The 3 Worst-Rated Golf Courses in Nebraska: What Golfers Say Before You Book a Tee Time

Knolls Golf Club (Now Closed)

Nebraska is home to some of America's most celebrated golf destinations, but not every course earns rave reviews. While the Cornhusker State boasts nationally acclaimed layouts, a handful of public courses have struggled to impress golfers based on online ratings and player feedback.

Here are three of the lowest-rated golf courses in Nebraska according to publicly available golfer reviews from platforms such as Google, GolfPass, and Tripadvisor. Keep in mind that course conditions and management can change over time, so these ratings reflect golfer experiences at the time the reviews were posted.

1. Knolls Golf Club (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Among Nebraska courses with a significant number of online reviews, Knolls Golf Club consistently ranks near the bottom.

What golfers didn't like:
- Inconsistent course conditions.
- Greens that were occasionally reported as rough or poorly maintained.
- Some players felt green fees didn't match the overall experience.

What golfers did like:
- A challenging layout with mature trees.
- Friendly staff.
- An enjoyable back nine that many reviewers considered stronger than the front.

2. Calamus Golf Course (Burwell, Nebraska)

Calamus Golf Course

Calamus Golf Course has very little online feedback, but the limited reviews available have not been especially favorable, resulting in one of the state's lowest overall public ratings.

What golfers didn't like:
- Inconsistent maintenance.
- Limited amenities.
- Sparse recent reviews, making it difficult for prospective golfers to know what to expect.

What golfers did like:
- A quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
- Affordable golf in a rural setting.

3. Fair Play Golf Course (Norfolk, Nebraska)

Fair Play Golf Course

Fair Play Golf Course receives mixed reviews, with many golfers praising its affordability while others point to inconsistent upkeep and playing conditions.

What golfers didn't like:
- Fairways and greens that varied in quality throughout the season.
- Maintenance issues after heavy weather.
- Basic facilities compared to larger public courses.

What golfers did like:
- Budget-friendly pricing.
- A welcoming environment for beginners.
- Fast rounds and easy tee-time availability.

Are These Really the Worst Golf Courses in Nebraska?

"Worst-rated" doesn't necessarily mean "bad." Many lower-rated golf courses simply struggle with limited budgets, aging infrastructure, or weather-related maintenance challenges. A course that receives three out of five stars may still provide an enjoyable afternoon for golfers looking for an inexpensive round.

Nebraska's golf scene remains one of the strongest in the Midwest, with dozens of highly rated public courses earning praise for value, hospitality, and course design. If you're planning a golf trip across the state, checking recent reviews before booking can help ensure the experience matches your expectations.