Exclusive Sporting Club Expands with Golf
A family-owned private club in southern South Dakota is expanding with a golf course designed to rank among the nation’s best.
Lazy J Sporting Club, located seven miles from Ideal, S.D., in northern Tripp County, is owned by the Jorgensen family, who also operate Jorgensen Land & Cattle. Originally known for its large-scale cattle operation and seasonal pheasant hunting, the club has steadily evolved to offer a broader range of outdoor experiences.
To bring its golf vision to life, the family partnered with Landscapes Unlimited, the firm behind the development and management of Sutton Bay in central South Dakota and the under-construction Mapleton Golf Club in northeast Sioux Falls. The new course will span 440 acres, with the goal of achieving national recognition. Rather than reshaping the land, the design will integrate seamlessly into the natural terrain.
The project will begin with an 18-hole championship course and a driving range, with plans for a short course potentially launching simultaneously, depending on budget considerations.
Accommodations will also expand. The 22-bedroom lodge, capable of sleeping 40 guests, will be remodeled, and additional fourplex cabins will be built, providing 16 to 24 extra bedrooms. Some cabins will be available for private ownership, enhancing the club’s residential options.
To finance the development, the club is raising $6 million in equity ownership, with strong initial interest already securing more than a third of the goal. The initiative marks a first-time capital raise for the Jorgensen family, who see significant potential in attracting a broad membership base.
While Sioux Falls is expected to be a key market, membership outreach extends to larger metro areas across the country. With Winner’s airport capable of accommodating private jets, accessibility for national members remains a priority.
Lazy J Sporting Club will resemble the highly regarded Sutton Bay, though its setting differs. Instead of being perched above the Missouri River, the property will feature five newly developed ponds to support trophy panfish. A 10-station sporting clay course and an extreme long-range shooting facility—stretching nearly two miles—will further distinguish the club’s offerings.
Membership will be limited to between 350 and 400, with options for corporate memberships, full-access individual memberships, and golf-only memberships. Individual memberships will extend access to spouses and children. Given its location, the club presents a convenient option for Sioux Falls-based members, positioned about 20 miles off I-90 and just 2.5 hours away.
The integration of golf with the club’s established hunting operations is expected to create a unique seasonal demand. The ability to offer pheasant hunting starting in early September alongside golf extending into mid-October provides an attractive dual-sport experience not commonly found elsewhere.
The club also plans to highlight its agricultural roots through agri-tourism, offering guests guided tours of its farming and livestock operations. Efforts are underway to incorporate beef from the family’s ranch into the club’s dining experience.
Pending completion of the capital raise, construction on the golf course could begin as early as October, with a projected opening by mid-2027. Membership interest continues to build, aligning with the expected timeline for a successful launch.
