Jan. 22, 2018

This piece is presented by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

This could be the year GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness grows beyond the Midwest.

As interest in franchising the golf and fitness concept has increased, GreatLIFE leaders now are in serious talks with groups in several states.

“Salt Lake City likely will happen this year,” GreatLIFE president Donn Hill said. “We’re looking at expansion at several courses in Southern California and a couple in Texas we think will happen. It should offer another great golfing opportunity for current GreatLIFE members as they travel or plan vacations as well.”

GreatLIFE continues to receive “a lot of interest” from other potential franchisees, Hill said.

“We’re really trying to perfect what we do now, though,” he added. “And we are exploring options for another golf course in Sioux Falls.”

GreatLIFE membership exceeded 15,600 to end 2017, representing about 37,000 individuals in the Sioux Falls area.

“We realize that while we can handle our demand for golf now because of our existing courses, affiliates and strategic management, if we’re going to continue to grow and bring GreatLIFE to more people, we have to expand the number of golf courses.”

GreatLIFE likely would look to add a course on the west side first, but “at some point, Sioux Falls will lose Spring Creek Golf Course, so I could see us expanding southeast as well,” Hill said. “We’re looking both those directions.”

The population of Sioux Falls has increased by 50,000 people since the last golf course was built in the Sioux Falls market, he noted.

“When you combine that with all the new golfers we’re creating through GreatLIFE, it’s clear why we’re seeing such demand,” Hill said. “The thought of being able to develop an outstanding new course or two is exciting for all of us. We’ll definitely keep members informed as we progress in our decision-making process.”

Other more immediate improvements for golf this year include revamped holes 1, 2, 3 and 13 at Willow Run “to make the course more playable for most players and still challenging for expert players,” Hill said. Rocky Run in Dell Rapids is remodeling its clubhouse and will open this season with an improved golfer experience.

GreatLIFE fitness centers also continue to see upgrades, including new equipment and additions to the large turf area at Woodlake Athletic Club and another free-weight training area coming to the Fitness & Performance Center.