Golf is one of those sports in which age is not a limiting factor. Unlike many other intense sports, anyone can play golf. However, what then limits everyone from indeed playing golf? Firstly, there is the cost associated. To begin golfing, one must buy clubs, shoes and pay for the actual rounds of golf too. It can cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get started in golf and continue improving. So besides the money, what else would prohibit one from learning the sport? Well, there are the rules. Any golfing newbie can easily become overwhelmed with the rules, customs and standards that are common-place to the avid golfer. It can be very intimidating to break into. Not to mention, the actual techniques and swings that must be mastered is a lifetime project. So golf is a sport for everyone and yet it can be hard to break into. This is a problem that Steve Kottsick of the Souris Valley Golf Course and several others in the community realized. Kottsick decided to do something about it. With the compilation of Wes Plummer, Rudy Zupetz, Minot Parks and the Minot Jr Golf Association, the Jack Hoeven Wee Links Golf Course for kids was created.

The course, which is in its 2nd full summer of operation, is one of the only courses of its kind in the state. It is a real 9-hole golf course designed just for kids! Because its mission was to be a place where kids can learn and feel comfortable getting started with golf, the Wee Links has been able to maintain almost non-existent prices for their guests. For a child under the age of fifteen to play nine holes of golf, it is only $1! Don’t have kids clubs? No problem, club rentals are available for kids for only $1 too! These days when prices are soaring, this reverse sticker shock is a pleasant surprise. And get this, not only is it more than affordable, the occupying parent, or guardian over the age of fourteen, only costs $5 to play alongside their child. Although club rentals are not available for adults, carts can be affordably rented as well. Wee Links is able to maintain these prices thanks to the Minot Parks District, which owns the land and the Minot Jr. Golf Association which operates and maintains the course. The only catch, and unique aspect of this course, is that adults can only play if a child under the age of fourteen is accompanying them. The course is open April- September and offers kids golf lessons as well. Specific information can be found on their website https://www.weelinks.org/ .

Steve Kottsick, one of the founders of the course, said that the main goal of the course is to encourage kids to start learning golf and alleviate some of the barriers to playing golf. He wants to make sure the Wee Link Course is always a safe and well maintained atmosphere for kids to feel comfortable and “get better at golf”. The course is in the process of installing security cameras around the course to ensure the safety of their younger players. Kottsick mentioned that tweens can even come play the course without parents present if they understand the rules and can play respectfully. Kottsick is passionate about allowing people of all kinds the ability to play golf and continue to play their entire life. Wee Links offers a special deal, Family Fridays, in which a family (up to 5 players) can play all nine holes for only $10 total. Not only that, but if the family completes the course, they receive a $10 gift card to MarketPlace Foods!

This one-of- a-kind course is just one of the many hidden opportunities in Minot that make this community a family oriented place to live. Located at 720 16th St SW, the Jack Hoeven Wee Links Golf Course is a Minot Must for families. Even those who don’t know much about golf are encouraged to come try out the course!