Where Is South Dakota’s Best Public Golf Course Located?

Contrary to popular belief, we South Dakotans like to do more in the summertime than just fish, camp, hike, look at wildlife, cruise backroads in pickup trucks, check out quirky roadside attractions like Mitchell's Corn Palace, and enjoy ice-cold Blue Moon beers.

There's another summertime obsession many South Dakotans also love, and that's the game of golf.

And judging by how hard it is to snag a tee time most weekends, plenty of golf lovers like to call the Rushmore State home.

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With the long Independence Day weekend just about 250 yards away, I'm sure many golf enthusiasts from all over the state will be loading up the clubs, stocking the cooler, and convincing themselves that this is finally the round where they won't lose three balls before hole number 2.

If you're looking to make your holiday weekend a little more memorable than chasing your buddy's slice into the woods, golf experts say the best public course in South Dakota to play resides in the beautiful Black Hills.

According to annual rankings from Golf Week Magazine and Golf Digest, The Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City consistently earns the title of South Dakota's top public golf spot.

Nestled among the stunning Black Hills landscape, Red Rock offers postcard-worthy views around nearly every bend. Towering ponderosa pines frame lush fairways, while dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, and strategically placed links-style bunkers make every hole an adventure, or if your golf game is anything like mine, a reason to do your best Spaulding from the motion picture Caddyshack impersonation.

Stretching more than 7,000 yards from the championship tees, this par-72 layout features immaculate USGA-specification greens.

You'll definitely want to bring your A-game and a few extra sleeves of balls because Red Rock can be as challenging as it is beautiful.

Low handicappers will appreciate the demanding layout, while casual golfers can still enjoy a fun day thanks to multiple tee boxes and the fact that they do sell ice-cold brew.

Just remember, if your drive disappears into the trees, you can always claim you were "taking the scenic route."

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So, if you're already planning a Black Hills getaway for the holiday weekend, don't forget to pack your clubs and sneak in a round at Red Rock with your Uncle Sam.

Just don't expect him to help you read the greens; after all, he is 250 years old now!