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Cory

Sutton Bay
« on: February 14, 2004, 03:30:50 PM »
I know that Sutton Bay has been posted before along with pictures.  However, for those that have played Sutton Bay, is it worth the trip and expense?  It looks to be like it has the potential to be quite a golfing experience.  Is this a course on the verge of greatness?

Mark_Amundson

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2004, 05:21:31 PM »
Cory:

As I have indicated before, I am biased, being the general manager and one of the partners of Sutton Bay, but the answer to your question is YES, it is worth your time and effort to come to Sutton Bay.  I can guarantee you will be treated very well and the stay will be memorable.  I will not comment on your question of greatness, that is in the eye of the beholder.  I do believe you will find the golf experience challenging and unique.  We hope to open as soon after April 1st as Mother Nature will allow and we look forward to having you visit Sutton Bay.

Tyler Kearns

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2004, 06:39:26 PM »
Cory,

    The previous threads, complete with pictures and analysis will give you all the information you need regarding the course. I can surely attest that the trek to Sutton Bay is worth it. The setting is out-of-this-world good, and the golf ain't that bad either. ;D ;D

Tyler Kearns
« Last Edit: February 14, 2004, 06:39:53 PM by TKearns »

A_Clay_Man

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2004, 09:17:42 AM »
Cory, I don't know if you've ever met RJ Daley, but he is responsible for posting many of his pix of SB. If you don't know about "da mayor", maybe this will help.

Dick Daley is perhaps the most knowledgable, about more aspects of this game, than any other non-industry type, that posts here or that I have ever met.

If Dick says it's da bomb, you can bet your vacation fund on it.

Cory

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2004, 11:24:00 AM »
Thanks fellas.  I believe that a trip will be taking place this spring.  Is  mid April too early to play this course?  Will the weather be up to it by then?

Mark_Amundson

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2004, 11:41:54 AM »
Cory:

Mid April is a toss up.  I would suggest that you stay in touch with me and use www.weather.com and type in Agar, SD.  That seems to be the best weather site for us.  Some of it depends on what you are looking for, do you want perfect conditions from the weather and course or not?  Grass growth in SD in mid April is not real aggressive and the weather could be 30's, 40's or 70's.  Your call on when you come, we will be ready.

Cory

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2004, 11:53:33 AM »
Mark, thanks for the info.  Actually, we were thinking mid April.  I don't mind a little cold weather.  I am more worried about rain or a little snow still on the ground.  I might be way off on the snow thing.  I am looking forward to it and will be in contact with you.  Thanks!

RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2004, 12:29:07 PM »
Adam, that is beyond nice of you to say.  Unfortunately, it is also beyond reality. ::) 8) ;D
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Tyler Kearns

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2004, 04:22:39 PM »
Cory,

    Mid-April may be pushing it in regards to the condition of the golf course. It can really depend on the winter, adequate snowfall to insulate greens and the amount freeze-thaw cycles over the winter. Some years, golf courses reawaken from the winter freeze admirably, others it can take a few months before the desired conditions exist. Its always a bit of a toss-up.

Tyler Kearns

JakaB

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #9 on: February 15, 2004, 09:09:28 PM »
Does Sand Hills need time to wake up....would there ever be a time when the architecture does not outshine any minor conditioning problems...of course not.   If Sutton Bay is that great and continually gets mentioned in the same breath as Sand Hills...why are you even having this discussion.  

RJ_Daley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2004, 12:06:48 AM »
The golf course at Sand Hills is always there.  I say it that way rather than the architecture si always there, because we all know that the holes were found and routed, not so much 'built' as an architectural thing.  But, the fescue turf on the fairways has had some pretty rough winters over the years where the opening days are pretty rugged conditions.  Now, that may not be all that big of a deal with fairways, but if the greens are really tough because of winter dessication and such, well it does detract some from the joyful experience it is when turf is in a healthier state on the greens and putts run true to the contours.

This can be said of any course regarding the 'coming alive' after tough winters.  While I think most of us would be very happy to play these courses under any conditions, it is that much better to have good turf, particularly on the greens.  
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Daryl "Turboe" Boe

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2004, 10:42:59 AM »
I am excited about SB, and very hopeful that I will make it up there this year.  I am kind of bummed that when this magnitude of project finally gets off the ground in my old home state is the same year as my first child being born.  Normally I know I would get home no problem, but this is going to make it tougher for me to pull off.

Mark,

Are you from around that area originally?  I didnt realize until you mentioned something that the course address was Agar.  I played basket ball with a guy from Agar back in the mid 80's that could really play.  I think his name was Tim something?  I would think he was somewhat of a local ledgend as he could really play.  I know how those small towns get wild about their winter sports as there isnt much else for us to do out there on the prarie when it is that cold.  I played against him in High School and College both I think, but I cannot remember off hand where he went to college.  I know this is a little off topic, but when you mentioned Agar, it was driving me crazy trying to remember his name.  
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"Time spent playing golf is not deducted from ones lifespan."

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Mark_Amundson

Re:Sutton Bay
« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2004, 11:49:52 AM »
Turboe:

I am originally from Sioux Falls. grew up there, and have spent most of my life in Sioux Falls.  I have followed sports around the state all my life and attended college at SDSU.  I think you are refering to Tim Frederick but not sure.  My best source for all history around Agar is out of town for a couple of weeks so I cannot verify.  I hope you can make it out sometime this year and spend a few days at Sutton Bay.