New Course in Iowa Opening Next Spring


The new Falls course at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, will officially open to the public in spring 2015. The par-72 layout is designed by Rees Jones.

While the course may look ready for play in late summer 2014, it's not quite there yet. "This year's harsh winter, with little snow cover after February, allowed frost levels to permeate the soil significantly deeper than normal.

"Following that, we experienced a very cool and windy spring, which didn't allow the soil to warm to germination-level temperatures until late May. Then, as you all know, June brought record-setting rainfall amounts, causing more setbacks," said director of golf Jason Wagamon.

"The Falls golf course will open next spring when all 18 holes meet our expectations, which we hope exceed the expectations of our guests," added general manager Sharon Haselhoff.

The son of the great Robert Trent Jones and brother of Robert Trent Jones Jr., Rees Jones has designed more than 100 courses worldwide. His layouts have hosted 15 major championships, five Ryder Cups, two Walker Cups and a President's Cup.

To help provide the best playing surfaces, the Falls was seeded with bent grass tees, fairways, and greens which will be unique to the area.

It will offer panoramas of the surrounding countryside, a 30-foot waterfall that flows into a 12-acre lake, and a bridge made of original cobblestones from the streets of Sioux Falls.

Five sets of tees will allow the course to play from 5,205 yards to 7,110 yards. When the course opens next year it will be adjoined by a full-service golf shop. Already on-site are a casino, hotel, spa and various dining options.

While the course won't open to the public until next year, resort officials plan to invite a few guests for a sneak peak late this summer to play the back nine.

For more information, visit www.grandfallscasinoresort.com.