Prairie Club Trip

Mcaesq · June 4, 2015

Hey y'all. I've got some time off and am working on setting up a trip to the Prairie Club in late July/early August. I saw that a few people made threads about it here and wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on:

(1) the course's condition (a few threads from last year said the courses were in pretty rough shape) and whether this past winter was a better one for not chewing up the course.

(2) the best way to get there. Make the drive from Denver or fly into North Platte?

(3) If you drive from Denver, is there a course that's worth hitting up on the way out there? I wouldn't mind flying in early, driving a few hours, playing 18, then finishing up the rest of the trip.

(4) Stuff that I ought to bring that wouldn't immediately come to mind.

(5) The altitude/distance change. I'm in Atlanta, so I'll need to adjust to altitude and lower humidity. If I hit a high ball, how much should I plan to adjust distance-wise? For example, I hit a 9 about 152 and a 7 about 178. Will the altitude and humidity add about 5-10% in distance?

Thanks and please let me know if there's anything else I should know.

ratspros · June 4, 2015

Never been but for travel I'd look into chartering a private jet. It sounds expensive but we are planning a trip to Bandon this fall and with a private jet for 8 guys the cost per person only went up about $500 a guy.

Pluses are

1.) You get a direct flight to smaller airports closer to your destination (personally I hate layovers)
2.) you know your bags will arrive with you
3.) more flexible flight times so you can play the day you arrive and morning you leave

It's not for everyone but it makes sense a lot of the times when traveling to these resorts that are off the beaten path.

deadsolid...shank · June 4, 2015

You won't have any luck flying into North Platte. If you fly to Denver, you have about 260 miles to drive and if you fly into Omaha about 300. So flight details might make a difference there.

I would certainly play Wildhorse at Gothenburg. It's about 30 miles east of North Platte so a bit out of your way if coming from Denver, but well worth it. You won't believe the quality of course you'll get for $50.

Valentine is only 2,500' in elevation, so you'll probably have a little effect, but probably not a dramatic one.

I haven't heard a condition report yet this year. I have a friend who is a member there, next time I see him I'll ask if he's been there this year.

puttnforthe8 · June 4, 2015

Fly into Denver...Try getting on Ballyneal(either before or after) and then thank me later!!

Wildhorse as mentioned.

You could try getting on Dismal River as well....less likely!

mac94 · June 4, 2015

We flew into Sioux Falls last September. This year we are going to fly into Rapid City and catch Mt. Rushmore. It is a desolate drive from either place.

I am from Ohio and didn't notice and distance difference due to elevation. Did see 6 rattlesnakes, though. Be careful going i to the heather or the bunkers. Tap your club ahead of you. And check the faces of the bunkers as we saw some nests there.

Conditions were rough in some places last year. Dead spots that were killed by the winter winds because there was a lot of cold and wind but little snow covering. The winter had been brutal. This year I hear it has come back a bit.

Lots of sunscreen and an appetite because the food is very good. It is a great trip. Literally in the middle of nowhere. I thought Bandon was isolated, this is WAY more isolated.

Mcaesq · June 5, 2015

Thanks for all the thoughts!

We ended up deciding to fly into Denver and make the drive over. Ballyneal was a great suggestion. We're gonna try to work that in with Wildhorse, but we may only be able to do one or the other.

We're locked for four days at PC and are going to fit in a round on the day we fly in--either at Wildhorse or Ballyneal.

Campbells_Soup · June 6, 2015

Played there last August and yes it was rough, very rough. The par 3 course looked like a disaster. The Pines course was in really bad shape. The Dunes, while not perfect, was a load of fun. We played two days and stayed one night. WIldhorse was the best course on the trip. Way cheaper and had a lot more character. I have played Bandon also. I would do it in a heart beat. The Prairie Club, not so much. As others have said, just way to desolate. Very long drive. There is a casino across the border into South Daktoa about 30 minutes away if you get bored. I will say they do have one of the best burgers I have ever had at the restaurant. Hope you have a great time.

PinonMagnolia · June 8, 2015

Just got back from Prairie Club on Friday night. I've flown into Denver and Omaha in the past, both of those options work if you're up for a drive. To me the drive is really peaceful, you won't make many like it in the US. I prefer flying into Denver since I can get a direct home to NM from Denver. 3:30 from Denver to North Platte, stay the night, then trek the 2 hours or so to PC the next AM. That'll allow you to play all day, sleep at night, play again the next day. The sun doesn't go down until like 9, so you'll literally be able to play as much as your body can take.

Luckily, I've never spotted any rattlers out there, but others say they see them frequently. Perhaps I'm walking past them, I've been in pretty much all seasons as this point.

The courses aren't in great shape right now, but they're still very playable. The Dunes doesn't need to be in great shape, it is supposed to be rough, right? The Pines was in worse shape than it was last fall, but I thought it was pretty solid last fall.

Food and service at the PC is top notch, they'll take care of you.

The places to play on the way are Wildhorse, Sand Hills (if you can get on), Dismal River, and Ballyneal.

shortstop20 · June 12, 2015

I was just out there two weeks ago, Dunes course still had alot of winter kill but it played fine. Dunes and Pines are both great golf courses.

The staff/service and food are all top notch.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk · June 13, 2015

Give Ballyneal and Dismal River a call, and see if you can get on.

CDM · June 15, 2015

[quote name='Mcaesq' timestamp='1433522184' post='11695666']
Thanks for all the thoughts!

We ended up deciding to fly into Denver and make the drive over. Ballyneal was a great suggestion. We're gonna try to work that in with Wildhorse, but we may only be able to do one or the other.

We're locked for four days at PC and are going to fit in a round on the day we fly in--either at Wildhorse or Ballyneal.
[/quote]

Have played them all.... Hands down Ballyneal of the ones you list, if can swing it. It is a bit of a drive from DIA but well worth it.