As construction season draws to a close for another year, I recently checked in with Danny Amundson, Managing Partner of the Mapleton Golf Club project underway outside Sioux Falls, SD. Despite facing some minor delays due to June rains across the region, Amundson expressed satisfaction with progress made so far on their new private golf community slated for opening in 2025.
Amundson acknowledged the early start to construction this past winter and spring allowed for good momentum- critical in a season as short as South Dakota's. Having overseen many course builds myself, I know weather interruptions can easily put timelines behind. Thankfully, Mapleton's dry July and August meant regaining lost time.
Some of the initial earthworks and infrastructure are already in place, demonstrating the vision is on track. With next summer's golf already penciled in, the team will now focus on completing all drainage and irrigation installs before the cold weather sets in. It seems Mapleton is well-positioned to take full advantage of next season's construction period.
While challenges are inevitable on ambitious projects, Amundson's experienced leadership and fortunate weather breaks have clearly kept Mapleton progressing smoothly thus far.
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Danny Amundson of Mapleton Golf Club provided another update on progress to me, noting the current focus is establishing turf across the layout over the next few months. One third of holes already showcase the beginnings of lushnew grass, a welcome sight for any course architect.
Amundson explained their plan is to have seeding and sodding fully completed ahead of winter. This critical stage in any new build allows the turf time to take root and gain strength before entering dormancy. Come spring, Mapleton will debut a fully grassed championship 18 along with shorter par-3 challengesperfect for sharpening one's game.
I was also excited to hear further details on Mapleton's vision as a golf-first facility. In addition to the varied holes, members and daily fee players can look forward to a spacious driving range, full practice amenities, and a comfortable clubhouse centred around food and fun between rounds. This concept rightfully prioritizes the golfing experience over add-ons not integral to the game.
Mapleton progress expanding beyond just the golf layout. Alongside crucial turf establishment, vertical construction is now taking shape across the wider club site.
Amundson expressed enthusiasm watching buildings literally rise from the ground. A true centrepiece will be the spacious clubhouse enclosure slated for winter lock-up. This critical structure will allow interior work through the cold months, ensuring amenities are ready to match the emerging golf experience next season.
I've long admired passionate developers like Amundson who tackle ambitious projects as a personal passion rather than mere profits. He recounted the thoughtful planning which went into finding just the right underutilized Sioux Falls acreage. With continued population pressures on existing area recreation, Mapleton is poised to directly address this need.
From early greens to the growing structure frames, the vision which drove this venture is becoming reality before my eyes. If this dedicated leadership carries their momentum through the winter, Mapleton will debut as a first-class golfing community for the region for decades ahead. I look forward to chronicling its rise.
References: https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/mapleton-golf-club-offers-a-look-at-project-progress/
