Sept. 16, 2025

This piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Golf continues to thrive across all GreatLIFE courses, with more players taking advantage of everything the network has to offer.

“We’re seeing increased traffic and a more even spread of play across all our facilities compared to previous years,” said Jason Crisp, director of golf operations. “It’s a great sign of how engaged our members are and how well our team has kept things running smoothly.”

The GreatLIFE team was further energized to start the season by news that the company was becoming employee-owned, he said.

“We’ve always had great people, and this year they’ve really elevated their sense of ownership,” Crisp said. “There’s a strong understanding now of how each decision impacts the bigger picture, and that’s made us even stronger as a team. We just have a ton of great people on our team who really want to do the best for others, so I feel really fortunate.”

An especially bright spot this season was Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids, where a new leadership team “really took the ball and ran with it”, Crisp said. “They’ve had new tournaments and events and outings, and are just killing it. Many of the courses will see record utilization, but I think the biggest increase in rounds this year will be at Rocky Run.”

The fall is filled with fun events at GreatLIFE courses, including many with a “superintendent’s revenge” theme.

“There are some annual traditions like Monster Day at Bakker Crossing, Whomping Willow at Willow Run and the Battle of the Valley at Central Valley,” Crisp said.

For a look at all upcoming golf events, visit here.

“It’s my favorite time to play golf,” Crisp said. “You’ve got cooler weather, you can start to see the leaves change, and the courses are so healthy. Our superintendents and grounds crew teams deserve recognition for the endless hours they put in. They’ve done an incredible job maintaining course conditions.”

As for how long you’ll be able to play — it all depends on the weather.

“We plan to be open September and October,” Crisp said. “We take advantage of the nicer weather days when we can, but there’s no guarantee we’ll be open in November and December. It will be a game-time decision.”

And don’t forget to use your pro shop credit before Oct. 31.

“All your winnings in credit have to be spent by then, and this is a good time to take advantage of the inventory,” Crisp said. “The pros are doing a good job keeping them stocked so we can meet demand, but we encourage you to get the shopping done before merchandise starts disappearing.”

Off-season planning

It’s not too soon to plan for the months when golf isn’t an option outdoors.

The GreatLIFE Golf Academy is more ready than ever to help golfers not just survive but thrive in the off-season.

Instructor Chris Gilman joins director of player development Drew Trautman in offering expanded programming for golfers of all ages and abilities.

“He’s a great instructor, incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic player,” Trautman said. “He still plays professionally on the Dakotas Tour, so to bring someone in with current playing ability to relay to our students is incredibly valuable.”

With two instructors, the GreatLIFE Golf Academy can accept more students — already setting a record this year, with demand expected to continue through winter.

“The off-season is really the best time to work on your game,” Trautman said. “That’s when you want to get ready from a technical standpoint, so when the 2026 golf season hits, you’re ready to roll and not trying to make changes and improvements while at the same time going out to try and play your best golf.”

The GreatLIFE NextGEN Academy generally enrolls students age 13 through 18 in a weekly group session “for students with some golf ability looking to elevate their game to the next level,” Trautman said.

“Outside of that, we offer individual instruction and club fitting. One thing we’re focusing on deeper into the fall is speed training. The idea of speed and distance is at the forefront of the game, so speed training courses are something we do actively.”

Some players come in for weekly individual lessons while others opt for a monthly check-in, he added.

“If you feel pretty good about your game and maybe have one thing holding you back, we can work on that, or if you need a complete and total overhaul, we have the ability to do that.”

Miss the camaraderie of the golf course during the winter? Crisp suggests contacting GreatLIFE Suburban Lanes now “because the golf simulator leagues fill up quickly,” he said. “It’s never too early to sign up, and that way you can play all year.”

Visit here to learn more.