Time for one round at Dismal River

[Chanceman]

We are going to play only one round at Dismal River en route to the Prairie Club but wondering which will be the better choice, Red or White. Doak or Nicklaus? If we have a choice that is. Doak courses are everywhere these days and Nicklaus likewise so wondering if anyone has an opinion on these. Especially re difficulty or walkability or just pure strategy. We will be playing Doak's Ballyneal as well but I am not against doing another one of his.

[Juan73]

I will be playing both courses at Dismal River next month, and can offer a suggestion. However, it may be too late, depending on when you are playing..

You might find the links below useful in helping to answer your question. In a recent podcast, the owner of Dismal River was quoted as saying, the members are almost evenly divided on which of the two courses they like. HOWEVER, if I remember correctly, he said the lower handicap players like the Nicklaus course more than the Doak course... since it is tougher. The second link also has a review of Ballyneal.

 

https://golfcoursegurus.com/reviews/dismal-river-golf-club-red/

https://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/

 

 

 

[canonlbp430]

I know the Nicklaus course isn’t walkable, have not played the Doak course. The first tee of Nicklaus course is about a mile from the clubhouse.

[Schley]

My group much preferred the Doak course over the Nicklaus course for sure. Both tee boxes are a mile or so away from the clubhouse as you need carts there with quite a distance between tees as well.

[FairwayFred]

I prefer the Nicklaus (White) and in just about every other situation I'd pick a Doak over a Nicklaus. The White is big and bold and fun. The Red is more low profile and I found it to be less exciting and less fun. Both great courses however. Doak is alot more walkable though I've walked both multiple times.

[golfingron]

I've played both over 20 times each now. I would echo Joel's comments that membership is split pretty even on preference. I would encourage you to try for 36 or at least do 18 on the white then do the second 9 on the red. it's an all day rate but I'm assuming you are passing through on the drive up. I think the White is a great mix of strategy and offers some of the best views. The Red is straight up fun and the closing holes are truly world class. I was out at the end of May and would say the Red course is in overall better shape than the white. The greens on both courses are equally good condition but there was some winter kill on a few of the white boxes and on a couple fairways. Nothing to impede on play but the Red was in perfect condition and the White will be in equal condition by July.

[Schley]

Also when I was there last August they were putting a ton of cash into the hunting/fishing/shooting part of the property. They basically have almost everything you could ask for an outdoorsman.

[Chanceman]

Just back from our trip and we played the White course rather than the Red. Found it to be a tough track for sure. And thankful for the cart. But it was enjoyable and demanding. Not sure I liked the sound of gunshots from the nearby hunters but overall pretty solid even though "tricked up" was one comment. The windmill hole was very fun. And some good par 3s. It has to be the most isolated course anywhere - we thought the road in would never end and then the long cart ride to the first tee went on and on and on. Worth the trip though and would go back to play the Doak as well.

[cory_jensen]

My dream is to play Dismal and Sand Hills. Don't know if I'll get the opportunity. Hear Prairie is amazing

[Chanceman]

All three are superb. Even the Prairie Club Pines course was top notch. Generally if you write them a polite letter Sand Hills will let you on.