ArborLinks

There are a few contenders for a course that singularly defines the sandhills region in Nebraska’s west, but in the state’s east one golf course stands out as the possible top option: the Arnold Palmerdesigned ArborLinks in Nebraska City. This private club is part of the Dormie Network, which provides the benefits of membership along with the advantages of destination golf travel among a select group of top private clubs across the country. Sitting on a 330-acre parcel adjacent to the Arbor Day Farm just south of Omaha, ArborLinks is a gem. Native grasses set the scene, lushly covering rolling hills, separating holes, and defining the wellmanicured fairways, while a forested ravine cuts through the northern end of the layout, offering another dimension. Palmer and his design partner, Ed Seay, left well enough alone with the stunning natural topography, sculpting bunkers into the landscape and maintaining a sort of old world “pure golf” essence throughout. The result is a sincerely authentic experience that, like some other Nebraska tracks, evokes an “early days of golf” feel even as the club perfectly addresses modern standards and expectations. There’s another level to the design as well, with each hole nodding to a different aspect of conservation. The first, for example, offers “Black Cherry Row,” illustrating the usefulness of a field wind break, while No.18 is a study in restoration and protection on the banks of the South Table Creek. All of this wouldn’t mean much if the golf wasn’t great, and it is. The par-3 No.11 offers an elevated tee shot over rolling hills to an hourglass green, with severe penalties for a misplaced shot, while No.18 has you playing leapfrog over rough on one of the Midwest’s most picturesque finishing holes. Miss the fairway and you’re in deep—maybe over your head (and we mean that literally). The entire course makes for a challenging and beautiful test of golf, and it’s no wonder that it’s been host to qualifiers for the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur. A must-visit if you’re in the area.

Dormienetwork.com/arborlinks