Last year on our way from Bayside to Dismal River we passed a little 9-holer in Hyannis, NE that looked like it was benched into the side of a hill. Due to fleeting daylight we didn't have time to stop, but I vowed to get there sometime. Luckily this year we had time to not only stop in, but go around twice and I am really glad we did. This is true and raw prairie golf built by a community first as a 3 hole course and since expanded to 9 holes. It was an absolute blast to knock the ball around in the sand hills at this place.
The sign fits in perfectly with the rest of the landscape.
I'm a sucker for places that you just put your money in a box and head to the tee. We were the only car in the lot, other than the guy out mowing.
I didn't grab pictures of every hole, but here are few.
The first is a 370 yard par 4 with a semi-blind drive. The approach is downhill to a lay of the land green. Great opener.
The 2nd brings us a short downhill par 3 that plays 139 yards. This one was a hoot in the downwind 15 mph breeze.
The tee markers are fantastic at Pelican Beach and give you all the evidence that you need that this is a true labor of love for the small town of Hyannis.
This shot of the 3rd green gives you a good idea of the views and the bunkering on the course. The sand hills are magical and this place has it in spades.
The 5th hole starts a run of really fun, short par 4s. This one measuring 327 yards. My friend Barry prepares to bomb another one down the middle and take more of my money.
The 6th hole plays to the tune of 282 yards. There is plenty of room to try to draw one in from the right hand side. And as you could probably guess, the conditions were firm and fast enough to attempt just that.
Miss short of the hole and you will be faced with a nasty shot out of this behemoth, which is way deeper than it looks. I could barely see the flag from the bottom.
The 7th hole brings us to the end of this fun stretch of holes where everything from eagle to an X is possible. The tee shot is a little intimidating the first time around to this green 245 yards away. No idea where to hit it or what is up there.
The fear is realized upon reaching the green when you gaze upon this nasty creature of a hazard (yes, I was in it. Twice.) waiting for shots hit short and right.
The 8th is a fantastic little par 3 playing 141 yards to a long and narrow green. There is a really cool kick plate to the right that you can use to get it close (like 6" close).
One last picture of the view off of the 8th green which is the highest point on the course.
If you are ever driving through Hyannis, please stop. This place was so much fun and I wish something like this was nearby. So many times we get caught up in getting to the next Top 100 that we miss these little gems. I for one love them and will keep stopping. They are the soul of golf.