River Wilds

I usually play this course about once a year. I remember when I was a kid and it was Blair Country Club and built around a small air strip. I had an uncle that belonged there and I also played a high school meet there in 1974.  I am guessing about 25 years ago, they added another 9 holes and the airport is long gone. Most of the new 9 is east and north of the original 9 but the holes are intermixed.

Similar to a lot of Nebraska courses, the original greens from the first 9 are obvious because of their small size. So you will have some very modern looking holes with regular sized greens and some dime-sized greens. From the white tees, at 6200 yards and par 72, about the right length for this senior, and very walkable. Green to tee distances are short and only a few hills.

The course offers a chance to hit all the shots and can be a challenge for any level of golfer. A few holes are blind off the tee, like one, two and 18, but not particularly hard. If you hit it over 200 yards, don’t hit driver on the first hole.  Back to back par 5s on the back 9 with OB on the left are a challenge, but also birdie opportunities. There is some thick rough and a creek to go over a few times, but minimal water to lose balls.

The course has a broad appeal to the public with some of the lowest rates around. On a Friday our senior rate for walking was $18 and it was easy to get a tee time. They also have a driving range and two practice greens to offer the entire package. We saw a healthy amount of teenagers playing the course and having a good time. I am an advocate of junior golf and like to see kids have a place to play at a decent price. We did not see any of the teens walking and many drove the carts like they were joy riding. Many of the carts were single riders. There was no marshal to keep them in check.

The overall course condition was decent in the fairways and on the greens. The abundance of rain this summer has been good for all the courses, especially the rough. The rough at River Wilds was thick and green, but full of weeds. Surprisingly, the bunkers were in really good condition.

The clubhouse and pro shop aren’t much and if they have any event, they have to accommodate outside. The help was available and friendly and prices were as good as you can find for a beer and hot dog.