







Overview
Designed by eight-time PGA Tour winner Jim Colbert along with architect Jeff Brauer, Colbert Hills is the highest-ranked public course in state and ranked in the top 10 in our Best in Kansas rankings. Colbert, a decorated collegiate golfer who finished runner-up at NCAAs during his time at Kansas State, included a fun element as an homage to his alma mater on the fifth hole, with a bunker complex in the shape of a wildcat paw print (in honor of the school’s mascot). On big football weekends, the facility will make the sand purple. Colbert Hills is a challenging yet playable layout with strategic hazards but generous fairways and large putting surfaces, which average over 7,000 square feet. The rolling terrain offers terrific views of the beautiful Flint Hills region framed by native prairie tallgrass. In addition to being home of the Kansas State men’s and women’s golf teams, it also houses the First Tee of Manhattan, including the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy, named for Tiger’s father who was born in Manhattan, played baseball at K-State and was the first Black baseball player in the Big Seven conference (now the Big 12).
About
Awards


Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked seventh, 2011-'12, 2015-'16. Ranked eighth, 2013-'14. Ranked ninth, 2017-'18, 2021-'24. Ranked 10th, 2019-'20. Ranked inside the top 10, 2001-'24.
Current ranking: Ninth.
America's Greatest College Courses: 16th (2023).
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The course is frustrating to play from anything but the back tees because you are forced to lay up frequently to cross hazards. It is not uncommon to have more club for your second shot on a par 4 after laying up off the tee. A difficult course for anyone but single digit handicaps."
Read More2024
Review
“This is a good. Choice. If you are in town for. A university function or want a different style of golf, The Flint Hills present great opportunities for. Dramatic vistas and good golf. BTW: every hole plays down hill! That’s no easy. Task to take on, but it works here."
Read More2023
Review
“Several par 4/5 holes require hybrid and 3wood off the tee versus Driver to avoid hitting it through the fairway. Some really great aesthetics of the Flint Hills, specifically holes 1, 6, and 7. Somewhat of a shame that many of the holes are framed by houses on both sides on what would be a an otherwise beautiful piece of land in the Flint Hills. Green complexes firm and fast but somewhat monotonous in character from hole to hole. Several short par 4's, no short par 3's. Really good use of elevation as you wind up and down and around the Flint Hills of the property. Wind definitely a factor on most all days at this location. Seemed a bit odd for a college course to have so many holes where tees are no where near previous green, otherwise very playable and fun course when the correct tee is chosen."
Read More2022
Review
“Just too grueling for most, but a fabulous test of golf for the talented. Housing is encroaching on the once more pristine site."
Read More2018
Review
“One of the best courses on Kansas. Long course with challenging target specific holes. Wind can dictate how difficult course can be. Enjoyable course for good golfers. High handicappers will have a difficult time unless they play from upper tees."
Read More2018
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