LEAD COUNTRY CLUB golf course enjoys long history

Lead Country Club bills itself as, “the highest course east of the Rockies” with an elevation of 6,200 feet. It begins its second century of operations this year.

The nine-hole, par-36 course measures 3,220 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 is a beautiful, high-country golf course with a relaxed pace,” clubhouse manager Gina Van Deest said. “It has an interesting history that rivals many of the South Dakota golf courses.”

This course was built in 1922 and offers some of the region’s first-class greens. It observed its 100th anniversary in 2022.

Lead Country Club’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.

“It is elevated and intimidating to even the most seasoned golfers,” Van Deest said in describing the first-hole tee box. “It sits directly in front of the clubhouse and has a pretty narrow fairway.”

Van Deest said a golfer needs to keep the head down, and hit straight and narrow, to succeed on this hole. This par-5 hole measures 465 yards.

Hole number 9 is the longest at 545 yards off the long tee and 476 yards off the short tee. Number 7 is the shortest hole at 156 yards off the long tee, and 151 yards off the short tee.

This course includes seven holes that are par 4 or par 5. six are in excess of 350 yards off the long tees.

Improvements like elevated tees, permanent outdoor toilets, and a paved parking lot have occurred over the last several years.

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 not.

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

Van Deest said the course’s history, scenery, and relaxed pace are quite persuasive. She added the course offers challenges, such as narrow fairways and quiet greens, to pique many golfers’ interests.

Van Deest said weather and course conditions determine when the course will open. She added plans are to open to the public as late as May 15: earlier if nature cooperates.

Rick Varland serves as the superintendent and greens keeper.

Van Deest looks forward to seeing old and new faces, as she returns as manager to utilize her 10-year history of working at the club.

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.

Information on course updates and future events may also be obtained by emailing info@leadcountryclub.com or checking the Facebook page.

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.

2023 SEASON RATES:

All prices are subject to sales tax.

Daily Green Fees with Cart: (Tee Times required)

Weekday 9 Holes - $50.00 includes cart

Weekend 9 Holes - $55.00 includes cart

Weekday 18 Holes - $70.00 includes cart

Weekdend 18 Holes - $75.00 includes cart 605-578-2080 www.golftomahawk.com

Membership Pricing on Website