Wild Horse Course
Gothenburg, NE, USA
Wild Horse Golf Club, carved from the heart of Nebraska's Sandhills, is a testament to minimalist design, where the land dictates the game. Its existence represents a defiant whisper against the manicured perfection of more celebrated courses. It stands as a monument to the natural beauty of this often-overlooked landscape. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Wild Horse embraces the raw, untamed spirit of links-style golf, albeit miles from any coastline. The course sprawls across rolling dunes dotted with native grasses, presenting a challenging, yet fair, test. Wide fairways often lull players into a false sense of security, only to be met by subtly contoured greens and demanding approach shots. The ever-present prairie winds, known to shift and swirl without warning, add an extra layer of complexity, rewarding creativity and adaptability above raw power. Though it hasn't hosted a major championship, Wild Horse has earned a reputation as a pilgrimage site for discerning golfers seeking an unadulterated golfing experience. Its appeal lies not in its accolades, but in its authenticity and the sense of escape it provides. The clubhouse, intentionally understated, complements the course's ethos. A testament to its relaxed atmosphere, players often comment on the course's unique culinary tradition: post-round, players often congregate to enjoy a signature "Sandhills Slammer," a hearty, locally sourced burger known for its simplicity and satisfying taste. This mirrors the course's very own playing experience and the overall ethos of the club: understated yet uniquely memorable.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #168
Best in USA
Public: #86
Best in NE
Public: #4
Golfers say Wild Horse delivers exceptional value, with many calling it the best bang-for-your-buck in American public golf at well under $100. Reviewers consistently praise the greens as fast, true, and perfectly conditioned with subtle undulations that reward precision. Most find the layout captures Nebraska's sandhills beauty through gentle land movements and a fun, honest test of golf that makes the course highly memorable. Though one golfer wishes it played a bit longer, the consensus emphasizes that Wild Horse combines a fantastic routing, excellent conditioning, and welcoming atmosphere into a destination worthy of a special trip.
8.4
98 players
Wild Horse is often referred to as the best bang for your buck public course in the US. The price at $87 is certainly fair. And after 36 holes of play I can confirm the reputation is fair as well. Axland and Proctor took a tame plot of Prairie, very little funding, and created an outstanding golf course. Wild horse oozes strategy at every turn. The variety of wild horse is staggering drivable par 4s, 3 shot par 4s, and everything in between. Every club in the bag will be tested in every shot demands your full attention. The most impressive thing about the golf course is it relationship with the wind. There is no hiding from it. The course is exposed prairie, but it’s clear that the holes were created with this in mind the par 4 8th hole plays directly into the wind. There are many days with this is a true three shot hole. The green side, however, is large and is surrounded by short grass. This allows the option to run the ball up while also not unfairly punishing shots that might miss right left or long. The best part about Wild Horse might not be the golf course. The people at wild horse are exceptional. It’s obvious that the locals are PROUD of their golf course. It’s also obvious that they’re happy to share this golf course with visitors. Everyone that you run into/encounter on and around this golf course are friendly and welcoming. The staff is extremely helpful and facilities are homey and relaxed. Nebraska is an extremely underrated golf trip and to anyone who is making the pilgrimage 36 holes at wild horse is a must. My final advice would be to spend two days there and to walk the course.
one of the best tracks anyone will find. top 100 public course playing during the week for under 100 dollars and finishing in 3 hours?! does it get any better
Everything about Wild Horse is awesome. Ton of fun, awesome greens, and great people. Wish it were a bit longer, but otherwise awesome.
I don’t think there’s a better value in golf. Fun course that truly captures Nebraska’s beauty.
Fantastic layout and great value for the price. Greens run very fast and true. Always worth a trip out if you have the chance.
Wild Horse might be your best bang for your buck in the US. Public Course in the Nebraska Sand Hills that is a fun and solid test of golf with subtle land movements. The Greens are perfect with slight undulations to keep you honest. Just an all around very good course that is sub $100 and sub $70 for a replay rate. One of my favorite courses there is
Best value in the country
Public courses closest to Wild Horse.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Wild Horse has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 59 explicit golfer ratings.
Wild Horse was designed by Dave Axland and Dan Proctor.
Yes. Wild Horse is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Wild Horse is 72.
Wild Horse plays 6,955 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Wild Horse is 134.
