Bully Pulpit Golf Course
4.7(378)google
4.2(6)yelp
Scenic LookoutOutdoorLuxuryLocal FavoriteGolfNature
Overview
Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora delivers an extraordinary, world-class golfing adventure sculpted dramatically into the rugged, jaw-dropping badlands of western North Dakota. Named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt's famous phrase, the spectacular 18-hole championship course challenges players with fairways that wind through deep canyons, over rushing rivers, and along massive bluff sides. The signature holes, known as the 'Badlands Holes,' offer a thrilling athletic test surrounded by majestic, ancient geological formations.
Practical Info
Mon6:30 AM – 8:30PM
Tue6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wed6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thu6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Fri6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sat6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sun6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeMay through October represents the optimal window for comfortable golfing conditions. Booking a tee time between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM is unparalleled; early morning mist frequently floats along the rugged canyon floor, and the morning sun casts long shadows across the dramatic bluff-top fairways of the signature Badlands Holes.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully deep in the ravines 3 miles south of Medora. Driving a personal vehicle is essential: travel south from the city center via US Highway 85 S for approximately 3 miles, look for the massive Bully Pulpit billboard on your right, and turn into the country club's large free paved parking loops.
Travel Tips
- The challenging 'Badlands Holes (14-16)' feature extreme 200-foot elevation drops where unpredictable canyon crosswinds severely compromise ball flight, necessitating conservative club selection and extra balls.
- Peak summer tee times routinely book out weeks in advance, and mandatory golf cart fees are integrated into inclusive rates; walk-ins are highly discouraged without verified online bookings.
- Deeply embedded in the exposed Badlands, the course gets punishingly hot and prone to flash summer thunderstorms; applying high-SPF sunscreen is mandatory, and you must return to the clubhouse at the first sound of thunder.
Reviews
Positive
- A top-ranked badlands golf course! The fairways wind dramatically through spectacular canyon gorges, offering unmatched visual views.
- The signature rugged cliff-top tees on the back nine offer an exhilarating challenge paired with immense panoramic value.
- The tees, greens, and bunkers are meticulously manicured, complemented by warm clubhouse hospitality and orderly organization.
- Carts feature advanced GPS screen guides, and relaxing on the clubhouse terrace with a cold beer offers a serene, rustic experience.
Heads up
- For high-handicap beginners, the severe elevation drops and blind shots lead to endless lost balls, making the difficulty frustrating.
- Green fees and cart packages have increased steadily over the years, and snacks at the turn carry premium tourist markups.
- The summer sun is scorching and fairways lack shade trees; golfing 18 holes under direct mid-day heat risks heat exhaustion.
- Fierce plains windstorms in spring or autumn blow dust heavily through canyons, forcing sudden course restrictions and closures.