Country Club benefits by joining Golf Guide

Hannah Gross 
NLJ Correspondent 
 
When a letter from the Black Hills Pioneer, a newspaper in Spearfish, showed up in the mail inviting Newcastle Country Club to join in the Black Hills Pioneer Golf Guide, it opened up the opportunity for the club to become “more of a player in the Black Hills golf course scene,” according to country club board president Rick Dunford.
Newcastle can often “be forgotten” in the area, Dunford said, so he and his fellow board members thought it would be a wise investment to put the course in the pamphlet for a $150 membership fee.  The idea was that the extra publicity would be worth the cost.
“It was great. It was a good investment,” said Sharon Rumbolz, club manager. 
Every spring, the Black Hills Pioneer sells 150 golf passes in the form of a punch card, which allows its users a free round of golf at each of the courses in the golf guide. Because the number of passes is limited, Dunford isn’t sure how many the club can acquire, but the board is looking to obtain some when there’s more information available. 
The other courses in the guide include the Spearfish Canyon Golf Club, Tomahawk Lake Country Club, Belle Fourche Country Club, Wall Community Golf Course, Boulder Canyon Country Club, Chip Shot Golf Simulator in Deadwood and Lead Country Club.
Rumbolz said that participating in the guide has doubled the course’s revenue. It raised publicity for the course and also has brought in more revenue from golfers who spend money on golf carts, food and drinks. 
“It’s been very effective,” Dunford said.
Rumbolz said the nine-hole course has a “moderate” degree of difficulty, and according to Dunford, the difficulty rating has increased because of the three live water obstacles on the course, including one across open water that requires golfers to plan their second shot well. At hole 6, golfers have to also cross the refinery creek.
Dunford laughed.
“I have had some success, and I have failed miserably,” he said. 
According to the article in the guide, “the course measures a total of 3,167 yards from the back tees and 2,800 yards from the front tees.” The course is a par 36, and its dress code is very relaxed. The only requirement is soft-spiked golf shoes, but “any clothing is acceptable.” The clubhouse is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“We have a wonderful course,” Dunford said. “Things are nice and spiffy.”
The cross-country runners even held a meet at the course on Aug. 28, and Dunford said the board wants to be more involved with local high school sports. 
“We’re really trying to participate with the high school athletics,” Dunford said. 
So, grab your clubs and gear up to tee up. Call 746-2639 for more information or visit the Newcastle Country Club Facebook page.