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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.)
The Pipestone Country Club has been a fixture in the community since after World War II.
In its current form, the general consensus from the public is that the finishing hole No. 9 is favored.
Pipestone Country Club has plenty of things going for it, including large greens scattered throughout the course. Course superintendent Trey Pottratz said one of the reasons for PCC’s popularity is its forgiving nature. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“(For me), it’s the water feature, the bunker and the shape of the green,” said PCC course superintendent Trey Pottratz.
In his role, Pottratz is responsible for daily hole placement among his many duties. Alex Raschke serves as PCC’s assistant superintendent, and he was working hard maintaining the venue’s beauty this past Friday.
Pipestone Country Club is well-maintained thanks to the work of assistant superintendent Alex Raschke. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“The water is in play if you’re being aggressive off the tee,” said Tyler Rippentrop regarding the ninth hole on the Pipestone County Star’s Facebook page. “It’s a two-tiered green, with a bunker protecting the top.”
Rippentrop said another reason why Hole No. 9 (which measures 347 yards) is such a challenge is the “back pin locations.”
PCC also has a nine-person board of directors, with Wade Newgard president, Brady Legler vice president, Michael Niehus treasurer, Carrie Radloff secretary, Tim Rustad, McCaden Biever, Matt Haraldson and Ryan Schlechter.
Nathan Pottratz’s favorite hole is No. 5, a par-4 measuring 295 yards.
“It requires a right to left ball flight,” he said, “or a high bomb off the tee. You can also hit iron off the tee, and play it the conventional way.”
This water feature is a prominent part of several holes at Pipestone Country Club. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Pipestone Area Schools’ player Olyvia Weber chimed in — stating the 354-yard third hole is her favorite. It features corner bunkers and hazards to the right. Should the golfer hit left, his or her ball may go out of bounds.
The summer is chock full of tournaments, including the second annual #LiveLikeJoe Tournament set for Saturday, July 12.
A men’s senior open tournament is slated for Monday, July 21, starting at 10 a.m. A three-person event will take place Aug. 2.
The PCC Open Tournament is set for Friday-Sunday, Aug. 15-17, with Calcutta up first. Other events are: Glo-Ball (Aug. 22), Couples (Sept. 13) and Big Cup (Sept. 27).
Men’s league occurs every Tuesday while the women’s league takes place Wednesdays.
The men’s league format is two-person handicapped match play with a maximum of 10 points possible per match. Points are accumulated through two half-seasons. Weekly prizes are awarded. Women’s league follows a similar style.
A “couples night special” is typically contested on Fridays, with an announcement posted on the course’s Facebook page.
What’s more, PCC also features an ample-sized putting green free of charge and a wide driving range away from the main course. Buckets are available for $7. A season range pass is economical ($150).
Pipestone Country Club had plenty of golfers on course battling high temperatures in the upper 80s on Friday, June 20. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Here are the basic fees, $23 for nine holes and $30 for 18 (weekdays), $30 for nine and $40 for 18 (weekends). A cart rental is $15 per person (nine holes) or $20 per person (18 holes). The daily trail fee is $8. All prices include Minnesota sales tax.
Punch cards also are available, $200 for 10 nine-hole rounds and $130 for one-half of one golf cart.
New membership rates are $700 (family) and $550 individual, existing are $975 (family) and $750 (individual). Other rates are as follows: $350 (college student), $180 (high school student) and $315 (ladies league only).
Additional amenities are available such as use of the cart shed, electric service, and leasing. A membership application form may be found on the course website.
The course also features a restaurant under the administration of Staci Burmeister (who also oversees Staci’s Bar in Woodstock).
The restaurant is open Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. Friday features a special happy hour from 3-5 p.m. It’s also available for Saturday lunch, and all day Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The public is welcome.
Pipestone Country Club has an ample driving range perfect for beginning golfers. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
PCC also may be used as a banquet facility, including for events such as the Pipestone Area Schools’ end-of-year football function or a wedding reception complete with a dance floor area, linens and a full bar.
The venue can accommodate up to 350 guests with a varied menu (either a la carte or buffet) and adult beverage options.
The Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau conducts its banquet and chili cook-off at the facility.
Golf can be added to your special event, too.
For information, the course’s telephone number is 507-825-2592. The website is: pipestonecc.com.
This stone welcomes golfers to Pipestone Country Club, complete with course layout. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
GOLF
At Pipestone Country Club
Hole by hole
(From regulation tee boxes)
Hole No. 1: 400 yards, par 4, the green slopes back to front
Hole No. 2: 605 yards, par 5, trees aren’t your friend here
Hole No. 3: 354 yards, par 4, corner bunkers are a challenge
Hole No. 4: 180 yards, par 3, sand can make for trouble
Hole No. 5: 311 yards, par 4, a dog leg with hazards to the left
Hole No. 6: 479 yards, par 5, a water hazard left is problematic
Hole No. 7: 155 yards, par 3, don’t send your tee shot long
Hole No. 8: 295 yards, par 4, trees surround the green, be accurate
Hole No. 9: 347 yards, par 4, finishing hole has two-tiered green