Rapid City isn't exactly short on places to swing a club, but there’s something different about the Elks. It’s not the flashiest. It doesn’t have the resort-style price tag of some of the higher-end Black Hills tracks. But honestly, if you’re looking for the heart of the local golf scene, you’re looking at Elks Golf Course Rapid City SD.
It’s a place where the morning dew hangs heavy on the fairways and the sound of a driver hitting a ball echoes off the nearby limestone ridges. You've probably driven past it a dozen times on Highway 44. Maybe you’ve wondered if it’s private. Technically, it’s the Rapid City Elks Lodge #1187, but the course is open to the public. That’s the first thing most people get wrong. You don’t need a secret handshake to get a tee time here.
Why the layout at Elks Golf Course Rapid City SD actually works
Most modern courses are designed by architects trying to punish you. They want to move thousands of tons of dirt to create "spectacle." The Elks is different. It feels like it was laid over the natural South Dakota terrain rather than forced onto it. It’s a par-71. It’s not overly long, but the defense of this course is almost entirely in the greens and the wind.
If the wind is whipping out of the northwest, the back nine becomes a completely different animal. You’ll be hitting a 5-iron into a hole where you usually hit a wedge. It's frustrating. It's brilliant.
The greens are historically some of the best-maintained in the region. Ask any local stick where the truest rolls are in the 605, and they’ll mention the Elks. They aren't "crazy" in terms of undulation, but they are subtle. A ball that looks like it's going to break left will often just hang straight because of the way the drainage works toward the creek.
The front nine vs. the back nine struggle
The front nine is where you have to make your score. It’s relatively open. You can spray the ball a little bit and get away with it. But then you turn. The back nine tightens up. Trees start leaning in. The pressure mounts.
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Take Hole 11, for example. It’s a par 4 that requires a bit of strategy off the tee. You can’t just mindlessly bomb it. If you end up in the wrong spot, your approach is blocked, or worse, you're flirting with the heavy rough that characterizes the outer edges of the property.
The culture of the "Elks" experience
People come here for the golf, but they stay for the vibe. It’s unpretentious. You’ll see guys in hoodies and college kids alongside retirees who have played the same loop for forty years.
- The Pro Shop: It’s functional. They have what you need—balls, tees, a decent selection of gloves. It’s not a boutique, and that’s why people like it.
- The 19th Hole: Since this is an Elks Lodge, the social aspect is baked into the DNA. The lounge is where the real stories are told. It’s wood-paneled, comfortable, and usually smells like fried food and nostalgia.
- The Price Point: In an era where greens fees are skyrocketing toward the $100 mark, the Elks remains accessible. It’s a working-man’s course.
Maintaining a course in the Black Hills climate
South Dakota weather is a nightmare for a superintendent. You have late-season blizzards in April and scorching, dry heat in July. Elks Golf Course Rapid City SD manages these swings surprisingly well. They use a mix of grasses that can handle the "freeze-thaw" cycle that kills off more delicate turf.
During the mid-summer months, the fairways can get firm. That’s actually a good thing. You get more roll. You have to play the "ground game," bumping shots into the greens rather than trying to fly everything to the pin. It’s a very "linksy" feel for being in the middle of the Great Plains.
Don't underestimate the rough
It looks innocent from the cart path. It isn't. The rough at the Elks is thick, grabby, and inconsistent. One ball sits up like it’s on a tee; the next one disappears into a clover patch. If you aren't hitting fairways, your proximity to the hole is going to suffer. That’s the "hidden" difficulty of the course. It’s not about water hazards—though there are a few—it’s about the attrition of playing from the long grass all day.
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How to actually play your best round here
If you want to go low, you have to be smart.
Leave the driver in the bag on the shorter par 4s. There are at least three holes where a 3-wood or even a hybrid is the smarter play. The fairways narrow at exactly the distance where most amateur drivers land.
Watch the grain on the greens.
Even though these aren't Florida Bermuda greens, the slopes follow the general tilt of the land toward the valley. If you’re putting "away" from the hills, it’s going to be faster than it looks. Every time.
Bring extra hydration.
The South Dakota sun at 3,200 feet of elevation hits differently. You’ll dehydrate faster than you realize. The Elks doesn't have a massive amount of shade on every hole, so you’re exposed to the elements.
Looking at the competition
Rapid City has Meadowbrook and Executive. Meadowbrook is the "prestige" city course, often hosting bigger tournaments. It's great. But it's also crowded. Getting a tee time at Meadowbrook on a Saturday morning is like trying to win the lottery. The Elks often has a bit more breathing room. It’s a more relaxed pace of play. You don’t feel like a ranger is breathing down your neck to finish in under four hours, although the local membership definitely keeps a brisk pace.
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The practice facility is another point of discussion. They have a driving range and a putting green. It’s nothing fancy. It’s grass tees (mostly), which is a huge plus compared to the mats you find at some budget tracks. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour working on your wedge game without being disturbed.
The logistical reality of a round
Parking is easy. The lot is big. You walk in, check-in at the desk, and you're usually on the tee within ten minutes. They have a solid fleet of carts, but the course is incredibly walkable. If you're looking to get your steps in, the Elks is one of the better walks in town. It’s relatively flat compared to courses like Hart Ranch or Red Rock, which basically require a cart due to the elevation changes.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Elks Golf Course Rapid City SD, keep these specific things in mind to make the most of the experience:
- Book ahead but don't panic: While they are public-friendly, calling a day or two in advance is wise, especially during the peak summer months or when the Elks Lodge has an internal event.
- Check the wind forecast: If the winds are over 15 mph, adjust your expectations. This course is wide open to the elements, and the wind will move your ball significantly more than you think.
- Eat at the Lodge: If the kitchen is open, get a burger. It’s one of the better-kept secrets in Rapid City. It’s simple, no-frills food that actually tastes like something.
- Play the correct tees: Don't be a hero. The back tees aren't monstrously long, but the angles of the tee shots are much more demanding. If you’re a double-digit handicap, play the whites. You’ll have way more fun.
- Respect the members: This is their home. While the public is welcome, the "culture" is maintained by the Elks members. Being polite and following basic etiquette goes a long way here.
- Look for the wildlife: It’s common to see deer or even the occasional turkey wandering near the creek beds. It’s a nice reminder that even though you’re in the city, you’re on the edge of the wilderness.
The Elks isn't trying to be Augusta National. It's a reliable, well-conditioned, and friendly place to play a round of golf without the pretension that often ruins the game. Whether you're a local or just passing through on your way to Mount Rushmore, it's worth the stop. Just make sure you account for the break on the 18th green—it’s always more than it looks.