Wichita golfers?

ChrisSP · February 18, 2016

I read through some old threads and in terms of what kind of information I'm looking for everything looks to be at least three years old. So, I was looking for an updated but brief overview of the private golf options in Wichita.

I could be moving to the area and I've read about the different clubs, but I was hoping some local players could pass along their thoughts about the various options - cost, quality of layout, conditions, etc. What I'd be most interested in knowing, however, is if there's a club or two in town that is known for having a lot of good players and good member games. For me, having a game is more important than the course/club (at least to an extent), if that makes sense.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

tnord · February 25, 2016

I'm not in Wichita, but nearby and have played a couple of the Wichita privates.

1) Flint Hills - Fun course with a couple goofy holes for first timers that probably wouldn't be as bad if you played every day. It's very much an "impress your friends/clients/business partners" type place. Not too sure how much of a game you'll find here, but the facilities are pretty impressive.

2) Crestview - two 18 hole tracks, I've only played the one where web.com plays. I enjoyed it quite a bit, probably more than Flint. The head pro, Brian Ward, is a great younger guy that I enjoyed quite a bit when he and I were at Brookridge in KC. I'd bet you could get a game here pretty easily and Brian would help you do that.

3) Wichita CC - old style track and incredible clubhouse. I'd bet it's a bit of an older membership than the other two, but I'd guess there's good games here too. The guy I played against in a little tournament was a 9 time club champ and quite the golfer. I'd bet it's just as expensive as Flint, but it's on the complete other side of town. Whichever you prefer probably just depends on what's closer to you. VERY different style courses, so I can't really say one is better than the other.

QMany · February 25, 2016

Wichita CC is a really good track. They just hosted the 2015 Kansas Amateur, and I was really impressed. I know there are some really good sticks there, including Sam Stevens (Oklahoma State golfer and Kansas Amateur champion) and a few other current/former city and state amateur champions. I have a good friend there, so let me know if you need to meet some people or find a game.

dlygrisse · February 25, 2016

Might check out Tallgrass CC, used to be a good group of players there. Although it's been a few years since I have hung out there, quality track as well.

Flint Hills is the cream of the crop in the area in my opinion, both course/amenities and some solid players.Purely golf though, not really a full service CC, if you are looking for a full family style CC I would look at Crestview.

tnord · February 25, 2016

i've never played tallgrass, but i think they just did a bunch of updates to the clubhouse and the course within the last few years.

ChrisSP · February 25, 2016

Guys, thanks for all of the replies - they're much appreciated. It seems like in terms of golf there are great options, as a lot of the courses sound/look very nice. It's just about finding the right fit in terms of want/need. It's just my wife and I, so certain amenities wouldn't be as important for us as others. And, price comes into play at some point. But having a regular game is crucial, and your replies have been helpful. Thanks!

tnord · February 25, 2016

everything else being equal....i'd look at crestview first just because it has 36 holes.

Judge Smales · March 20, 2016

Some misinformation on here. Flint Hills and WCC are not on the opposite sides of town. They're actually on the same side of town.

Crest view does have 36 holes, but they're in the middle of a significant (very significant) all-member assessment. I've heard rumors of its demise and I will leave it at that.

Tallgrass is a good course when people aren't landing planes in the middle of the 14th fairway. But the best deal on that side of town is terra dyne cc in Andover, same city flint hills is located. Fun course, great practice facilities, easy to get a game, and a decent 19th hole scene. Also has workout facilities. Lots of crest view members making the switch.

lsutigerz2001 · March 29, 2016

My responses will reiterate what others have said, but being from E. Wichita I felt I could add some value.

Tallgrass CC: I was a member at TG for 5 years. It's a great little course and one of my favorites in the city. Definitely values accuracy over distance. The clubhouse and facilities are not great. They have tried to improve in that area, but they are towards the bottom in comparison to other private clubs. I know TG has struggled to maintain members over the last 5-6 years ago and it seems like the glory days are behind it. Much older demographic.

Terradyne CC: I have played out here multiple times. Another links style course that rewards accuracy over distance. I'm not familiar with the member base, but I know the facilities are great. I'm family friends with one of the owners kids and they have put a lot of money into the course recently. Would be one I would reccomend.

Flint Hills National: I caddied at Flint throughout HS and parts of college. Probably the premier course in the state, definitely the city, and it's always in fantastic shape. You will definitely not feel like you are in Andover, Kansas when you play there. The facilities and clubhouse are top notch. Flint is also very active in setting up games and events for their members. I'm not sure of your financial situation, but you will need deep pockets to get into the door. It's located outside of the city for a reason, so pending where you live it could be a drive. Also, tip your caddy well! ;-)

Wichita CC: Probably your best bet as far as quality, facilities, member experience, and skilled golfers. Lots of good sticks out there from college kids up to seniors. I have a bunch of good friends that people from around here would know that play out there. You won't have trouble finding a game or member events that will be challenging and enjoyable. It's fairly expensive, but WCC is probably what most people with the means would reccomend.

Crestview: I know a bunch of people left other clubs to join Crestview during a promotion about 4 years ago and as someone else mentioned, they are having some struggles now. The unique thing is you get 36 holes. The north course, where they play the Air Capital Classic, is top notch while the South Course is nothing special. I'm not familiar with the member base, so not much help.

Willowbend: Decent course on the north end of town. Far from special, but a nice private course that doesn't have too much traffic. The practice facilities are fantastic, but the clubhouse is definitely lacking. It's probably the most financially reasonable membership on this side of town.

In West Wichita you have Reflection Ridge and Rolling Hills. I know nothing about these courses as they are actually two of the only places I haven't played in the metro area. Would be worth looking into if you're going out that way.

ChrisSP · March 29, 2016

Thanks for all the great information everyone. It's much-appreciated. My wife and I will be in Wichita this weekend to have a look around and then make a decision about whether we're going to make the move. Not bringing the sticks but looking forward to exploring the area for a couple of days. Based on all the research we've done, we'd probably live on the East side of town or in Andover, so that would definitely play a role in the golf decision. Thanks again!

cpayton · April 21, 2016

I'm also new to Wichita; moved here on military orders and also live on the east side. So thank you for having started this thread. Research I've found on local courses are a few years old and may be outdated when discussing course conditions.

I've only played 9 so far at a local muni and it was rough compared to the courses I've been playing in Denver. So getting a membership somewhere seems like the best option, but going to give Auburn Hills a chance before I do.

Since I haven't played them, are there any more comments on Reflection Ridge, Willowbend, or Tallgrass? Also looking at Derby Golf Club since their rates are pretty inexpensive. I think anything of the likes of Terradyne/WCC are going to be out of my golfing budget..

BamaGolfer · April 21, 2016

I'm also new to Wichita; moved here on military orders and also live on the east side. So thank you for having started this thread. Research I've found on local courses are a few years old and may be outdated when discussing course conditions.

I've only played 9 so far at a local muni and it was rough compared to the courses I've been playing in Denver. So getting a membership somewhere seems like the best option, but going to give Auburn Hills a chance before I do.

Since I haven't played them, are there any more comments on Reflection Ridge, Willowbend, or Tallgrass? Also looking at Derby Golf Club since their rates are pretty inexpensive. I think anything of the likes of Terradyne/WCC are going to be out of my golfing budget..

You should at least look into Terradyne. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's cost is closer to Reflection/Willowbend/Tallgrass than it is to WCC. Auburn Hills is a decent course, but will be a bit of a hike from the east side if you do it regularly.

cpayton · April 22, 2016

I'm also new to Wichita; moved here on military orders and also live on the east side. So thank you for having started this thread. Research I've found on local courses are a few years old and may be outdated when discussing course conditions.

I've only played 9 so far at a local muni and it was rough compared to the courses I've been playing in Denver. So getting a membership somewhere seems like the best option, but going to give Auburn Hills a chance before I do.

Since I haven't played them, are there any more comments on Reflection Ridge, Willowbend, or Tallgrass? Also looking at Derby Golf Club since their rates are pretty inexpensive. I think anything of the likes of Terradyne/WCC are going to be out of my golfing budget..

You should at least look into Terradyne. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's cost is closer to Reflection/Willowbend/Tallgrass than it is to WCC. Auburn Hills is a decent course, but will be a bit of a hike from the east side if you do it regularly.

You're absolutely right on the trek to the west side, especially if playing twice a week after work. Ended up playing the back 9 at Auburn Hills yesterday. Although they just punched their greens, the course appears to be on par with what I'm looking for. Forgot how difficult it is to locate a golf ball in slightly thick Bermuda until yesterday.

After speaking to Tallgrass and Terradyne, they seem competitive with each other on pricing. Willowbend was a little less expensive. Think I might have to play them to see if I prefer one over another.

OP, did you all end up deciding to move?

jkd9977 · April 22, 2016

When I played Willowbend last July it was in awful shape. At least all the dead spots in the fairway were covered in goose crap, so it had that going for it.

lsutigerz2001 · May 15, 2016

I'm also new to Wichita; moved here on military orders and also live on the east side. So thank you for having started this thread. Research I've found on local courses are a few years old and may be outdated when discussing course conditions.

I've only played 9 so far at a local muni and it was rough compared to the courses I've been playing in Denver. So getting a membership somewhere seems like the best option, but going to give Auburn Hills a chance before I do.

Since I haven't played them, are there any more comments on Reflection Ridge, Willowbend, or Tallgrass? Also looking at Derby Golf Club since their rates are pretty inexpensive. I think anything of the likes of Terradyne/WCC are going to be out of my golfing budget..

You should at least look into Terradyne. I don't know for sure, but I suspect it's cost is closer to Reflection/Willowbend/Tallgrass than it is to WCC. Auburn Hills is a decent course, but will be a bit of a hike from the east side if you do it regularly.
You're absolutely right on the trek to the west side, especially if playing twice a week after work. Ended up playing the back 9 at Auburn Hills yesterday. Although they just punched their greens, the course appears to be on par with what I'm looking for. Forgot how difficult it is to locate a golf ball in slightly thick Bermuda until yesterday.

After speaking to Tallgrass and Terradyne, they seem competitive with each other on pricing. Willowbend was a little less expensive. Think I might have to play them to see if I prefer one over another.

OP, did you all end up deciding to move?

As far as budget, location, and quality, Tallgrass is probably going to be your best bet. They may have a military rate, i'm not sure, but I know they did a couple years back. Tallgrass gets you with carts and clubhouse costs. Their food is atrocious, but they charge an arm and a leg. Same with beer. If you are willing to walk, which is a haul at TG, it is probably your best bet. My parents were members on a military salary, so it can be done.

It would be tough to do after work, especially from McConnell, but Sand Creek Station is the best value in the area in my opinion. Active duty military can play for $25-30. That includes cart with GPS and range balls. It's about 30 minutes from central and rock, the heart of the east side, but it's worth it to me.