PD BOD PRESIDENT
DARREN BARNES’ TAKE
WHAT YOU 
SHOULD KNOW 
ABOUT THE 2027 
RANGE PROJECT
•	•	 The turf team, along 
The turf team, along 
with Whitman, Axland & 
with Whitman, Axland & 
Cutten Golf Architecture, 
Cutten Golf Architecture, 
will break ground on the 
will break ground on the 
project in fall of 2027 with 
project in fall of 2027 with 
completion targeted for 
completion targeted for 
late Spring of 2028
late Spring of 2028
•	•	 This is the first phase of 
This is the first phase of 
a two-phase approach. 
a two-phase approach. 
Phase 2 is the addition of 
Phase 2 is the addition of 
an indoor training center
an indoor training center
•	•	 Prairie Dunes does not 
Prairie Dunes does not 
yet have a set timeline for 
yet have a set timeline for 
Phase 2, and continues 
Phase 2, and continues 
with research for and 
with research for and 
evaluation of what the Club 
evaluation of what the Club 
membership wants for this 
membership wants for this 
exciting addition 
exciting addition 
and the board, but the real heavy lifting 
is done by the PD team. They've been 
incredible in the interim, which doesn't 
surprise me one bit. Everyone has 
stepped up and worked as a team to 
continue to provide a great experience 
for the membership. I’m very thankful 
for all of them. 
Darren Barnes is now in his fifth year, 
serving his second term, on Prairie 
Dunes’ board of directors.
On PD golf in general and the 
importance of maintaining high 
rankings with ranking sources:
We are incredibly blessed as members 
to get to play this world-class course 
on a regular basis. Maintaining high 
rankings in national publications gives 
the membership, along with the PD 
team, an incredible sense of pride. To 
continually be ranked alongside other 
prestigious courses year after year 
is really a tribute to Cory Griess, his 
team, and the work they put in. It’s a 
testament to the value of partnering 
with WAC Golf on any and all course 
alterations to ensure we maintain the 
vision that was set forth by Perry and 
Press Maxwell.
On hosting championships, including 
the 2029 U.S. Senior Open:
Having USGA events be a part of PD is 
an incredible honor. We are very excited 
about the two we have scheduled for 
2029 and 2032. The USSO committee 
has been working diligently and is way 
ahead of where we were going into the 
2006 USSO. To be able to showcase 
that level of talent on our home course 
to a national audience is something to 
truly embrace. Our hope is to continue a 
strong relationship with the USGA, and 
we hope for the privilege to host more 
events in the future.
On the PD social scene:
I believe the Club is doing a good job 
providing social events. I get on the app 
and usually find at least two or three 
opportunities to attend either a dinner, 
wine tasting, pickleball/tennis mixer, or 
golf event. It's always fun to get out and 
see friends and socialize at my favorite 
place. I look forward to what the staff 
puts together moving forward.
On facilities and any buildout needs on 
the horizon:
There are no new buildings or major 
construction projects planned for the 
near future other than the Phase 2 
learning center at the practice range. 
I'm excited to see Phase 1 of the new 
range in its completion. There are, 
however, some major improvements to 
infrastructure happening at the Club 
in the next few years: new roofs on the 
main clubhouse and lodges, excluding 
the Founders’ Lodge; new heating and 
AC units in the main clubhouse; and 
a new pool fence will be installed this 
winter. The most significant project 
on the horizon is the parking lot 
resurfacing scheduled for 2028 prior 
to the 2029 USSO.
On navigating change at PD:
While losing your GM is not an ideal 
situation, it does create opportunity 
to see if we can get a person in place 
who truly wants to make Prairie Dunes 
and Hutchinson their home. So far, the 
process has been good, and we feel very 
confident in Colin Burns Consulting 
to find a good fit for us. This is some 
heavy lifting by the executive committee 
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