Awarii Dunes Golf Course

Set amid the natural sand hills and rolling terrain of south-central Nebraska near Axtell, Awarii Dunes was designed by architect Jim Engh and opened in 2011. Engh routed the roughly 6,900-yard layout through duneland that was shaped by nature rather than bulldozers, drawing openly on the spirit of Ireland's great links. The bold, windswept setting and dramatic contouring earned quick recognition, including honors as one of the country's standout new public courses in its debut year. Its firm turf, exposed lies, and emphasis on ground-game shotmaking give it a genuine links feel that is rare in the Great Plains. In recent years the property has continued under new ownership and is also known as Nebraska Dunes, but the Engh design remains the heart of one of the region's most distinctive affordable public tests.