Golf Guide 2014

GOLF

GET ON

2014 Season | A Special Supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

COURSE

a look at Black Hills area

GOLF COURSES

premier Black Hills BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

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The

Destination

Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course is a regulation 9-Hole facility open to the golfing public. The course has a 285 ft. elevation change giving way to spectacular views of the historic Centennial Valley. Plans are underway for an additional 9 Holes.

In addition to a championship layout with an awesome Northern Black Hills backdrop, Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club offers upscale Practice Facilities. Along with large practice greens and bunkers, Elkhorn Ridge also hosts the regions only double-ended Driving Range, enabling customers to practice from both the east and west ends of the facility, allowing privacy and the luxury of practicing away from the rising and setting sun.

Golf:

9 Holes - $39 per person (+ tax) w/cart & water

All Day, Any Day

18 Holes - $69 per person (+ tax) w/cart & water

All Day, Every Day

REPLAY Rate - $30 per person (tax included) Completion of 9 Holes, Any Day

Twilight Rate - 9+ holes (+tax) Includes Cart & Water Varies: Ask for details, Any Day

Punch Cards:

(10) 9-Hole Punch Cards - $289

Fully transferable, does not include cart, expires at the end of 2014 season.

Unlimited Sgl. Adult Season Pass ........ $899 Spouse (Includes USGA Handicap Service) ............... $124 Each Child over age 12 ........................$89 25-Large Baskets (100+ Balls per Basket) Punch range Card .............................. $225 Effective 1-01-14

Driving Range:

Small basket (50 balls) - $6 Large Basket (100 balls) - $11 Tour basket (165 balls) - $15

All rates are plus tax except small, large & tour driving range baskets

Hours: 7am - Dusk Private, Semi-Private & Group Lessons available.

Directions: From Spearfish, I-90 East to Exit 17, south on US 85 .3 mi., then left on St. Onge Highway, North approximately 1 mi. Elkhorn Ridge Clubhouse on left just before I-90 Underpass

Jeremy Campos,

Head Golf pro.

GreG Brandriet

Golf Course superintendent

April 2014

BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

April 2014

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Elkhorn Ridge golf course to expand

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — The Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is planning expansion from nine holes to 18.

The current nine-hole, par-36 course measures 3,655 yards off the longest tees and offers views of the Centennial Valley. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is located on St. Onge Road about three miles east of Spearfish.

The initial nine holes, clubhouse, and practice facility were completed three years ago.

Jeremy Campos the director of golf P.G.A. Professional at Elkhorn Ridge said expansion plans are precisely the same as when they were announced in 2013.

“We have not set a date right now,” Campos said when asked about the starting date. “We hope to break ground this fall.”

Campos said it normally requires one year to shape the holes, plus another year to drill them in. He hopes the project will be competed in the fall of 2016.

The addition of nine holes would help make the course competitive with other area golf courses, Campos said.

“With the new expansion of the new nine (holes), especially with the holes that can be built in the canyon, it’s going be up there with the Red Rocks and the Devils Tower type of golf courses, more of a modern design,” said Campos.

Campos said the expansion would benefit everybody.

“It’s going to provide the city with another option (to play golf) with the 18 holes, and it should increase revenue for the golf course,” Campos said.

Daryll Propp from Denver, Colo., owns the Elkhorn Ridge development and said now is the perfect time to expand to the full 18 holes.

“Our golf course rounds are up, golfers love the course, and it’s just time to complete the 18 holes as originally envisioned,” said

Propp. “Now that we have full ownership of the property (recently transferred from the city of Spearfish), we are willing to invest in completing the championship layout.”

Patrick Wyss, golf course architect with Wyss Associates, Inc. of Rapid City, the course designers said once it is completed, the course would be 7,300 yards long from the back tees, with multiple tees to offer enjoyment and challenge for all levels of golfers.

“The parcels of land set aside for the back nine are simply spectacular. We have limestone canyons, running water, panoramic views and abundant vegetation to offer a remarkable setting for this golf course.

The design integrates the existing dramatic landscape with each new golf hole,” Wyss said.

Wyss was the lead architect for the nine holes currently at Elkhorn Ridge. He will again help with the design of the back nine holes.

Campos assumed the role as the course professional on Jan. 1, after spending more than three years here as an assistant. He succeeds JR Hamblet, who moved to Rapid City.

“There are a lot more administrative things,” Campos said in describing the change from assistant to head professional. “I oversee everything now instead of daily operations and tournaments.”

Campos said overseeing all operational facets would pose the biggest challenge for him.

He added he most looks forward to seeing the back nine being built, having a great public area, and carrying on the customer service tradition the course has established.

Practice facilities at Elkhorn Ridge Country Club feature the region’s only double-ended driving range. Tee areas, target greens, and a greenside practice bunker are also included.

The clubhouse offers a full-service golf shop, plus food and beverage services.

The Elkhorn Ridge Country Club has many elevated tees with scenic views, like the Call Elkhorn Ridge Country Club at 722tee box on hole No. 5. Courtesy photo 4653 for more information.

Belle Fourche Country Club challenges golfers Pioneer Staff Reports BELLE FOURCHE — Golfers at Belle Fourche Country Club encounter a hole that is sure to challenge everyone who plays it.

The 210-yard par-3 second hole is regarded as the course’s signature hole.

Board of directors president Nate Bowman attributed that to a downhill shot, plus a small green.

Belle Fourche Country Club opened in 1935. The nine-hole course stretches 3,027 yards and is a par 36.

Fairways are narrow and lined with trees. The course features small greens and scattered bunkers. Water hazards mark three of the holes.

What would entice a golfer to try Belle Fourche Country Club?

“Our greens are probably the best around,” Bowman said. “The

course is also good for players of all ages.”

A driving range and putting green are available, along with a restaurant and bar.

Bowman said an outside seating area was added near the clubhouse, and plans call for installing a patio this summer.

Other recent renovations include new tee boxes, sand traps, and grass bunkers.

Wally Kiewel has served as the course’s superintendent and head groundskeeper for more than 30 years,.

Belle Fourche High School teams use the course for practices and home events.

The course is on Highway 34, just west of that road’s intersection with Highway 85.

Call the course at (605) 892-3472 for more information.

A golfer hits from fairway No. 9 at the Belle Fourche Country Club Golf Course.

Pioneer file photo

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April 2014

Tomahawk Lake Country Club surrounded by beauty

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

Tomahawk Lake Country Club provides golfers with picturesque views, like the one from the green on hole No. 1. Courtesy photo

LEAD —DEADWOOD — Tomahawk Lake Country Club offers scenery and history for golfers of all types.

The course is located seven miles south of Deadwood just off of Highway 385.

Open meadows and pine trees dominate the course, which sets about one mile above sea level in the Black Hills National Forest.

The nine-hole, par-36 course spans 3,390 yards off the longest tees.

Board President, Mark “Spiro” Speirs, said No. 6 serves as the course’s signature hole.

The 320-yard, par-4 hole features an elevated tee box and small green. A 10-acre practice area enables golfers to warm up before going on the course.

The clubhouse features a bar, restaurant facilities, deck, and seating area. A pro shop provides merchandise, balls, and clubs. Cart storage and two private locker rooms are included. Tomahawk Country Club is the only nationally recognized historical golf course in SD. Famed course designer Lawrence Hughes designed the Tomahawk course in 1936. He also designed numerous courses like the California-based La Quinta Country Club, but Tomahawk represented his first independent effort, along with architect Harry Rainville from St Onge.

The course may be reached by calling 578-2080.

Rocky Knoll Golf Course is an adventure

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer CUSTER — Rocky Knolls Golf Course, near Custer, is a nine-hole, par-32 course that spans 3,084 yards from the longest tees.

General manager and outside superintendent Steve Price regards number 1 as one of the course’s signature holes. He said a golfer tees off into a landing, and the second shot is where the adventure begins.

“That second shot has to go through a narrow gap, and it can be very unforgiving,” said Price, who estimated that gap as 25 to 30 yards. This 417-yard hole is a par 5.

Number 8 also poses a major challenge, according to Price. He said a golfer must have a straight shot on this 184-yard par 3, or things can be difficult. Price added it features a high tee and drops roughly 150 feet to a large green.

Price said the Black Hills scenery would entice golfers to try this course for a round, or a day. “The course was always there, and we chipped away what we didn’t need,” he explained.

Tee times may be made up to 14 days in advance, and shirts are required on the course. Golfers may see wildlife like deer, woodchucks, and wild turkeys.

Cart rental, bar and kitchen facilities, club rental, and a pro shop are available on site. Price said the pro shop and kitchen have undergone renovations in the recent past.

Price said Rocky Knolls is working on promotions to attract people who may wish to play after 6 p.m.

Rocky Knolls Golf Course is located 2/3 miles west of downtown Custer along Highway 16.

Call the course at (605) 673-4481for more information. Golfers tee off from multiple elevated tees the Rocky Knoll Golf Course in Custer. Pioneer file photo

BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

April 2014

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Designed by renowned golf course architect Lawrence Hughes in the mid 1930’s, Tomahawk Lake Country Club is a picturesque nine-hole, par 36 course located just seven miles south of Historic Deadwood, South Dakota.

From narrow fairways lined by tall pine trees to dramatic elevation changes from tee box to green, all 3,390 yards meanders through the Black Hills National Forest to provide a challenging course.

This clubhouse offers golfers a full service bar and restaurant plus a large deck to enjoy. Also a driving range and a putting and chipping practice green.

2014 SEASON RATES: All prices are subject to sales tax.

With this coupon

Play 18 Holes for the price of 9 Holes

Daily Green Fees: (Tee Times on Sat. & Sun. only) 9 Holes - $18 Monday-Thursday, $20 Friday-Sunday 18 Holes - $34 Monday-Thursday, $36 Friday-Sunday 9 Hole Punch Card (10 punches per card) for $150.00

605-578-2080 www.golftomahawk.com

Check out our Twilight Rates • Corporate Membership Available

21496 US HWY 385 , DEADWOOD, SD 57732

with cart rental required

Tomahawk Country Club Hwy 385 S, Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-2080

Open golf closes at dark and 4:00 pm on Wednesday for Ladie’s Day and Thursday for Men’s Day.

605-578-2080

WWW.GOLFTOMAHAWK.COM

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April 2014

Lead Country Club Golf Course has history Pioneer Staff Reports

The Lead Country Club Golf Course is the home course for the Lead-Deadwood Golddiggers boys’ golf team.

Courtesy photo

Lead Country Club bills itself as “the highest course east of the Rockies” with an elevation of about 6,200 feet.

The nine-hole, par-36 course measures 3,331 yards off the longest tees and features small, receptive greens. It is located seven miles south of Lead on Highway 85 and off Rochford Road.

Lead Country Club was built in 1922 and offered some of the region’s first grass greens.

The course’s claim to fame is the first hole, which features an elevated tee. This tee box was rebuilt in 2009 after many years of being an artificial turf mat.

General Manager Al Varland said a golfer needs accuracy on this hole.

“All of the holes have small greens,” Varland said.

“The slope of the course makes all holes interesting.”

Improvements like elevated tees, permanent outdoor toilets, and paved parking lot have occurred over the past five years.

The club is currently remodeling the clubhouse, located in a building that was erected in 1923. Varland said that effort started upstairs in an old meeting room, and plans for this year call for renovating the exterior.

Golf cart rentals are available on the site, which also features a driving range. A small kitchen is located inside the clubhouse.

What would entice a golfer to give Lead Country Club a try?

“Our course is the oldest in the Black Hills,” Varland said. “It is also one of the Black Hills’ more challenging courses.”

Rick Varland serves as the superintendent and greens keeper.

Call the course at 584-1852 for more information.

Boulder Canyon Country Club provides canyon atmosphere

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS — Boulder Canyon Country Club is a nine-hole, par-36 course nestled along Highway 14A between Sturgis and Deadwood.

The total distance from the longest tees measures 3,393 yards.

Board president Dana Limbo said the 542-yard, par-5 third hole is the course’s most well known.

He described it as being a “risk-reward” hole.

“A golfer must hit over the water and trees on the second shot,” Limbo said in describing hole No. 3.

He added the course offers several drivable par 4s.

Those par 4 distances range from 302 yards on number 5 to 486 yards on number 8.

All distances listed are from the longest tees.

Golfers must wear soft spikes or nonspiked shoes while on the course. Tee times are required for play.

Non-members must call three days in advance to establish a tee time.

Members need to call seven days beforehand.

“It’s a great place to play,” Limbo said in describing the course’s appeal. “It has

a canyon atmosphere and is not surrounded by homes.”

Limbo said some holes are located on the side of a hill.

“When you stand, the ball is either above or below your feet,” he said.

Course improvements over the past couple of years include some new tee boxes and planting of numerous trees. Limbo said the board is considering future improvements like an outdoor restroom by one of the holes.

The clubhouse offers a full-service restaurant and bar; breakfast is served all day.

A driving range, three practice greens along with sand trap, cart rental, and club rental are available on the site.

Tom Lorius is the superintendent in charge of the grounds.

Boulder Canyon Country Club offers three special days each week.

Ladies Day takes place from 3-6 p.m.

Tuesdays. Couples-Family Day occurs each Wednesday from 4 p.m. until dark.

Men’s Day is each Thursday from noon until dark.

Tuesdays also offer half-price rates on greens fees.

Call the course at 347-5108 for more information.

The Boulder Canyonn Country Club in Sturgis offers a canyon atmosphere.

Courtesy photo

April 2014

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At 6,200 ft. elevation, Lead Country Club is the Highest Course East of the Rockies. Lead Country Club was one of the first golf courses built in the Black Hills in 1922 and the clubhouse was built in 1923. Lead Country Club is known for primarily two things... our small, but receptive, undulating greens, and our world famous #1 tee. The tee shot is one of the prettiest and most demanding golf shots in the Black Hills... and you get to try it right in front of everyone in the Clubhouse. We are family and group friendly and while we don’t take tee times, if your group is over 5, we suggest calling ahead.

Lead Country Club is a member owned, 9 hole full service Country Club. We are a Par 36 with Red, White, and Blue tees. The Clubhouse offers breakfast and lunch as well as a full bar and newly remodeled banquet room.

We have a variety of membership choice - from singles to families and corporate packages.

Fees: 9 holes - $20/walk • $30/cart, 18 holes - $40/walk • $55/cart Mens Day: Wednesday 11am to close

Course Open May 1st - Oct. 15th (weather permitting) Clubhouse open 7:00 a.m. till dark 11208 Ironwood Lane • 605-584-1852

Located 7 miles south of Lead on Hwy 85 off the Rochford Road.

V I S I T U S O N FA C E B O O K O R O N L I N E AT L E A D C O U N T R Y C L U B . C O M

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swing

BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

April 2014

get into the

of things!

• Driving range & practice facilities • Only 18 hole facility in the Northern Hills • Tournament outing packages available • Lessons with golf professional available • SDGA & SDHSAA Championship Venue • Fully stocked Pro Shop with brand name equipment & apparel

Spearfish Canyon Country Club Full Restaurant & Bar

120 Spearfish Canyon Rd., Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-4653 • SpearfishCanyonCountryClub.com

April 2014

BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

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Spearfish Canyon Country Club plans major changes

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Spearfish Canyon Country Club board members are planning changes that affect the driving range and at least four holes.

The course and clubhouse are currently east of the road going up Spearfish Canyon, but the driving range is currently on the west side.

Kortan said the relocation would make the range more complete, take care of its length-related limitations, and enhance control.

“Things have not changed from a conceptual standpoint, but some small details have changed,” Spearfish Canyon Country Club professional Rob Kortan said. He added the master plan has seen three revisions, which are normal for a project of any type.

Some of those small details include adding tee boxes on holes 8 and 9. Plans also call for rebuilding tees on the 10th and 16th holes.

Golfers must currently cross the road from the clubhouse to get to the range.

The range measures 225 yards from the tees to netting near the property line.

Kortan said the range is downhill, which allows balls to travel further.

Golf balls wind up on Colorado Boulevard or bounce off the ambulance facility at the end of the range, Kortan said.

The new driving range would measure 270 to 300 yards, depending on tee location. Kortan said it would play significantly uphill.

Kortan said the club wants to be able to host state amateur events. One of the requirements is a practice facility where golfers can use their drivers to warm up.

The range shift is only part of the preThe Northern Black Hills provide a scenic backdrop to some holes at the Spearfish Canyon liminary plan.

“Along with relocation of the range, we Country Club Golf. Courtesy photo

get to make some very positive changes with regard to how the course is currently laid out,” Kortan said of the Spearfish Canyon Country Club board.

Hole number 2 would be renovated.

The fourth and fifth holes would be abandoned, with two new holes built in their places. Kortan said the location of the current fifth green makes it hard to keep alive during winter.

Kortan said the new fourth hole would set east of its current site. Hole 5 would be a variation of the current sixth hole. The new hole 6 will be a par 3.

Kortan stressed the plans are very preliminary, but five holes would remain virtually unchanged. Those holes are 1, 3, 7, 8, and 9.

Holes 8 and 9 will receive new tee boxes, plans also call for rebuilding of the 10th and 16th tees this year. Kortan said those are some of the small details in the master plan’s first phase.

The renovation plan was not a spur-ofthe-moment decision by the board.

“It’s a situation we’ve always kind of had in the back of our minds,” Kortan said. The board hired Phelps-Atkinson Golf Course Design three years ago and started looking at a long-range master plan.

Proceeds from a club disposition of two land areas would pay for this project, according to Kortan. One of those is the current driving range. The other is east of Hole 2 along the Stone Gate Village Road.

The course land is zoned open space recreational. Kortan said the board may sell the land as is, or try to rezone the land before selling. He added the board has not yet made that decision.

Kortan said planned starting dates have not been decided, and they depend on land disposition. He added there has been some activity, and things may soon move forward.

Rapid City has a variety of golf courses Pioneer Staff Reports RAPID CITY — The Rapid City area gives golfers a variety of golf courses to choose from, including Praire Ridge, Executive, Fountain Springs Golf Club and the Elks Golf Course.

Prairie Ridge Golf Course’s signature hole may make people think twice about adopting 7 as their lucky number.

Number 7 is considered the course’s “signature hole.” This 233-yard, par-3 hole requires a tee shot over a creek to reach the green.

“Depending on the wind speed, a person can play this short or long,” superintendent Jim Holec said of number 7.

The nine-hole course, located outside the gates at Ellsworth Air Force Base, features a par-36 layout for men and par 35 for wom-

en. Total distance measures 3,228 yards from the longest tees.

Water comes into play on five holes.

The course also boasts narrow fairways with solid landing areas.

Prairie Ridge offers a driving range, practice bunker, cart rental, club rental, and putting and chipping greens.

A pro shop and snack bar are in the clubhouse.

Jeff Mulz serves as the course’s golf professional during the summer.

The course is located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Location could play a part in a person’s decision to play here.

“It’s like an air show some days with the B-1s flying over,” Holec said. “The course may not look challenging, but it is.”

The course requires players to wear a shirt and shoes, but the shoes may not have metal spikes.

Tee times are required two days in advance.

Prairie Ridge is located at 239 North Ellsworth Street in Box Elder.

Call the course at (605) 9234999 for more information.

The nine-hole Executive Golf Course features a par-29 layout that spans 1,323 yards off the longest tees.

Clubs and carts are available for rent. Golfers may not wear metal spikes while on the course.

A golf professional is available.

The Executive course is located at 200 12th Street in Rapid City.

Call the course at (605) 3944124 for more information.

Fountain Springs Golf Club in

Rapid City is one of the area’s shorter courses.

The 9-hole “Fountain Springs” course features 2,880 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 35 .

The course rating is 33.8 with a slope rating of 128.

Fountain Springs is a daily fee golf course with a ‘Open To Public’ guest policy. Designed

by Mark Simpson, the Fountain Springs golf course opened in 1993.

Fountain Springs is located at 1750 Fountain Plaza Drive in Rapid City.

Call the course at (605) 3424653 for more information.

The Elks Golf Course offers lots of variety and challenge for golfers of all experience levels.

The 18-hole, par-71 course measures 5,909 yards off the longest tees.

Creek-side vistas dominate the front nine. Golfers may see wildlife including ducks, deer, geese, and the occasional wild turkey or mink.

Elevated tees are featured on the back nine, which also allows chances for birds to nest. Views of prairie lands and the Badlands dominate the scenery.

A pro shop offers the newest merchandise.

Golf professionals offer lessons; club-fitting services are also available.

The course also offers a full-service bar and dining room. A driving range, rental carts, and rental clubs are offered.

Golfers may not wear metal spikes on the course.

The Elks course is located at 3333 East 39th Street in Rapid City. Call (605) 393-0522 for more information.

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

April 2014

Meadowbrook Golf Course provides challenging holes

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer RAPID CITY — South Dakota has hosted only two United States Golf Association events.

Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City sponsored one, the USGA Women’s Public Links Championships in 1984.

Meadowbrook was also honored to host the 2009 and 2010 NAIA College Women’s National Golf Championships.

The Meadowbrook course features 18 holes spanning a total of 6,933 yards from the longest tees.

Par on this course is 72.

Rapid Creek comes into play on five holes.

The course features more than 60 bunkers.

David Gill Corporation of St. Charles, Ill., designed the layout in the mid-1970s.

Golf pro Matt Kimball considers hole No. 9 as Meadowbrook’s “signature hole.”

He said the three-shot par 5 double doglegs around large cottonwood trees.

“Golfers must cross Rapid Creek twice en route to the green,” said Kimball, who provides golf instruction by appointment.

Meadowbrook superintendent JJ

Walraven regards number 18 as another signature hole.

“This par 5 is the finishing hole, and the creek is on the right side,” he said.

“It is 10 or 15 yards from the fairway.”

A full-service pro shop is available at the clubhouse, along with snack bar and grill facilities.

A driving range and two practice greens are also at the course.

Golf cart rentals are available, and people may store their carts on site.

Walraven said Meadowbrook is ranked as the state’s number 3 golf course.

“It’s easy to walk and doesn’t have any big hills,” he added. “It has a park-like atmosphere, is in the heart of Rapid City, and easy to get to.”

Changes for the near future include a new restaurant vendor, a new fleet of EZ-Go golf carts, and use of a Starter Shack that has not been used in five years.

Kimball said those changes would result in improved customer service.

The 60 bunkers occupy a total area of 55,000 square feet.

The course is at 3625 Jackson Boulevard, in Rapid City.

Call the course at 394-4191 for Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City presentss more than 60 bunkers that golfers have to more information. navigate around. Courtesy photo

Feel better.

Move better.

Play better.

Don’t let your pain or injuries keep you from enjoying a day on the course.

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Cathy Sulentic-Morcom, MPT Owner/Physical Therapist Kim Cockrum, MSPT • Brandie Rainboth, DPT, OCS

520 N. Canyon St., Spearfish • 605-642-7996 • www.bhphysicaltherapy.com

April 2014

BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE

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Southern Hills Golf Course extends to 18 holes Pioneer Staff Reports HOT SPRINGS — Hot Springs is home to Southern Hills Golf Course, one of the few 18-hole courses in the area.

Southern Hills Golf Course is a par-70 course measuring 5,905 yards off the longest tees. The course features many ravines and ponderosa pine trees.

Both nine-hole sides boast a par 35. The front nine spans 2,969 yards off the longest tees. The back nine covers 2,936 yards.

Golfers will likely see mule deer, wild turkey, and cottontail rabbits. A red fox has also made an occasional appearance.

General Manager Jason Happe said number 10 and number 11 are the course’s signature holes.

Number 10 is a 147-yard, par-3 hole featuring a water hazard between the tee box and green.

The 11th hole contains a ravine in front of the green. Number 11 measures 338 yards from the longest tees, and it is a par 4.

Happe said those holes stand out because of the scenery and challenge. He added the 10th hole also boasts a 75-foot elevation change, while number 11 has a narrow fairway.

Course personnel will add several trees to make numbers 9 and 17 more challenging, according to Happe.

Happe cited the playability and enjoyment factors as reasons to give the course a try.

He said this course is not as busy as others in the area.

Southern Hills Golf Course also offers club rentals, cart rentals, a snack bar, and new pro shop.

The course is located at 1130 Clubhouse Drive, just off Highway 18 in Hot Springs.

Call the course at 745-6400 for more information. The Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs puts golfers in touch with nature. Courtesy photo

Hart Ranch host to championship events Pioneer Staff Reports

Hart Ranch in Rapid City offers wavy big greens to make putting a challenge for golfers.

Courtesy photo

RAPID CITY — Hart Ranch Golf Course has hosted many South Dakota State Championship events since becoming an 18-hole course in 1995.

This course located south of Rapid City boasts a par-72 layout spanning 6,841 yards off the longest of tees.

One-half of the course rests along a ridge, and the rest is out in the open.

The front nine is a par 36 that measures 3,361 yards off the longest tees.

The back nine spans 3,480 yards off the longest tees and is also a par 36.

Head professional Craig Hatch said the first five holes give golfers a lot of room. Trees create a smaller margin for error starting on number 6.

“We say you can take five holes to warm up,” Hatch said. “Then, you need to start paying attention.”

Assistant pro Dustin Lecy offers lessons along with Hatch.

Hatch said the back nine in general serves as Hart Ranch’s signature holes.

“The course gets harder as you go along,” Hatch in in describing the back nine. “Holes 12 through 18 offer a combination of length of holes.” Hatch said that Spring Creek winds through the grounds.

Hatch said the course also features wavy, big greens.

“There is not a shot you can take off,” he said.

The course underwnt some changes in 2013.

One was providing easier access to number 16 and the other was installing a new ladies’ tee box on number 15.

Hart Ranch is close to Rapid City, but Hatch said the environment is like leaving town. “It’s really quiet here,” he said.

Hatch said the course runs Internet specials if price is an issue.

Club rentals and cart rentals are available at Hart Ranch.

The course boasts one of the Black Hills’ largest driving ranges, along with putting greens, chipping greens, and practice bunkers.

Hart Ranch also contains a snack bar, plus an outdoor grill for the weekends.

The facility also offers the Professional Golfers Association Family Course program, which uses a beginner-friendly short course.

Patrick H. Wyss and Associates of Rapid City designed the course. This firm has designed several courses in South Dakota.

Hart Ranch Golf Course is located at 23645 Clubhouse Drive in the Rapid City area.Call the course at 341-5703 for more information.

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April 2014