GET ON COURSE 2022 SEASON
Golf a look at
BLACK HILLS AREA COURSES
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE BLACK HILLS PIONEER
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
PAGE 2
Come out and
MAY 2022
play
• Championship 18-hole golf course • Driving range • Short game facilities • Tournament outing packages available • Lessons with golf professional available • SDGA & SDHSAA Championship Venue • Fully stocked Pro Shop with brand name equipment & apparel • Full restaurant & bar
120 Spearfish Canyon Road, Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-4653 • spearfishcanyongolf.com
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
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SPEARFISH CANYON
GOLF CLUB enhances services BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
S
pearfish Canyon Golf Club has served as the Northern Hills’ first 18-hole golf course since its expansion in 1988. This course includes a driving range on the property. The entrance is on the turnoff into Spearfish Canyon, just off of Colorado Boulevard. Ponderosa pine, oak, and Black Hills spruce trees surround the par-36 back nine which measures 3,225 yards off the longest tees and 2,086 yards off the shortest tees. The back nine opened shortly after the club was established in 1921. This was the front nine for many years but is now the back nine after an extensive renovation that began in 2018, at some of the holes. Golfers check in at the clubhouse and navigate a tunnel under Colorado Boulevard to reach the front nine on the north side of the road, and they will start there unless maintenance issues dictate otherwise. Rolling hills and large greens are featured on the par36 front nine section. The total distance measures 3,519 yards from the longest tees and 2,471 yards off the shortest tees. Back-nine distances from the longest tees range from 187 yards on the par-3, 11th hole
(163 yards off the shortest tee); to 564 yards off the par-5, third hole (385 yards off the shortest tee). Distances from the longest tees of the back nine range from 132 yards off the par3, 11th hole (87 yards off the shortest tee) to 561 yards off the par-5, 18th hole (364 yards off the shortest tee). Number 17 is regarded as the course’s signature hole because of the scenery. This 183-yard, par-3 hole (112 yards off the shortest tee) includes a prominent view of Spearfish Canyon. Holes 10 through 15 on the back nine have changed from past years. Spearfish Canyon Golf Club General Manager Rob Kortan said four new greens were built, with two of the older greens still being used. “Three of the new four greens are a little bit larger on average than what we had,” Kortan said. He added one of the new greens (on hole 2) is smaller than before. Work on realigning the holes and the creation of the new driving range began right after Thanksgiving 2018. This project was completed in 2020. Course improvements
PIONEER PHOTOS BY DENNIS KNUCKLES and the driving range formally dedicated in mid-June. Kortan said the driving range has improved the functionality of the course. He added it is easier to control what is happening. “The person who values the ability to practice would certainly think that would be a huge improvement,” Kortan said. He added those who simply play would place more importance on the new holes. The full-length driving range spans 300-340 yards from the tees. Kortan said the tee box is roughly 200 feet wide, with industry standards calling for 10-12 feet per station. What about the golfer who is deciding whether to try Spearfish Canyon Golf Course? Kortan pointed to the 18-hole course as an asset and cited
other factors. “We have an excellent level of service,” Kortan said. “We treat our customers with gratitude and respect. “Course conditions have drawn praise from many golfers,” Kortan said. He added that practice ranges and greens are offered, along with club fitting, lessons, and a fully stocked pro shop. No special guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic will be in place for this year. Kortan said the course will follow the example of others in the industry. “If there are customers who specifically want to ride by themselves or are not comfortable, we will accommodate those folks on a first-come, first-served basis as long as we can,” Kortan said. Guest fees from Monday
through Thursday during open to twilight hours are $79 for 18 holes and $49 for nine holes. Twilight rates (beginning about three hours before dark) are $45 for 18 holes and $45 for nine holes. Those rates include golf cart and tax. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday guest rates during open to twilight hours are $89 for 18 holes and $49 for nine holes. Twilight rates are $45 for 18 holes and $45 for nine holes. Tax and golf cart are included in all rates. Clubs are available for rent. Fees are $15 for nine holes and $30 for 18 holes. Driving range fees are $5 for a warm-up basket (35-40 golf balls), $9 for a tune-up basket (70-80 balls), and $17 for a practice basket (150 balls). Call 717-4653 for more information.
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MAY 2022
NEWCASTLE
COUNTRY CLUB may surprise
BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
N
ewcastle Country Club is one of those golf courses that may provide a pleasant surprise for golfers. “I think it’s kind of a hidden gem,” board secretary Christy Wornky said in describing the course that opened in 1966. “It’s not super-busy, so you can golf when you get a chance.” The nine-hole, par-36 course measures 3,167 yards from the longer tees and 2,800 yards from the shorter tees. Two holes are par 3s, with five par 4s and two par 5s included. Number 1 is the longest hole, measuring 490 yards from the longer tee and 466 yards from the shorter tee. The shortest hole is number 2: 120 yards from the longer tee and 100 yards from the shorter tee. “It’s a nice, long course,” Wornky said. “It’s challenging; it’s not super-easy.” Water is prominent on two holes, with a tree line featured on another hole. Wornky cited number 5 as the course’s signature hole. This par 4 measures 300 yards from the longest tee, 267 yards from the shorter tee, and features the aforementioned tree line. “It’s probably one of the narrowest holes on the course,” Wornky said of number 5. “If you don’t make the fairway, you could be out of bounds.” A creek runs through hole number 1. Wornky said the creek used to run
Golf
TIP ! GET FIT
FOR A BETTER GAME
under the ground before being opened two years ago. Rates run $35 for nine holes and $55 for 18 holes. Those prices include use of a cart. The clubhouse includes food and beverage service. Menu items feature chicken, hamburgers, appetizers, and weekly specials. “We just pretty much carry the basics: balls and tees and gloves,” Wornky said in describing the pro shop. A driving range and putting green allow golfers the chance to warm up before a round. Wornky said work is underway on a chipping green, but that will not be finished until later this summer. “We have Ladies’ Day scheduled on Wednesdays, and Men’s Day is Thursday,” Wornky said. Newcastle’s dress code does not allow sleeveless shirts for male golfers, Wornky said. She added golf attire is preferred, but the collared shirts are not required. A Black Elk Pond has appeared on the site in recent years. This is a public fishing facility, with the Wyoming Game, Fish and Parks department stocking it. Wornky said people wishing to fish from the pond do not need to golf, and a Wyoming fishing license is required. The course’s business address is
I
f you’re struggling to keep up with the competition on the golf course, it’s a good idea to look at your fitness. While working on your swing can do wonders, proper body condition will also play a role in controlling the ball and driving it further. To improve your game, focus on strengthening your core and flexibility. Because a golf swing involves sudden blasts of exertions to one side of the body, muscle imbalances can lead to poor results and overuse injuries. In addition to a regular fitness plan, recreational golfers should also stick to a stretching routine to prevent damage. Preparing your body for re-
COURTESY PHOTOS 2302 West Main in Newcastle. Call the course at (307) 746-2639 for more information.
peated swings will help maintain steady results throughout the nine- or 18-hole game. Increase Your Swing Speed Strength and the perfect swinging stance go hand in hand. However, without working on both factors, your distance and control results will be limited. If you’re experiencing slices or hooks, consider working with an instructor to master the technique of driving the ball. This will help you understand how your body’s position impacts the downforce of a swing and how the ball travels. Once you’re comfortable with swinging, work on strength and flexibility to increase your quickness when
bringing the club down and power without hurting yourself. Track your progress with swing-tracking apps that identify flawed stances and reveal swing speed. Work on Control While the initial drive can make or break your performance on each hole, mastering control on the short game can help make up ground or sink a long-distance chip shot. Understanding your body’s capabilities benefits your decision-making when translating your strength to the swing. Of course, dominating this part of the game requires practice to realize the relationship between your power and the club’s capabilities.
Improve Cardio Even if you spend most of your time on the golf course driving a cart, cardio is essential to teach your body to turn on and off when its performance is required. If you consider yourself out of shape, it’s a good idea to become active slowly. Consider ditching the cart and walking the course to become accustomed to physical activity. As you build your cardiovascular routine, pick up the pace by including jogging or running to your lifestyle. A quality fitness regimen will help you gain confidence, avoid fatigue and improve your overall well-being. u
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
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BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
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TO N E P O
MAY 2022
! C I L B U P E H T
HIT YOUR SUMMER SWEET SPOT Come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, green grass and friendly people at Belle Fourche Country Club!
Book tee times and check-in online at BelleFourcheCountryClub.com SUMMER WEEKEND RATES
9 HOLES 18 HOLES
Walking $28 Walking $40 With Cart $40 With Cart $60
BELLE FOURCHE COUNTRY CLUB
SUMMER WEEKDAY RATES
9 HOLES 18 HOLES
Walking $23 Walking $35 With Cart $35 With Cart $55
10941 SD Highway 34, Belle Fourche • (605) 892-3472 • BelleFourcheCountryClub.com
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
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359 N. ELLSWORTH ROAD, BOX ELDER, SD (605) 923 - 4999 WWW.ELLSWORTHFSS.COM SUNDAY - SATURDAY 7 AM TO DUSK
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Prairie Ridge Golf Course is a par 36, 9 hole golf course covering 80 acres. The course features a practice area, chipping green, driving range, mobility impaired carts, and a full service pro shop that includes re-griping. Prairie Ridge offers a unique opportunity to see Ellsworth AFB B-1 Bombers fly over and a view of the Black Hills. Call us to schedule your next business or family tounament with beverage cart services available. Take advantage of our availalbe programs: Monthly Tournaments, Leagues & Intramurals, and Pro Shop Specials
DAILY GREEN FEES 9 HOLES 18 HOLES E1-E4 $18.00 AUTHORIZED USERS $28.00 GENERAL PUBLIC $35.00
$30.00 $40.00 $45.00
(DOES NOT INCLUDE CART)
TWILIGHT FEES
(STARTS AT 3PM, INCLUDES 18 HOLES & CART)
E1-E4 $20.00 AUTHORIZED USERS $25.00 GENERAL PUBLIC $35.00
SEASON PASSES
SINGLE
COUPLE FAMILY
E1-E4 $450.00 $600.00 AUTHORIZED USERS $600.00 $800.00 GENERAL PUBLIC $1,000.00 $800.00
$725.00 $1,000.00 $1,200.00
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BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
TOMAHAWK LAKE
COUNTRY CLUB a natural attraction
BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
T
omahawk Lake Country Club boasts a natural, built-in advantage as it prepares for its 86th year of operation. General manager and head pro Bryan Guischer said the scenery sets Tomahawk apart from other area courses. The club is located seven miles south of Deadwood along Highway 385. “People come up here for the views and the scenery because you’re in the mountains 100% on our golf course,” Guischer said. Tomahawk is a nine-hole, par-36 course that features two par 3s, five par 4s, and two par 5s. Total distances are 3,390 yards from the longest tees and 2,639 yards from the shortest tees. “I always like to think I’ve got nine signature holes because it’s so hard to pick that signature hole,” Guischer said when asked if one hole stands out. He cited number 3: a downhill par 3 measuring 179
yards from the longest tee and 110 yards from the shortest tee. This is the shortest hole on the course. “It looks like 175 because that’s what the yardage says, but it only plays like 150,” Guischer said. He added the hole is quite scenic, and the green is not easy to hit. Guischer also discussed number 7, which is a par 5 measuring 540 yards from the longest tee and 425 yards from the shortest tee. He said a creek splitting the fairway makes that hole rather unique. “You’ve got to choose between the left and the right near side,” Guischer said. “Longer hitters will take it down the right-hand side and get home in two if they hit two good shots.” Hole number 1 is Tomahawk’s longest. It measures 541 yards from the longest tee and 335 yards from the shortest tee. Tomahawk’s course and clubhouse
have received a lot of work during the past two years. Guischer said the club purchased brand-new carts last year, with two renovated tee boxes installed on hole number 7. A 10-acre practice area enables golfers to warm up prior to a round. Recent clubhouse renovations have included new flooring and cabinets for the kitchen. Restroom renovations are anticipated for this year, Guischer said. Rates for this season are $45 for nine holes with cart, and $65 for 18 holes including cart. A person driving a cart must have a driver’s license. The pro shop features a wide selection of clothing, pullovers, caps, gloves, shoes clubs, balls, and other accessories. A full menu and bar is available in the clubhouse. Appropriate golf attire with collared shirts is recommended. Tank tops, shirts
RENTALS SERVICE SALES • Service on all brands and makes • Rentals for 2, 4, and 6 passenger golf cars
• Pickup and delivery • Rentals for the Sturgis Rally, weddings and special events
11519 Sturgis Road, Black Hawk, SD 605-787-9111 | bhgolfcars.com Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm Saturday by Appointment
PAGE 9 with cut-off sleeves, and inappropriate T-shirts are not permitted. Permissible footwear is golf shoes or tennis shoes only. Guischer said Tomahawk encourages people to make tees times, because of how busy and how popular the golf course is. Call 605-578-2080 for more information or to book a tee time. Tomahawk is excited this year to welcome Robert Burdick as its new grounds superintendent. “Robert has been with Tomahawk for the last two years, and this year he will take over after the retirement of Gary Outka,” said Guischer. “We are all going to miss Gary and what he has done for Tomahawk over the years but we are just as excited for Robert as he has learned a lot under Gary the last two seasons and are looking forward to what Robert brings to Tomahawk.”
COURTESY PHOTO
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
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MAY 2022
Walnlity
Commu
Golf e s r u o C
Annual
“Big One Tournament”
• Coming in July • Hole-in-one worth $100,000 • Pin prizes at every hole
Call for more info on special green fee rates.
Driving Range • Putting Green Rental Carts • Rental Clubs • Full Bar Snacks • Basket Food
Special hip s r e b m e M se o h t r o f s rate 30 n a h t e r o m . l l a W m o r miles f ails!
t Call for de
F L O G 9 7 605-2 525 5-5
or 605-68
1801 Golf Course Road, Wall, • 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Wall at Exit 110 415 5th Ave • Belle Fourche, SDSD • 605-723-2010
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
BELLE FOURCHE
COUNTRY CLUB is golfer friendly
BY DENNIS KNUCKLES BLACK HILLS PIONEER
W
ay back in 1934 a group of crazy people wanted to hit some golf balls around a field. That group of people got approval to use a swampy piece of land at the intersection of Highways 85 and 34. With little money to move earth, the group decided to route the golf course in areas that would disturb the natural landscape as little as possible. They plotted out nine circles of sand and called it a golf course. For almost 90 years golf has been played on the beautiful land in which Belle Fourche Country Club rests. The course has gone through changes over the years, but the routing of the course largely has remained the same. The Belle Fourche Country Club made some improvements to its golf course in 2021, and will make more this year. “The improvements to the course have been fantastic for our turf, as well as the playability for the golfer,” said Andy Bears, the Belle Fourche Country Club general manager. “We have taken out many scrub oak trees that made the property feel cluttered and unkept. The removal of the trees makes the course feel more open, allows for recovery shots from the golfers to be played and helps with airflow which helps prevent diseases for the turf.” Bears said the signature holes of Belle
Fourche Country Club are the par 3s, holes No. 2, No. 5, and No. 9. A description of each hole follows. Hole 1: The course starts at the lowest point on the property and rises 52 feet to the first green, there is a creek out there that you can’t see from the tee so be careful with your opening tee shot. It is a short Par 5 by modern standards at 428 yards, but with the creek crossing the fairway and the elevation change going up to a green that is guarded by two front bunkers, this “easy” par 5 can put a 6 on your scorecard quickly. Hole 2: It is a 239-yard monster from the back tees to a green that is sloped from back to front. The green is bigger than it looks from the top of the hill and will play a club or two shorter than the card yardage. Hole 3: One of the more unique holes at BFCC with a hard turn to the right and going up a hill. A new tee box is now open that has made the hole a little straighter that will add some variety if you decide to play the course twice for 18 holes. The 2nd shot can be blind if you don’t get to the crest of the hill. If you are in this blind spot there is a tree on the horizon that marks the center of the green. Hole 4: One of the more challenging holes on the course measuring 423 yards from the back tee with a drive being hit down the hill to the fairway and a second
shot being hit uphill to the green. It is a beautiful setting playing next to an area the locals call the “Snake Pit”. Don’t worry, very few snakes have been seen in the Snake Pit, but the golf ball hit to the right tends to funnel right into it. Hole 5: It is a 175 yard par 3 with a volcano style green that offers the challenge of “Hit It, or Else.” The area around the green slopes on all sides and getting a par after missing the green will challenge the golfers short game skills. Hole 6: With a view of Terry Peak in the distance, this short par 4 with a peninsula style green makes it so your second shot must be accurate to take advantage of the short distance. Hole 7: The longest hole on the course and one with a new tee box that stretches this par 5 to 572 yards. Reachable in 2 in the spring and fall with the traditional west wind, this hole can heal up your score with a birdie with a few good shots. Hole 8: A short par 4 at 353 yards to a diabolical little circle green that from 100 yards or less is very hard to hit. With the green being 17 yards deep and 16 yards wide the approach shot needs to be accurate to keep the ball on the green.
PAGE 11 Hole 9: This hole had a green expansion in the fall of 2021. The green playable will only get better as the soil temperatures rise and grass starts growing.” The Belle Fourche Country Club is a welcoming atmosphere and a golf course where you will have fun. It is made for people that are looking to have a good time. “The course that has something for every golfer. For the long hitter, the small greens are challenging to hit and hold with the aerial game. At the same time with very few forced carries, players who struggle getting the ball airborne can roll the ball onto the putting surfaces. Don’t let the short yardage fool you, the fairways are narrow with trees waiting to get in front of an errant shot. This course is challenging and playable at the same time,” said Bears. “If you are going to miss, miss left. The course has out of bounds and trouble on the right side of every hole. The course does not have a bunch of tall grass everywhere, so you won’t be searching for golf balls all day. It is the type of course that you can use one ball for your whole round.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREW BEARS
PRAIRIE RIDGE GOLF COURSE
challenges golfers T BY TIM POTTS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
he Prairie Ridge Golf Course is one of the more challenging golf courses in the area. The nine-hole course located outside the gates at Ellsworth Air Force Base, features a par-36 layout for men, and par-35 for women. “The course is looking great and we want to invite you to come golf with us,” said Steve Cowley, Prairie Ridge Golf Course manager.
COURTESY PHOTO
The total distance measures 3,232 yards from the longest tees. Prairie Ridge Golf Course’s signature hole may make people think twice about adopting seven as their lucky number. Hole No. 7 is considered to be the most challenging hole on the course, and can be played from 168 yards up to 231 yards, with most days being around 165. Depending on wind direction, a person can hit anything from a wedge to a driver. 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, pro shop, cart rental, club rental, as well as putting and chipping greens. Beverages and snacks are also available.
The pro-shop was moved from upstairs to downstairs to provide a new look with a better feel. With the course located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, golfers may get a close up view of an Air Force aircraft in action. The course requires players to wear a shirt and shoes, and the shoes may not have metal spikes. Tee times are required two days in advance. Hours each day are 7 a.m. to dusk. Intramural leagues tee off at 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with a Tuesday two-person league starting at 5 p.m. Prairie Ridge is located at 359 North Ellsworth Rd., in Box Elder and can be reached by calling the clubhouse at (605) 923-4999 for more information.
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Sundance Country Club Green Fees
Weekdays 9 Holes $20 • 18 Holes $30
Weekends & Holidays 9 Holes $22 • 18 Holes $33 Children 9 Holes $12 Except times in Junior Golfer Rules No Tee Times Required Carts - per person
9 Holes 20 • 18 Holes 25 Additional 9 holes - $10 $
$
Military Rate
9 Holes $15 • 18 Holes $25
Monday, Tuesday & Friday Special: All Day $40 Includes cart rental
East Edge of Sundance, Wyoming • 307-283-1191
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
PAGE 13 PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSS GROVER
BOULDER CANYON GOLF CLUB provides a spectacular golfing experience
W
inding its way through spectacular Boulder Canyon and surrounded by the towering pines of the Black Hills National Forest, Boulder Canyon Golf Club (BCGC) is a championship 18-hole golf course open to the public and voted “Best of the Northern Hills” in 2020. The BCGC course has provided a spectacular golfing experience to our local communities and golfers from around the world for more than 70 years. This challenging 18-hole layout offers hundreds of feet of elevation change, remote hole locations, elevated tees, and broad sloping greens. Play any one of Boulder Canyon Golf Club’s teeing areas for a unique challenge. They present the golfer with decisions to make all around the course that reward the bold while offering the more cautious player less risky alternatives. Patrons can also enjoy Boulder Canyon’s newly renovated practice facilities featuring a double-ended driving range, multiple targets, and practice greens with bunkers allowing for all types of short-game practice. The back nine has continued to grow into one of the finest tests of golf in all of the Black Hills since its opening in 2018, and last season over 2 miles of new concrete cart paths were added throughout the entire back nine.
BY TIM POTTS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
The course also said goodbye to the overhead power lines that ran across the 16th fairway. Now golfers enjoy an uninterrupted, spectacular view of Boulder Canyon from the 16th tee box. For the 2022 golf season, in addition to the newly renovated practice range, golfers will enjoy cart paths on the front 9 with a new asphalt overlay. If you’ve never played, or just haven’t been to BCGC in a while, it should be on your must-play list this year. Complementing golf course improvements, Boulder Canyon Golf Club now offers a newly remodeled golf shop with the latest in equipment, accessories and fashionable apparel, and of course, the Boulder Canyon Sports Bar and Grill. Chef Travis Bartels and his culinary team continue to serve delicious, freshly prepared meals along with ice cold beverages. Come try the “Best Burger in the Black Hills” and wash it down with your favorite beverage from the full-service bar including a comprehensive selection of liquors, beers and wines, and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I envision Boulder Canyon Golf Club being the premier upscale public facility in the area. Boulder Canyon has immense potential to be the Black Hills one-stop golf destination. I see
a place to get things like the latest equipment, an excellent meal, a challenging golf experience, and so much more,” said Marlon McMakin, operator of BCGC. “Our staff provides a guest experience that is second to none. I want members to feel like family and non-members to feel at home.” Coming in 2023, Boulder Canyon Golf Club will proudly unveil its brand new $5,000,000+ clubhouse, restaurant, and wedding/event venue. Sitting majestically on the knoll overlooking 18 green, the new clubhouse, restaurant, and wedding/ event venue will provide breathtaking panoramic views of the golf course, Boulder Canyon, and the surrounding Black Hills National Forest. In addition to the fully stocked golf shop and restaurant, the facility will also have three state of the art Trackman golf simulators offering weekly leagues, and year-round play and instruction. Chris Anglin, Golf Course Superintendent commented on the best feature of the course. “I think most would say #12 island green. Looking to the future, once the driving range and new clubhouse is finished, it will be a nice upgrade to
course.” He added every golf enthusiast should stop and play because it’s an area that has golfing for all ages and skill levels, whether that’s a course for beginners or to a course that will challenge even the best. As well as the elevated, blind tee shots and excellent views. The top floor will feature the Black Hills premier wedding/event venue offering spectacular, panoramic views of Boulder Canyon and the Black Hills National Forest. The venue’s main reception hall will provide ample space for 250-person sit down dinners, and the stage and dance floor will keep guests entertained well into the night. The chapel will provide the bride, groom and their guests a breathtaking space to exchange vows with the stunning views of Boulder Canyon and the Black Hills providing a remarkable backdrop. Ideally located halfway between the legendary towns of Deadwood and Sturgis on US Hwy 14A, and only a 25-minute drive from Rapid City. To make a tee time, please visit www.bouldercanyongolf.com.
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MAY 2022
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.
2022 SEASON RATES: All prices are subject to sales tax.
With this coupon
9 Holes - $45 • 18 Holes - $65 9 Hole Punch Card (10 punches per card) for $250.00
with cart rental required (per person)
Daily Green Fees with Cart: (Tee Times required) 605-578-2080 www.golftomahawk.com Membership Pricing on Website
Play 18 Holes for the price of 9 Holes Tomahawk Country Club Hwy 385 S, Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-2080
(1) Per Customer. Not valid on Saturdays. Expires 2022 Season
21496 US HWY 385, DEADWOOD, SD 57732 | 605-578-2080 | WWW.GOLFTOMAHAWK.COM Manager/Head Pro, Bryan Guischer
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
PAGE 15 COURTESY PHOTOS
WALL COMMUNITY
GOLF COURSE BY TIM POTTS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
G
olfers seeking a relatively wide-open course will find what they are looking for at Wall Community Golf Course. This nine-hole course was built in 2000. It measures 3,861 yards from the back tees and is a par 36. Some minor hills are also part of the layout. The course is described as a typical
feels inviting
nine-hole, small-town course. A pair of nice par 3s are part of the course, and they are described as achievable. The course also offers a putting green and driving range. Plans call for opening on May 1, depending on the weather. Some club rentals are available. Cart rentals and snacks are offered.
Wall Community Golf Course offers a full bar along with spacious room in the clubhouse and a great patio to unwind after your round of golf. The clubhouse may be used for a variety of functions and events. Tee times are not necessary, however, golfers must check in before playing the course. Course treasurer Stan Anderson said Men’s Day is scheduled for every Wednesday starting in mid-May and spanning through July.
“Our rates are inexpensive compared to the Black Hills,” Anderson said. “We have very inexpensive membership if you live beyond 30 miles from Wall.” The Wall Community Golf Course is located at 1801 Golf Course Road, in Wall. It is only about 50 miles from Rapid City, which means a nice drive on Interstate 90. For more information including current rates for green fees, cart rentals, and anything else needed, call (605) 279-4653.
The largest selection of new & used golf clubs in the area. Quality used proline golf clubs to buy or trade
BUY - SELL - TRADE - CONSIGN
Sunday: 10am-5pm Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 9am-6pm
660 N. Lacrosse St., Rapid City, SD 605-341-7529 playitagainsportsrapidcity.com
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BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
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PAGE 17
Welcome to
SOUTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE BY TIM POTTS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
T
ucked within the contours of the Black Hills, the Southern Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. The bright colors of the fairways, greens and ponderosa pine contrast wonderfully with red rock canyons and blue South Dakota skies. Originally designed as a nine-hole course, Southern Hills expanded to 18 holes to become a premier public golf destination for the experienced and recreational golfer alike. 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. Jason Happe, Southern Hills Golf Course general manager 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. Boasting over 380 feet of elevation change, including one par 3 with a 35’ tee to green difference, Southern Hills Golf Course offers a challenge, but also rewards players with its natural beauty and seamless integration into the local topography. The course conditions should be excellent this year due to an increase in maintenance schedules, and good weather. “We have very affordable rates and premiere golf. Easy online or by app tee time booking and lots of availability walk-ins are always welcome,” said PJ Wetzel, Southern Hills Golf Course manager. With five different teeing areas, including new junior tees, all levels of players can enjoy our unforgettable course. Southern Hills Golf Course is a rewarding, yet sometimes challenging course. It is recommended that golfers play from the appropriate tees to ensure they experience the most pleasure from their golf experience with us. Determining factors in which tees you
COURTESY PHOTO should play include the distance in which you can accurately hit a ball, your overall golf ability and your golf handicap. Happe cited the playability and enjoyment factors as reasons to give the course a try. This year, the course brought on a former PGA professional teacher to provide lessons and group clinics. “We have in house club repair and fittings as well as large selection of clubs, balls and bags to choose or order directly through us,” said Wetzel. “We have a large tournament schedule this year, in-
cluding a club championship in the fall.” Southern Hills Golf Course also offers club rentals, cart rentals, an expanded food and beverage offerings, including weekend barbecues, and a pro shop. The course is located at 1130 Clubhouse Drive, just off Highway 18 in Hot Springs. The course is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, April through August, and opens at 7:30 a.m. in September and October. For tee-times and current weather conditions call (605) 745-6400, or email golf@hs-sd.org
SUNDANCE
COUNTRY CLUB challenges golfers
BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
COURTESY PHOTO
T
he Sundance Country Club offers many challenges to golfers. This nine-hole, par-35 course features 2,915 yards from the longest tees. Distances range from 160 yards (par3 third hole) to 450 yards (par-5 sixth hole). This course may be walked and includes some elevation changes. It offers plenty of challenge for its length, which makes it great for golfers of all ability levels. “Come play at the Sundance golf course, where the Kid got his name. This course is great, where friends get
together and enjoy beautiful views, food, golf and some drinks,” said Jamie O’Brien- Manager. “We have a great staff, walk on course, full bar and friendly people.” Terry Wilkerson, Board President, regards the 232-yard number 1 as the course’s signature hole. “It is a short par-4, but it’s a difficult hole,” he said. “It’s surrounded by trees and sand traps.” Greens fees are $20 for nine holes and $30 for 18 holes. Cart fees per seat are $20 for nine holes and $25 for 18 holes. Specials include first-time singles
memberships for $300 and first-time family membership for $350. A special on Monday, Tuesday and Friday allows visitors to golf 18 holes. Costs of $40 include cart rental. The clubhouse includes a small pro shop including clothing, tees, golf balls, hats, gloves, ball markers, and other items. Food offerings include hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips. Men’s days are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, with 18 holes normally played. Ladies’ days are held each Thursday
at 1 p.m. Meals are offered on both days. Current course upgrades include new yardage markers. “We will have a Glow-Ball tournament this summer and other fun events, so come check us out,” said O’Brien. Check us out on Facebook or our website at www.sundancecountryclub.com. Sundance Country Club is located on Highway 14 in Sundance, Wyo. For more information, call the clubhouse at (307) 283-1191 or Wilkerson at (307) 299-3001.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
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COURTESY PHOTO
MAY 2022
LEAD COUNTRY CLUB golf course enjoys long history
BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
L
ead Country Club bills itself as “the highest course east of the Rockies” with an elevation of 6,200 feet. And this year, the club celebrates a milestone. 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 offers some of the region’s first class greens. General Manager Al Varland said a ceremony later this year will celebrate the facility’s 100th anniversary. He
Golf
TIP !
IT ALL STARTS WITH
THE DRIVE
BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER
added details would be announced in the future. 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. 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.” This course includes six par-4s. Five are in excess of 400 yards. Improvements like elevated tees, permanent outdoor toilets, and paved parking lot have occurred over the last several years.
G
olf drives are among the most intimidating yet rewarding shots on the course. Many professionals, coaches, and players recommend using the driver on most par 5s and longer par 4s. They say yardage is the biggest reward, and accuracy poses the biggest risk. “It’s just like Charlie Brown: you’re either the hero or the goat,” Tomahawk Golf Course instructor Mark Speirs said. “If it is not hit squarely, it can be humiliating.” Speirs said a lot of the risk comes from being self-conscious. Lead Country Club manager Al Varland said limited loft on the club head means the ball is tougher to hit and control. He added the mass of the club head means misses will be farther off. “The risk is a hook or slice
The remodeled clubhouse is located in a building that was erected in 1923, and its exterior was renovated in 2016. A locker room was renovated in 2018. A full bar and remodeled banquet room are also available. Golf cart rentals are available on the site, which also features a driving range. A small kitchen is located inside the clubhouse, with dinner specials each Wednesday. Men’s Day is held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to close. Lead Country Club does not take tee times, but there is always room on the course. Groups of five are allowed on the course, but six-player groups are
if you don’t have a lot of confidence,” Southern Hills Golf Course superintendent Jason Happe said. Joe Shetler said a solid hit also makes for an easier club onto the green. “The risk is, a shot that is a bit off line will find its way into trouble,” added Shetler. His Sturgis Brown High School golf teams play at Boulder Canyon Country Club. Many pros and others offered suggestions for getting better use from their driver. Speirs suggests choking down 1 inch on the grip. “Make sure the driver is the correct club; it goes back to the fitting process,” Spearfish Canyon Country Club pro Rob Kortan said. “Learn when to try hitting the driver. It has to do with course management.” Elkhorn Ridge pro JR Hamblet said the main tips for improved driver usage
not. What would entice as 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.” Varland said the course is planning to open in mid-May. Rick Varland serves as the superintendent and greens keeper. Call the course at (605) 584-1852 for more information, including rates for nine holes with or without cart and 18 holes with or without cart.
are to focus on proper ball position, width of stance, and weight distribution when addressing the ball. He also advised golfers to not over-swing. “Let the club head do the work,” Varland said about improved driver usage. “Visualize the club hitting the ball.” Happe and Shetler encourage golfers to practice a lot. Shetler also believes in a golfer understanding their swing. “It prepares you and gives you confidence,” he said. “Keep your eye on the ball,” Happe said. “My main advice is to enjoy yourself, because golf is more of a social event than a competitive sport.” Some pros and coaches say golfers do not necessarily need to follow a routine before using a driver. “Figure out the target, and
commit to your club choice,” Kortan said. “It has more to do with the mental aspect; you must be confident in your choice.” Others believe in having a routine. “For every shot, people who visualize it first have a big advantage,” Shetler said. “First, learn to hit at the target. Second, learn to picture the desired shot.” Hamblet said the routine a golfer uses should be precisely the same with each club. “Visualize your target, and see the ball come off the club head on line,” Varland said. Speirs recommends developing a routine on each shot from the putter to the driver. His routine includes standing and visualizing the shot, gripping the club, setting the stance, and making sure the alignment is proper. u
MAY 2022
BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
PAGE 19
Newcastle Country Club 9-hole golf course located in beautiful Newcastle, Wyoming. Updated landscape, greens rolling true!
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BLACK HILLS PIONEER GOLF GUIDE
PAGE 20
MAY 2022
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315 Seaton Cir., Spearfish 605.642.2761
Spearfish Canyon Golf Club 605-717-4653 • SPEARFISH
Wall Community Golf Course
Boulder Canyon Golf Club
Lead Country Club
Southern Hills Golf Course
605-685-5525 • WALL
605-347-5108 • STURGIS
Newcastle
Country Club
Newcastle Country Club
307-746-2639 • NEWCASTLE, WY
605-584-1852 • LEAD
605-745-6400 • HOT SPRINGS
Tomahawk Lake Country Club
Belle Fourche Country Club
Sundance Country Club Sundance Country Club
307-283-1191 • SUNDANCE, WY
Prairie Ridge Golf Course
605-923-4999 • BOX ELDER
605-578-2080 • DEADWOOD
605-892-3472 • BELLE FOURCHE