Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, and aside from being well known for its rich pioneer history (it’s a stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail), the city also boasts 16 public and semi-public courses that offer something to golfers of all experience levels. Much like the city’s historic boulevards, designed by Horace Cleveland to create a seamless flow of trees, flowers, and grass throughout the city, Omaha’s courses feature rolling hills and tree-lined fairways. From executive style to championship courses, Omaha offers a unique golf landscape.
Omaha Parks & Recreation operates eight municipal golf courses, with each offering public golf, league, and tournament play, concessions, pro shop service, and lessons (though PlayYourCourse provides cheaper alternatives). Many of the courses also offer free golf clinics for youth ages 8 to 14. Tee times can be reserved up to seven days in advance. Eighteen-hole golf courses include Benson Championship, Elmwood Park, Johnny Goodman Championship, and Knolls, while 9-hole golf courses include Spring Lake, Steve Hogan, Warren Swigart, and Westwood.
The City of Omaha maintains its 18-hole facilities and keeps the courses open as much as weather permits during the winter season. So long as temperatures don’t drop below freezing, and golf carts are not restricted due to ground temperatures, the game continues!
For those visiting in the Spring season, Omaha hosts the annual Nebraska Golf Show, which includes putting challenges, seminars with professionals, and orthopedic wellness zones to provide advice on keeping healthy and staying in shape so you can maintain and improve your golf game. 2016 guest speakers included PGA Youth Player Development Award winner Jonathan Mielke, Executive Director of the Hogan's Junior Golf Heroes Foundation Joel Klock, and golf manager for the City of Omaha Golf Courses Robert Baber.