Aug. 7, 2018

GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness members will get a big discount when Sanford’s new golf entertainment facility Great Shots opens next year.

As part of a new sponsorship agreement, GreatLIFE and Sanford Wellness members will receive 50 percent off golf at Great Shots, which is starting construction at the Sanford Sports Complex.

“Great Shots will be an excellent new perk for our members,” GreatLIFE CEO Tom Walsh said. “It’s a phenomenal facility that will extend their opportunity to play year-round.”

The two organizations have come together around golf, both leaders said.

“Both Sanford and GreatLIFE have a mission in life to promote active and healthy lifestyles,” said Kevin Lampe, president of Sanford Golf. “We think the affiliate with Tom and your team … tops off another great conversation. There will be perks for Tom’s team members as well as our Wellness Center members.”

GreatLIFE members also will receive a special entrance and seating area at the Sanford International tournament in September.

GreatLIFE’s Willow Run Golf Course also will become the home course of Sanford’s Golf Academy.

Great Shots is a three-story venue that will include a restaurant and bar surrounded by high-tech interactive golf. The driving range will include 60 bays.

Great Shots also will include the Sanford POWER Golf Academy, which will incorporate a putting green, a series of private bays and the Sanford Sports Science Institute’s golf performance and injury-prevention research. Award-winning certified PGA teaching professional Todd Kolb has joined the staff.

“We think we can make a huge difference with the youth in not only the Dakotas but maybe the entire upper Midwest,” retired golf pro Andy North said.

North is chair of the Sanford International Board.

Sanford Health also is the new sponsor of the GreatLIFE family tees at area GreatLIFE courses. They’re located farther up the fairway and designed to make the game more fun for all ages, including beginners.

The two organizations have worked together on charitable efforts for children in Los Cabos, Mexico, a relationship Walsh said also could expand.

“We’ve been blessed with a lot of good people and they’re all trying to make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what’s really important,” Walsh said, adding GreatLIFE and Sanford also could work together in some franchising capacity going forward.