South Dakota strides

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hart Ranch Golf Course began as a 9-hole course in 1985 and remained that for a decade, expanding to 18 holes in 1995. Recognized by locals and tourists for its picturesque views of the hillsides blanketed with native vegetation and century old rock outcroppings, the course offers a fun, yet challenging round as golfers navigate the valley’s namesake creek that comes into play on a dozen holes.

In fall 2023, ownership embarked on the first phase of implementing a long-range master plan prepared by John Fought, ASGCA. In addition to enhancing playability and shot making for all skill levels, installation of a new irrigation system on the front nine will afford the ability to provide high quality turf conditions on a consistent basis.

“We’re recognized as the top conditioned golf course in Rapid City,” superintendent Adam Wortman said. “The state-of-the-art controls of the new system allows us to more precisely irrigate putting greens, surrounds, fairways and tees further enhancing our ability to meet customer expectations that come along with being the top public golf course in the state.”

Course improvements also completed include leveling and realigning several tee boxes, new concrete cart paths, tree removal to enhance playability and turf quality, and regrassing projects completed by the golf course builder Duininck Golf.

“They have all the tools and seasoned resources to take on projects of any size and complexity, from new courses and total remodels to course improvements and irrigation projects like the work at Hart Ranch,” Fought said. “When they work on a project, any project, they invest fully. You get the best of their minds and the best of their skills from beginning to end. Sure, the location next to Mount Rushmore doesn’t hurt, but the course that Duininck Golf has built is what keeps everyone coming back.”

General manager Brett Grosz added: “We initially brought Duininck Golf in a few years ago to help with tee and bunker renovations. It was after that work that the rating experts took notice, and we were recognized by Golfweek as the No. 1 public golf course in the state. Not to mess with success, Duininck Golf has been a great partner and we look forward to continue to finish the work identified in the John Fought Design master plan and expect to keep getting better. The best part though is that they’re not just the consummate industry professionals, they’re great people, too.”