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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.)
GARRETSON, S.D. — Golfers who enjoy a challenging par-5 should make River Ridge Golf Course an appointment destination.
“River Ridge has one of the longest par-5’s in the Midwest,” boasts the official course guide.
From the blue tee, Hole No. 4 plays 601 yards. There are three other tee-box lengths: 451 yards (red), 471 yards (gold) and 552 yards (white).
What’s more, the fourth hole plays uphill and upwind most of the time — so par here is richly earned.
River Ridge was quite busy this past Friday, June 27, with customers coming and going like big-city rush-hour subway turnstile traffic.
One of the signature holes at River Ridge Golf Course in Garretson, S.D., is Hole No. 7, which plays anywhere from 329 yards from the blue tees to 291 yards (red). This hole is the best risk-reward one at the facility, which is located roughly 30 miles southwest of Pipestone. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Sheila Matthiesen serves as the clubhouse manager, and Dennis Northrup is the course superintendent.
The course was established in 1989, with the physical address of 25412 485th Avenue. Beforehand, the area was a mix of farmland and native grasses.
River Ridge plays from 2,711 yards to 3,291 yards depending on your choice of tee box.
Another challenging hole is No. 7, a 329-yard par-4, which runs sharply downhill. Sometimes, you can reach the green in one shot. However, there’s water and out-of-bounds perilously close to the hole.
River Ridge Golf Course even tells you how far Wall Drug is from Garretson in this floral arrangement. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Elkton-Lake Benton’s Malyha Slegers, who represented the Elks at the Class B state tournament, said she enjoys playing River Ridge.
“It’s fun to play on,” she said.
River Ridge serves as the site for Garretson High School home matches, and for the Dragons’ training sessions.
A youngster takes a bucket of balls with him to the driving range. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
In front of the clubhouse, there is a sizable practice green and also an expansive driving range adjacent to the green.
Matthiesen said River Ridge doesn’t offer a full-service restaurant; however, bar food and pizza is available.
The bar has been affectionately named “The 19th Hole.”
The 19th Hole serves adult beverages, and offers bar style food. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
There’s also two flavors of healthy trail mix, and a generous beverage selection thanks to several refrigerators.
This course also is economical to play, $20 for nine holes and $30 for 18 weekdays; and $25 for nine and $35 18 weekends.
A cart rental is $15 per person for nine holes, and $20 for 18.
River Ridge has a generous supply of golf carts for a small fee. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
There’s an all-day Wednesday special for $50 including the cart.
Membership rates are $580 (family), $435 (single) and $120 (junior). Cart memberships and punch cards also are available.
A driving range season pass costs $100 for an individual and $150 per family. It’s $4 for a bucket of balls.
Coming up on Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, there will be a three-person scramble complete with meal after the opening round. A Calcutta auction is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26. The entry fee is $125, and $25 for skins.
Golfers enjoyed a round on Friday, June 27, at River Ridge in Garretson, S.D. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
To set up a tee time, and for more information, call 1-605-594-6234 or email: garretsonriverridge@yahoo.com.
GOLF
At River Ridge, Garretson, S.D.
Hole by hole
(From regulation tee boxes)
Hole No. 1: 461 yards, par 5; a slight dogleg left greets you, and the green is 35-feet long
Hole No. 2: 378 yards, par 4; a water feature presents danger with a tee shot going left
Hole No. 3: 358 yards, par 4; fairway narrows greatly on approach to the green
Hole No. 4: 601 yards, par 5; sure it’s straight, but handling the length is another story
Hole No. 5: 160 yards, par 3; a large bunker protects the right side of the green
Hole No. 6: 449 yards, par 4; challenging, narrow fairway throughou
Hole No. 7: 329 yards, par 4; water feature to the right poses a threat to tee shots
Hole No. 8: 199 yards, par 3; inviting with its 35-foot green and wide fairway, but watch out for the creek
Hole No. 9: 356 yards, par 4; water runs left of the green, which is protected by seven or so large trees