MAXWELL, Nebraska– GrayBull Club is Dormie Network’s seventh masterpiece to join the national collection of stay-and-play private golf destinations. Located in the Nebraska Sandhills, amidst the largest sand dune formations in the Western Hemisphere, GrayBull is at the heart of America’s holy land for golf.
It’s open for the rest of the summer – here’s a look into the club starting with how it all began.
In 2021, Dormie Network turned its focus to an accessible yet secluded group golf trip destination in Nebraska, built from the ground up in the Sandhills. But this location isn’t just any ordinary land, and the choice of golf course architect was key to bringing the vision to life.
“From our first round of golf together at Bandon Dunes in 2021, we clicked,” said Zach Peed, Dormie Network President, of course architect, David McLay Kidd.
The pair worked together to select the land that would ultimately become Dormie Network’s seventh heaven club and first bespoke build, but it didn’t come easy. The land was not ideal for ranching. Ranchers want flat land, golfers don’t. So a fortuitous match was made in Maxwell, Nebraska.
“Being a direct influence on land selection is rare in the industry, which makes it even more exciting to build,” said Kidd. “Golfers want to go to a place and actually experience the place, and golf is the excuse for doing so. This land is special – there’s nothing but you and Mother Nature in its rawest, simplest, most beautiful form.”
In June 2022, the vision became a reality when GrayBull broke ground. Later in November 2023, Dormie Network assembled the team that would lead this club to being a top Midwest golf trip destination for group stay-and-plays, being named Top 5 Best New Golf Course and in the Top 200 Courses by Golf Digest. But as fate would have it, every triumphant story must have a setback. On Feb. 26, 2024, Mother Nature decided to act.
The Betty’s Way Fire, a massive wildfire scorched the region of western Nebraska, with GrayBull in its path. Thanks to preventative measures in place and swift actions of the GrayBull team, led by Director of Agronomy Michael Sheely, the course was unscathed, and construction remained on schedule.
GrayBull’s opening in August 2024 marked the realization of a dream—a dream built on the principles of exceptional golf, seamless service, and an unwavering commitment to group entertainment.
Now, a year later, Graybull celebrates a successful inaugural full season.
“Year one for GrayBull Club was a wild one, but couldn’t have been more of a success. We’ve seen everything from wildfires, wild horses, tornadoes, and hole-in-ones,” said Tyler Hadden, General Manager of Graybull Club.
“The team and culture here are something our members can take pride in, all at a facility that offers some of the best golf and amenities around. We can’t thank our Dormie Network members enough for the support we have received since opening day. GrayBull is one of the best experiences in golf!”
A true Midwest stay-and-play destination, GrayBull caters to the needs of groups of all sizes, making it an ideal golf club to bring your friends and colleagues alike. GrayBull opened on day one to the Dormie standard of first-class facilities, pristine course conditions, and cottages onsite for members to make the most of the evening entertainment available at Network tournaments and private events.
One standout element of GrayBull Club is its strategic location, intentionally remote without being hard to get to. Nearby airports include North Platte Regional Airport (22 miles), Searle Field in Ogallala (80 miles), Kearney Regional Airport (100 miles), and Denver International Airport (280 miles).
GrayBull Club’s atmosphere and design are inspired by the land’s ranching origins. The clubhouse, designed by Sinclair Hille, rests harmoniously in the beautiful, undisturbed landscape of the Nebraska Sandhills. Its wood-clad exterior and long, low roofline allow the structure to blend into the surrounding grasslands. Inside is an open concept with a warm and distinctive rustic quality, using wood ceilings and walls and hints of aged metals as a frame to panoramic views of the course through its large picture windows.
The Comfort Station, located near the No. 3 and No. 9 greens, is stocked with a variety of fan-favorite snacks, from savory beef jerky to refreshingly sweet Transfusion slushies. For something more substantial, don’t miss the daily homemade Bierocks – freshly baked pockets of golden bread filled with a savory mix of meat and cheese, a popular Nebraska specialty.
GrayBull is unique to the Network in that it has two Owner’s Cottages in addition to 13 Executive Cottages. Each Owner’s Cottage totals 5,408 square feet over two levels. With a variety of spaces for relaxation and play, these unique lodging options also feature a private chef’s kitchen for bespoke culinary experiences cooked to personal specifications by Executive Chef Joey Falco.
The lower-level highlights include a pool table, golf simulator, TVs, and bar—the ideal post-round activities. The upper level showcases an expansive common area with high arched ceilings and exposed wood beams, a spacious living room with a fireplace and TV, and a formal dining room. The staircase, framed by two stories of windows, floods the space with natural light and offers stunning views of the Sandhills.