Great Shots opened in 2019 as South Dakota’s answer to the growing golf entertainment industry. The inspiration for Sioux Falls social experience was found on a visit to another large golf chain by Sanford executives. They were so impressed they approached the chain about partnering, but the proposal was declined.
“Sanford leadership said, ‘You know what, we’re going to build our own,’ and so they went to various facilities like ours in the region and used the best practices from all those places to form what would be the first Great Shots,” said operations manager John Lorang.
After closing for a few months in the fall of 2024 for renovations, Great Shots reopened this past November with new turf, new games, and an expanded menu.
Open year-round with climate-controlled bays and a 250-yard driving range, Lorang says Great Shots is the perfect place for friends, family, coworkers, or teams to bond.
“Being part of the Sanford Sports Complex is a perfect marriage for us,” said Lorang. “We really have a ‘one team’ philosophy out here, and we’re able to help support some of our other buildings in other parts of the complex.”
Along with Great Shots, the Sanford Sports Complex, which sees 2.7 million visitors annually, includes sports venues, hotels, restaurants and an acute care clinic.
“We’re making special moments here all the time, and that’s something we hope our guests can see, and hope they get to do that each time they come out this way with a new favorite memory,” added Lorang.
He believes Great Shots provides valuable experiences for not only the surrounding community of Sioux Falls, but also for visitors traveling in to watch or participate in sporting or entertainment events happening at the complex.
“Our facility caters to all ages and all levels of skill for golfers,” said Lorang. “We’re able to provide an experience to highlight what’s great about Sioux Falls—the sports complex, the growing community, and the friendly people we have here.”
Looking to Skip the Line?
Purchase a $40 Playing Thru Pass, and move to the top of the waitlist when you check in. Bay assignments will come within 10 minutes of a purchase, and are available five days in advance.
“BEING PART OF THE SANFORD SPORTS COMPLEX, WE’RE PART OF SO MUCH GOING ON AROUND US THAT WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE NEW, UNIQUE EXPERIENCES TO THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN OTHER THINGS IN THE COMMUNITY.“ – JOHN LORANG
Great Shots, fit with 60 bays and three levels, along with the entire sports complex, is designed to be a family-friendly experience, while also providing six event spaces available to rent, including The Champions Club.
“It’s an exciting time, because this last anniversary we added some new food and drink items, took our food to another level, and elevated our bay technology, adding some great aspects here,” elaborated Lorang.
Updates were also made to the private, indoor golf simulator room, which is equipped with Trackman technology. Reservations are available two weeks in advance, and include the Trackman Simulator Room, a beverage cooler, seating for up to four people, club storage, three TVs, and optional food and beverage add-ons.
For other ways for guests to improve their game, Great Shots provides opportunities for golf skill development through the Sanford Sports Academy, while working with PGA-Certified golfers to help participants develop their technique. Performance analysis and strength training are also available to help elevate golfing abilities.
Youth and adult classes are offered with focuses on swing, putting, driving, chipping, stance, and grip.
“The TECHNOLOGY PIECE HAS BEEN HUGE FOR OUR GUESTS. IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO HAVE A LONGER DURATION OF STAY WHILE THEY’RE HERE. IT REALLY BECOMES MORE INTERACTIVE, ENGAGING EVERYONE.” – John Lorang
Great Shots also offers spring and fall Great Shots Golf Leagues, paired with two weekly winners per night, champion prizes, and food and drink specials. For different vibes, there is the Challenge League and the Social League.
The full-service food and drink menu has about 15 new items. Guests can order features like the Caddie Shack Mac Attack burger, a variety of 12-inch pizzas—such as the savory Breakfast Pizza—the Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, the Golf Club Sandwich, and much more.
Shareable items on the menu include Pretzel Bites, White Cheddar Cheese Curds, Wings, Loaded Fries, and the Grande Chicken Quesadilla.
Early tee time? Breakfast items, like the Breakfast Bowl or Eggadilla, are available every day from open – 2 p.m.
“The food and beverage piece is a huge win for us,” added Lorang. “Our new executive chef, Patrick Schmidt, has done a wonderful job building a menu.”
Game On!
Some of the updated technology at Great Shots include new simulation games, like settings in the scrapyard and a bowling alley for lighthearted fun. There are also games for more competitive golfers, and simulations of popular courses like Pebble Beach in California and South Dakota’s very own Sutton Bay.
Party Like a Champion
Great Shots plans, while you party! $340.00 – $850.00 ($25-$35 per child, plus fees).
Available anytime Sunday-Thursday, Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Birthday packages include two hours of play time, catered food—including Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, fruit, Vanilla Cupcakes, and unlimited soft drinks—and a Great Shots birthday flag.
“Fuel your fun” by ordering off the menu or choose catering options for groups and events.
Great Shots’ pricing offers experiences for a variety of budgets with valuable, well-rounded, quality service, believes Lorang.
“We feel we have a great value with our menu pricing, a great value with our golf pricing, and people can come out to have a fun, wonderful experience, good food, and great drinks,” said Lorang.
He continued, “You get to have laughs, a good time, while getting some exercise as you’re having fun. There are so many cool things about what we’re doing here, and we get to help grow the game of golf, introducing people to a game you can play at any age.”
