Hunting lodge in South Dakota to add golf course, with famed author as one of its designers

Posted by Admin December 19, 2024 Golf

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The design team of Craig & Coyne has partnered with planning and construction firm Landscapes Unlimited to build a golf course at Lazy J Grand Lodge in Ideal, South Dakota.

In rebranding to Lazy J Sporting Club, the facility is adding a par-72, 7,216-yard, 18-hole course scheduled to open in 2027. In a media announcement introducing the plans, the site in the southern/central portion of the state was described as featuring gentle hills, dramatic ravines, elevation changes and waterways.

Craig & Coyne is a partnership formed in 2022 between golf architect Colton Craig and noted author Tom Coyne. Coyne gained famed for several books such as “A Gentleman’s Game,” “Paper Tiger,” “A Course Called Ireland,” “A Course Called Scotland” and “A Course called America.” He is now the editor of the magazine Golfer’s Journal and also a part-owner and operator of Sullivan County Golf Course in New York.

Landscapes Unlimited will bring Craig & Coyne’s design to life, and sister company Landscapes Golf Management will oversee pre-opening activities including membership campaigns and financial management.

Lazy J – set on 20,000 acres – has long been a pheasant hunting destination, and its operators said golf would be a natural addition in turning the lodge into a private destination club. Limited memberships of various levels will be offered.

“Research shows hunters love playing golf and vice versa,” Nick Jorgensen – CEO of Jorgensen Land and Cattle and whose family owns the property – said in a recent media release announcing the course. “We are determined to provide them with a fun and safe destination escape to create unforgettable lifetime memories and experience ultra-friendly Midwest hospitality and camaraderie on the land we love.”

Planned amenities include a state-of-the-art short-game practice area and a 12-hole short course. The existing 42-bed lodge, including a lounge and restaurant, will see interior and exterior renovation.

“The Jorgensen family is world-class in everything it does, and we expect the new golf course to meet the same standards,” Tom Everett, president of Landscapes Golf Management, said in the media release. “With significantly growing participation in golf and hunting, and the premium caliber of Lazy J Sporting Club at large, members will absolutely love their experiences time and again.”