Buffalo Dunes Golf Course — Local services in Garden City

I would give the course itself four stars. Beautiful layout through the hilly, windswept western Kansas countryside. It was not in the very best of shape (I played in early June), but not bad. The layout is what sets it apart, however.

But service, I would rate zero stars. I have no idea how this course shows up in Golf Week's list of best public courses by state if service is part of the judging metric. I had made a reservation over the phone for 18 holes, and found out when I got there I could only play one nine due to women's league. I was disappointed, but mistakes happen. I asked what time I'd need to arrive to be able to play the front nine the next day, and was told the men's league would be on the back nine, so any time would work. After the staff members at the desk double checked and confirmed this with me while I was there, I made a tee time for 3:50 PM the next day. When I arrived, I was told I had to go out the back again because the league switched nines. First, had I known this, I would have come out earlier and played the front. Second, no apology was offered, no discount, etc.

Then, on a 98 degree day, there were absolutely no water coolers on the course, and I never once saw the beverage cart during my round. I did see two beverage carts get loaded and go out for the men's league, but never while I was on the course. I understand it doesn't make sense to pay someone to drive the beverage cart if there are only a couple golfers out, but water coolers prominently placed near the tee on a few holes per nine should be provided at the very least. It was a very hot day, and this put unprepared golfers in a potentially dangerous situation. If a course shows up on a list of top public golf courses, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect such a basic amenity. I'm pretty sure I even saw posts for water coolers near some of the tees. They just hadn't put them out.

I emailed both the pro and superintendent and heard nothing back. I like the course a lot, but am very disappointed in their...

The course was great, I throughly enjoyed playing there. I was only able to play 9 holes as they were hosting some type of event that day but it was definitely worth it. Cannot wait to come back and play all 18 one day. The only thing I have to say is that the staff in the front was not very friendly, not that they were mean to me but they just seemed annoyed that I was there and asking to many questions regarding products in the pro shop. I do understand that they may have been super worn out from the days event going on and we're ready to just go home, but I truly did fell unwelcomed. That is the only reason why it was not a 5 star. I am sure they are not always that way and it was just a stressful day and I do still wish to come back another day to finish l the holes. Thank you Buffalo Dunes and Garden City for allowing me to play on that beautiful course, look forward to coming...

From start to finish, brilliant! A green oasis in Kansas countryside, which is great vfm! Reception staff were friendly and informative. The course is in excellent condition: fairways, rough and the greens were second to none. Each hole is different, fair but challenging. The 19th hole was the best reception we’ve ever received on any of our trips to the US from England. Would recommend this course to anyone. Certainly the #1 public course we’ve played in our travels...