The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to GrayBull Club
In the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, experience a golf destination unlike any other.
GrayBull Club | Maxwell, Nebraska
Born from a collaboration between renowned Scottish architect David McLay Kidd and Dormie Network, GrayBull Club delivers one of the most distinctive golf experiences on American soil.
Located in Maxwell, Nebraska, GrayBull Club is set against the sweeping backdrop of Nebraska’s Sandhills, one of the country's most pristine and untouched landscapes. The expansive, tranquil setting creates space to connect—whether with friends, colleagues, or fellow golf lovers—through authentic links-style golf and a retreat unlike any other.
A trip to GrayBull Club is more than just a round of golf; it's a complete escape into nature and luxury.
Complementing the natural beauty are thoughtfully designed amenities. As Dormie Network’s first ground-up build, GrayBull was created with the member experience at its core. The club features a welcoming clubhouse, a lively Party Barn, and 15 luxury cottages—anchored by an all-inclusive structure that makes every stay seamless, effortless, and unforgettable.
GrayBull Club’s inaugural full season is the summer of 2025, but it’s already making a name as one of the top golf destinations in the country.
Here’s the ultimate guide to planning a trip to GrayBull Club.
Making the Most of Your Trip to GrayBull
Tucked away in the quiet village of Maxwell, Nebraska, GrayBull Club provides a true escape from the everyday. Though it feels wonderfully remote, it’s easily accessible via the North Platte airport—making the journey seamless from start to finish.
Whether you're organizing a buddy trip, a family getaway, or a private tournament, GrayBull caters to exactly what you envision. Concierge-level service ensures every detail is thoughtfully handled—from coordinating sprinter van transportation from the airport to suggesting curated welcome gifts in your cottage. No matter the occasion, your trip is designed to be memorable, effortless, and uniquely yours.
GrayBull is also well-suited for business entertainment. The course’s relaxed pace of play lends itself to meaningful conversations. Cottages feature private suites for individual space and shared living areas for casual meetings or catching up. Hosting a larger event? The property includes 60 rooms and the versatile Party Barn—an ideal setting for evening dinners or late-night entertainment.
A trip to GrayBull is about connection, comfort, and creating moments that matter. Whether it's a game of poker in the Owner's Cottage, a fireside cocktail, or simply taking in the vast Sandhill views from the clubhouse deck, there are options for every kind of guest.
About the Course at GrayBull Club
Designed by acclaimed Scottish architect David McLay Kidd (DMK), GrayBull Club is an inland links-style course that flows naturally through the untouched landscape of the Nebraska Sandhills—which are the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere, or as we like to call it, golf’s holy land.
Natural blowouts, expansive grassland, and endless skies frame every hole. As you get lost in the adventure of playing GrayBull, it’ll feel like you’re the only group for miles.
That raw, unfiltered beauty is central to GrayBull’s charm. DMK, known for prioritizing playability without sacrificing challenge, shaped every contour, fairway, and green with intention—offering endless variety and a layout that plays differently every time you tee it up. Creativity is rewarded here, and no two rounds ever feel the same.
Once you’re on the course, you never leave it. While carts are available for the 18-hole journey stretching over 7,000 yards, there are no traditional cart paths—keeping you immersed in the natural setting from start to finish.
GrayBull’s layout is a par 72, with a course rating of 74.2 and a slope of 128. The tees, fairways, and approaches are a blend of fine fescue and low-mow bluegrass, while the greens are bentgrass. Maintaining this course in excellent conditions in the Great Plains—where hot summers, strong winds, and unforgiving winters are the norm—is no small feat. Thanks to Director of Agronomy Michael Scheely and his dedicated team, course conditions remain consistently exceptional—no matter what the Nebraska climate throws their way.
About the Facilities and Lodging at GrayBull Club
Refined yet showcasing the wild beauty of the landscape, GrayBull’s clubhouse and cottages rest harmoniously in the rolling prairie. The architecture and interiors reflect a rustic elegance—warm, welcoming, and reminiscent of the nearby ranches and farmland that define the region.
At the heart of the clubhouse is the dining room and bar, a lively social hub where meals are paired with panoramic views. After your meal, swing by the Golf Shop to pick up everything from a visor for sunny rounds to a jacket for breezy days on the course. For larger gatherings, the Party Barn offers a flexible and inviting space—ideal for group dinners of 12 or more, private business meetings, or evenings of entertainment that stretch into the night.
When planning your stay, there are two cottage styles to choose from: Executive or Owner’s. The property includes 15 total cottages—13 Executive Cottages and 2 Owner’s Cottages—each thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and privacy while encouraging connection in their shared common areas.
About the Unique Cuisine at GrayBull Club
Dining at GrayBull is anything but your ordinary golf club fare. Executive Chef Joey Falco creates dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Dishes are inspired by the region’s rich agricultural heritage, where farming is not just a tradition, but a way of life.
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back evening, enjoy a private meal in your cottage for a relaxed, intimate setting. Prefer something lively? Gather your group in the Party Barn or Clubhouse Dining Room for a shared meal.
And no day at GrayBull is complete without soaking in the views. Sip a handcrafted cocktail on your cottage deck or cozy up by the fire pit under a sky full of stars.
What Members Say About the Experience at GrayBull Club
“What makes #7 scary is the only bail out is long and left. With the typical wind coming from the south this makes a short hole with 3 sections very hard to get close to. Depending on the wind this 160 yard hole can require a PW to a 5 iron. Bunkers surround the front and middle sections of the green making this the shortest "par 5" in Nebraska.” – Landan Maassen, Head Golf Professional
Don’t just take our word that GrayBull Club is the ultimate Midwest stay-and-play destination. Members and their guests are raving about GrayBull’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere, the David McLay Kidd course design, and the hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable. Whether navigating the fairways, enjoying a chef-prepared meal, or relaxing in the luxurious cottages, members appreciate the perfect blend of challenge, comfort, and camaraderie that defines the GrayBull experience.
Even a stunning course like GrayBull has its fair share of beautiful challenges. Hole #7, for example, may not bring the luck its number implies. Head Golf Professional Landan Maassen says this hole is intimidating despite its short yardage, but also one of his favorites. To dive deeper into the most beloved and iconic holes, check out our feature on Holes We Love.
Though GrayBull is new to the private golf scene—opening in fall 2024 with its first full season in summer 2025—it’s already turning heads, in the press, GrayBull is earning national praise and industry recognition, including:
Best New Private Course (Designed by a future Hall of Fame Architect) – Sports Illustrated – 2024
Best of 2024 in the Golf Courses Category - Kingdom - 2024
GrayBull Posed ‘Perfect Balance’ Golf Challenge In Nebraska Sandhills - Forbes - 2024
Golf influencer Blair Wheeler visited GrayBull last fall, check out his trip highlight video.
Ready to Experience GrayBull Club?
Now you have the ultimate guide—everything you need to know about planning a trip to GrayBull Club in Maxwell, Nebraska. Members of Dormie Network can check cottage availability (Members Area login required) to see if your preferred dates are available, then contact any concierge to book.
