Antelope Hills Golf Course Review

Have you ever driven past a small town golf course in the middle of nowhere and wondered if it was any good, or even open? We have, a few times in fact. And this past Memorial Day we got the opportunity to play one.

But before I tell you about the great fun we had playing golf, I want to share with you our Memorial Day experience in the small town of Dubois, Wyoming – population 931.

Like most Americans, we wanted to do something relaxing for Memorial Day, but first, we wanted to honor all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Although many people choose to spend Memorial Day at the beach or throw a huge start-of-summer BBQ, we wanted to be sure to take some time to acknowledge and appreciate the fallen heroes who lost their lives serving in the military.

A friend told us about the 2009 HBO movie Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon. Bacon portrayed Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who volunteered to accompany the body of 19-year-old Marine private Chance Phelps, being returned to his hometown of Dubois for his funeral. Phelps was killed on Good Friday, 2004, in Ramadi, Iraq, while manning a machine gun. The movie recounts Strobl’s journey to Dubois, ending with the funeral and the subsequent reception at the VFW post. Chance Phelps is buried in the Dubois cemetery.

After hearing about the story, we decided to head to the Dubois cemetery and privately pay our respects to Private Phelps. We entered the directions in our Google map and headed out. As we got closer to the cemetery, we started to notice that it seemed like every car we saw appeared to be heading in the same direction as we were. Once at the cemetery, it became obvious that yes, in fact, all the cars were heading in the same direction as us. You see, the town of Dubois was preparing to hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony, which honors all the town’s fallen military – including Chance Phelps

The ceremony was somber and respectful. We even had the opportunity to share in a toast in honor of Chance Phelps with local family and friends. We found it a moving and humbling experience.

One we hadn’t planned to see, but one we will not soon forget.

After the event, we headed out to play some golf!

Antelope Hills Golf Course in Dubois, Wyoming called my name the minute we pulled into our RV site. With a population of only 931 people, and the spring weather just arriving in the area, I wasn’t expecting a pristine course. However, at Antelope Hills golf course I was pleasantly surprised.

From the minute you walk up to this municipal you realize someone here loves golf. It has a small pro shop with everything you need to play golf and the clubhouse has a nice bar and grill.

With carts, rental equipment, clothing, and gear to buy if you need it, Antelope Hills Golf Course has everything for your game. When I called to book a tee time, Ryan was eager to get me the tee time I wanted. 

Kathy and I wanted to play 18 holes and the way Antelope Hills Golf Course has set up its 9-hole course with two sets of tee boxes, playing 18 holes is an option. Even though it was a nine-hole course, the second set of tee boxes was well thought out. They were different enough the second time around that it made most of the holes feel and look like a different 9 holes. It was a cool way to get 18 holes out of a 9-hole course.

Before I forget – Dubois sits at 7,000 feet in elevation, so the ball travels. Kathy enjoyed seeing her ball go further than she normally hits. And I must admit, I enjoyed seeing my drive go a bit further as well.

This is a links-style course, with several doglegs, a creek meandering through it, and a couple of ponds. The fairways were in decent shape for a mountain course at this altitude. Once you stray out of the first cut of rough expect sagebrush and dirt.

The course was straightforward. No sand and not much water on the course. But the layout was fun. No matter how you slice golf, you still have to get the ball on the green in regulation and putt out to post a good score. These holes were no gimmes. The layout used doglegs, tall grass, and narrow fairways to force your skill. We had fun playing here for sure. 

Going back to the clubhouse for a nice burger at the end of the round was also a treat. The food was good and the people were friendly. You just can’t beat small-town kindness.

It is a good course to push yourself and try and get a low score. There was nothing that stood out as a special hole. And, there was nothing bad about it at all. We would play there again.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written By Marc Festa

COURSE REVIEW SCORE CARD

Course: Antelope Hills Golf Course

Type:  Municipal

Date Played: 27 May 2024