Opening Day at Sand Hills

[Gene Greco]

Last year, I brought some bottles of the spices home with me. When we opened the cabinet this year for our first BBQ, my wife looked at the almost empty bottle and said "Thanks god your going back to Sand Hills, we are almost out of the spices!"  All I could think was
"Yes, thank God (and the good doctor) that I am going back"

Keith,

You can buy the spices from the Sand Hills pro shop website, so there is really no need for you to go back to Sand Hills.

Michael:


   Though Mr. OHalloran is a sane and rational man your observation moves me to comment:  BEWARE.

[George Freeman]

    The course is open June through September.

Usually only 12 fourballs are allowed off the first tee each day in order to preserve the peaceful nature of a golfing retreat at The Sand Hills Golf Club.

There is some crossover at midday with some groups just arriving and other groups getting one last Tom's burger after their morning and final round prior to their departure.

The season also includes Memorial Day weekend and sometimes a few days in Oct to include a final weekend. On days when The Huskers play football the University of Nebraska flag flies on Ben's Porch and little  football shaped rocks painted red with a white N in the center are left throughout the property on fence posts.

All is understated at the club, no pomp and circumstance, all has been simplified.

It is a comfortable and VERY welcoming club.  

I have been there the first day of the season and the last. When you return to your room after playing on the last day of the year your room is stripped bare.

The cabins are not available for employee housing.

When the course closes for the season it is closed. Sometimes the curious from as far away as down under will stumble into the place off season and are allowed a walkabout.

The greens are covered over the winter and some bunkers are as well to minimize "drifting".

Winter is extreme. The tiny economy centers around ranching - winters are truly tough on livestock and their preservation is paramount.

Most employees are also employed elsewhere. These are hearty proud people who are there for you during your visit every step of the way. I'm not sure I have ever been to a club which has staff who are  more accomodating. They are all like old friends even after having only known them for five minutes.

 Hospitality just can't be displayed in a more sincere manner.

And then there's THE GOLF COURSE!

Many believe it is the greatest golf course in the world.

I've played everything worth playing and that might very well be true.

What I am sure of is The Sand Hills Golf Club is my favorite place in this world.
  

Thanks Gene for the great post.  Your love of the place really shines through in your words above.  Sounds like a spectacular place.

[Michael Taylor]

Last year, I brought some bottles of the spices home with me. When we opened the cabinet this year for our first BBQ, my wife looked at the almost empty bottle and said "Thanks god your going back to Sand Hills, we are almost out of the spices!"  All I could think was
"Yes, thank God (and the good doctor) that I am going back"

Keith,

You can buy the spices from the Sand Hills pro shop website, so there is really no need for you to go back to Sand Hills.

Michael:


   Though Mr. OHalloran is a sane and rational man your observation moves me to comment:  BEWARE.

I retract my previous statement! 

Gene,

What is the size of the membership at Sand Hills? I'd assume it would be on the smaller scale, no?

[Gene Greco]

Michael:

    I believe there are 165-170 members.




Jim T. posted pics of the entry side of the cabins.

The rear of the cabins have an outdoor deck with a table and two ranch style rocking chairs so one may peacefully reflect on his golfing day or life in general.

From this vantage point along the riverbank watching and listening to the river flow, the tiny waterfall churn or a beaver build its dam add to the spiritual nature of a visit to the Sand Hills Golf Club.

[Scott_Burroughs]

Another view from the rear deck of one of the cabins.....quite a different look from the course (and practically everything else for miles and miles):

[Brett_Morrissy]

Firstly to Matt: thanks for the great pics
- I am extremely excited to be playing Sand Hills for the first time in about 4 weeks. (one of the guys from downunder - luckily it will not be in the 'off season' )
Couple of questions:
- you posted your pics on me.com - did you take those pictures with an iPhone? great quality.
- nice Mackenzie Walkers - do you have one - happy?
- is that 'dune buggy' type machine your transport to the tee?

Gene: I am so looking forward to Sand Hills, it looks like the golfing nirvana. Your above posts have put a grin on my face from ear to ear, and it take much determination to stay patient and wait.

A question to both of you (and anyone else)

if you could only give a first timer one piece of advice re Sand Hills - what would it be (staying 2 days - 6 hcp - group of 4 - July 11-13th)

Cheers
Brett

[Keith OHalloran]

Brett, my advice would be play as much as you can physically handle, and try all sets of tees. I found the course was a lot of fun from all sets, so move way up in the afternoon!
Also, turn your cell phone off, you won't get reception anyway, the phone battery will die in the room searching for signal, and you will not be able to call anyone to talk about the experience on the drive to the airport. So turn it off, save the battery and make your calls on the way home.

[Brad Swanson]

When the course closes for the season it is closed. Sometimes the curious from as far away as down under will stumble into the place off season and are allowed a walkabout.

A good friend of mine and golf course aficionado (who is terrified to be infected by GCA) was one of the curious one early spring when he and his wife were driving from WI to AZ.  He managed to convince her to take the detour to see Sand Hills just to get a glimpse of the course.  His request to the club house staff to see the course was obliged, but he had no clue of the length of the walk to the course.  It made for an interesting day in the car after the detour from what I understand, but that glimpse of the course has totally worth it from his point of view.  

Brad

[Brett_Morrissy]

if we don't arrive until around 4-4.30pm on a Sunday afternoon - does anyone know if we will be able to get out for a hit?

Do they have closing tee times each day, or just play until there is no light left? then head in for dinner...
- can someone also give me a sense of the dress standards in the clubhouse and dining please?

Cheers
Brett

[Tim Bert]

A question to both of you (and anyone else)

if you could only give a first timer one piece of advice re Sand Hills - what would it be (staying 2 days - 6 hcp - group of 4 - July 11-13th)

Cheers
Brett

Play 20 balls off the 14th tee each round.  Make sure when you hit one of the greatest 2nd shot you've ever played on a par 5 that the ball you struck is actually yours!  And give the green a little kiss for me.

Of all the many reasons to be disappointed if I never see the course again, the 14th tops my list.  My favorite short par 5 anywhere.

[Gene Greco]

if we don't arrive until around 4-4.30pm on a Sunday afternoon - does anyone know if we will be able to get out for a hit?

Do they have closing tee times each day, or just play until there is no light left? then head in for dinner...
- can someone also give me a sense of the dress standards in the clubhouse and dining please?

Cheers
Brett

If you arrive at 430 you still will be able to get in 18. Play from the square tees (6400) the first time just to get a feel for where to hit the ball and ask if a forecaddie might still be available at that time to expedite your round.

However, THE golf course is played from the diamond tees (6900).

No closing tee times. However, no night golf either.

Again, NO night golf. Be assured you will get in plenty of golf on your full days.

No jackets required for dinner. Nice trousers and a golf shirt should be fine. Shorts ok in the clubhouse and bar but not the dining room.

And.....Tom now has grilled chicken breasts.  

But the burgers are still king.

[Kevin Pallier]

It is a comfortable and VERY welcoming club.  

....


When the course closes for the season it is closed. Sometimes the curious from as far away as down under will stumble into the place off season and are allowed a walkabout.

The greens are covered over the winter and some bunkers are as well to minimize "drifting".

Winter is extreme. The tiny economy centers around ranching - winters are truly tough on livestock and their preservation is paramount.

Most employees are also employed elsewhere. These are hearty proud people who are there for you during your visit every step of the way. I'm not sure I have ever been to a club which has staff who are  more accomodating. They are all like old friends even after having only known them for five minutes.

Hospitality just can't be displayed in a more sincere manner.

And then there's THE GOLF COURSE!

Many believe it is the greatest golf course in the world.

I've played everything worth playing and that might very well be true.

What I am sure of is The Sand Hills Golf Club is my favorite place in this world.

Gene

The lads work hard out there even in the rain

It is a special place and well worth the effort to get to

[Brett_Morrissy]

Gene and other Sand Hills experienced.

What can we expect from the weather from a temperature point of view?

Cold at night?
July 11,12,13

Cheers
Brett

[Gene Greco]

Should be comfortable at night with a billion stars in the sky.

[Jim Franklin]

The days can get hot, but you will be able to get plenty of fluids at Ben's Porch. There is usually a decent wind blowing so it won't be too bad. I think Gene may be the only person able to get chicken from Tom. You have to go with a burger.

The greens are speedy and you will need to play the break to include the wind.