Golf in North Dakota
Overview
What golf looks like for retirement in North Dakota: where to do it, what the state costs, and the towns that fit.
Course sample
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
Golf ranking
#46
North Dakota scores 52/100 for retirement golf fit.
Current weather
Checking current weather
Find places
This page explains golf in North Dakota. The sorter handles the local question by city or ZIP.
Golf in North Dakota
The North Dakota Golf Association lists more than 100 courses statewide, with numerous public and semi-private layouts in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, most open from May through October given the northern climate. Municipal courses in these cities operate at accessible public rates, and several parks districts offer discounted senior memberships for residents.
Published local price
Edgewood Golf Course (Fargo Parks), 18-hole public course, adult daily greens fee; senior (62+) pay $36; rates vary by season and tee time
Published range: $26 to $45.
Fargo Golf - Edgewood Golf Course · as of 2026-05Where to go
Golf score
41st of 51 states for retirement golf
Golf score blends year-round playability (34%), playable access (16%), affordability (16%), course pedigree (12%), and statewide course density (22%).
Courses
A sample of marquee courses across North Dakota, with where to play and how to book.
Final holes carved into the Badlands above the Little Missouri River · Michael Hurdzan
This is the one people drive across the state to play, with the closing holes cut straight into the Badlands. A cart comes with your green fee, so you can save your legs for the views.
Opened 2004 · $$$$ · Slope 133
Distinctive black sand bunkers across rolling links-style prairie · Jim Engh
A links-style layout in the hills north of Bismarck, known for its black coal-slag bunkers. The wide prairie fairways give you room to find your line off the tee.
Opened 1999 · $$$ · Slope 135
Pure links golf on bluffs above Lake Sakakawea · Stephen Kay
One of the truest links courses in the country, sitting on the bluffs over Lake Sakakawea near Ray. Walking is allowed and many do, so you can take it at your own pace.
Opened 1995 · $$$ · Slope 126
Open prairie layout playing like a Scottish links · Arnold Palmer
An Arnold Palmer design run by the Grand Forks Park District, set in open prairie that plays like links golf. Walking rates are posted, so you can leave the cart behind on a calm day.
Opened 2002 · $$ · Slope 129
Rolling valley-bluff terrain with sharp elevation changes · Jim Engh
A Jim Engh course tucked into the valley bluffs on the edge of Minot, with plenty of up-and-down terrain. The clubhouse was freshened up recently if you want to linger after the round.
$$$
Generous fairways and large bentgrass greens · Richard Phelps
A friendly public course on the south side of Fargo with wide landing areas and big greens. Walking rates run well below the cart fee, so weekday mornings stay easy on the wallet.
Opened 1992 · $$ · Slope 123
Tree-lined fairways along the Red River
The oldest course in town and the only tree-lined one in the Fargo area, running along the Red River. Mature oaks and elms frame nearly every hole at a rate that stays gentle.
Opened 1920 · $ · Slope 125
We've mapped 7 courses across North Dakota so far.
What North Dakota costs
Cost of living
89
BEA index, U.S. = 100
State income tax
~2.5% state income-tax planning rate
Social Security
Not taxed
How people start
Most metros list city-run courses with published fee schedules. Those set the affordable floor before any private club enters the picture.
Many courses post a reduced weekday senior rate and a season pass. The difference between pay-per-round and a pass is the number that usually drives the yearly cost.
In warm states the season runs most of the year; in cold ones it is a few months. The yearly cost is rounds-per-year times rate, plus cart and equipment.
Common questions
The North Dakota Golf Association lists more than 100 courses statewide, with numerous public and semi-private layouts in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, most open from May through October given the northern climate. Municipal courses in these cities operate at accessible public rates, and several parks districts offer discounted senior memberships for residents.
North Dakota has a cost-of-living index near 89 (U.S. = 100), about a 2.5% state income-tax planning rate, and does not tax Social Security. The full state guide breaks down property tax, sales tax, and long-term-care costs, each sourced.
Sources
The life your money is for