So… where are you heading for the 4th of July?
If your answer is “probably the same old neighborhood BBQ, fighting for parking at the local high school football field to watch 20 minutes of fireworks, and sitting in an hour of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way home…” hear us out.
This year, why not mix it up?
Trade logistical nightmares and obligations for unlimited golf in a remote location away from the bumper-to-bumper traffic.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to get out of your neighbor’s backyard barbecue, this is it.
Unlimited Golf on Two Masterpieces
Our Stay & Play packages include unlimited all-day golf on two world-class courses designed by two legends with completely opposing worldviews:
- The White Course (Jack Nicklaus Signature): A traditional, demanding layout featuring elevated tees, open sightlines, and purposeful bunkering that rewards precision and careful strategy.
- The Red Course (Tom Doak): A free-flowing, minimalist masterpiece that allows the rugged contours of the natural sand dunes to dictate the movement of the ball.
Because both courses sit on a pure sand base—just like the classic links lands of Scotland—they play incredibly firm and fast. The wind and terrain act as living hazards. Morning golf here plays completely differently than evening golf, meaning you can loop these courses all weekend long and never feel like two rounds are the same.
The Ultimate 4th of July Stay & Play Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Get Your First Round In
This year, your arrival coincides with America’s 250th birthday celebration, and we’ve got the long weekend to match.
- The Play: Check into your private cabin, drop your bags, and head straight to the first tee. The hardest decision of your trip will be which course to start your trip off with.
- The Aprés-Golf: As the sun begins to dip behind the Sandhills, you’ll quickly realize why golfers travel from across the country to experience this place. Head over to the clubhouse for a relaxed dinner, grab a craft beer, and toast to the fact that you just completed your first 18 at Dismal River. Follow up the dinner with a beverage outside at our communal fire pit.
Day 2: Thirty-Six Holes and a Glow Golf Challenge
Wake up early and take advantage of the coolest part of the day.
- The Play: Play one course in the morning, wind down from round 1 at our first pool party of the weekend, then head right back out for another eighteen in the afternoon to flip tracks. If you tackled Nicklaus’s elevated tees in the morning, test your creativity on Doak’s wide, rolling fairways before the sun goes down. Insider Tip: There will be pin prizes on both courses as part of our Stars, Stripes & Fairways USA 250 celebration. Bring your A game.
- The Aprés-Golf: End your day with drinks and live music from one of our favorite musical guests, Chad Lee. And then head to the driving range for a glow in the dark closest to the pin contest and putting contest. Because there is zero light pollution out here, our open-air fire pits offer front-row seats to world-class stargazing that puts on a better show than any city firework display ever could.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Sandhills Adventure
One of the biggest challenges at Dismal River is deciding where to play next. Do you head back to your favorite holes from yesterday? Or tackle the other course again to see what you missed the first time around?
- The Play: Hit the fairways for your early morning loop, but save the afternoon to explore everything else the Sandhills have to offer.
- Off the Course: This is the perfect time to add on a classic summer adventure. Beat the July heat with a relaxing kayaking trip down the winding Dismal River, or book tanking on the Middle Loup. If you prefer to stay on dry land, challenge your crew at our world-class sporting clays course, fire up the horsepower on a rugged UTV tour, or take a scenic hiking trek for some local wildlife viewing (keep an eye out for deer and antelope).
- The Night Cap: Wind down at Buffalo Bill’s Pub with a legendary 4th of July themed buffet (available for purchase) and a pour of small-batch bourbon, followed by the Red, White & Glow Party to close out the night.
Day 4: One Last Round Before Heading Home
No golf trip ever feels long enough.
- The Play: Before packing up the car, squeeze in one final morning round and soak in the views one last time.
- The Departure: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the club, pack up your clubs, and start planning the next trip before you’ve even left the property.
The Dismal River Travel Checklist: Holiday Edition
To make sure your long weekend goes off without a hitch, here are a few rules we live by for July travel:
- Leave Early: The beauty of Dismal River is its remote exclusivity. Beat the Friday afternoon exodus from the city and enjoy the scenic, wide-open highway drive.
- Pack Layers: The Sandhills are famous for hot, gorgeous summer days and crisp, cooler nights. You’ll want a lightweight golf polo at 2:00 PM and a cozy sweater by 9:00 PM.
- Customize Your Stay: Don’t let your vacation feel over-programmed. Talk to our team ahead of time to seamlessly blend your tee times with a UTV tour or an afternoon on the river.
- Exclusive events: We’re going all out for America’s 250th. Pin prizes, pool parties, live music, glow golf, and a full Red, White & Glow Party — all included as part of your stay July 3-5.
Skip the Predictable. Chase a Little Space.
Holidays shouldn’t leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. Trade the crowded city streets for the peace, luxury, and rugged freedom of Dismal River Club.
