The Links of North Dakota, Ray, North Dakota ? One of the Purest Examples of Links-Style Golf Built in the U.S

The Links of North Dakota golf course is said to be one of the purest examples of links-style golf to be built in the U.S. The course features a natural, rolling design that plays along the banks and bluffs overlooking the sprawling Lake Sakakawea in the heartlands of North Dakota.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 7,092 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 75.1 and a slope rating of 128. True to its links heritage, the course offers uneven lies and the sort of winds that typically challenge golfers on a links-style layout. The front nine holes offer some dramatic views of the lake, while the back nine holes feature a stunning Midwestern landscape with the lake in the distance.

Some of the most noteworthy holes include No. 2, a par-4 that plays to 398 yards from the back tees. The challenge on this hole is finding the sliver of a fairway from a blind tee shot that plays over three bunkers that run in succession. From there, the approach shot must find a slightly elevated green guarded by four more bunkers.

Hole No. 8 is a par-3 that plays to 185 yards from the back tees, and features a forced carry over a ragged gully. The green is guarded by three bunkers around its front and a slope that will likely carry anything short back into the ravine.

Hole No. 13 is a short par-4 that plays much tougher than its 10 handicap might indicate. That's because it sports one of the narrowest fairways on the course. The tee shot must also carry the hill in the fairway in order to see the long, narrow green guarded by bunkers right and a gathering area on the left.

Hole No. 17 is a lengthy par-3, that plays to 232 yards from the tips. This dramatic hole plays downhill, however, which makes it shorter, but it's all carry along a gully that runs to a green guarded by bunkers left and right.

The finishing hole is the epitome of links golf, a par-5 that plays to 572 yards from the back tees. The crested fairway features an irregular shape, guarded by numerous bunkers as it doglegs rights to a green guarded by more bunkers.

Since opening in 1994, the course is said to be considered the best in the state, and has garnered a number of honors and awards. Golf Digest awarded the course 4? Stars, and also ranked it #53 on its list of Top 100 Public Courses, while Golfweek ranked the course #90 on its list of Top 100 Modern Courses.

Practice facilities at The Links of North Dakota include a grass driving range and short-game practice area. A range of lesson options is also available. The course also features a clubhouse with a fully stocked golf shop, and dining with a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, snacks and beverages, including beer.