Hawktree Golf Club, Bismarck, North Dakota ? Ranked as the State's #1 Golf Course by Golf Digest from 2001-2004

Hawktree Golf Club is situated five miles north of Bismarck amid the native prairie lands, wetlands and woodlands of North Dakota and the nearby Missouri River and Burnt Creek, which meanders through the layout. There are also many natural hills and contours on the course, as well as some unexpected elevation changes and three lakes. There is actually a surprising amount of water on the course, with water a factor on 11 of the 18 holes.

The course also features a bounty of wildlife, native grasses and a unique solution to the lack of white sand to be found in the state: bunkers filled with black coal sand slag, which tends to stay in place better beneath the frequent wind storms that race over the prairie. There are also some grand old oak trees on the course, as well as greenside waterfalls that make for an interesting contrast.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 7,085 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 74.6 and a slope rating of 135. The course, which was designed by James. J. Engh and opened in 1999, features an open, links-style design. With only 80 acres of irrigated grass turf, the course is a splash of green amid the native brown and rusty-red grasses that cover the nearby hills.

Some of the more noteworthy holes include No. 3, a par-3 that plays to 164 yards from the back tees. The difficulty comes from the 80-foot elevation change to a green nestled amid hills.

Hole No. 4 is a beauty that plays to 412 yards from the back tees. As the hole nears the green, it curves left around a lake, then plays to a large, long, crested green guarded by a black sand bunker.

Hole No. 7 is another visually stunning and challenging hole, a par-5 that plays to 569 yards from the longest tees. This hole's fairway plays along water that stops abruptly against a sandy-white brick barrier wall, bordered by a long black sand waste bunker. Nearer the green, there's another water hazard again rimmed by the course's distinctive black coal sand.

Perhaps the most scenic hole, as well as one of the most intimidating, is No. 15, a par-3 that plays to a lengthy 203 yards from the back tees. There's a carry over a long pond, which has a fountain spraying at its center, to a very long, narrow green.

Perhaps the most challenging hole is the finishing hole, a long par-5 that plays up to 588 yards. What makes this hole especially challenging is the final 150 yards, which play uphill to a smallish green guarded by black sand. And, if the prairie winds happen to be blowing inward that day, the hole is even more difficult.

Since opening in 1999, Hawktree has garnered a number of honors and awards, including being ranked as the state's #1 golf course by Golf Digest from 2001 to 2004. That same publication also ranked Hawktree #19 among America's Greatest Public Courses in 2004.

Practice facilities at the course include a 17-acre, two-sided driving range, a generous putting green, and a chipping green with a black slag bunker. Instruction is also available from the on-staff PGA professional. There's also a clubhouse with a fully stocked golf shop.

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