Golfing Variety in Area

One thing is sure for those who take an interest in golfing; the area golf courses provide a different type of experience. The Madison Golf and Country Club offers 18 holes. Then there are the different 9 hole golf courses right down the road: Lakes Golf Course near Lake Madison, Howard Golf Course and Kingsbury County Golf Course just outside of DeSmet.
Madison Golf and Country Club
The 18-hole, 71 par golf course is located west of Prairie Village on Highway 34. Lake Herman can be seen to the south. A creek runs throughout the course and over the years ponds have been installed impacting holes 9, 12, 17 and 18.
“It can be difficult at times,” said Bill Stromberg, who is the current golf manager. “It is not a long course. You don’t have to have a long ball. You just need to be accurate and keep it in the middle.”
Stromberg said the greens are smaller and just a bit different than on other golf courses.
The toughest part of the course is that there are five par 3s. Normal golf courses have just two par 3s per nine holes. The longest hole – 17 – is a 502 yard, par 5.
Lakes Golf Course
Near Lake Madison is the Lakes Golf Course, a 9-hole, par 36 course woven in between houses and a lake.
There is a water feature on nearly every hole, quite a few trees and rolling hills. The longest hole is the first hole at 533 yards with a par 5. The last hole is also a par 5 and there are two par 3s on the course.
“What makes this golf course different and unique is the beauty of the lake and surrounding environment,” said Callie Wockenfuss, golf course manager. “There is wildlife around. The greens are fast and there are gorgeous homes scattered throughout. It all adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the course.”
There are multiple services at Lakes Golf Course including a driving range, putting green, motel, campgrounds and 30 club cars.
Howard Golf Course
Heading west on Highway 34 a golfer can play on the Howard Golf Course, a 9-hole, par 33 course in northeast Howard.
A creek runs through holes 3, 7, 8 and 9. The lone par 5 is hole number 5. Recently, a tee box was added on the number three hole making the 4-par hole 50 yards longer.
“It is not a hard course by any means,” said Dave Hodges, club house manager. “The course is in great shape. The fairways are in great shape.”
Hodges said the Howard Golf Course is a nice little 9 hole course. “It is not hard to get onto. You never need a tee time,” he said.
Kingsbury County Country Club
The final stop is just west of DeSmet on Highway 14 where the 9-hole, 36-par Kingsbury County Country Club is located.
The golf course has only two sand traps and no water hazards. The golf course was designed and constructed by those who live in the area.
“The neat thing about it is that it is a community gathering place,” said Marilyn Skyberg, a member and a regular golfer on the course. “Here we have an honor system where golfers throw money in the box and go and play.”
The longest hole is 522 yards. A 10-year plan for improvements includes adding grass bunkers, trees and tee boxes.
Skyberg said golfing is all about camaraderie and you see that at all levels of golf. “That is part of the beauty of golf,” she said. “With a handicap all golfers can play together. It is a relaxed atmosphere and everybody feels comfortable out there.”