RAY – The Links of North Dakota, perched above Lake Sakakawea at Ray, has earned several prestigious awards in late 2024 and early 2025, according to information from Williston Economic Development.

During the 2025 Golf Business Conference in Orlando, Florida, held Jan. 20-22, The Links was honored with two major awards by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). The course was named Regional Course of the Year for the Midwest and received the National Player Development Award.

The Regional Course of the Year award recognizes excellence in course management, quality and community contributions. The Links’ achievement firmly places it among the best golf courses in the country.

The award was accepted by Owner Tom Powers, his wife Cheryl, and The Links’ GM/Head Golf Professional Zach McArthur, PGA.

“We are incredibly proud of our achievements and honored by this recognition,” Powers said. “It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our staff, and the support of our loyal guests. We look forward to building on these accomplishments and continuing our tradition of excellence for many years to come.”

Additionally, The Links of North Dakota was presented with the National Player Development Award for its exceptional commitment to growing the game of golf, particularly through its award-winning Junior Golf Program. The Junior Golf Program provides young players with opportunities to learn, compete and develop their skills in a welcoming environment.

“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in junior golf in Northwest North Dakota. Our Junior Golf Program continues to thrive, and these accolades reinforce the importance of developing the next generation of golfers,” Powers said.

In December 2024, The Links was also named Golf’s #1 Golf Course in North Dakota. After facing challenges due to an aging irrigation system, the Powers family and team invested millions of dollars to replace and upgrade the entire system from 2023-2024. By summer 2024, the course was back in prime condition. Receiving the #1 ranking in the state was an achievement primarily due to the massive efforts by Superintendent Gustavo Rodriquez and his staff.

“We are so grateful to Superintendent Gustavo Rodriquez and his staff for their tireless work,” said Cheryl Powers. “They so often go unrecognized as the backbone of the entire operation. Their success in keeping the course open even during the irrigation installation was due to the Herculean efforts of Gus and his amazing staff Alan, Alfonso, Samuel, Jack, and Josue.”

The Links of North Dakota outperformed other top courses in the state in Golf’s rankings, including Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck and Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora. The victory, however, was bittersweet as Tom and Cheryl were mourning the passing of their long-time business partner and friend, John Kasmer.

“Cheryl, Zach, and I would like to recognize John Kasmer, who was very instrumental in growing The Links – especially regarding his work at organizing amazing charitable events that raised over $4 million for local charities and causes over the past few years,” Tom Powers said.

The Links is a Williston STAR Fund past recipient, according to Williston Economic Development Information.