The Falls at Grand Falls & Casino Golf Resort

Rees Jones Visits Grand Falls Casino

Courtesy of Troy Klongerbo
USGolfTV

Larchwood, Iowa - Famed course designer Rees Jones made his way to the Southeast South Dakota/Northwest Iowa corner on May 17, 2013 to discuss his plans and intents for the newest golf course to be added to the area - this one at the Grand Falls Casino.

In a region filled with prairie grasses and gentle rolling hills, Jones' design plans are to use the lay of the land to create a course to accomodate golfers of all skill levels.

"This course will be sort of a step into the future, with the greens offering open entrances and the ability to either run the ball or fly the ball," Jones said to a group of media gathered at the course location in Larchwood, IA. "This is a beautiful lay of land and I plan to make it a prairie course, utilizing the native prairie grasses and natural contours, designed with the wind in mind as well, absolutely."

From the back tees, the course is planned to be over 7,000 yards with multiple forward teeing options. Jones is sure to be strategic and methodical when placing tees for women and higher handicap players to ensure the fairest and most fun test of golf for golfers of all abilities.

He doesn't want the course to be heavily bunkered, simply penalizing golfers through poor strategic play and lack of good decisions. He doesn't believe in overly penal golf course designs.

"This course will be an awesome course for the public. I like designing public golf courses. Courses everyone can enjoy," said the New Jersey native Jones.

The course will be designed with subtly contouring greens in an attempt to challenge talented players while minimizing 3-putts from weekend golfers caused by the use of massive tiers and undulations. Jones believes this course is better fit with big, old fashioned greens that appear a little flatter. He plans to have them run the Stimpmeter at 9.5 to 10, never eclipsing 11. (Greens at a 9.5-10 don't feature overly quick surfaces, simply smooth and fair speeds.)

When asked about his course design past, Rees was sure not to offer any favorites, citing nobody would ever highlight their favorite child - a quote he says he stole from his father Robert Trent Jones. He believes in value over volume, not overindulging himself with too many jobs/tasks, focusing on making each design special, unique and the best it can possibly be.

For anyone anxious to learn of a potentially signature hole, Rees was careful to not raise expectations too high.

"I don't necessarily believe in signature holes, I believe in signature courses," he said. "Its a mistake to have a signature hole, better to have a good course. Perhaps the 18th green coming into the waterfall may be the signature, but I hope the course in its entirety will be signature."

As far as tournaments, Rees says it will have potential for Iowa State events such as their opens and amateurs as well as regional amateur events. Mr. Jones pointed out the course would be made with a mixture of grasses so if need be, the course can play firm and fast.

Firm and fast. And we are all looking forward to it!