I visited Tallgrass for the first time on Saturday with Joe Bausch and we had an absolute blast.
The course is so much fun to play. There is a lot of room on most of the holes (the course will "narrow" a bit when the native grasses grow during the season) and there are multiple play options for each, even the par threes.
The short par fours on this course are outstanding, in my opinion. No. 6 is wonderful. There's a little kick plate over the fairway bunkers that could help drives or approach shots tumble onto the green, but depending on the wind, shot and conditions, could easily shoot the ball over the green into the abyss that lurks behind (recoveries are possible, but unlikely).
While it was only April 9, the conditions were great. The greens were in terrific shape and fairly quick. The turf was firm, which allowed us to play a variety of shots into and around the greens.
In speaking with Tallgrass' PGA head professional, Larry Menne, as it stands right now, the course is unlikely to remain open, unfortunately. An energy company is courting the principals to place solar panels on the property (expanding what are already in place across the street from the course). I am all for renewable energy, but it would be a damn shame to see this course go away...it is so much fun and provides the locals with an awesome and affordable public golf design.
Larry did say that there is an outside chance that the project may be delayed, and they could drum up more support to keep it open, but it's all still up in the air right now. I offered to provide Larry some information on courses going through similar situations that have had some success (e.g. Save Muny); hopefully that can help. The thing that they have going in their favor, according to Larry, is that most (if not all) of the local residents want to keep the course.
Joe Bausch will undoubtedly have a photo album of the course to share from our visit.