contoured greens, and a constant negotiation with the wind. It favors strategic players who can shape shots and manage the course’s inherent ground game options. The club, understated in its elegance, has played host to significant USGA championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open, testing the mettle of champions on its demanding layout. But it is the unwavering commitment to walking – carts are generally discouraged – and the deep appreciation for the game's origins that define the spirit of Prairie Dunes. While not boasting the global recognition of some coastal counterparts, Prairie Dunes holds a distinctive place in the hearts of discerning golfers and loyal club members alike. It remains a place where the challenge is both timeless and profoundly satisfying, offering a pure golf experience far removed from the glitz and glamour of more celebrated venues. The informal lunchtime putting competitions, known amongst the members as "The Prairie Dunes Masters," speak volumes about the club’s character – a quiet and unassuming membership united by a shared passion for the game and a deeply rooted appreciation for the land. And the club's famed "Double Eagle" cocktail - named for the rare albatross (double eagle) scored on the course - is considered a must-try for any visitor, a unique and convivial way to toast a round well-played in the heart of Kansas.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in KS
All courses
Golfers say Prairie Dunes is an exceptional Perry and Press Maxwell design that ranks among the country's finest courses, with many praising what some call the best collection of par 3s in golf and incredibly challenging, undulating greens that define the experience. Reviewers note the course rewards precision while severely penalizing misses, particularly around the small, contoured greens and penal rough, and most find the wind a significant factor that can dramatically alter difficulty. The welcoming atmosphere and membership consistently impress visitors, who describe a fun, relaxed vibe and genuine hospitality that enhances the round. Most highlight the back nine as especially strong, with standout holes including 8, 11, and 12, and several say the course reveals more with repeat play, making it somewhere they'd eagerly return.
9.3
132 players
Absolutely stupendous course. Best set of par 3s in the world. Great variety of shots required. Some of the greens defy belief like 2 and 16. If it was in LA, it would be ranked top 10 in the world.
Awesome Perry and Press Maxwell design. Greens are diabolical
An excellent and challenging golf course. 8 is one of the toughest holes I’ve played. It’s not my personal favorite, but absolutely understand why so many people love it. It deserves the recognition it gets.
Can be windy
An immaculate course. Truly a complete experience and somewhere I could play over and over again without getting bored. I would highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to play here, take it each and every time because there's nothing less than pure golf here.
One of the best golf courses I’ve ever played. And it’s a course that gets better the more you play it. Perry Maxwell gets all the accolades but Press’ holes may be just as good.
Prairie dunes might have the finest set of greens in the country. It truly is amazing and almost underrated the wind make it a lot harder than the scorecard would make you believe
Superb. In every way!
Vibe vibe vibe. Fun day. Didn't see a single person, member or guest, having a bad time. Kind of surreal in Hutchinson, Kansas. Great day. Can't wait to go back. Super interesting Maxwell stuff going on here. Definitely go if you can. Pray you get a mild breeze instead of a gale force wind. Changes the golf course completely.
Prairie Dunes feels like a hidden gem but is one of the highest rated courses in the country. The members are great, was hosted by a father and son and could not have had a better time. Wind was blowing 30mph so it was definitely a challenge. The course is all around great but the back 9 is unbelievable. Such a good mix of challenging holes and scoring opportunities. Truly one of my favorite places I’ve played.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Prairie Dunes has a Course Vaults score of 9.3 out of 10 based on 93 explicit golfer ratings.
Prairie Dunes was designed by Perry Maxwell.
Prairie Dunes is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Prairie Dunes is 70.
Prairie Dunes plays 6,853 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Prairie Dunes is 132.
