Greenspan Projects Ltd has been awarded a contract from Gem Lake Hills golf course in Minnesota, US, to transform an old driving range into an accessible 19-hole putting course.
Gem Lake Hills, known as “The Gem”, is an executive course that offers two 9-hole courses, including the challenging Par-3 course which features nine par 3s. The Exec course is a par 30, comprising six par 3s and three par 4s. The venue aims to take its course seriously while making the game fun and is ideal for a quick 9-hole game, league play, and days out with friends and family.
Family-friendly addition
The Gem appointed Greenspan to reimagine its pre-existing Cage area, which was built in the late 1980s. The Cage was used as a driving range until the 1990s when it was converted into golf buggy parking and storage. It has been used for a variety of purposes, but when the structure began to deteriorate The Gem decided to reinvision the large space and create a new 19-hole miniature golf course.
Matt Greer, general manager at Gem Lake Hills, says: “Maximizing our square footage in a positive way was our goal. We take pride in our two nine-hole courses and the wide variety of golfers who spend time here. Many people in the area get their start in golf right here at our course. Our leagues boast an impressive age range from six to some in their 90’s (and everything in between).
“We feel a putting course fits in very well with what we do here and achieves the goal of using our space in a way that benefits the customer as well as our business. The two nine-hole courses along with the putting course will continue our approach of bringing people together, making memories, and creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of ages and abilities.”
The course features 18 challenging and enjoyable holes, culminating in a difficult 19th hole that will be tricky for even the most experienced golfers. The course offers guests the option of playing either 9 or 19 holes and is ADA-compliant throughout.
Seating is located across the course to provide regular rest and waiting areas, and drinks tables at the beginning and end of each hole hold players’ bags and bottles. In addition, shade sails provide cooler intervals in the heat of the day, and gentle ambient and task lighting creates an inviting, fun atmosphere for evening play.
Brook Tuffin, Vice President of Sales at Greenspan Projects says: “We are really pleased to be working with Matt Greer, Steve Nasvik, and the team at Gem Lake Hills who have bought into the concept of adding a miniature golf concept to their golf club. We’ve worked with several clubs outside of the USA who have successfully done this, so it’s great to see the trend pick up over here now too.
“With thousands of rounds being played at Golf Clubs every year, miniature golf is a no-brainer if you’re looking for another revenue stream at your club or something to attract a wider demographic. Existing customers will bring family and friends along with them, and word will spread fast!
“The course at Gem Lake is going to be fun for all! 18 holes of real golf style challenge and playability, with a 19th almost impossible hole-in-1 opportunity, and a large practice putting green. The benches and shade structures throughout are a nice touch when the summer sunshine hits!”
