A Course for Everybody

Anyone who has played golf knows that it is the epitome of a love/hate relationship. One day the game comes easy, but more often than not you’re one swing away from throwing your clubs in the nearest pond. To be a golfer, you’ve gotta be a little crazy. We’re all one birdie away from thinking we can beat the pros, but one swing away from estimating what our clubs would be worth on eBay. Either way, golf won’t come to you – you need a place to tee it up on your next day off. Or your next sick day. Or the next time the temperature gets above 40 degrees. It’s an addicting hobby of many midwesterners, but where can you get the best bang for your buck around here?

The Yankton area is home to three unique golf courses. Two of them in the city limits – Fox Run Golf Course and Hillcrest Country Club – and one on the Nebraska side of the river – Lakeview Golf Course. Between the three, there is a little bit of everything: a fountain on hole one at Lakeview, a brand new clubhouse at Hillcrest, and an array of water hazards at Fox Run. With no two alike, there’s a course for everybody here.

Lakeview Golf Course, located on the Nebraska side of Lewis and Clark Lake, is a gorgeous golf course that gives one of a kind views. Lush green grass cuts through the densely wooded area leading to a one of a kind par 3 overlooking the lake. But beware: you’re going to need a healthy supply of golf balls. Those trees and ravines are like magnets for the recreational player.

Fox Run Golf Course in Yankton is a favorite for many. A popular 18 hole course open to the public draws the player who is looking for a fun round of golf that doesn’t break the bank. The most laid back course in the area provides the perfect atmosphere most golfers are searching for. A unique layout that is forgiving to those of us who struggle off the tee offers everything the weekend golfer is looking for.

Hillcrest Country Club is as prestigious and upscale as the name suggests. A semi-private course – that just happens to be my personal favorite – boasts a brand new, state-of-the-art clubhouse overlooking the most well-kept 18 holes one can find in the area. A round out here costs a pretty penny, but is definitely worth it. This is the course where you’re most likely to find the try-hards taking their sweet time as if they’re in the final group with Tiger Woods. However, the best players around tend to find their way to Hillcrest as it is the premier course in Yankton.

No matter your skill level, you are sure to find what you’re looking for between these three unique courses. And the next time you and your buddies need a place to play, you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. Just don’t blame me when you run out of golf balls halfway through the round. The importance of golf lessons is a story for another time.