Red at Dismal River Golf Club

Dismal River Golf Club's Red Course occupies remote sandhills terrain in north-central Nebraska, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2004. The property sits within the Nebraska Sandhills, a vast region of grass-stabilized dunes that creates naturally rolling topography unlike most American golf landscapes. Doak routed the course to follow the existing landforms, with minimal earthmoving, allowing the native contours and native grasses to define the playing corridors. The design philosophy emphasizes ground game options and wide fairways that encourage varied approach angles.

The course plays across open, windswept terrain with few trees, giving it a links-like character despite its inland location. Fescue grasses cover the playing surfaces and surrounds, reinforcing the minimalist aesthetic. Greens are relatively large with subtle internal contours, and many holes offer multiple routes from tee to green depending on wind and ground conditions. The remote setting—hours from major population centers—contributes to a sense of isolation and focus on pure golf.

Dismal River operates as a private club with lodging on-site, attracting members and guests willing to travel for the distinctive sandhills golf experience. The property later added a second course, the White Course by Jack Nicklaus, expanding the club's offerings. The Red Course has appeared on various architectural rankings and is noted among those interested in naturalistic, minimalist design. The club's dining and accommodations support multi-day visits in an otherwise sparsely populated region.