Layman's Hall

Pine Bluffs, Wyoming

Architects: Dennis Talich and Robin Wilhelm
Walkable: Mandatory
Hightlighted Holes: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9

I don’t think Leaning Rock Golf Course wants to be found. There are no signs directing visitors to its hiding spot atop the bluff overlooking the town, and it doesn’t show up on Google Maps without zooming in further than you think you’d need to. No tee times, no clubhouse, no carts. In fact, the photo of it on GolfPass is of a course on the other side of the state. If you’ve come to play Leaning Rock, you’ve come with intention.

Pine Bluffs is a small town on the border between Nebraska and Wyoming that sits along I-80 in the shadow of the eponymous bluff. The golf course is truly minimalist and I would be stunned if they moved even a yard of dirt. The tees are forgiving artificial mats built on wood bases while the greens are synthetic and feel like thin carpets secured to the ground which creates some interesting microcontours. Each one has three holes cut to mix it up each time you play.

While the tees and greens are consistent and true, the fairways here would be rough at any other course and rough that the members would be right to complain about. They do cut it down and it is visually distinct from the long native grass.

One: The first tee box is up the stairs from the parking lot. If you make the mistake I did and ignore them thinking they’re for the disc golf course (which they also are), head up there and play a tenth as it’s a dramatic opening to an unassuming course. From the top tee, you won’t be able to see the fairway but know it’s out there somewhere. Maybe don’t hit driver as a small grove of trees blocks a shot at the green with an opening from the left side of the hole. The green itself looks like a tetris piece.

Three: Our first par three is blind, over the crest of the hill towards the town’s water tanks. Fortunately, a port-a-potty sits directly behind the green, peaking up over the hill as an aiming post. Take this opportunity to walk toward the edge of the course for a scenic view of the town and the vast open Wyoming prairie.

Five: The fifth is genuinely a good hole. The, uh, fairway, is wide with some good movement as the hole trundles down to a blind green nestled at the edge of the pines.

Six: 175 yards from the back. On the scorecard, it’s listed as a par three. On the marker, it’s listed as a par four. Hit a smooth six on the green and give yourself an eagle putt.

Seven: One of the few places I found it talked about at all online mentioned this par three that required a shot over a port-a-potty. Let it be known that Pine Bluffs is open to feedback as the facilities have been moved out of the line of play. This hundred yard par three is played over a tree filled ravine to a three tiered green that has the only bunker on the course.

Nine: I couldn’t draw up a better finishing hole for Leaning Rock. At 207 yards, the par four on the sign is not a misprint. From the tee, the green is blocked out by the trees framing your shot. A 150 yard shot should leave you far enough back from the line of pines directly in the way of the green. You’ll have no option but to hit a wedge over to a green with a pronounced ridge running through it and that’s backed by a retaining wall.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t many golf courses like Leaning Rock. If you come looking to score, you’re here for the wrong reasons. It’s short, silly, unpredictable, and with the right attitude, fun. At five dollars for all day play, it’s also one of the best values in Eastern Wyoming. If you have an hour and are in the area, check it out. Assuming you can find it.