Edition 001-F24
In an effort to communicate better with the members of Rocky Knolls, the board, through the Communication and Marketing Committee, has made a commitment to publish a quarterly newsletter. In the event that additional information needs to be provided to the members, additional newsletters or supplemental information will be sent as needed.
ROCKY KNOLLS GOLF COURSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Board Members | Standing Committee Membership |
|---|---|
| Rolly Svoboda, President – Elected 2023 (Term ends 2026) 515-368-3905 — rollandesv@gmail.com | Buildings and Grounds/Cart Sheds Clubhouse/Course |
| Johnny Couch, Vice President – Elected 2022 (Term ends 2025) 605-881-2340 — jpcouch@gwtc.net | Buildings and Grounds/Cart Sheds Course/ Membership and Events |
| John Carson, Secretary – Elected 2022 (Term ends 2025) 605-673-1256 — carson@goldenwest.net | Clubhouse & Course |
| Renae Schneider, Treasurer– Elected 2023 (Term ends 2026) 605-673-1661 — rschneider@gwtc.net | Communications and Marketing |
| John “Jumbo” Stahl – Elected 2022 (Term ends 2025) 605-673-1707 — jumbo57730@gmail.com | Clubhouse & Course |
| Casey Whitney – Elected 2024 (2nd Term) (Term ends 2027) 605-440-0151 — case.1931@hotmail.com | Membership and Events |
| Larry Goins – Elected 2024 (Term ends 2027) 702-325-8528 – lbgoins@hotmail.com | Communications and Marketing Membership and Events |
Course Superintendent
Steve Price
Clubhouse Manager
Cheyanne Bailey
Financial Secretary
Laurie Arthur
NEWS
After 13 years as the Course Superintendent of Rocky Knolls Golf Course, Steve Price decided that he was ready to pursue other endeavors and last spring submitted his retirement to the board. His tenor as the superintendent will end at the completion of his contract on December 31, 2024. The Board of Directors and, we are sure the membership, want to thank Steve for his many years of service. We appreciate his commitment to RKGC, his dedication and his hard work in maintaining the course. We wish him the best as he transitions to this next phase.
After conducting an extensive search for a quality superintendent, the board has selected Michael Kangas to be the next Course Superintendent of Rocky Knolls Golf Course. Michael will assume his duties on December 1st.
Michael comes to us with 29 years of golf course experience. This includes extensive turf and irrigation management experience as well as golf course and park renovations while serving as a Project Manager. He has completed the Essentials of Management Development course, has several certifications in turf management and irrigation and is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
In his 29 years of golf course and park maintenance he has worked at numerous courses throughout the Black Hills.
In addition, he spent several years working at golf courses and parks in the Reno, NV area.
The Board asks that you join us in welcoming Michael to our course and the Rocky Knolls golf family!
Laurie Arthur, the Financial Secretary for Rocky Knolls has also served notice that she will end her service to the course at the end of 2024. For the last 13 years Laurie has done a fantastic job ensuring the club’s finances, and business filings were accurate and current. We extend a huge thank you to Laurie. We hope she enjoys retirement.
The search for Laurie’s replacement is ongoing. If any of you know of someone with accounting skills who might be interested in this position, please contact any board member.
The Board has been working on a couple of projects that will be in place before the opening of the course next spring.
The first of those projects is the placement of security cameras around the Clubhouse and Cart Shed spaces. The installation of these cameras will help ensure the security of these areas for members, guests and their property. The addition of security also lowers the club’s insurance rates. The bid was awarded to local contractor Paul French, who will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the equipment.
The second item that the Board has been working on is seeking a “beer cart” for use on the course. The Clubhouse Committee was able to procure a cart from Black Hills Golf Carts. This acquisition will allow the Clubhouse staff to better serve our membership and patrons on the course throughout the season during various events in a more proficient manner.
The annual meeting for Rocky Knolls was held on September 15th in the Clubhouse. Reports were provided to those attending by Steve Price, Course Superintendent, and Laurie Arthur, Financial Secretary as well as the current Board of Directors.
Several members attended and a question-and-answer session was held.
The fiscal reports through the end of August showed we were ahead of last year. 2024 looks to be a prosperous year for Rocky Knolls. Financials will be finalized after the audit at year end.
2024 Membership
273 Members, 3 Business Members, 31 Junior Members
Board Elections were held. The three-year terms for Steve Eggers and Casey Whitney were ending. Steve chose not to run for re-election. Thank you, Steve, for your contributions and donating your time to RKGC. Casey was re-elected to another three-year term. Larry Goins was elected as a new member to a three-year term. We express our thanks to all the candidates who were willing to run for the board.
Trent Bruce, from DGR Engineering, working with the City of Custer was present and provided information for all interested individuals regarding the affluent water usage and its effects on the Golf Course. The meeting was held in the Clubhouse on Sunday, September 22rd. Several members attended.
Events and Leagues – 2025 Season
The Event and Marketing Committee is considering hosting additional events during the 2025 season. Below is a list of potential events and leagues, many of which have been hosted at Rocky Knolls in the past. All are under consideration. In the near future all members will receive a survey to weigh in on which ones they may be interested in and the format they will be played under. Watch for it in your in-box in the next few months.
Events
Couples Tournament
Club Championship
Member-Guest Invitational
Red-White-Blue Tournament
Match Play Championship
Heart of the Hills Team Match Play Championship
(Custer vs. Hill City)
The Wildcat Scramble
The Walt Thomas Tournament
Legendary Legacy Tournament (Honor Long Term Members)
Diamonds in the Rough Ladies Tournament (2025)
Leagues
Tuesday Men’s League
Thursday Senior League
Wednesday Women’s Day
Couples Social League (Sip & Dine, etc.)