Deceptively Challenging

Looking at this course from the gate or the satellite views, you think, o.k., nice 9-hole course, no problem. Don't get too confident. If the course doesn't humble you, the wind might.

The Wind: Always There

This course is perched on the plains, and the wind is a constant companion. Think 100+ windy days during the season. Local tip? “10-15 mph isn’t wind, it’s Tuesday.” Plan your shots accordingly. Depending upon wind speed and direction, you may have the opportunity to hit any club in your bag, even driver on a Par 3.. 

Best Hole for the Feels?

Hole 2. It’s a forgiving par-5 that welcomes high handicappers with open arms and the promise of a birdie. Not a lot of trouble unless you really try to find it. Even a bogey feels like a win here. 

Most Humbling Hole?

Hole 8. It’s tough. It’s narrow. It’s got uneven lies and a fairway that feels like it’s actively trying to dodge your ball. There’s a creek lurking on your second shot, and if you're not in the right position after your drive, you're in for a long haul. It’s officially the hardest-rated hole on the card—and it earns that badge with pride.

Runner-up: Hole 7, a deceptively tricky par-3 that can play anywhere from 100 to 231 yards depending on tees and wind. And yes, there’s always wind. 

The Vibes: High Plains and Higher Handicaps

The course feels casual but punches above its weight. It’s not flashy. It’s not fancy. But it’s got soul. And it’s gotten better every year, with a transformation over the past 15 years that longtime regulars proudly call “incredible.”

The vibe? Friendly. Local. And occasionally brutal — in that “you’ll laugh about it later” kind of way.

Facilities That Get the Job Done

There’s a solid driving range (about 280 yards long and 10 acres wide), so you can warm up every club in your bag. The pro shop is upstairs for now (thanks to a past flood), but it's fully stocked with essentials. The downstairs is under renovation, and rumor has it golf simulators are on the horizon. Stay tuned.

Local Wisdom: Bring Two Sleeves and Stay Below the Hole

The course is fair, but you still might lose a few balls. Locals say two sleeves should get you through, as long as you’re not firing into the water or channeling your inner Happy Gilmore. And on greens like 1, 5, and 8, stay below the hole or prepare for a rollercoaster putt downwind. 

Final Thoughts: You’re Gonna Like It Here

Prairie Ridge might not have the flashiest logo or fanciest clubhouse. But it has heart. It has history. And it has holes that will make you laugh, swear, and high-five in the same round.

Whether you're stationed nearby or just swinging through the Black Hills, bring your clubs, your wind game, and your sense of humor.

And hey, if a B-1 flies overhead while you're sinking a putt? That’s just part of the charm.

If you’ve got extra time, Ellsworth is a launchpad to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Sturgis. Box Elder itself is light on restaurants (unless you’re craving McDonald’s or Hardee’s), but head into Rapid City for more flavor and fun.