The Prairie Club-Hanse, Wagner and Shackelford

[NAF]

I went to Geoff's website this AM..if you click on the Prairie tab at the top of the homepage it directs you to some terrific pictures of the site and a watercolor routing map that is quite a depiction.  Plus Geoff gives some general information.

www.geoffshackelford.com

[David_Tepper]

The Prairie Club is perhaps the 6th? 8th? 10th? Sand Hills-inspired golfing/hunting/fishing "retreat" being built that I have read about here on GCA over the last year or two. It is certainly apparent that the dunes-like terrain in the central U.S. lends itself to building links-like golf courses rather inexpensively.  I also imagine that land in Nebraska/South Dakota/eastern Colorado etc. can be acquired on the cheap. But still, how viable are these course projects economically and how many more of these courses can the market absorb? Where are the members coming from?      

[Mike Nuzzo]

Every course should have a Himalayas putting course.  It looks pretty big.
Cheers

P.S.
I measured over 75,000 sft (from the plan).

[Steve_Roths]

I think it will all depend on how they price these new clubs.  I think the $50k at Ballyneal, $50k+ at Dismal, and the $75k+ at Sutton Bay will hurt it in the end.  I think if Praire Club did somewhere around $15k to $25k it will be able to pull a lot more members in than you would with the larger price range.  Look at Champions Club or Sand Hills.  Neither have sky high entrance fees but they both are places I would like to be a member.  And they both seem to be places that are well run and all about golf.  

I think the more and more these guys get away from the core purpose of their respective clubs, the more and more problems they will have.

[Steve_Roths]

One other comment, I hope they keep the green contours exactly as they are right now on the first green.  That looks incredible.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

In addition to the concept and the golf course site as depicted in the photos, I really like the graphics. I presume the club logo will be the same.

Does anyone know if there is a website up yet?

[A_Clay_Man]

With such harsh weather, and short golfing seasons, it seems like quite the gamble to plunk down major bling. I wish them success.

How about the dichotomy between golfers and hunters? But I'm biased, I don't think it's right to kill an insect on your line of putt, let alone, some creature who obviously is only trying to live and is avoiding being in close proximity to you. (humans)

[Daryl "Turboe" Boe]

How about the dichotomy between golfers and hunters? But I'm biased, I don't think it's right to kill an insect on your line of putt, let alone, some creature who obviously is only trying to live and is avoiding being in close proximity to you. (humans)

Dichotomy?

I have no problem with killing the bug in my line, or any other bug that makes the mistake of getting within my general vicinity for that matter.  Especially spiders!!!

I also have no problem hunting, even though I love animals (some for pets some better with butter or gravy).  In fact the chance that I will let that creature avoid me is inversely proportional to the taste of said animal when cooked.  And that is precisely why Sutton Bay will likely be very successful.  Not only is the golf great, but the pheasant hunting is world class (I couldnt believe the size of a couple of the birds I saw on the drive in), as is the walleye fishing.  And anyone who hasnt eaten SD pheasant or Lake Oahe Walleye is missing out.  Great stuff!!!

As a human I didnt fight my way to the top of the food chain just to be a vegetarian!!!!

Man I am bummed that I am going to miss opening weekend of pheasant hunting this year for a business trip to NJ.  Instead of walking in the endless waves of prairie grasses I will be sitting in a hotel conferance room.  Hopefully I will at least get some golf in while up there in the NE.

[Norbert P]

 What are the turfgrass choices being used?

 Some very open looks out there.  Looks like another one for my 2006 calendar of wishes.

  "Bring golf clubs, guns and money!"  W Zevon  (sorta)

[John Kirk]

This looks terrific.  I like the idea of having both meadow holes and canyon holes.  Great variety.  The only drawback I see is having to walk around the canyon to your ball on three or four holes, which could slow play down on the back nine.

I suppose there are a few here who would object to the forced carries on those holes.

[Kevin_Reilly]

I think it will all depend on how they price these new clubs.  I think the $50k at Ballyneal, $50k+ at Dismal, and the $75k+ at Sutton Bay will hurt it in the end.  I think if Praire Club did somewhere around $15k to $25k it will be able to pull a lot more members in than you would with the larger price range.  Look at Champions Club or Sand Hills.  

Your figure for Ballyneal is $15k too high.  Memberships there are $35k.

[Scott_Burroughs]

Based on The Prairie Club's routing on GShack's web site, this
is the land for the first course (the Caprock Course) at The Prairie Club:

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