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(Editor’s Note: The Pipestone Country Star will be running an eight-part series on local golf courses to promote the game from this issue through Aug. 21.)
WORTHINGTON — GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness Club serves as the main hub for the sport in Nobles County.
That’s in part because Prairie View Golf Course was decommissioned several years ago — now primarily used as a site for cross country meets and practices.
GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness Club is part of an extended network of golf courses throughout the region, including Rocky Run in nearby Dell Rapids, S.D. — which will be the subject of a future spotlight. There also are nearly 20 fitness centers.
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club features one of the shortest par-3s in the area, Hole No. 10. From tee to green, this measures anywhere from 103-115 yards. This isn’t a gimme; however, because the green is surrounded by a water feature. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The golf course buzzed with activity this past Friday morning, with junior clinics taking place on the practice green and driving range.
The course also was busy with members and non-members playing, taking advantage of partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s.
Colored balls represent tee distances at the venue, with the blue tees the most difficult (6,282 yards), followed by white (5,982 yards), gold (5,566 yards) and red (5,202 yards).
The course plays as a par-71, with four holes featuring flexibility. The front nine is the outlier, with a score of 35 being level par.
According to the handicap system, the easiest is Hole No. 10 — a short par-3 covering 115 yards. The most difficult is the 426-yard Hole No. 4, which can play as either a par-4 or par-5.
Here’s the tee-off point on one of the longest holes at GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club, No. 12. This one measures 531 yards from the back tees. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The ninth hole (a par-4 measuring 402 yards) also provides a test with its severe dogleg right. Other tough holes are Nos. 3, 12 (the longest on the course at 531 yards) and 17.
Bunkers are small, and there are water features in the form of creeks and small ponds.
There is an ample supply of golf carts equipped with the latest technology, including one USB port and global-positioning system (GPS). The GPS indicates which hole you are situated, and even warns you when entering a “restricted area.”
Digital signage welcomes golfers to GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club in Worthington. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The venue plays host to Big South Conference regular-season matches as well as the Section 3A Tournament, where Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Teigyn O’Leary and Jenna Gossen and Southwest Minnesota Christian/Edgerton’s Gavin Rieck all qualified for state.
Rate structure
All new memberships come with a $50 one-time enrollment fee for both six- and 12-month commitments.
Golf and fitness: $109.99 per month for a 12-month membership (single), $119.99 (married couple) and $129.99 (family). However, this is limited to those residing within a 30-mile radius of Worthington.
Rates are as follows: Monday through Thursday, $25 for nine holes and $40 for 18; $30 for nine and $45 for 18 Friday through Sunday and holidays; a twilight special also is offered. The cart rental is $15 for nine holes and $25 for 18.
Range memberships are available as well. One-time driving range sessions cost $7 for 25 balls, $10 for 65 balls and $100 for 15 balls. The range is maintained on a consistent basis, and features a bunker for additional practice.
The facility also has a full-service restaurant affectionately called Duffer’s Bar and Grill, complete with catering options. The menu ranges from sandwiches to broasted chicken and walleye — plus an assortment of cocktails and craft beers.
Duffer’s Bar & Grill is a full-service restaurant located on site. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The fitness center features 24-hour access, with the latest in cardio machines and even a generous supply of free weights. There also is a modest swimming pool.
Personnel
Thomas P. Walsh, Sr., serves as chairman of the facility, with Shannon O’Neil the head professional, Kyle Martin superintendent and Kim Hinkeldey as the food and beverage manager.
O’Neil played NCAA Division I golf at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and on professional tours for several years. He has been head pro at both Lakeside Golf Course in Perham and Richspring in Cold Spring.
Martin graduated from Iowa State University’s turf management program, and he interned at legendary Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.
The practice area completes complete with this bunker for pitching and chipping work. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
GreatLIFE announced a transition to an employee-based ownership model earlier this year.
This past weekend, the course conducted its member-guest tournament. Other upcoming events are a junior tournament on July 26 and club championship the first weekend of August. League play runs Tuesday through Thursday each week.
The physical address is 851 Oxford Street W. in Worthington. For information, email: membersupport@joingreatlife.com or call 507-376-5142.
Junior clinics are a feature on Fridays during the summer. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
GOLF
At GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club
Worthington
Hole by hole
(From regulation tee boxes)
Front nine
Hole No. 1: 349 yards, par 4
Hole No. 2: 173 yards, par 3
Hole No. 3: 390 yards, par 4
Hole No. 4: 328 yards, par 4
Hole No. 5: 426 yards, par 4/5
Hole No. 6: 510 yards, par 5/4
This is one of the more prominent water features on the course, off Hole No. 6. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Hole No. 7: 357 yards, par 4
Hole No. 8: 175 yards, par 4
Hole No. 9: 402 yards, par 4
Front nine: 3,110 yards
Back nine
Hole No. 10: 115 yards, par 3
Hole No. 11: 305 yards, par 4
Hole No. 12: 531 yards, par 5/4
Hole No. 13: 382 yards, par 4
Hole No. 14: 229 yards, par 3/4
Hole No. 15: 385 yards, par 4
Hole No. 16: 312 yards, par 4
Hole No. 17: 523 yards, par 5
Hole No. 18: 390 yards, par 4
Back nine: 3,172 yards (6,282 total yards)
Slope rating: 131