Bayside is the biggest surprise in Nebraska golf. Built by a local family with architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor (the Wild Horse team), it sits on the rugged bluffs above Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest lake. The front nine, opened in 1999, is flat and forgiving; the back nine, added two years later, is a rollercoaster of arroyos, bluffs, and forced carries over native grass. Golfweek once rated it the No. 2 public-access course in Nebraska.
The signature is the par-5 11th: 648 yards from the back tees, with 28 bunkers, making it arguably the longest hole in the state. No. 17, “Short but Sweet,” has a bunker sitting in the middle of the green — putt around it and try not to laugh. The land was once deemed best suited for extreme sports, and you can feel it.
On-site cabins, suites, and full homes with lake views make Bayside a genuine stay-and-play bargain compared to the Sandhills destination clubs. Pair it with a beach day on “Big Mac” — the white sand is a short walk away.