Since Garland brings up Links of ND, for people familiar with the Western North Dakota courses (LND and Bully Pulpit), does anyone know if they're getting a lot more play seeing as how there is a lot more people and money in that area than there was five years ago? My understanding is that Williston has practically doubled in size, and it's mostly young guys making lots of money in the oil fields. I'm curious if that will lead to more infrastructure spending, which wouldn't necessarily be a good thing.
Bill:
I played the Lewis and Clark Golf Trail Triple Challenge last year for $140 (it includes rounds at Hawktree, Links of ND and Bully Pulpit). I thought the value was amazing, and it seemed like I had all three courses to myself. Granted, it was early October, but the weather was unseasonably gorgeous for the two days I played.
My guess is that the population boom in Williston has had a slight effect on play at the Links of ND, but not necessarily to the point of over-saturation. I'd bet that most of the folks who are moving that way are not the golfing type, and that the volume of work going on is keeping recreational activities to a minimum. The drive from Madera to Williston was not the smoothest piece of road I've seen, and the road work going on to expand the highway for truck use was ever present. Williston itself seemed busy, but I didn't see any signs of folks sleeping in tents or any of the other rumors you hear about boom towns.
As part of the Triple Challenge, you are automatically entered into their yearly contest. I ended up being chosen as the third prize winner and was included in their 2011 Golf Trail Guide (scroll about halfway down the pdf for the challenge write up:
http://www.lewisandclarkgolftrail.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Ju4VybepDxg=&tabid=38). As of today I have yet to receive the prize package. The beer distributor golf bag is not of much interest, but the 2011 pass would have been useful.