TOMAHAWK LAKE COUNTRY CLUB a natural attraction

Tomahawk Lake Country Club, located seven miles south of Deadwood on Highway 385, eagerly anticipates another golf campaign as Bryan Guischer enters his sixth season as head pro and general manager.

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 tee and 2,639 yards from the shortest tee.

“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 undergone many updates during the past two years. Guischer said the kitchen and bar area have received new flooring and cabinets, with brand new golf carts for members and guests. A person must have a driver’s license to operate a cart.

“Improvements to the golf course have been three new tee boxes and some newer equipment to help out the grounds crew,” Guischer said. Clubhouse goals this year center on starting to renovate the restrooms in stages so those rooms may still be used.

Tomahawk will also use a new website this year. Guischer said the site provides a lot of information for golfers to know before coming to the course.

The Club Prophet system (not GolfNow Reservations) will help Tomahawk manage Tee Sheet, POS System, and its website.

Chad Anderson serves as grounds superintendent this year. The Deadwood native grew up playing Tomahawk.

“His knowledge of the course and the game of golf is going to be valuable for Tomahawk this summer,” Guischer said of Anderson. “We are thrilled to have Chad (Anderson) on staff.

“I am sure Chad (Anderson) and his staff will work hard to make the course as beautiful as it always is, and always a treat to play for members and guests,” Guischer said.

Nine-hole rates are $50 on weekdays and $55 on weekends. They are $70 for 18 holes during the week, and $75 on weekends. Those weekend rates include Fridays and holidays.

A 10-acre practice area enables golfers to warm up prior to a round.

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 with cutoff sleeves, and inappropriate T-shirts are not permitted. Permissible footwear are golf shoes or tennis shoes only. Call (605) 578-2080 for more information or to book a tee time.

BY JASON GROSS BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BY TIM POTTS BLACK HILLS PIONEER

The 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.

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.

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.

“We are looking to renovate the pro-shop, plans are designed and we will look forward to it being renovated in the coming years,” said Cowley.