March 25, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

By Jason Crisp, PGA, director of golf operations, GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness

We’ve hit the ground running this season at GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness, with all six of our courses open by the last week of February.

Our courses include Willow Run, Bakker Crossing, Central Valley, Rocky Run, Fox Run and GreatLIFE Worthington.

March already has given us plenty of playable days, with weather that has ranged from 70-degree warmth to snow the next day! Here’s what’s happening at GreatLIFE right now.

GreatLIFE Golf Academy: Hub for growth and development

The GreatLIFE Golf Academy continues to be a place where golfers of all ages and skill levels can improve their game. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your game to the next level, our Academy offers a variety of programs to suit your needs.

Led by Drew Trautman, PGA, the director of player development, the Academy provides a broad spectrum of programs. Trautman personally has designed all the Academy’s offerings to ensure they meet the unique needs of each golfer, from beginners to advanced players. Trautman’s expertise has earned him the prestigious Minnesota PGA Dakotas Chapter Teacher of the Year award for the past two years, an accomplishment that reflects his exceptional ability to teach and develop golfers.

We’re proud of our NextGEN program, which is dedicated to helping young golfers develop their skills and confidence. Our Lil’ Linksters program introduces the youngest golfers to the game in a fun and encouraging environment. Golf Fore Women is designed to get women course-ready and comfortable on the green, while our Junior Golf Camps provide young players with valuable hands-on experience to build their skills. In 2025, we’ve seen growth in the GreatLIFE Junior Tour, a competitive opportunity for young golfers.

We’re especially excited about our new partnership with the E.B. Foundation, which provides juniors with golf gear, lessons and support in honor of Elliot Batcheller’s memory. Programs like the Junior Tour and Junior Golf Camps are key to ensuring the next generation of golfers has the tools they need to succeed.

To complement our educational programs, the Academy uses cutting-edge technology such as Trackman and Flightscope for swing and ball flight analysis, SAM PuttLAB for putting analysis and V1 Video for detailed swing breakdowns. These tools help golfers improve more effectively and efficiently.

More flexible tee marker system

In our continued efforts to improve your golfing experience, we’ve made a change at Willow Run, Bakker Crossing, Central Valley and Rocky Run.

We’ve standardized the tee markers so you easily can choose the tee that best suits your game. The longest tees are now marked in black, and the options step down to green for the closest tees, where available.

This new system does away with old labels like “men’s tees” or “ladies’ tees,” so you can choose based on your skill level. We’re excited about this more inclusive setup, and Fox Run and Worthington will follow suit in the future.

If you’ve never tried it, this is a great opportunity to “tee it forward” and play from a tee closer to the green. It can make your round more enjoyable, help speed up play and possibly even lower your scores. We hope this new system makes your time on the course even more fun!

New cart fleet, corporate outings

As we gear up for the new season, we’re excited to announce the arrival of our brand-new cart fleet at Rocky Run Golf Course! This upgrade enhances your experience with smoother rides, more advanced features and a truly comfortable journey through every hole. Whether you’re out for a round with friends or gearing up for an event, these new carts will help elevate your game.

Also, we’re gearing up to host corporate outings this season. Whether you’re looking to treat employees, clients or customers to a memorable day on the course, we offer excellent packages for corporate golf events. We can help tailor your event to fit your needs, from tee times to catering options and everything in between. It’s the perfect way to combine business with pleasure.

Growing, accomplished team

We’re excited to recognize many recent accomplishments by our amazing team members:

• Erik Hansen, PGA, head golf professional at Willow Run, was elected to PGA membership in February. Hansen’s hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all of us.
• Shannon O’Neil, PGA, head golf professional at GreatLIFE Worthington, has become a PGA Life Member. This well-deserved recognition honors his many years of exceptional service and leadership.
• Greg Bates, superintendent at Fox Run Golf Course, recently was named Superintendent of the Year at the South Dakota Golf Course Superintendents Conference. Bates’ leadership has elevated Fox Run, and his genuine care for his team and community sets him apart.
• Brent Eddy, superintendent at Willow Run, recently achieved Class A status with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Eddy’s leadership and commitment to his education exemplify his dedication to course excellence.

We are also excited to welcome the following new team members:

• Blake Paulson, assistant golf professional at Rocky Run.
• Logan Powers, assistant golf professional at GreatLIFE Worthington.
• Logan Pfeifer, assistant superintendent, Bakker Crossing.
• Mason Kretsch, assistant superintendent, Rocky Run.
• Beau Lofink, assistant superintendent, Fox Run.

Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to improve the quality of our courses. We’re confident that these talented additions will help our team continue to grow and deliver an exceptional experience to our golfers.

New to golf? We’re here to help!

If you’re new to the game of golf, we want you to feel right at home. Stop by the Pro Shop anytime, and our team is ready to help you get started.

Whether you’re picking up your first set of clubs or just learning the ropes, there are no “wrong” questions. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every step, from equipment choices to recommending lessons that are tailored to your needs.

Golf is a game meant to be enjoyed, and we’re here to ensure that you have everything you need to get started and have fun!

Here are some basic tips for swing and etiquette:

Swing tip: Mastering irons and wedges

To improve your iron and wedge game, try placing a tee just in front of your ball during practice. Aim to hit the tee after making contact with the ball. This drill promotes ball-first contact, leading to more consistent shots and improved accuracy.

Pace of play and course etiquette 

To keep the game moving and maintain a positive experience for everyone, here are some guidelines:

• Maintain a steady pace: Be prepared before it’s your turn, limit practice swings, and play ready golf.
• Efficient cart use: If sharing a cart, the driver should drop off the passenger at their ball and continue to their own shot.
• Handle lost balls promptly: Limit search time for lost golf balls, and keep play moving.
• Stay in position: If you can’t see the group ahead of you or you’re more than a hole behind, please speed up your play.

Course care

Always repair your ball marks on the greens, fill divots in the fairways with sand, and rake bunkers after use. Stay on cart paths where available to help keep the course in great condition for everyone, especially on par 3 holes. Additionally, please keep carts at least 30 feet away from tee boxes and greens to protect the turf.

To learn more

For information about the Academy or to register for any of our programs, please reach out to drew.trautman@joingreatlife.com.

To learn more about GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness, visit our website at joingreatlife.com.