Sand Creek Station - Newton, KS

xXsnowXx · March 16, 2011

Any frequent player/annual passholders?

Hey guys. I'm going to be moving to the Wichita area this Summer and have been checking out a few courses trying to find a place to play and practice frequently. I don't think I'll be able to quite afford a membership at a private club in Wichita, as I'm just going to be a poor college student. I've played Sand Creek a few times and nothing about it really makes me hesitate to play there frequently.

I was looking at (at the very minimum) getting their range pass ($300). I'm kind of a range hound, probably spending twice as many hours on the range as I do actually playing golf (range 3 - 4 times a week, for 2+ hours each time).

I am also considering their M-F Anytime Non-Resident pass ($1350). I guess I've just got a few questions for anyone who might be able to help:

1. How is the pace of play during the week?
2. Is the turf on the range almost always open or do they switch to the mats frequently?
3. This may be a dumb question, but is the Annual Pass good for one year from the time of payment or does it end at the end of the year?
4. How have the conditions of the course been there recently (late last year and so far this year)? I know they get a lot of play.

I'm aware I can call the course and get all of these answers, but I was hoping to get a fellow Wrx'er's opinion too.

Thanks in advance!

burniemac · March 17, 2011

You can try Willowbend Golf Club the rates are pretty good.

xXsnowXx · March 17, 2011

[quote name='burniemac' timestamp='1300384910' post='3064308']
You can try Willowbend Golf Club the rates are pretty good.
[/quote]
Yeah, I reached out to them via e-mail but have not heard back. I just haven't got around to calling yet. How is their practice area? Course layout?

Rockminer · March 17, 2011

First post, hope this works. I have played sand creek around 20 times and have never hit off of the grass. The one time i tried, i was told to hit from the mats. Maybe the rules are different for members. Also, even if you live on the north side of wichita, it's around 25 miles one way to newton. Could eat up a college "fun money fund" pretty quick just in gas. Pace of play is pretty good on weekdays. The course is in pretty good shape, we had a mild winter and warm temps. Starting to get some growth as we speak.

Have you played any city courses here? there is a city course pass, $565 4 day $725 7 day. You pay the fee and pay 4 dollars on weekdays and 5 on weekends. Would not take very many rounds to be playing some cheap golf. Some places may offer additional discounts for college students. Auburn hills is included in the city pass and is almost as good as sand creek.

You said that you were a practice hound. I believe that a few courses have range cards that are discounted for volume users. Don't quote me on that.

xXsnowXx · March 17, 2011

Thanks. I will definitely look into the city course pass. The 25 minute +/- drive (it looks like I will [i]hopefully[/i] be living on the north side, near 96) doesn't scare me too much. I could see myself making the drive 3 times a week without any issues. It is slightly concerning about the mats at the range, but I'll give them a call and see what they say. I'll also look into the range passes at some of the other courses.

Any other opinions would be appreciated!

burniemac · March 17, 2011

[quote name='xXsnowXx' timestamp='1300392801' post='3064708']
[quote name='burniemac' timestamp='1300384910' post='3064308']
You can try Willowbend Golf Club the rates are pretty good.
[/quote]
Yeah, I reached out to them via e-mail but have not heard back. I just haven't got around to calling yet. How is their practice area? Course layout?

[/quote]

Good practice area large putting clock and chipping green. Should see some improvements in the next couple of years as Woody Austin is now part owner. Also it is a golf only club course layout is nice some trouble but you can go low with a drivable Par 4 on each side.