I started this watercolor of the view from behind the pin on the 18th hole at Dismal River Club’s Doak course a few weeks ago, and finally finished it last week.

The Doak course, reviewed here, was recently named by GolfWeek as the 23rd best modern golf course in the United States, just behind TPC Sawgrass, the Boston Golf Club, Bandon Trails and Spyglass.

Located in the majestic Sand Hills of Nebraska, the Dismal River Club resides in the same town as the country’s number one rated modern course, Sand Hills Golf Club, but is a cool hour drive away (although they are ~ 10 miles apart, as the crow flies).

A two-hour drive from The Prairie Club in “nearby” Valentine, Nebraska, Dismal River and the Sand Hills region of Nebraska is arguably the hotbed for golf course design and architecture in the United States, with plans for high-end new courses in the works at both clubs. Intense elevation and rolling hills, massive blowouts and sand features, and the overall local agronomy make this area ideal for links golf at its very best.

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