IN THIS ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE 
GENERAL MANAGER
THE RIGHT 
BALANCE
Former PD Super 
Doug Petersan’s quest 
for playability.
16
RESURFACING 
RACQUETS
Our tennis pros keep 
the fun high in a high-
intensity sport.
24
Dear Prairie Dunes Members,
Welcome to this edition of The Yucca Times. We are pleased to continue a 
tradition of rich storytelling and highlight exciting member programming and 
Club amenities.
The stage is set for another full and fantastic season at the Dunes. Thank you 
to all who led and volunteered with the Big XII Championship. By all measures 
it was a tremendous success for the Big XII and another wonderful opportunity 
to showcase the Club and golf course to an international audience. It won’t be 
long before we’re deeply entrenched in the logistics of hosting the 2029 U.S. 
Senior Open Championship. The PD leadership team is already in place, and I 
have no doubt it will be a spectacular event.
Meet a legend on page 16 in former PD Superintendent Doug Petersan 
and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Maxwell Collection 
with artist Mark Rivard. Colin and Addi welcome us inside PD Racquets to 
consider an exciting summer lineup of activities and learn how to expose our 
kids to the lifetime sport of tennis and support them if they fall in love with it. 
Congratulations, Colin, on being named 2025 RSPA Missouri Valley Tennis 
Professional of the Year!
We also want to extend our sincere congratulations to PGA First Assistant Billy 
Bolin for being recognized by the Midwest Section PGA with the Merchandiser 
of the Year Award in the private club category. Way to go, Billy! Members, 
please stop in and congratulate Billy and Colin when you have the opportunity.
Let’s make it a great season with our families, friends and fellow members and 
guests. Be safe at the pool. Walk the golf course with a caddie if you are able. 
Check out the latest rage in racquets. Enjoy the hospitality of the lodges. And 
partake of all the delicious summer fare in our restaurants.
Sincerely,
Thomas Barksdale, PGA
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
BIG XII LOOKBOOK
Adding to our lore, 
Prairie Dunes knows 
how to set the stage for 
a championship.
6
THE MAXWELL 
COLLECTION
Mark Rivard navigates 
fairways, sand, wind, 
rough and slopes in art.
8
IT ALL STARTED 
WITH THE YUCCA
Emblem for PD and master 
of water conservation.
15
On the cover:
Big XII Championship individual winner, Preston Stout, Oklahoma State University
3

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