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| The Links at Kansas Golf Club |
In a state known for its wide-open spaces, rolling prairie terrain, and surprisingly challenging layouts, most Kansas golf courses shine. But, based on aggregate golfer reviews (from sources like GolfPass and TripAdvisor), there are a few that draw consistent criticism. Here are three that frequently come up — and what golfers say are their biggest pain points.
1. The Links at Kansas Golf Club (Lawrence, KS)
The Links at Kansas Golf Club
Why it’s criticized:
On GolfPass, this is one of the lowest-rated courses in the state, with a rating of 2.6 / 5 across 13 reviews. (GolfPass)
Reviewers complain about poor amenities (it’s walking-only, no snack bar or pro shop) and “tee boxes in poor condition.” (GolfPass)
One user said: “greens are bad, tees like hard pan.” (GolfPass)
It’s also extremely basic — being a 9-hole, par-3 layout tucked into an apartment complex. (TeeOff)
Context / defense:
For what it is — a cheap, short, walking-friendly par-3 — many golfers find it useful for a quick round or short-game practice. (TeeOff)
Because it’s “executive-style,” expectations should be adjusted: it’s not meant to be a championship layout.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a serious 18-hole challenge with first-class amenities, The Links at Kansas might frustrate you. But if you just want a quick, budget-friendly par-3 session, it has a place — just don’t go in expecting a resort course.
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| Prairie Highlands |
2. Prairie Highlands Golf Course (Olathe, KS)
Why it gets flak:
On TripAdvisor, the course holds a 3.8 / 5 rating (from 8 reviewers), but several reviews call out poor maintenance: “fairways had not been watered adequately and many places were bare of grass. … bunkers … would have been miserable.” (Tripadvisor)
One reviewer went so far as to say: “There’s new ownership so may improve once maintenance is completed.” (Tripadvisor)
Another user noted that the GPS on the carts was in terrible physical shape, making navigation frustrating. (Tripadvisor)
Additionally, the tee sign placement reportedly confuses first-time players: “signage indicating the t-boxes were not placed well for first time players … not a very ‘scenic’ course … in this poor of shape.” (Tripadvisor)
Context / defense:
Some players love the layout, calling it “tough, rolling hills” with a nice variety of holes. (Tripadvisor)
There is optimism in the review community: some think that with better maintenance under new ownership, the course could bounce back. (Tripadvisor)
Bottom line:
Prairie Highlands feels like a case of unrealized potential — a layout that could be very good, but too many players report poor conditioning and weak upkeep.
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| Carey Park |
3. Carey Park Golf Course (Hutchinson, KS)
Why it’s criticized:
On GolfPass, Carey Park’s review profile shows very low overall rating, including only 1 star in some subcategories — for instance, in one review the “overall” was reported as 1.0 / 5. (GolfPass)
While not everyone hates it, the extremely low rating in at least one recent review signals serious disappointment in something fundamental (conditions, layout, or value).
Context / defense:
Carey Park is a municipal-style course, which often means lower green fees but also more modest maintenance and fewer luxuries.
Some golfers may appreciate it as a budget or local muni rather than a destination course.
Bottom line:
If your standard for “good golf” depends on pristine greens, top-tier amenities, or a championship layout, Carey Park may feel like a letdown. But as a low-cost, local public course, it could still serve its purpose — just don’t expect luxury.
Final Thoughts
Labeling a course “worst” is harsh — but by looking at real player reviews, these three courses show consistent criticism around maintenance, amenities, and value. That said, they each fill a niche:
- The Links at Kansas for short, cheap, quick play
- Prairie Highlands for a potentially challenging layout (if upkeep improves)
- Carey Park for no-frills, public golf on a budget
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