Buffalo Dunes are rightly proud of the fact that they have been consistently improving their course since it was opened in 1976.
The course has matured beautifully over the years, even if the scattered trees on the layout offer little protection from the wind.
While the property it is built on looks relatively flat, there is an undulating nature to the terrain that makes for a terrific base on which to build a course.
Buffalo Dunes features bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens and plays at 6,806 yards from the tips.
Built on the outskirts of Garden City in Kansas, Buffalo Dunes is a little bit out of the way, but if you want to play one of the best municipal courses in the country, it’s worth the trip.
Once at the course, the green fees will suit most golfers’ pockets, and the facility also includes a driving range and large practice greens.
The par-three fourth hole, the right doglegging par-four 10th hole (rated 2 on the card), and the 357-yard 18th hole—which features two sizable bunkers guarding the front left and right side of the home green—are among the standout holes.
Buffalo Dunes is an emerald island amid the rolling sand hills it’s set into.
The course consistently earns praise for being well maintained and conditioned from the practice facilities through to the fairways, bunkers, and greens.
This heartland connection has held the title of Kansas’ greatest muni for almost 50 years. It hasn’t, however, got complacent. The course is going back to its origins because of a group of frugal restoration experts, including Buffalo Dunes’ superintendent. While the renovation continues, trees have been taken out, bunkers and green spaces restored, and portions of the sandy land have been regrassed in an effort to save water expenses.
Those savings in water costs have been such that they covered the cost of the renovation.
An extensive renovation project is planned to be completed by 2026 in time to celebrate the course’s 50th year in operation.
The green fees at Buffalo Dunes are between $25 and $30 and they have a well-stocked and helpful pro shop.
None of Buffalo Dunes’ cost-cutting measures come at the visitors’ expense though and if you visit Garden City for tournament golf at the course you can be sure to receive a warm reception.
The course is a great walk that offers a good level of challenge for the experienced golfer.
This is one of the great pure golfing experiences in the heartland and well worth the trip.
