In August 1990, an option on 8,000 acres was
course is located; the property was purchased in
course is located; the property was purchased in
July 1991. In September 1990, Bill Coore and Ben
Crenshaw made their first site visit and shortly
thereafter, they were retained as golf course
architects. Over the next two years, Bill and Ben
made numerous visits. By the spring of 1993, they
had discovered over 130 golf holes, from which 18
were selected and a routing plan finalized.
Construction of the golf course began in April; by
that time, fifteen investors had contributed equity
capital and the Sand Hills Golf Company was
created.
created.
During 1993, most of the work was concentrated
on the irrigation system, which comprises about
85% of the total golf course construction cost. Each
of the two generated-power pumps produce 700
gals./min. and supply a deep 'frost free' water main,
which has pipe sizes beginning at 14" in diameter.
The frost free main remains charged all year, so
greens and tees can be watered during warm, dry
winter periods. It also supplies the shallow irrigation
system (drained during the winter), serving
approximately 900 automatic sprinklers. Some
fairways were also seeded in 1993, along with initial
work on the lodging units and the clubhouse.
To people unfamiliar with the project, the questions
persists: "Why build a golf course in the middle of
nowhere?" For those of us who believe some of the
best golf courses are discovered, not created, we
trust part of the answer is obvious: the natural
contours found in our unique valley. However, two
other less apparent reasons made this location a
rational choice: the abundance of pure water and
superior sand.
The golf course sits atop a deep portion of the
Ogallala aquifer: water is reached at 150ft. and
water-bearing sand continues for another 800 feet.
course is located; the property was purchased in
course is located; the property was purchased in
July 1991. In September 1990, Bill Coore and Ben
Crenshaw made their first site visit and shortly
thereafter, they were retained as golf course
architects. Over the next two years, Bill and Ben
made numerous visits. By the spring of 1993, they
had discovered over 130 golf holes, from which 18
were selected and a routing plan finalized.
Construction of the golf course began in April; by
that time, fifteen investors had contributed equity
capital and the Sand Hills Golf Company was
created.
created.
During 1993, most of the work was concentrated
on the irrigation system, which comprises about
85% of the total golf course construction cost. Each
of the two generated-power pumps produce 700
gals./min. and supply a deep 'frost free' water main,
which has pipe sizes beginning at 14" in diameter.
The frost free main remains charged all year, so
greens and tees can be watered during warm, dry
winter periods. It also supplies the shallow irrigation
system (drained during the winter), serving
approximately 900 automatic sprinklers. Some
fairways were also seeded in 1993, along with initial
work on the lodging units and the clubhouse.
To people unfamiliar with the project, the questions
persists: "Why build a golf course in the middle of
nowhere?" For those of us who believe some of the
best golf courses are discovered, not created, we
trust part of the answer is obvious: the natural
contours found in our unique valley. However, two
other less apparent reasons made this location a
rational choice: the abundance of pure water and
superior sand.
The golf course sits atop a deep portion of the
Ogallala aquifer: water is reached at 150ft. and
water-bearing sand continues for another 800 feet.
The sand in this area is unique even for the Sand Hills
and is superbly suited for turf grass. Although
extremely fine, the sand particles are perfectly
round, preventing compaction yet allowing
excellent water percolation. In fact, the percolation
rate is comparable to that of a constructed USGA
green; it could be said the entire Sand Hills golf
course is built on a USGA greens mix. (The cost of
building a USGA green is about $40,000. The Sand
Hills greens cost about $300 each.)
Fairways, greens, and tees were developed in 1994,
using the following procedure:
1. Mowing existing vegetation to ground level.
2. Tilling all areas to a depth of 6"
3. Doing minor finish on grading the greens.
4. Applying seed, fertilizer, and water.
The greens are seeded with Providence 1019
bentgrass and fairways with a blend of four
fine-blade fescues; most greens were seeded in May
1995. Greens and tees are covered during the winter
to minimize wind desiccation and hay is placed in
sand bunkers for protection from wind erosion.
However, some bunkers are allowed to "move", so
the character of the course will change somewhat
from year to year. Heavy spring and summer rains
during construction delayed the opening date until
late June 1995 and the driving range was completed
mid season of 1996. Landscapes Unlimited of
Lincoln and Bunker Hill Golf Inc. (Dave Axland and
Dan Proctor) were the contractors on the course,
although considerable work was done by Coore and
Crenshaw employees. The general contractor for the
construction of the clubhouse and lodging units was
James E. Simon of North Platte and Mark Kinney
was the job superintendent.
Sand Hills is a modest club with a private
membership. Seasonal golf operations typically begin
in June and conclude October 1st. On site
accommodation include a full service restaurant and
lodging for approximately fifty-five guests.
and is superbly suited for turf grass. Although
extremely fine, the sand particles are perfectly
round, preventing compaction yet allowing
excellent water percolation. In fact, the percolation
rate is comparable to that of a constructed USGA
green; it could be said the entire Sand Hills golf
course is built on a USGA greens mix. (The cost of
building a USGA green is about $40,000. The Sand
Hills greens cost about $300 each.)
Fairways, greens, and tees were developed in 1994,
using the following procedure:
1. Mowing existing vegetation to ground level.
2. Tilling all areas to a depth of 6"
3. Doing minor finish on grading the greens.
4. Applying seed, fertilizer, and water.
The greens are seeded with Providence 1019
bentgrass and fairways with a blend of four
fine-blade fescues; most greens were seeded in May
1995. Greens and tees are covered during the winter
to minimize wind desiccation and hay is placed in
sand bunkers for protection from wind erosion.
However, some bunkers are allowed to "move", so
the character of the course will change somewhat
from year to year. Heavy spring and summer rains
during construction delayed the opening date until
late June 1995 and the driving range was completed
mid season of 1996. Landscapes Unlimited of
Lincoln and Bunker Hill Golf Inc. (Dave Axland and
Dan Proctor) were the contractors on the course,
although considerable work was done by Coore and
Crenshaw employees. The general contractor for the
construction of the clubhouse and lodging units was
James E. Simon of North Platte and Mark Kinney
was the job superintendent.
Sand Hills is a modest club with a private
membership. Seasonal golf operations typically begin
in June and conclude October 1st. On site
accommodation include a full service restaurant and
lodging for approximately fifty-five guests.
History & Information
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