Little Darling Par 3 Course History
The dream of building one of the premier par 3 golf courses in the country was conceived in June of 2022. Alexandria Golf Club had owned some 70 acres of farmland adjacent to their famous 18-hole semi-private golf course for over 50 years. A portion of that farmland had been converted to a world-class driving range and practice facility enjoyed by members and community residents. Approximately 55 acres of remaining land with natural rolling hills, wetlands, and plenty of beautiful native grass sat idle, just waiting to be converted into something very special.
One positive coming from the pandemic of 2020 was a major boom in golf. As a sport that could be played outdoors with very little human contact, golf had seen rapid growth. A wide demographic of people had been introduced to golf along with a whole new generation of youngsters, who were now involved in the sport. Alexandria Golf Club’s junior golf program led by Lisa Grimes was approaching nearly 200 participants. Unfortunately, these youngsters, along with many others, were finding it difficult to have affordable access to a golf course where they could enjoy the game.
Alexandria Golf Club President, Jerry Rose, became determined to build a spectacular par 3 venue that would give affordable access to more people in the community, while introducing golf to more of our youth at a younger age. Jerry was convinced that golf would strengthen families and help our kids learn valuable life lessons that would make them more successful throughout their lives.
Along with generous design help from PGA Tour Champion, and Alexandria Golf Club member, Tom Lehman, The Little Darling Par 3 Course began to become reality. Through a series of fortunate events, we were able to contract with Jack Dredla to help build Little Darling. Jack is clearly one of the finest, and most experienced, golf course shapers in the country.
The project required significant support from the AGC Board of Directors, and the two succeeding AGC Presidents, Randy Johnson and Larry Novotny. In addition, AGC member Matt Stennes, owner of Stennes Excavating, was instrumental in helping complete The Little Darling Course for one-third the cost it would normally take to build a course of this nature. Other members (Aaron Stubbs, Rob and Ted Thompson, Jeff Bigger) volunteered to provide key pieces of equipment required to get the golf course built.
Through a Founding Member program along with dedicated fundraising efforts from David Kjos and Bruce Leland, we were able to fully fund construction of The Little Darling Par 3 Course. Our sincere thanks to all who participated and to our many generous members and community residents who contributed to the project. Construction was completed in the fall of 2024 with a Grand Opening expected in the summer of 2025.
The Little Daring Par 3 Course is destined to become a terrific addition to AGC and the Alexandria Community in the years ahead. It will also strengthen families and drive youth development, paying huge dividends for generations to come!
