Sept. 23, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

September is a great month for golf in Sioux Falls for a lot of reasons.

There’s the annual Sanford International, of course, bringing some of the game’s best to town.

But there’s also the weather – and this year is even more of a standout than normal.

“Fall is one of the best times to play golf,” said Jason Sudenga, GreatLIFE’s vice president of golf. “As far as weather, September and early October are great times to play. It’s usually cooler, less humid, and this year it’s been dry and not as windy for the most part. And we do find after watching the Sanford International, many members are eager to get out and do some golfing of their own.”

GreatLIFE members enjoy unlimited golf anytime, so take advantage of those leftover vacation days or weekend hours while the weather allows.

And if you need even more reasons to get out on a course soon, there are these four:

The courses are in great shape

GreatLIFE is a bit in maintenance mode as it works through aerification on the courses, but they’re generally healing up within a week.

“Play has been going very well, and the courses held up nicely through the season,” Sudenga said.

One thing to know: Hole No. 3 at Willow Run is a par three for now because of flood-related damage.

Weekend events

Three GreatLIFE events offer the perfect way to spend time with friends and get in some golfing:

• Whomping Wilow: Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Willow Run. This is a four-person scramble with no handicap necessary and “brutally difficult course conditions” – hence the “Whomping Willow.” Click here to learn more.
• Battle at the Valley: Sept. 25 and 26 at Central Valley Golf Course. You can make your own tee time between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Click here to learn more.
• Monster Day: Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bakker Crossing. This popular four-person scramble starts with a 10 a.m. shotgun for all players. Click here to learn more.

“In most cases, we still have room, so reach out to the course, and we’ll get you registered,” Sudenga said.

Deals are out there

This also is the time of year to be stopping by the pro shops and scoring some savings.

“You can find deals on golf clubs and merchandise, so a lot of our courses will be running fall sales,” Sudenga said. “And Titleist came out with new irons this fall, so we’ve been fitting for those, and players are really enjoying them.”

Give the pro shop a call, and let them know what you’re looking for, he suggested.

The future outlook

It’s way too soon to tell how much golf weather remains, but last year GreatLIFE was able to offer rounds into early December.

“As long as there’s no snow on the ground, we could be open any given day,” Sudenga said. “You get a nice 50-degree day with sun in November, and that’s not a bad day to go play golf. We’ll stay open until the snow flies.”

And, watch in October for an update on the GreatLIFE Golf Academy that will have you finishing the season strong.