Return To Golf Special at GCGC

Grinnell College Golf Course is reopening after being closed for more than a year!  We look forward to welcoming back our longstanding customers, but also those who are possibly new to the game or “dusting off the clubs”.  Our course is layed out so that it is playable for a wide array of abilities.  We only have 9 holes, but we have 37 teeing locations allowing the course play as short or challenging as you’d like.

(Click on the flyer to learn about our Rates and Return To Golf Special)

21-0518 Golf Course flyer_Color

Come have Fun, We are open for Everyone!

 

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Grinnell College Golf Course Facilities and Programming for 2021

Greetings,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well.  Today I write to you about the status of Grinnell College Golf Course and to communicate some operational changes for the upcoming season.  After almost five years of college operation of the golf course we have reviewed our business model and operational costs. To help bring the golf course closer to self-supporting we are instituting some changes.   Also, in response to the public health situation we have moved to a four-tier model for addressing the COVID-19 situation.

Feel free to contact me with any questions about the operational changes outlined below.   Like you, I am looking forward to a great 2021 golf season.

Best Regards,

Shane Hart, GM

Operational Changes for 2021

  • Clubhouse Utilization:  The golf operation will be run out of the Pro Shop on the lower level of the clubhouse.  The rest of the clubhouse space will only be available to those who have reserved the space through our Conference Operations & Events team (call 269-3178 or email calendar@grinnell.edu).  If your requested event requires food or beverage, our events team will connect you with Grinnell College’s Dining Services to discuss catering options.
  • Pool:  The pool will remain closed.
  • Food & Beverage Service:  All food and drink served out of the Pro Shop will be in its original, unopened container.  This includes beverage service; there will be no mixed drink/bar service.  There will be no hot or prepared foods available at the Pro Shop.

Operational Responses to COVID-19 (2021 Season)

Grinnell College has adopted a Campus Activity Level matrix which outlines what types of activities are possible given current campus, local, and regional health concerns.   GCGC, being part of campus, will adhere to this policy.  This matrix will also allow us to quickly adjust our programming to adhere to current safety concerns.


Events = Leagues, Receptions, Meetings, Reunions, and other social functions are still able to be hosted at GCGC up to the given space restrictions.   Bookings will be done through our Conference Operations & Events team at 641-269-3178 or calendar@grinnell.edu

Questions/Answers of how this matrix will impact programming:

  • What Campus Activity Level is the college at right now?
    • As I write this in January 2021, the Campus Activity Level is YELLOW.  
  • Will there be refunds if the pandemic interrupts golf course operation?
    • If the golf course has to close for more than a 10 days, during the golf season, there will be refunds to season pass holders.  Otherwise, there will be no refunds.
  • Can we have leagues?
    • Yes, golf leagues will be available up to the capacity limits within the given color matrix.  
    • After golf social events need to be arranged through our Conference Operations & Events team.  Call 269-3178 or email calendar@grinnell.edu
  • What food and beverages will be available?
    • All foods and snack options will be in their original packaging (not prepared).  The same will apply for drink options.  Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks will be served in their original, unopened packaging.   There will be no bar service with mixed drinks.
  • Can we have a social after an event or schedule a reception? 
    • Yes, Grinnell College has a catering team and Events team that can help your group schedule your function and outline applicable costs.  Capacities will be limited to the color matrix.
  • If we are in condition yellow and the Pro Shop is closed, how will we golf?
    • An external/outdoor Pro Shop will be set up to assist with the check-in process and very basic sales.
  • How much will season passes and rates be?
  • Has the derecho been cleaned up?
    • There was a significant undertaking to remove 175 trees and prune over 80 others.  The cleanup of the derecho has been completed.
  • I need to have my cart serviced; how do I get it?

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Employment Opportunity: Golf Turf Specialist (Superintendent)

Employment Opportunity:  Golf Turf Specialist

Grinnell College is in search of Turf Specialist (Superintendent) to provide high-level maintenance of the turfgrass and grounds at Grinnell College Golf Course, established in 1899.  The course is well known for its excellent greens and tree-lined fairways.  It has received such accolades as:

“The quality of the greens are as good as any I’ve seen in the U.S. and beyond.  And I’ve seen a lot of them working for the PGA.” – Joel Schuchmann, PGA Tour Senior Director of Communications.

The golf course, setting on 56 acres, provides 9 holes with 31 teeing locations providing golfers with various 9-hole and 18-hole playing options.  The course has bluegrass fairways and rough with bentgrass greens and tees.  The facility also has a pool, clubhouse (lounge, pub, banquet space), and a short range.  Duties of the position will include:

  • Keep sophisticated golf course maintenance equipment maintained and repaired to minimize downtime.
  • Provide a quality playing surface for regular play while focusing on improving playability for outings and tournaments
  • Operate within a given budget
  • Maintain and enhance the grounds with an emphasis on environmental sustainability

This position is a 10-month position within the Grinnell College Facilities Management & Teamsters bargaining unit.  Grinnell College offers a very competitive benefits package which will be extended to this position year-round.

To apply for this position please go to https://jobs.grinnell.edu/postings/3330

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Temporary Course Closure

Dear Grinnell College Golf Course Patrons,

Due to concerns about spreading the COVID-19 virus the Grinnell College Golf Course will close at the end of the day today Friday March 13th and will remain closed until further notice.  

The Pro Shop, Pool, Golf Course, and Event Space will all be closed to everyone, with no exceptions.  There will be no access to any part of the club house, pool, or the green space – no golfing, no fishing, no walking/running. 

Season passes already sold for the 2020 season will be prorated according to the percentage of the season the course is operational.  

If you have golf clubs, a golf cart, or other personal belongings stored at the golf course and you want to pick them up, please do so today or this weekend.  After you pick up your personal property you will not be able to return it to the course until the course is reopened.  So, if you pick up your golf cart you cannot bring it back to the cart barn until the course is reopened.

If you have golf clubs, a golf cart or other personal property stored at the golf course and you want to leave it there, that is okay.  But after this weekend you will not be able to retrieve items until the course reopens.

The golf course will continue to be maintained and we hope to be able to reopen later in the season. 

Please remember, the following precautionary measures may aid in defending against the flu and COVID-19:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper arm/elbow.
  • Clean hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects that are touched frequently (faucets, doorknobs, phones, etc.).
  • Avoid contact with sick people.

Look for further communication in the coming days.  We look forward to reopening the facility as soon as possible!

All the best,

Shane Hart, General Manager

Grinnell College Golf Course

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GCGC Update – COVID-19 Response

Grinnell College Golf Course is part of the Grinnell College campus.  As such, we strongly encourage you to read the release that was published on 3/10/2020 in response to the COVID-19 virus. To stay within the policies set forth in this release, all events will be cancelled occurring through May 15th, 2020.  GCGC staff will be reaching out to the organizers of each event.  The golf operation will tentatively operate without impact.  As we all know this is a rapidly changing situation, and operational modifications may need to be made in the future.
This Weeks Schedule of Events
Mon., Mar 9:  Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm.  
Tue., Mar 10:  Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm. Private event CANCELLED
Wed., Mar 11:  Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm
Thur., Mar 16:  Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm.  Private event in the Upper Level all day. 
Fri., Mar 17: Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm.  $50 Fridays CANCELLED
Sat., Mar 18: Course Closed due to anticipated weather
Sun., Mar 19:  Pro Shop Open 8 am – 5 pm.  Course may close if high temperature does not get to 45 (42 is the forecast)
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Opening Day!

Opening Day Is Here!

We are planning on opening this Saturday, March 7th!  A change in the forecast or frost remaining in the ground could effect this, but our intention is to open. Tee times are recommended, which will start at 8 am. They can be made by clicking here.

Please note that the course will be open, but we will have winter conditions (including some spots of snow).  As such, we will be offering 9 or 18 holes with cart for $20.
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2020 Junior Golf Programs

As part of Grinnell College Golf Course’s effort to keep our youth active and grow the game of golf we will be greatly expanding youth golf opportunities this summer.  We believe the game of golf offers a unique combination of social interaction, competition, cooperation, and outdoor wellness.

We will offer 3 different golf opportunities for our youth to participate in.

Grinnell College Junior Golf Program

  • Week 1:  June 2nd & 9th
  • Week 2:  June 8th & 9th
  • Week 3:  June 16th & 18th
  • Week 4:  July 7th & 9th
  • Week 5:  July 14th & 16th
  • Week 6:  July 21st & 23rd
  • Designed for pre-high school aged players that have been exposed to the game of golf.  Each week will consist of a group golf clinic on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am and a play day on Thursday mornings at 9:00 am.
  • This program will be lead by the 2018 Iowa PGA Pro of The Year, John Shawver
  • Cost of this program will be $150

The First Tee of Central Iowa

  • Week 1:  June 22nd – 25th
  • Week 2:  June 29th – July 2nd
  • Designed for youth ages 7 – 18 that are new to the game of golf
  • Lean More here
  • Cost of $85 that is refundable upon completion of the program

Larry Crawford State Pee & Junior Golf Tournament

  • A season culminating event that will give the participants of all of our youth golf programs the chance to compete with and against players from across the state
  • Youth 13 and under
  • Cost of the event is TBD.
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The First Tee of Central Iowa – Grinnell

Week 1: June 22-25; Week 2: June 29 – July 2

This will be Grinnell College Golf Course’s 4th season being a host site for The First Tee, and we look forward to building the program even further!

We will be making some changes to how the program is scheduled. We will still have 9 sessions, but they will be held over 2 weeks instead of 9 weeks. Our hope is that this will provide for easier player transportation, less conflict with summer vacations, and increase volunteer support. Interested in volunteering or want to know more about the time commitment? Email us here.

The flyer for the program can be downloaded here:
2020-Grinnell-FlyerDownload

To register your child or find out more information on the program, please go The First Tee site here.

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Cross-Country Skiing @ GCGC

As the snow is falling, we just want to send out a reminder about cross-country skiing. Not only are you welcome to ski here at the course, we encourage it! Please avoid going over tee boxes, greens, and ponds. Have a safe weekend!

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