“Dakota’s Pebble Beach” – c’mon, really? This is how Springfield Golf Club in Springfield, SD markets itself. As someone who has driven 17 mile drive, played Pebble Beach Golf Links, and stayed at The Lodge, I find it quite interesting they even consider those three words for this 9-hole course. However, marketing did its job and I was intrigued enough to make it part of this year’s golfing adventure – MN, SD, ND, +4: The Final Frontier – 50 in 75.
As we drove around Boat Basin Road (their version of the 17 mile drive), and approached their “lodge”, we again voiced our “c’mon, really”? Besides the interesting marketing, the other reason for visiting this course was Golfing Springfield! The Namesake Journey across the USA.
Somehow they must have known I was coming, as there were signs at the entrance and Hole #1 welcoming me to their club. There are three sets of tees from which to choose: Blue (6212 yards); White (5992) and Red (5042). It was a quick decision for these old men. The first hole is a par 5 of 410 yards (red) with a sharp dogleg to the right. It’s a good opening hole to get those juices flowing. Large trees to the right blocked DC (Driver Crushed) Dave’s path to the green, but that did not stop him from trying.
As you pass over the creek on your journey from hole #1 to the tee box at Hole #2, be aware that the creek is in play on this hole. And what a fun hole it is! This par 4 is short (258 yards), but you have decisions to make as your driver may be too much club for this dogleg left hole. At the end of the fairway, the green is positioned down below to the left with an approach shot that needs to carry the aforementioned creek. It’s a beauty!
At Hole #3, you hit over the creek from an elevated tee box to an uphill green that is perched about 126 yards away. The fourth hole is a relatively straight par 4 that ends with a green that fronts the Missouri River. Hole #5 runs along the river, so at this par 5 nothing good will happen if you hook your tee shot to the left. Eventually the fairway bends to the right and you may be forced to play around the trees that are all encompassing on the fairway and green. The par 3 sixth hole parallels the Missouri River and I am finally understanding and agreeing – “Dakota’s Pebble Beach”.
The dilemma continues down the left side of Hole #7. This par 4 is a straight 280 yards, but right is no bargain either. And let’s not forget the big trees that surround the green. I can see why this is the number two handicap from the red tees! The tee shot at Hole #8 is straight, but the fairway then drops off to the right and down to the putting surface. From the tee box you can’t see the green, but the Missouri River starts to come back into view behind the green.
The spectacular stretch along the river continues at the par 4 ninth hole. WOW!!
Rating – Ace (52 out of 60): What more can I say, It is Dakota’s Pebble Beach! The course is a lot of fun, the people working and playing were great, and I could purchase a few “Springfield” items. The clubhouse does not have The Tap Room (Pebble Beach), but you can grab a post-round drink and discuss how many new balls were deposited into the Missouri River.
As you traverse the route along the southern edge of South Dakota on the way to Springfield, a fun lodging option is the Lewis and Clark Resort in Yankton. The cabin was a good choice for four men. Besides the cabins, the resort also has rooms, a restaurant, a walking trail around the lake, and a marina.
41550 Boat Basin Rd., Springfield, SD 57062; 605-369-5525; www.springfieldsd.com
