Elmwood Golf Course Unveils New Clubhouse Set to Open in 2026

News Summary

The Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls is set to debut a new 10,000-square-foot clubhouse on March 13, 2026, featuring modern amenities including a restaurant, bar, and event space. This $6.2 million project also includes facilities for youth development and enhanced outdoor areas, marking a significant upgrade to the beloved golf course.

Sioux Falls

The Elmwood Golf Course is set to debut a new 10,000-square-foot clubhouse and an array of upgraded amenities, preparing for its public opening on March 13, 2026, just in time for the upcoming golf season. This significant enhancement project represents an investment of approximately $6.2 million.

Modernizing Elmwood’s Offerings

At the heart of the transformation is the new clubhouse, a state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate the substantial traffic experienced by the popular 27-hole course. This facility will feature a comprehensive restaurant and a bar/lounge area, promising expanded food and beverage selections. The restaurant has hired a new chef and is in the final stages of unveiling its menu. Additionally, the clubhouse includes a versatile banquet section, equipped with its own restrooms, capable of hosting up to 110 guests for various events such as tournaments, wedding receptions, and graduations.

Golfers and visitors will also enjoy a new covered patio that offers views of the 18th green. This outdoor area will be enhanced with fans for comfort on warmer days and outdoor televisions, providing a lively space for social gatherings after a round.

A New Home for Golf History and Youth Development

The new clubhouse will proudly serve as the permanent home for the South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame. This dedicated space will showcase digital displays of inductees, alongside a collection of memorabilia, photos, and trophies, celebrating the region’s golfing heritage.

Further bolstering Elmwood’s community engagement, a new year-round facility is being established for the First Tee program, a State-level youth development organization focused on golf. This dedicated wing will feature an indoor putting green, a golf simulator, and a kitchen, extending opportunities for youth to engage with golf and life skills throughout the year.

Enhanced Facilities and Grounds

Beyond the main clubhouse, the project includes the construction of a new golf cart storage building designed to house an entirely electric fleet of golf carts. The course grounds will also benefit from an additional 30 parking spaces, improving accessibility for all visitors.

This latest renovation builds upon previous significant upgrades to Elmwood Golf Course. Between 2013 and 2016, the course underwent extensive renovations, which included changes to the course layout, improved drainage systems, the installation of concrete cart paths, a new irrigation system, and an expanded driving range. These earlier improvements also saw the addition of a 5-hole par 3 course. These comprehensive renovations were partly necessitated by the adjacent airport runway expansion completed in 2017, leading to a reorientation of fairways and a general modernization of the course’s playing conditions.

Project Genesis and Investment

The Elmwood Golf Course, a longstanding fixture in Sioux Falls, is approaching its 100th birthday. The previous clubhouse, which had stood for nearly 60 years, was recognized as being functionally and aesthetically outdated, prompting discussions for its replacement. The overarching goal of the current renovation is to transform Elmwood into a full-service golf destination.

Initially, the project was budgeted at $4.5 million, but the final investment increased to approximately $6.2 million. Funding for this extensive rebuild includes a $1 million contribution from the First Tee and the South Dakota Golf Association. Earlier course renovations were jointly funded by the City of Sioux Falls and the Federal Aviation Administration. The City of Sioux Falls, in collaboration with Landscapes Golf Management, which operates the city’s golf courses, has overseen the project.

Construction for the new clubhouse and cart storage building commenced in late summer and was anticipated to conclude by December 2025, with an aim for completion by Spring 2026. The demolition of the former clubhouse is slated to begin on December 10, 2025. The Sioux Falls City Council ultimately approved the project with a 6-2 vote, despite initial bids exceeding the anticipated budget. This investment comes as golf continues to surge in popularity within Sioux Falls, with city courses reporting an increase in rounds played from 76,000 in 2018 to 105,000, and annual pass sales also rising.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the new clubhouse at Elmwood Golf Course open to the public?

The new clubhouse at Elmwood Golf Course is scheduled to open to the public on March 13, 2026, for the upcoming golf season.

What are the key features of the new Elmwood Golf Course clubhouse?

The new clubhouse is a 10,000-square-foot facility featuring a restaurant, a bar/lounge area with expanded food and beverage options, a banquet area for up to 110 people, a covered patio with fans and outdoor TVs, and the new home for the South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame.

What is the total cost of the Elmwood Golf Course renovation project?

The total cost of the renovation project is approximately $6.2 million.

Will there be facilities for youth golf programs?

Yes, a new year-round facility for the First Tee program will be available, including an indoor putting green, a golf simulator, and a kitchen.

What other amenities have been upgraded at Elmwood Golf Course?

In addition to the clubhouse, a new golf cart storage building for an all-electric fleet and 30 more parking spaces have been added. Previous renovations (2013-2016) included course layout changes, drainage, cart paths, irrigation, and an expanded driving range.

Key Features of Elmwood Golf Course Enhancements

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