Feb. 20, 2025

Lazy J Sporting Club to Add Nationally Renowned Golf Course in South Dakota

Nestled 7 miles east of Ideal in northern Tripp County, South Dakota, Lazy J Sporting Club is set to undergo a significant expansion. This family-owned private club, managed by the Jorgensen family, is widely known for its pheasant hunting and agritourism operations. Now, they are taking strides to diversify their offerings with the addition of a premier golf course that aims to be among the best in the nation.

The Vision Behind Lazy J Sporting Club’s Expansion

Owned and operated by the Jorgensen family, Lazy J Sporting Club sits on a beautiful acreage that is already home to Jorgensen Land & Cattle, the largest commercial bull production facility in the United States. The club’s CEO, Nick Jorgensen, shared the vision behind these new developments: “We’ve been doing pheasant hunting on our operation for years, but we wanted to maximize the usage of our facility. Hunting is a seasonal activity that lasts only 90 days out of the year, so we decided to build the Lazy J Grand Lodge in 2012 with the intention of adding more attractions. Now, we’re adding a golf course to extend our appeal year-round.”

Collaboration with Expert Golf Course Developers

To bring their vision to life, the Jorgensen family partnered with Landscapes Unlimited, a renowned firm known for designing and managing successful golf courses like Sutton Bay in central South Dakota and the upcoming Mapleton Golf Club in northeast Sioux Falls. Landscapes Unlimited’s assessment of the Lazy J property was enthusiastic: “You’ve got a really good spot to do golf.” With their backing, the family is aiming for their course to be among the top 100 in the country.

Course Design and Development

The golf course is set to be developed on 440 acres and will feature a strategic blend of native landscape and expert design to create an exceptional playing experience. Jorgensen emphasizes, “We’re putting it where the golf is. We’re not manufacturing golf here.” This approach ensures that the natural beauty of South Dakota provides a stunning backdrop for the course.

The initial phase of the project includes an 18-hole championship course and a driving range. Future plans involve the addition of a shorter course, which may coincide with the main 18-hole course, depending on the financial resources secured.

Luxury Accommodation and Golf Clubs

The club’s accommodation options are set to expand significantly, upgrading the current 22-bedroom lodge to accommodate 40 people. The updated lodge will include a full kitchen, dining area, multiple lounge spaces, and an outdoor patio to offer members a comfortable stay.

Additionally, the club plans to build fourplex cabins offering an additional 16 to 24 bedrooms. These units will be available for both rental and ownership, allowing some members to get more involved in the community.

Financial Backing for Lazy J’s Expansion

To fund this ambitious project, the family is undertaking a capital raise of $6 million. As of now, they have secured over a third of the required funds. Jorgensen commented, “We’re raising equity ownership on the course, and we’ll also offer some cabins for ownership that will be used by the club. Our family has never done anything like a capital raise, so we’re learning as we go. However, we’ve had good interest so far.”

Accessibility and Membership Details

Lazy J Sporting Club aims to cater to fairways from across the country, including regional markets around Sioux Falls and national hotspots. It will serve as an attractive destination due to its convenient location near Winner’s airport, which can accommodate almost any private jet.

Membership options are designed to cater to diverse interests and budgets. Potential members can choose a golf-only plan or opt for a full individual membership that includes access to all sporting activities like pheasant hunting, sporting clay shooting, and long-range shooting. Corporate memberships are also available.

Membership numbers will be capped between 350 and 400 to ensure a high-quality experience for all members. Spousal and child memberships are included in individual memberships.

Agri-Tourism and Unique Amenities

Lazy J Sporting Club integrates its golf and pheasant hunting operations with agri-tourism. Every guest who engages in hunting activities will also receive a tour of the Jorgensen farming and livestock operation. This unique experience allows visitors to connect with the source of their meat, a significant aspect of the club’s commitment to sustainability and transparency.

Future plans include an on-site kitchen serving the club’s own beef, further strengthening the link between the club’s agritourism and lodge experiences.

Timeline and Future Prospects

Assuming the capital raise remains on track, construction of the golf course is set to begin in October 2025. If all goes as planned, members and visitors can expect to enjoy the first rounds of golf on the course midsummer 2027.

Jorgensen is optimistic about the club’s future: “We’re right where we need to be in terms of the development process. The membership drive is going well, and we’re confident that with the assets we have, we’ll attract demand from both local and national markets.”

Conclusion

Lazy J Sporting Club’s addition of a top-tier golf course represents a significant milestone for the Jorgensen family-owned business. By combining the natural beauty of South Dakota’s landscape with expert design and a welcoming ambiance, they aim to create a destination that appeals to both new and returning members. This ambitious project not only enhances the club’s offering but also strengthens the local economic impact through agri-tourism and job creation.