Generations Bond At Heritage Links Golf Club

Hardly a day goes by that you don’t see kids wearing ear-to-ear grins at Heritage Links Golf Club. In an era in which you read about reclusive kids playing video games indoors for hours, Heritage Links has discovered a secret sauce for kids and adults to enjoy the great outdoors.

Golfers stepping out on the Heritage Links putting green, driving range, and first tee box witness a mutual admiration society. It’s gratifying to watch kids interacting with adults while coincidentally developing a generational bond. Sharpening one’s golf skills is a bonus to the connection that is felt in Lakeville, MN.

Golf Professional Brett Martinson wears his emotions on his sleeve when asked about the Heritage Links Junior Program. Martinson and his Heritage Links right arm Kirk Reiners have reaped two huge dividends since starting their flourishing junior program. Developing new golfers was intended from the start. Adults encouraging kids into the day-to-day golf course fabric was a pleasant surprise.

Greatest Form Of Flattery

Since the junior program kicked off in 2010, the Heritage Links participation numbers and long-term success grew annually. In 2018, the numbers slightly tapered due to surrounding golf courses basically noting and patterning the Heritage way.

When Martinson started his program, he believed the best way to improve a course’s bottom line was from the ground up. This meant introducing kids to the joys of golf. When Heritage Links began receiving great junior reviews, other courses couldn’t help but acknowledge what was working, as well as match the programs pricing.

The good news is that kids continue to stream to Heritage, and they are now welcomed by much older friends. “When we first committed to our junior program, we had adults who questioned having to navigate the course around youngsters. Now it’s just the opposite. If we’re having a quiet day for kids on the course, adults will ask where they are. Youngsters have really energized Heritage Links and it’s great to watch them grow,” Martinson said.

Learning And Growing Win-Win

Martinson and Reiners started weaving kids into adult foursomes early on. The results were amazing.

“Kids and adults learn from each other. The adults share their knowledge about respecting the game, pace of play, and the little details they’ve learned. The kids pass along some of the tips they’ve learned from Kirk, as well as sharing the fearless joy that comes from youth. It’s a real win-win,” Martinson said.

Best Course Conditions Ever

The summer of 2018 has been a good news, bad news scenario for Heritage Links. Due to our long winter, the golf season had its latest start in forever. The meteorologists decided to give golf course owners a reprieve beginning in mid-May. Martinson reported that Heritage Links rounds in May and June have been way up. He believes this is due to tremendous weather, a good economy, and his course’s near-perfect conditions.

For golfers who have never played Heritage Links, you are missing out on a great test. This Joel Goldstrand-design features elevations with scenic vistas from the tee. You’ll also discover water coming into play on nearly every hole, as well as mature trees providing character to the course. Add a bit of a breeze that is present on most days and you have a golf course that practically guarantees a return visit.

Where’s The BBQ?

Visit the Heritage Links well-stocked clubhouse, and you’re bound to find Martinson in motion. In addition to his operations and professional duties, Martinson has added a chef’s hat to his repertoire.

“We’re doing more and more banquets, receptions, and charity tournaments here at Heritage. We describe our tournament and banquet options as a boutique, affordable venue. Plus, everyone seems to like my barbecue,” Martinson said with a smile.

Experience For Yourself

The elevated plateau of the clubhouse, practice area, and first tee provides a perfect vantage point for a wide-angle Heritage Links sneak preview. There’s a quiet energy percolating from this 360-degree view from Scott County’s highest point.

You see adults, kids, and the Heritage Links team engaging in friendly banter while honing their game. It’s here that you witness a passing of the baton from young to old. It’s from this position that you also appreciate what Martinson was speaking of when he spoke of generations coming together through golf.

The secret sauce is alive and well at Heritage Links Golf Club. In this case we’re not speaking of Martinson’s signature barbecue flavor. The Lakeville version of secret sauce is observing an eight-year-old kid’s ear-to-ear grin after smashing a drive or making a putt. If there’s a better sight in golf, Brett Martinson hasn’t seen it.