The Bluffs
Course at a glance
The Bluffs is an 18-hole golf course in Vermillion, South Dakota (57069). The course was designed by Patrick Wyss and opened in 1996. From the White tees, The Bluffs plays to 5,526 yards at par 72. The course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 4,627 to 5,526 yards, giving players of every ability a comfortable length. It carries a slope rating of 121 and a course rating of 71.2, modestly above the 113 World Handicap System baseline and playable for most handicaps. That ranks it harder than roughly 57% of rated golf courses in South Dakota. It is a public course open to daily-fee play. Walking is permitted. A full driving range is available for warm-up and practice. The course is conditioned with bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways. Hazards include 21-30 bunkers and water hazards in play. Tee times at The Bluffs are booked through the course's official website or pro shop; Stymie does not show live tee-time inventory.
About The Bluffs
The Bluffs is a 18-hole golf course located in Vermillion, South Dakota (57069). The course was designed by Patrick Wyss and established in 1996. From the White tees, the course plays to 5,526 yards with a par of 72. The White tees carry a slope rating of 121 and a course rating of 71.2.
Walking is permitted.
The Bluffs offers a moderately challenging layout with a slope rating of 128, putting it in the upper half of courses in South Dakota for difficulty. The course provides a fair test for golfers of most skill levels.
The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,627 to 5,526 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
Golf in South Dakota typically runs from May through October. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with lower humidity and fewer crowds. Book early for prime weekend morning tee times during peak summer months.
Par
72
Length
5,526
Slope
121
Rating
71.2
Course Difficulty Analysis
128
This Course
126
SD Average
113
US Average
Based on 77 rated courses in South Dakota
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WhiteWomen's | 121 | 71.2 | 339 | 417 | 326 | 310 | 132 | 465 | 320 | 160 | 289 | 2758 | 301 | 314 | 145 | 336 | 296 | 470 | 304 | 163 | 439 | 2768 | 5,526 |
WhiteMen's | 114 | 66.4 | 339 | 417 | 326 | 310 | 132 | 465 | 320 | 160 | 289 | 2758 | 301 | 314 | 145 | 336 | 296 | 470 | 304 | 163 | 439 | 2768 | 5,526 |
Blue | 120 | 70.0 | 339 | 417 | 326 | 310 | 132 | 465 | 320 | 160 | 289 | 2758 | 301 | 314 | 145 | 336 | 296 | 470 | 304 | 163 | 439 | 2768 | 5,526 |
Gold | 128 | 72.5 | 339 | 417 | 326 | 310 | 132 | 465 | 320 | 160 | 289 | 2758 | 301 | 314 | 145 | 336 | 296 | 470 | 304 | 163 | 439 | 2768 | 5,526 |
Red | 109 | 66.5 | 276 | 364 | 256 | 300 | 90 | 379 | 286 | 98 | 253 | 2302 | 250 | 278 | 114 | 292 | 233 | 405 | 253 | 135 | 365 | 2325 | 4,627 |
Red | 98 | 62.7 | 276 | 364 | 256 | 300 | 90 | 379 | 286 | 98 | 253 | 2302 | 250 | 278 | 114 | 292 | 233 | 405 | 253 | 135 | 365 | 2325 | 4,627 |
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 72 | ||
| HCP | 14 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 17 | 15 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 5 |
Which Tees Should I Play?
The Bluffs offers 6 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round. Not sure? Use the tee recommendation calculator with your driver distance.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
White | 5,526 | 121 | 71.2 | 20-30 |
White | 5,526 | 114 | 66.4 | 20-30 |
Blue | 5,526 | 120 | 70.0 | 20-30 |
Gold | 5,526 | 128 | 72.5 | 20-30 |
Red | 4,627 | 109 | 66.5 | 25+ |
Red | 4,627 | 98 | 62.7 | 25+ |
Amenities at The Bluffs
The Bluffs features a full driving range, a pro shop. The driving range is available for warmup or practice.
How to Book a Tee Time
Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory for The Bluffs. Use the official course website or phone number below to confirm availability and book. You can also book directly through the facility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bluffs a public or private golf course?
The Bluffs is a public golf course located in Vermillion, SD. The course is open to the public for daily fee play.
How many holes does The Bluffs have?
The Bluffs is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1996. The course was designed by Patrick Wyss.
What is the yardage at The Bluffs?
From the White tees, The Bluffs plays to 5,526 yards (par 72). The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,627 to 5,526 yards.
What is the slope rating at The Bluffs?
The White tees at The Bluffs have a slope rating of 121 and a course rating of 71.2. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is above average difficulty.
Can you walk The Bluffs?
Yes, walking is allowed at The Bluffs. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at The Bluffs?
Visit the official course website at https://www.thebluffsgc.com/ or call +1 605-677-7058 to confirm current availability and book. Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory; alerts are in development.
What amenities does The Bluffs offer?
The Bluffs offers a driving range, a pro shop.
Where is The Bluffs located?
The Bluffs is located at 2021 East Main Street in Vermillion, SD 57069. You can reach them at +1 605-677-7058.
What is the difficulty level at The Bluffs?
The Bluffs is classified as above average difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 128. It plays harder than 57% of golf courses in South Dakota. The average slope rating in South Dakota is 126. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at The Bluffs?
The Bluffs offers 6 tee sets. White tees (5,526 yards, slope 121) are recommended for higher-handicap golfers and seniors. Red tees (4,627 yards, slope 98) are recommended for beginners and casual golfers. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at The Bluffs?
Beginners at The Bluffs should play the Red tees, which play 4,627 yards with a slope of 98. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What is the course handicap for a 15 Handicap Index at The Bluffs?
A golfer with a 15.0 Handicap Index playing the Gold tees (slope 128, rating 72.5) at The Bluffs has a course handicap of 17, using the World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Course handicap is the number of handicap strokes received from that tee — it is not a prediction of what a golfer will score. Enter your handicap index on Stymie to see your course handicap for every tee.
How long does a round take at The Bluffs?
A typical round at The Bluffs takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.