What affordable golf should be : Prairie Highlands Golf Course, Olathe, Kan - Brief Article

Frugal fairways

Kansas City, an area so grand that a single state can't contain it, is one of the great bargains in golf. In K.C., reasonably priced public courses are as common as barbecue joints.

Its newest, in the southwest suburb of Olathe, Kan., is Prairie Highlands, built for $3.4 million total, including land, which translates into green fees less than the cost of a box of premium golf balls.

What's the secret? Architect Craig Schreiner, a K.C. native, and his senior designer, Todd Clark, put some of their own money on the line. As part-owners, they were determined to cut costs without cutting corners. So after locating natural property, they let a developer absorb most of the land cost in exchange for golf-view lots.

They fit every hole into the natural movement of the land, which cut down on earth moving, took advantage of watershed drainage and made the course a breeze to walk.

On holes where existing features provided hazards, fairway bunkers were deemed an unnecessary luxury. The designers also cut back on sprinklers, to keep daily irrigation out of native bluestem roughs (dense-looking from a distance, but actually wispy and playable) and to make room in the budget for zoysia-grass fairways.

Finally, they installed a temporary clubhouse, a visible reminder that the golf course is their top priority.

Getting on: $36-$42. Walking allowed anytime. Phone 913-856-7235. www.prairiehighlands.com.

COPYRIGHT 2001 New York Times Company Magazine Group, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group