The best golf courses in Kansas

Like its neighbor Oklahoma, Kansas has always been a one-course state. That is, there's one course every other course aspires toward. In this case it's Prairie Dunes, a tumbling, windswept adventure in the central part of the state, its first nine holes built by Perry Maxwell in 1937, a second nine added by son Press Maxwell 20 years later (Maxwell also designed Oklahoma's top course, Southern Hills).

Kansas' second-ranked course, Flint Hills National, debuted at No. 43 on America's 100 Greatest Courses in 2005, just 19 spots below Prairie Dunes at the time (Prairie Dunes is currently ranked 23rd), but has since slid well out of the first 100.

Rounding out the top 10 is an intriguing blend of old and newer courses, prairie and city, moneyed and modest. One of the most venerable courses, Kansas City Country Club, designed by A.W. Tillinghast and home to a young Tom Watson, may see its status revived once an upcoming renovation is complete.

Below you'll find our 2023-'24 ranking of the Best Golf Courses in Kansas.

We urge you to click through to each individual course page for bonus photography, drone footage and reviews from our course panelists. Plus, you can now leave your own ratings on the courses you’ve played … to make your case why your favorite should be ranked higher. 

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