Anderson: Mainstay at Madison golf course

Gordon (everybody calls him Gordy) Anderson may be as well known as the Madison Golf and Country Club itself. He has been part of the landscape since 1964.
Anderson will tell you that the reason he stuck around Madison for 46 years is because of the people. “These people have been great to me: their friendliness and their willingness to support you through good times and bad times.”
He graduated from Yankton High School in 1969. Anderson, now 69, was a high school golfer and went to state each year for four years. His best finish was a top five performance.
Then it was on to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, for a few classes. But college wasn’t for him. It was on the golf course where he felt most comfortable.
His father, Jack, was on the golf course whenever he had the time. Jack worked in the coal mines in Scotland during the day and golfed at night. In fact, all four of his brothers also played golf. Anderson had his clubs before he was born.
His first job was at the Rochester, Minn. Country Club. Anderson lasted six months before taking over the job at the Madison Golf and Country Club. For 38 years, he owned the pro shop. In 2002, he sold the pro shop and worked independently providing lessons, club repair and helping with junior golf.
Over the 46 years, Anderson helped rebuild the course to 18 holes, was part of a successful junior golf program and increased exposure to ladies golf programs over the past 10-15 years.
“The driving range was an excellent addition to the course,” he said. “Giving lessons before we had the driving range was a challenge because we had to use the number 9 hole. We could only do it in the morning when no one was out there.”
When Anderson came to Madison, the golf course was listed as one of the best 9-hole courses in South Dakota. It got even better by adding a driving range and nine more holes.
Anderson knows first-hand what the course is like because he was able to get on the golf course and others around the nation; maybe not as much as he would have liked.
“You can sneak away for a one or two-day event, but that is about it,” he said.
Anderson’s golfing strength was his short game. He states that the short game is the most important aspect of golfing. However, Anderson sees golfers going out and hitting drivers, but never sees anybody practicing on the practice greens to any extent.
“From 50 to 100 yards into the green, you waste more shots than any part of the game,” he said. “When you are working you don’t have a lot of time to play the game, but you do have time in the evening to do some putting and chipping around the green.
“I really believe the short game should be practiced 2-1 to the long game,” he continued. “Most people do just the opposite or do just the long game. The world’s best players are good putters.”
The challenge of any golfer is trying to better yourself and to get that score down. Anderson’s best score at Madison is a 66. Par is 71. One time he had a 29 on the front nine.
In addition he has had five holes in ones: two in Madison and one each in Arizona, Minnesota and Florida. He also has had a double eagle in Madison and in Minnesota.
“To me the double eagles are way more satisfying than a hole in one,” he said.
To be a good golfer, Anderson feels it takes patience and a good attitude. “One of the biggest detriments is perfectionism,” he said. “If you are a perfectionist, you aren’t going to play golf very well.”
Over the years the number of golf courses has increased; meaning the competition for golfers has increased. When Anderson arrived on the scene, the only golf course close to Madison was the Howard Country Club. Now, there are golf courses in Salem, Colman, Dell Rapids, DeSmet, Hartford, Lakes Golf Course and Arlington.
Part of the reason for the success has been the junior golf program that golf clubs like Madison have. “Just getting kids out there is very beneficial for the game and for the golf clubs,” Anderson said. “If they start young they are generally going to play well.”
What also keeps people golfing is the challenge of trying to improve. “Golf is a difficult game that you never master,” Anderson said. “One of the interesting things about golf that no one ever tells you or teaches you is that golf is probably the most difficult sport for one reason. It is the only sport that you deal with a stationary ball. The other sports are reactionary sports.”

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.”

Sleeping Outside in a State Park

This area is filled with numerous state parks where a family can sleep in a cabin, park a camper or pitch a tent. Those same state parks offer a variety of different activities to do whether it is boating, fishing, swimming or roasting marshmallows at a campfire.
Near Madison there are two state areas where campers can have some enjoyment.
The diversity of Lake Herman State Park west of Madison makes that a popular destination. There is lake access, trails that lead through grass prairie, wetlands and historic sites, bird watching, canoe and kayak rentals, disc golf and a swimming beach. There is also a restored 1871 cabin and cemetery. The cabin is a designated National Historic structure. There are family-oriented nature programs each weekend during the summer.
There are 72 camping sites; 69 have electrical pedestals and three are tent sites with no electricity.
Park Manager Vicki Seger said what makes Lake Herman State Park a spot for campers it is close to Madison and other attractions, as well as being a beautiful place to enjoy.
On the east side of Madison is Walker’s Point Recreation Area. It is located on Lake Madison, has canoe rentals and is also near Madison attractions.
There are 42 electrical campsites and one tent site.
Seger said Walker’s Point Recreation Area is a place for mostly water sports, but the staff also provides family-oriented nature programs every weekend.
“It is close to Madison and other area attractions with easy lake access,” she said.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Straight south of Montrose is the Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
Here, campers can be involved in fishing, boating, swimming and observing nature. The recreation area is near Palisades State Park, Big Sioux Recreation Area, Beaver Creek Nature Area, and the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls.
There are 66 campsites, with 62 having electrical hook ups. There are also five camping cabins. There is a 400-foot swimming beach and 200-foot water ski beach. In addition, those in the recreation area can observe 175 different species of birds and wildflowers.
Lake Vermillion is the largest watershed within 30 miles of Sioux Falls.
“In the time I have been here, the park has grown in popularity and in size,” said Derek Dorr, who is entering his 10th summer as park manager. “The lake has a large variety of fish and provides the ability for water sports during the summer months. The Rec Area is made up of two campgrounds, providing a wonderful view from both sides of the lake.”
Dorr said the reason people like to camp at the spot is because Lake Vermillion is close enough to Sioux Falls to make a day trip, but far enough away to escape everyday life. “It is quiet, clean and well-maintained,” he said.
According to Dorr, the 512-acre lake was created in 1958 by impounding waters from the east fork of the Vermillion River. At the time, it was the largest project that the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks had ever undertaken.
“The lake features clear waters and abundant fish, and is a popular fishing destination for anglers year around,” Dorr said. “The size and shape of the river also make it a popular attraction for skiers and jet skiers alike.”
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
South of Lake Preston is the Lake Thompson Recreation Area. The park consists of 300 acres and the area has been documented and written about by Laura Ingalls Wilder in several of her books, according to Park Manager John Christensen.
There are 97 electrical sites and six without electricity, as well as four camping cabins and a five-bedroom group lodge. The main attraction is fishing, but there are other activities including hiking, biking and park programs. The lake has risen approximately three feet this Spring because of the average snowfall and timely Fall and Spring rains. The lake is registered as a Natural Landmark by the National Park Service due to its rising and receding waters in the past, present and future, according to Christensen.
Lake Thompson is also one of the largest natural lakes in South Dakota.
Christensen said people camp at Lake Thompson Recreation Area because of the proximity to Lake Thompson. In addition, campers like the family-based atmosphere and the short drive to Laura Ingalls Wilder activities and facilities in DeSmet.
“People like to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life and camping seems to be a great cure and break for all involved,” Christensen said.