GOLF COURSE SPOTLIGHT: Short par-4s rule at Rocky Run

DELL RAPIDS, S.D. — Rocky Run Golf Course is part of the GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club family of 17 facilities.

Rocky Run was founded in the early 1960s, and then sold to Spruce Glen, Inc., on Dec. 27, 2014.

One of the most prominent characteristics of Rocky Run is the number of short par-4s. There are eight par-4s measuring 385 yards or less (from the regulation black tees).

Rocky Run Golf Course takes pride in its meticulous greens, with the par-4, 355-yard Hole No. 4 shown here. In the background is the Spruce Glen housing development. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)

Like the GreatLIFE course in Worthington, Rocky Run features a short par-3 measuring 118 yards (Hole No. 6). The longest hole at the venue follows, a 526-yard, par-5.

Don’t let Rocky Run’s limited distance (6,381 yards) fool the golfer — because there are plenty of creeks, streams and other water features to challenge players. The course plays as a par-71 for men (par-72, women).

Three of the toughest holes based on handicap are Nos. 1 (a 490-yard, par-4), 15 (380 yards) and 16 (501 yards). The 16th is considered the signature hole with the creek intersecting the fairway, and a difficult, elevated green.

The greens are well-maintained, and there are plenty of large, menacing trees. This is a spike-less facility, so bring the proper golf footwear.

Dell Rapids St. Mary’s golfers train at the facility, with the girls winning the 2025 South Dakota Class B state title. The Cardinals shot eight strokes fewer than Miller, paced by Isabella McNaughton’s two-day, 15-over 159.

This decorative water feature serves as a centerpiece at Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids, S.D. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)

Rate structure and more

Rocky Run is affordable fun, with Monday-Thursday rates $25 for nine holes and $40 for 18.

The cost jumps to $30 for nine holes Friday-Sunday and holidays ($45 for 18).

A senior discount of 20 percent is available providing he or she golf before 2 p.m. There also are discounted rates for juniors age 12 years and younger, and for military personnel (must show proof of identification).

The golf cart fee is $15 for nine and $25 for 18.

Young golfers learn how to play by using the driving range. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)

Range balls are available for $8, providing a medium-sized bag with about 50. Range-only memberships are $250 for an individual and $325 for couples/families.

A range membership may be combined with other GreatLIFE properties, per Rocky Run’s website.

Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids was teeming with players on a recent Friday morning. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)

Men’s league takes place on Wednesdays, and there also is a season-long match play format for interested golfers. Ladies Day begins at 6 p.m. Tuesdays.

There also is a traveling seniors league (membership and active USGA GHIN required) that makes stops at the six major courses in the GreatLIFE family.

Justin Snyder serves as Rocky Run’s head golf professional, with Blake Paulson as the assistant. Brent Eddy is the course superintendent. Snyder was named to his current position in 2023.

During the month of August, Rocky Run is open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset Monday-Friday and 6 a.m. to sunset on weekends.

Just a short drive from the course on West Fourth Street (South Dakota Highway 115), GreatLIFE offers a 24-hour, 4,000-square-foot fitness center.

The facility features a full circuit of strength and cardio equipment, a standalone free weights area and locker rooms.

The golf course, complete with clothing for sale in the pro shop and the full-service Duffer’s Bar & Grill, is roughly a 35-minute drive southwest of Pipestone.

The Rocky Run clubhouse features both a pro shop and Duffer’s Bar and Grill.

For information, and to book a tee time, call 1-605-428-3498 or email: justin.snyder@joingreatlife.com. Online tee reservations are accepted at: rockyrungolf.com.