“ The greatest quality of Prairie Highlands is the sense of community and the support for each other. It’ s more than just playing golf,” says Head Golf Professional Nick DeLaquila, a Piper High School and Ottawa University graduate.“ It’ s amazing how many members have stayed here since the course opened in 2001.”
Designed and constructed by then-Kansas City architect Craig Schreiner and originally owned by David Francis, Prairie Highlands opened in 2001. During its early days, it was ranked No. 29 in the nation in the“ Top 50 under $ 50” category and has been ranked as high as No. 3 among Kansas’ best public courses by both Golf Week and Golf Magazine.
Very much a Scottish-style links course with Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens, Prairie Highlands boasts five tee boxes stretching from 3,900 to 7,100 yards. Purchased by Butch Eaton and Jim Klansman in 2019, and transitioned to a private golf club. The course underwent a massive bunker renovation in 2020, during which time new Billy Bunkers were installed in every bunker.“ A championship course and one of our most playable courses,” says Price.
Prairie Highlands’ new Crush Grill offers a bar with large TVs and upscale seating for 166.( Photo by Alan Hoskins)
As for golf, memberships offer it all. Unlimited golf, the use of the driving range, no cart fees, no food or beverage minimums, and no contracts.“ That’ s what separates us. There are no extra fees,” says Price.“ Basically, fees are paid on a month-to-month basis, and members can withdraw with a one month’ s notice.” Membership is currently filled at 375, although applications continue to be taken. In addition to a $ 5,000 initiation fee, monthly charges range from $ 450 to $ 600.
Memberships also offer play at reduced fees at all of GreatLIFE’ s nine courses in Kansas City— the four signature courses, Canyon Farms, Staley Farms, Falcon Ridge, and Prairie Highlands; and the five public clubs, Painted Hills, Drumm Farm, Blue Springs, Royal Meadows, and Shiloh Springs plus access to tennis and pickleball at the Overland Park Racquet Club. In addition, members also have access to Tallgrass and Willow Bend in Wichita, Osage National at the Lake of the Ozarks, and another 50 national courses.
Key staff members at Prairie Highlands and the new Crush Grill include( from left) Jeremy Young, assistant restaurant manager; Steve Price, GreatLIFE regional general manager; Jordan David, general manager; Tony DiSilvestro, assistant golf pro; Nick Delaquilla, head golf professional; and Sara Carhart of Spin Pizza, the restaurant management firm.( Photo by Alan Hoskins)
Golf leagues offered are ladies’ Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, men’ s leagues Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons( this year’ s opening Thursday afternoon league drew a record turnout). One of Prairie Highland’ s biggest perks is access to golf instructor Courtney Mahon, who has earned a wealth of awards, including LPGA National Teacher of the Year.
A complete Crush Grill menu, prices, amenities, and other golf information can be found at www. PrairieHighlandsGolfClub. com.
The original clubhouse, which was opened in 2001, has been expanded to include indoor seating for 166 and outdoor deck seating for 88 at the new Crush Grill.( Photo by Alan Hoskins)
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