[Ran Morrissett]

For a fairly long while, the best golfer in the world 'wintered' in Kansas City, earning lots of brownie points as everyone likes it when the local hero stays local.

Similarly, after traveling the world and extensively across the U.S., another local has made good - this time Mark Amundson in his home state of South Dakota where Mark was the driving force in the creation of Sutton Bay. As its course profile on this site indicates, Sutton Bay is a lot of things including a refreshingly unique golf course design as well as stunning evidence as to the beauty of the Mount Rushmore State.  This Feature Interview covers much of the material that was left out of the course profile, specifically addressing the challenges in the creation of this first class course/retreat.

No one lived and breathed the ups and downs of the project like Mark. Once he found the right site, though, one senses the determination and perseverance that Mark displayed in seeing it through. What was created is in part a lasting tribute to Mark's home state. Beforehand South Dakota did not feature on the discerning golfer’s radar - that is now forever changed.

Cheers,

Ran

[Jason Topp]

Thanks Ran and Mark for the interview.  Truly a special place.

[kwl]

"No one lived and breathed the ups and downs of the project like Mark. Once he found the right site, though, one senses the determination and perseverance that Mark displayed in seeing it through. What was created is in part a lasting tribute to Mark's home state...forever changed."

I will admit, in advance, to bias...a big, strong place that resulted from big dreams, hard work, attention to detail. Additionally, SB is noteworthy for first-class hospitality.

Cheers to Mark, Graham, Matt, and Bill.

[Josh Smith]

Thank you Ran and Mark for the great interview .

I am looking forward to visiting SB for the first time later this summer to  experience it and am excited to meet Mark, have heard from more than a few people, he is "top notch" all the way around.

Ps. the photos in the course profile are A plus also.

[George Pazin]

Thanks, Mark, for providing such thoughtful answers, and thank you also for all you've shared on here about your project over the years.

[Mike_Cirba]

Mark,

Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Congratulations on a wonderful labor of love.

[RJ_Daley]

Very likely, due to the passion for the subject, most participants here on GCA dream of being at the center of such grand golf design projects.  But, to actually brings something like Sutton Bay to fruition from dream to reality and world class operation takes a very special person.  Mark is that person.

[Ron Farris]

Very nice interview and kudos to Mark and the people involved in the Sutton Bay project.

I worked on the 9 hole project that Mark referred to in determining the grass selection for Sutton.  The low mow bluegrass used at Oahe Trails, a struggling 9 hole tract south of SB without a view of the river (thus the struggle), came after great consideration and study of the NTEP turf evaluation program.  We used seed from a couple of suppliers.  Quite a few people in SD have referred to the fairways at OT as the finest they have played on.  They dont recieve much play and so no compaction problems that may exist at Sutton.  

Again, great job Mark.  Also, for those of you who do not know it - Mark has won more SD Golf Association tournaments than anyone in SD.  

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