April 18, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Call it officially golf season: All area GreatLIFE courses are ready for you to tee off.

“We’re definitely open,” vice president of golf Jason Sudenga said. “It’s open for good. The last few years, we would have already been open for a few weeks already, so even though it’s a later start than everyone would have liked, we’re catching up to normal.”

Golfers definitely are ready to get on the courses, he said. And the courses are ready too.

“The golf courses came through winter very well and are in great shape,” Sudenga said. “They’re looking really good.”

Even if the weather doesn’t hold onto seasonably warm temperatures, the courses will be there.

“For the foreseeable future, we look to be staying above freezing, so unless it’s actually raining out, we’ll still have some play,” Sudenga said. “And now that we have carts going, people can get out, and it really feels like the start of the season.”

What’s new

Golfers at Willow Run will notice an expanded culvert on hole No. 4 as well as 25 new golf carts.

Additionally, irrigation-related improvements were made at Fox Run in Yankton.

But here’s a big one: Kids now can play for free at all GreatLIFE-managed, nonaffiliate courses during certain times. Any junior age 13 or younger can play for free on weekdays after 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays after 6 p.m. GreatLIFE members can bring up to three kids, and kids also will ride for free on golf carts with a limit of two riders per cart.

“We hope this is a perfect way to introduce more kids to the game of golf,” Sudenga said. “And we’re coming out with more new offerings soon that we think families will be excited about, so stay tuned for that.”

There’s also nothing like starting a new season with new gear – the pro shops are stocked and ready for you.

“If you’re looking at upgrading equipment, check out the Golf Academy,” Sudenga suggested. “They can help with fittings and determining what’s best for your game.”

Making your tee times

Want to ensure you golf when and where you want? A little planning and an online approach are your best bet.

“Online, you can see the entire tee sheet for the course, so you’ll see what’s available, when it’s busier and when there aren’t as many people scheduled to be there,” Sudenga said. “So if you really want to make sure you’re getting a preferred tee time, online is your best bet.”

You can make reservations by clicking here or visiting an individual course’s website.

Corporate and other special events are largely on par with last year, but there is still some availability if you haven’t booked yet.

Improve your game

No matter what your age or ability level, the GreatLIFE Golf Academy is there to help improve your game. Located at Willow Run, the academy offers individual instruction, developmental programs for kids and its popular Golf Fore Women progressive introductory course specifically for female golfers.

“A couple women’s sessions have already filled up, so there’s a lot of interest, and people are enjoying it,” Sudenga said. “You’ll make the most of the season with a little instruction, regardless of where you’re at with your game, so we encourage all golfers to learn more about the Academy.”

To learn more about the GreatLIFE Golf Academy and its programs for all ages, click here.

Junior golf camps are another great way to introduce young golfers to the game. They begin May 30 for kids 8 to 14. They include:

• 14 hours of instruction.
• Safety and etiquette quiz.
• Fundamentals of the golf swing.
• Chipping, pitching and putting.
• Fun games and contests.
• Camp Championship on the last day.

For more information, click here.

Golf options

Don’t forget – GreatLIFE members also enjoy golfing at 10 affiliate courses in addition to the six GreatLIFE golf courses. Click here for a complete list of locations.