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Golf courses of the Republican River Valley

There are many breathtaking views along the Republican River. The rolling hills and valleys are perfect for some of the most stunning golf courses in Nebraska. Nestled in the Republican River Valley are ten golf courses that are an excellent excuse to get into nature and enjoy a relaxing game of golf.

Many people have the opinion that Nebraska is flat and lifeless. These courses prove that Nebraska is beautiful — as long as you know where to look. Among the clubs and courses of the Republican Valley are Cross Creek in Cambridge, the longest public course in the state, and the unique Red Cloud Country Club, Nebraska’s “best-kept secret”. The courses range from relatively undemanding to challenging, and without a doubt, any one you choose will be entertaining and beautiful at the same time.

Benkelman Golf Club

Starting from the west, the Benkelman club opened in 1982 and lies right along the Republican River. Although this 9-hole course is mostly flat, it’s accented with large trees that add to its splendor. You might lose a ball on holes 7 and 8 due to a modest creek that runs through the course. The big sky and fresh air make the course enjoyable to play and a real asset to the community of Benkelman.

Heritage Hills Golf Course

Heritage Hills Golf course in McCook, Nebraska has earned recognition as one of the most outstanding public golf courses in America. Since opening in 1981, the course has continued to challenge players and be a great experience at all skill levels. The terrain is challenging because of the rolling plains, but it is absolutely gorgeous. The course is 6715 yards, but it feels longer due to the unrelenting hills. The cost is $35.00 for 18 holes plus the cost of renting a cart. On this course, the rating for the men’s blue tees is 73.7 and for the lady’s gold is 76.0. This is an excellent course for anyone that is looking for a challenge.

Cross Creek Golf Links

In the city of Cambridge, Cross Creek Golf Links was built on Medicine Creek, which joins the Republican River just south of town. When this course added its second 9 holes in 2001, it became the longest public course in the state at 7205 yards. The course has a variety of teeing areas, wide fairways, and large greens for golfers of all ages and abilities. Part of the course plays traditionally and the other part is designed in a Links style. There is a large practice area and a full service golf shop, a pleasant surprise in a community with a population of only 1000. You can play 18 holes for $27.00 on weekdays and $32.00 on weekends plus cart rental.

Arapahoe Golf Course

The Arapahoe Golf Course was founded in 1964 under the name of Mid County Recreation Association. At the time it was semi-private, but it became public when it was deeded to the city of Arapahoe. Doyt Naden from Franklin was the course and clubhouse designer; he equipped the course with an entirely automated watering system. The original course had bunkers on six of the holes, but they have since been converted to grass. This 9-hole course is 2935 yards and it is rated 68.4 for back tees and 71.4 for forward tees. A dry creek known as Crum Creek flows through the course, offering a welcome challenge for seasoned players. The subtle undulations and elevated greens make scoring more difficult than some might assume.

Cardinal Country Club

The Cardinal Country Club on the northeast edge of Oxford opened its doors in 1975. The rolling hills and creek which wind through the course, create a lovely setting, and make it a difficult but enjoyable spread to play. The fees for this course are very reasonable at $10.00 for 9 holes and $20.00 for 18 holes. This is a course that a team of local citizens worked to create and maintain, making its atmosphere that much more attractive.

Holdrege Country Club

The Holdrege Country Club is an 18-hole course that opened in 1943. This course has a rating of 70.1 and it has a slope rating of 122. It is a traditional style course on the front 9 and open link on the back 9, and the combination makes Holdrege unique and fun to play. This short layout has 3 sets of tee boxes for an enjoyable but challenging golfing experience. The green fees are between $20 and $25.

Alma Municipal Golf Course

The Alma Municipal Golf Course has been a great recreational outlet in the Harlan County region since the day it opened. The course's fairways are wide open, and its large greens are well manicured. There are many trees that can alter your shots and sand bunkers are spread throughout the course. The ladies tee off from the same set of tees as the men. The new clubhouse is a real benefit to the community and at $15.00 for 18 holes of play, Alma is a bargain for a day of fun.

Franklin Country Club

The Franklin Country club is a 9-hole course that opened in 1987. The club features 2928 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 35. The course rating is 33.1 and it has a slope rating of 64. This great little golf course is on the west side of Franklin and it is built along Center Creek, a fact that makes hole number 5 a challenge indeed. Tee time reservations are not necessary, but the Franklin Country Club hosts several tournaments throughout the year, so it's best to call ahead and make sure the course is open.

Red Cloud Country Club

The community of Red Cloud was the home for many years to Harry Obitz, a renowned golf teacher and the architect of Red Cloud Country Club. This great club opened in 1987 and golfers all over have relished it ever since. Men’s blue tees are rated at 71.4 and lady’s gold tees at 71.9. The fees are $12.00 for 9 holes and $20.00 for 18 holes. Carts are $10.00 per seat. The two par-fives are 535 and 548 yards respectively. You need to call ahead for a tee time, and you’ll be glad you did. It has been said that this course is the best kept secret in Nebraska.

Superior Country Club

The Superior Country Club is another course with a lovely little creek running through it. This 9-hole course opened in 1925. The greens are mid-sized and a golfer can get into water trouble on almost every hole. This course offers 3070 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Crossing a pond makes hole number 9 a real threat to your score.

Many thanks to Sandra Williamson and Katy Soreide for their help in preparation of this article.

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