126 Years of History and Technology Converge

A 126-year-old clubhouse isn't typically where you would expect to find cutting-edge technology. But that's exactly what Chamber Ambassadors discovered during their visit to the Grinnell College Golf Course. General Manager Shane Hart shared how the facility's newest addition—a state-of-the-art simulator lounge—is giving people another way to experience a game that has been a part of Grinnell since 1899.

Back in 1899, a group of Grinnell College professors returned from travels abroad captivated by a sport that was quickly gaining popularity around the world: golf. Convinced that people in Grinnell would enjoy it as well, they helped establish the Grinnell Golf & Country Club and bring the game of golf across the pond.

Golf has changed considerably since those early years, and the 1899 Lounge is one example of how technology is helping shape the modern game. The new simulator lounge allows golfers to practice year-round while also giving curious newcomers a low-pressure way to experience the sport.

“This space helps remove some of the uncertainty people often feel when trying golf for the first time,” says Hart, General Manager of the Grinnell College Golf Course. “You don’t have to know what clubs to use or even what to wear,” he shared. “It’s a great starting point where people can simply discover whether they enjoy the game.”

Nearly a decade ago, Grinnell College became the sole owner and operator of the Golf Course, and funds that were previously held by the Grinnell Golf & Country Club were made available through a stewardship fund and facilitated by a steering committee, who helped take funds and allocate them to different uses for the benefit of the course. Additional investments have included an outdoor restroom, and an updated landscape plan (post derecho) to determine future land use opportunities. 

When asked about the recent investment in the 1899 Lounge, Hart noted that dollars from the stewardship gift provided the starting point which then encouraged Grinnell College to invest further. “This symbiotic project has helped improve an underutilized space while broadening access and engagement for the sport as a whole,” he said. 

These modifications and improvements will help position Grinnell College Golf Course as a year-round destination. Local golfers can practice, take lessons, warm up before a round or play virtual versions of more than 50 courses from around the world. The space is also being used by area golf teams, first-time golfers, families looking for a fun activity to do together, and long-time golfers who may be experiencing mobility issues. “We’ve already had several people who have had health challenges that prevent them from getting in a full round, but they’re able to hit a few balls in this simulated-experience,” shares Hart. 

One of the biggest surprises so far? Just how many people with little or no golf experience have become interested after just one round with the simulator! “It's opened the door for people who might never have stepped onto a course,” Hart said. 

Getting started is easy. Just reserve a time online at golf.grinnell.edu or call the Golf Course. For just $40/hour, the simulator experience can be shared with family and friends, by someone looking to improve their swing, or for someone just looking to try a new activity. The 1899 Lounge now provides a fun and flexible way to try the sport. 

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right: 

Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College

Bri Gaunt — Community 1st Credit Union

Sofiya Gaunt 

Donna Fischer — UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center

Jennifer McAlexander — Hawkeye Lock & Security, JM Consulting

Desiree Strayer — German Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 

Philip Arendt — Edward Jones Investments

Geneva Knobbe — Grinnell Motors

Trent Arment — MCG 

Shane Hart — Grinnell College Golf Course

Dave Smith — GCGC Steering Committee

Dee Fairchild — GCGC Steering Committee

Mark Kolpin — Edward Jones Investments & GCGC Steering Committee

Fran Conn

Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic

Evan Petig — The Grinnellian B&B 

Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek INsurance Agency

Buddy Boulton — Grinnell College

Sarah Bacehowski — OnMedia 

Shivan Sharma — Country Inn & Suites

Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber

Marcus Brandenburg — Anthem Heating & Cooling

Ashley Sorensen — Volunteer Iowa

Rachel Bly — Grinnell College

Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council

Monique Shore — PFLAG 

Not Pictured: Libby Eggert, Jill Harris & Sarah Smith — Grinnell College