Simplified: Elmwood, the city's flagship golf course, is celebrating a century in operation this year, and the festivities kicked off this week with a ribbon cutting for a brand new, $7.5 million clubhouse. Here's a closer look.

Why it matters

  • The city has seen an increase in demand for golf in recent years, and with more golfers, Elmwood's old clubhouse – built in the '60s – wasn't cutting it. Talks of replacing it first started in 2021, and surplus cash during the pandemic ultimately helped fund the project.
  • The new clubhouse is twice the size as the old one at 10,000 square feet. With more space, the city also hopes it can serve as a source of revenue for event rentals, weddings, anniversaries, etc.
  • In addition to more space, the city also added a new, indoor cart storage facility after the previous one burned down in 2019. That building also houses the new headquarters for the state's First Tee youth golf program, as well as offices for the South Dakota Golf Association.
"Essentially, what you have here is the home of golf in the state of South Dakota," said Justin Arlt, Sioux Falls Golf market manager. "This is the mothership for golf."

Tell me more

The clubhouse has several new features, including a 1,300-square-foot covered patio with fire places, TVs, and a view of the course.

The first thing visitors will see upon entering is the new South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame, with both physical memorabilia on display as well as interactive digital displays with details on hall of famers.

Additionally, the Legends Lounge & Grille is a new bar and restaurant space with a full-service kitchen and liquor license. The space has seating for about 80 people.

Adjacent to the lounge is a banquet facility with a capacity for 120 people.

The new clubhouse also has a pro shop named in honor of the Comstock family's more than 70 years of service to Elmwood Golf Course. The new Comstock Golf Shop also has big windows so staff have a view of the 27-hole course.

The new First Tee headquarters has room for both indoor and outdoor learning, with a full kitchen to ensure any kids who participate in the programs can also have access to snacks as-needed.

The new golf cart storage facility is also equipped with chargers for a fleet of 88 new, electric carts.

What happens next?

The new clubhouse officially opens Friday, March 13.