Women's Holiday Luncheon - December 5

The 2006 Northland Women's Holiday Luncheon will be held Tuesday, December 5 at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The event will begin at 11:30am.
All women members and their Guests are welcome.

Watch your mail for details.

Northland Members Asked To Assist 2008 US Women's Open - Team Captain Needed

Members of Northland Country Club are being asked to assist the members of Interlachen Country Club (website) in Edina when they host the 2008 U.S. Women's Open. The event is scheduled for June 26-29, 2008. According to NCC PGA Professional Joe O'Connor, a request has been forwarded for 30 - 40 volunteers to assist as on-course marshalls on one of the holes during the championship.

"Right now, we need someone who is willing to serve as a team captain," said O'Connor. "I'm hoping one of our members will step forward shortly so we can begin the planning process."
If you're willing to serve as the team captain, call Joe at the pro shop.

Interlachen is perhaps most well known as the site of the 1930 U.S. Open victory of Bobby Jones during the calendar year in which he completed his "grand slam" by also winning the British Open, British Amateur and U.S. Amateur.
Willie Watson routed the layout of the original course at Interlachen, which opened in 1910. NCC course architect Donald Ross designed the current course, although there have been several modifications.

The U.S. Women's Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. The 2007 Open will be held at Pine Needles Lodge/Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

This will be a great opportunity to witness the finest women golfers in the world. Call Joe at the pro shop if you're interested in being the team captain.

The Holappa Halloween Chicken

Yes, it's Halloween. A time for ghosts, goblins and "chickens"?
The blog's camera person caught NCC members Frank and Diane Holappa's chicken out "trick or treating" early on this Halloween. Diane was careful to wrap a scarf around the chicken's neck to protect it from the 30-40mph wind gusts we're experiencing. Sadly, the chicken has wandered away from home. Where is the chicken now?
Watch for the chicken's further exploits and travels on this site.
(Remember, if you click the image you can view it full screen)

Ouse Off To Charleston

Northland's Assistant PGA Golf Professional Brian Ouse is leaving the club after two seasons. Brian is moving to Charleston, South Carolina. We thank him for his service and wish him the best as he continues his career.

NCC Board Gets Construction Update

The NCC Board of Directors received a clubhouse construction update last night from developer Rob Link and Shane Johnson of Johnson-Wilson Construction.
Workers today were back-filling the clubhouse and pool foundations in anticipation of the arrival of structural steel which is expected on site later today.
If there are no delays, the pre-fab walls could be on the construction site as early as next week.
According to the construction timetable, the roof and windows on the new clubhouse will be in place in December and the entire building should be fully enclosed in mid to late January.
Work on the pool cabana should begin within the next two weeks.
The board of directors has requested a bid for new siding and a roof for the pro shop to bring its profile more in line with the new clubhouse.
While cautious in their assessment, Link and Johnson each expect the new clubhouse and pool to be fully operational in June.

Welcome New Members

Northland Country Club would like to welcome five new members:
Sandy Hoff of Duluth has joined as a Resident Golf member; Tom Kolar of Duluth is a new Pre-Resident; Scot Moores of Alexandria is a new Non-Resident golf member; Steve Hennessy and Bob Heimbach, both of Duluth, are new Clubhouse members.
As of this posting, we have 506 members in our various classifications.

Superintendent In-Person Interviews Scheduled

The Superintendent Search Committee has narrowed the field of candidates it intends to interview in person. Those interviews will occur on Saturday and Sunday, November 11-12.
This is an excellent slate of candidates, each of whom has a wealth of experience and education.
Those Northland members serving on the committee recently spent three full evenings talking with the applicants. Much thanks to Karen Andresen and Ken Buck for their leadership in the interview process.

Questions? Check Comments

Occasionally, readers have asked a question while posting a comment. Please check the area below your comment for a response. We'll attempt to get all questions addressed.

Course Closed - Fall Projects Underway

The golf course officially closed for the season Sunday afternoon...what a great day for the final play of the season.
Ground crew members were covering the greens this morning - #18 is shown on the right with one of the new mats that were purchased for this season.
According to the pro shop, close to 18,000 rounds were played at NCC this season. The board of directors is meeting tonight and will receive an update from pro Joe O'Connor.

Now that the season is officially over, the ground crew will begin in earnest some of the other projects that have been scheduled. Late last week, a new concrete pad was laid on the driving range upon which the green hitting pads will rest. Once new drainage is completed and sod laid, this will greatly improve conditions on the driving range.

Still to come this fall - depending on weather, of course - more tree pruning and clearing of underbrush. The Green Committee has put together a list of priority projects and expects members will see improvements in playability when the course reopens in the Spring.

Backwards Scramble Ends In Tie - Score: 65

Here's something you don't see every day... Dr. Bill Rudie prepares to hit his second shot on #11 while David Whittaker prepares to hit his second shot on #11...wait a minute. They're going in opposite directions! Which partially explains the Men's Backwards Scamble. Dr. Rudie's group was playing #1 through #18...David Whittaker was part of the #18 to #1 reverse group - he was playing from #11 green to #10 green; the hole was a 467 yard par 4.

The event was held today for the first time in over a decade. Two teams of eight teed off at Noon today on #18. The course set-up was difficult, playing to 6,652 yards with a par of 70 - 35 on the front and back (thanks to Sky Caddie for the yardage). Team members were: Dave Whittaker, Walt Ledingham, Joe Jeannette and Graham Ritts versus Brian Ouse, Ken Buck, Duke Skorich and Brendan Brooks.
Each of the teams shot a 65...a tie after the 18 hole match. With the sun setting in the west, the two teams decided to call the match a tie. However, it must be reported that Brendan Brooks sank a twisty and tweaky 30 foot putt on the 18th hole to tie the match - the third incredibly long putt he made on the day. Brooks is shown on the right with his putter - it must be reported here that his opponents had attempted to alter the precision instrument earlier in the day in a display of unsportsmanshap-like conduct that would have resulted in a penalty in any other sporting event.

Thanks to the participants and thanks to clubhouse manager Gary Schneider and Chef Mike Scheuller for the great food, and to Morgan at the turn for the help in making today's event so much fun.

Course Update: Closing Set For Monday

The end of the golf season at Northland Country club is drawing near - course closing is now scheduled for Monday, October 30.
Interim superintendent Tracy Pearson has sprayed chemicals on the greens to prepare them for the winter. The chemicals will help protect the greens against damage from the cold. If you're playing in the next few days, please be certain to clean your hands once you've finished the round.

The water lines of the irrigation system were blown clear on Wednesday in an effort to prevent damage from ice to the irrigation heads and piping.

Ground crew members also placed the first of the green covers on #16. Many of the greens will be covered with newly purchased matting material this year, particularly those greens that suffered some damage last year. The mats generally have a life span of about five years; these new mats are expected to last longer. Covering of all the greens will start on Monday morning.

Scramble Still On For Thursday

As of this morning (Tuesday 10am), the Men's Backwards Scramble is still on the schedule for Thursday.
If you're interested, meet at the pro shop at 11:30. We'll choose up teams (if you haven't already put one together) and begin at Noon.
There's a very good chance the golf course may be closing next week, so this event might be the last opportunity to play the course - even if it is backwards.

"Naming Rights" - A Follow Up Poll

Earlier this month (October 9 - see story below), we posted the results of our survey on "naming rights" for some of the private dining rooms that will be constructed in the new clubhouse; 79% of those taking the survey favored the proposal.
Here's your chance to vote again on the idea - this time, we'd like to know how much you think each of those rooms might be worth if we were to sell the rights. Take the new poll on the right side of this page.
Please keep in mind, this idea is only in the discussion stage. We'd welcome your comments in addition to your opinion about price.
If the rights to name the room were offered, should the club also grant the option for decorating the space to the person or group sponsoring the room?
What do you think?

Poll Results: Class "A" Certification, Personal Integrity Important In New Superintendent

Here are the final results in the most recent Northland Country Club Quick Poll. Thanks to all who participated. Click the image to view it full screen.

Backwards Scramble Set For Thursday

Unless something changes between now and then - a course closing, for instance - there will be a Men's Backwards Scramble held this Thursday, October 26 at Noon.
If you've never played the course in reverse, here's your opportunity.
Temperatures for Thursday are forecasted to be in the mid-40s. There's also a slight chance of rain. But, there have been foursomes and fivesomes (an occasional group of six) on the course all last week, so we know there are still some die-hards who will play.
If you're interested, call the pro shop or just show up at about 11:30 Thursday morning. Help spread the word by telling others about the event.

Superintendent Interviews Begin

Telephone Interviews with the applicants selected by the Superintendent Search Committee as finalists begin tonight and will continue Wednesday and Thursday.
Once the interviews have been completed, the committee will reduce the number of finalists. At this point, the finalists will be invited to Duluth for further discussions.
A new superintendent is expected to be in the position by the new year. Until then, Assistant Superintendent Tracy Pearson is completing the process of closing down the course for the season.
If you haven't already done so, take a moment and take the current poll (on the right side of this page) and let us know what you think about qualifications for a new superintendent.

NWGA Plans Busy Season

The latest meeting of the new Northland Women's Golf Association board of directors was held last week with 17 members and directors in attendance. There are several exciting changes in store for women members and their guests at Northland next season.
Because the new clubhouse will not be completed at the time, the Ladies Opening Day Luncheon will be held May 15, 2007 at the Kitchi Gammi Club. Information about tennis, swimming, golf and NWGA membership will be available.
There will also be an evening Ladies Kick-Off event on June 6 when women who are not already members of the NWGA will be invited to join the organization. The event will also include a rules seminar.
Some changes of note center around the dates of events: the Rally For A Cure Guest Day will be June 27; the Women's Gala Guest Day will be July 17; the Northland Women's Invitational will be held July 23-25; the annual Pat Douglas Even will be Tuesday, August 14; the Women's Club Championship will be moved to Friday and Saturday, August 17 & 18; the One Club Tournament will be held Tuesday, September 4; the annual Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, September 11. A complete calendar will be printed in an upcoming issue of Northlandia.

The October 17 meeting of the NWGA was the first under the direction of new NWGA President Leslie Gramstrup (shown on the left with her husband Chris, NWGA Vice President Diane Link and husband Rob). If you'd like further information about the busy meeting - which lasted almost two hours - and upcoming season, you can contact Leslie for additional details.

Northland Backwards Scramble - Announcement On Monday

An announcement will be made on Monday about the Northland Backwards Scramble. Have you ever played the course in reverse? Your chance is coming......see this site for details and get ready to either put together a team or join with others.

Why Wouldn't They?

Sunday 11:44AM - First Green
Walt Ledingham is forced to putt a virtual kick-in as Tom Cartier and Dave Whittaker look on. Joe Jeannette seemed to indicate that he had already given Walt the putt and couldn't believe the others hadn't conceded.
This was not the only group on the course today - there was at least one other three-some spotted. Today's play marks the 10th consecutive day for some in the group, proof that even with daytime highs in the upper 30s, Northland is still very playable.
Those few players who have ventured out have been greeted at the turn by Morgan Halvorson. Each day, Morgan has called the pro shop to see if there was anyone on the course. Finding out that there were a few stalwarts, she has taken it upon herself to show up with fresh sandwiches, hot dogs, bratwurst and hot cider. The players, including Dave and Walt (by the look on his face, he was still thinking of that missed putt on 9) thank Morgan for her dedication and warm personality.
Reminder: click the image to view full screen.

Thanksgiving At Kitchi Gammi Club

The members of the Kitchi Gammi Club have extended an invitation to Northland members to enjoy Thanksgiving at their club.
There are two seatings on Thanksgiving at 11:30am and 2:00pm. Reservations can be made by calling 724.8589.

Planning For The Party Season?

Here's an offer that might be too good to ignore this holiday season: the expert services of Northland Country Club Chef Mike Schueller and Club Manager Gary Schneider - at no charge!
This private catering service is available to all members this holiday season - and until the new clubhouse is open. All you need to do is put together the shopping list and Mike & Gary will perform their culinary magic. They're even available to help plan the menu.
If you're interested in learning more about this exclusive offer, contact Gary at 525.1941.

Make Plans Now For Breakfast With Santa

Northland Country Club members will be given an opportunity to share Breakfast With Santa this holiday season, even without the traditional clubhouse setting.
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum at The Depot will host Northland families on Saturday, December 16, beginning at 9am.
While details are still being finalized, it's likely the entire family will be able to tour all exhibits within The Depot for one low price. Special notices will be mailed closer to the holidays.

Construction Update - Pool Liner Added Today

Work is progressing rapidly on the new clubhouse and pool at Northland.
Workers today were putting the pool liner in place and had all but finished that process as of late this afternoon. Crews had earlier installed the water supply and filtration/pump system. According to the construction team, the liner will season over the winter and the final concrete will be put in place along with the patio in the Spring.

Additional workers are being added to the construction team as needed. Considerable progress continues to be made on the foundation. The board of directors will receive another construction update at its October meeting.

New Survey Posted - What Qualifications For A New Superintendent Are Important To You?

The Superintendent Search Committee will begin interviews shortly with a list of applicants considered finalists for the position. The committee will consider many topics in making the final selection. Some of those items have been listed in the newest online survey - posted on the right side of this screen. Which of these items are most important to you? Take a moment to comment about why you chose each item, or add your own to the list. Use the "Comment" section below this post to add your thoughts after you've taken the survey.

Gathering Survey Details

Equal percentages of members taking this survey indicated they would be likely/unlikely to attend social events planned for members during the off-season.

List Of Candidates Down To 15

The Superintendent Search Committee has narrowed the list of candidates from the original 60 applications to a field of 15.
Phone interviews with the candidates and their references will begin shortly. Once the list has been narrowed further, personal interviews will take place.
As reported earlier, candidates from across the country have applied for the Northland position. The search committee goal is to have a new superintendent on staff in January. (See October 12 story below for additional details)

No Decision Has Been Made On Longer Course

Evidently, some members believe a decision has already been made on lengthening the golf course. No such decision has been made.
Please see the story below on the Donald Ross Society.

Superintendent Selection Committee Will Meet For Second Time

The deadline for applications for the superintendent's position at Northland Country Club has passed. The group appointed to review all applications will meet again on Tuesday.
An impressive list of candidates from across the country has applied for the job and a few of them have visited the golf course in recent days.
Finalists for the position are expected to be announced as soon as the committee has narrowed the field.

How To Post A Comment

I've heard that some members have experienced some problem posting a comment. Here's a short lesson plan (click here) put together by Blogger.
Basically, you need to:
1) click the word "Comments" which appears below each post. If you see something that says "1 Comments" you'll know someone has written a message.
2) a new screen appears giving you an option to read what others have said and to leave your comments in the area that says "Leave Your Comment".
3) after you've typed your message, you can choose to create an identify for yourself, select "Other" or to select "Anonymous"
4) after you've selected one of the above, you can preview what you've written or you can "Publish Your Comment". Your message will not appear unless you complete this final step.

All messages will appear on the site shortly after you post. These are not moderated. However, if strong language or other information is presented in a manner that is not respectful, the message can be deleted by the site manager. This has happened on one occasion thus far.

Good luck.

Donald Ross Society On Restoration

Last week we asked members who read this site what they thought of lengthening Northland Country Club to 7,000 yards of more for tournament play only. The survey indicated 60% of members surveyed favored the longer course (results posted below).
The Donald Ross Society was formed by course architecture enthusiasts to honor the memory of the more than 400 golf courses designed by Mr. Ross and to help preserve the character and tradition of those courses. Here's a link (click here) to their website.
The society points out that accommodations are needed for the modern game. However, the society cautions that any restoration should strive to retain the playing character of the original identity.
Among the topics for restoration is the intent to recapture intended landing areas. Here's what the society says on the issue:
"Additional length offsets technologies growing impact on the game. ...Innovative golf equipment demands that certain aging holes should be lengthened in order to bring their intended shot values and landing areas back into play. New back tees will recapture strategic bunkers or reclaim distinct ground features in the original landing zone."
The society further suggests:
1) Lengthen holes by making new tees available. Greens should not be moved in order to create distance.
2) Lengthen the longer holes.
The society also makes note of cart paths, a topic currently being considered by the Green Committee at Northland. According to the society: "Clubs should seriously study re-routing cart paths throughout the course - using them sparingly and re-locating them in inconspicuous locations." The society is a strong proponent of adding walking paths leading from tees to fairways to encourage walking - similar to what NCC has on #12.
There are several other suggestions that NCC members would find of interest, including the society's suggestion that courses develop "firm and fast surfaces and closely cropped turf."
Donald Ross lived from 1872 to 1948. The Donald Ross Society maintains an archive of more than 7,000 documents on more than 300 of the Ross designs; however, there are no formal documents existing on his work at Northland. As part of our ongoing effort to collect historical photos, film and video, we'd ask that you search for memorabilia that you'd consider donating to Northland for our archives.
In the meantime, we'd welcome your comments about restoring the character of Northland by lengthening the course for tournament play. Click the "Comment" section beneath this story to add your thoughts. Remember, if you click the little envelope at the bottom of each story, you can also email individual stories to friends, family or other members who may not yet be familiar with this site.

Helen Donovan Celebrates 90th

Family members and friends of Northland Country Club member Helen Donovan got together this afternoon to celebrate her 90th birthday. The event was held at the Kitchi Gammi Club.
Happy Birthday Helen.

2:00 - Hmmm, Not So Bad

This photo looking back up the 14th fairway was taken at 2:00 this afternoon, just after the second group of the day had gone through.
Once the skies cleared and the wind diminished, it became a fairly pleasant day to play.
Tomorrow promises to be spectacular for a late Fall afternoon of golf - for some maybe the final round of the season.
Call the pro shop - I know of an 11:30 tee time that's already taken.

9:45AM - Sun's Out: Play Today Still Unlikely

This was the scene a few moments ago looking back up the fairway from the 14th green. Compare this with the photo below taken yesterday from about the same location. You can see there is less ice, but still a thin layer is covering most surfaces.
With today's milder conditions and some sun, it's possible play will be likely tomorrow. However, it's important to check with the pro shop to determine if play will be allowed. Tomorrow's forecast is still calling for sunny skies and highs in the low 50s.

Results of Tournament Tee Survey - New Quick Poll Posted

The results of the most recent Northland Country Club Quick Poll are posted above; 60% of members taking the survey favored exploring a longer golf course for tournament play.
A new survey has been posted at the right. Take a moment and record your answer.
The software that manages these surveys has been set up to allow for only one posting from the same computer to avoid stacking.
Previous survey results are available below (scroll down) or have already gone into the Archive section, located on the right side of this screen.
Remember, you should occasionally refresh your browser to make certain all the current screen information is being displayed.

Ice Covers Much Of Upper Course

This was the scene late this morning looking back up the fairway from the 14th green. As you can see, the area was covered with a thin layer of ice. (click image to view full screen)
Portions of the lower part of the course were not quite as affected by the ice layer as were those portions on the upper part of the course.
Golf this weekend may still be possible. Forecast highs for Saturday are near 45 and it's expected to be sunny and near 52 on Sunday.
Please check with the golf shop about playing conditions before making any plans.

Selection Committee Meets Today

The committee appointed to interview candidates for the Golf Course Superintendent's position will meet for the first time this afternoon to review the job description and resumes of applicants who have expressed an interest in the position; as of this writing, 40 resumes have been received by Green Committee Chair Dr. Tim Smith.
A review of the resumes indicates that most have obtained a four-year degree in fields related to turfgrass science/management and environmental horticulture, have worked as superintendents prior to their application to Northland and have obtained Class A or Class C certification by the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America; several have also published articles about their experiences as superintendents in trade journals. Several of the applicants also have considerable experience with major rennovations and redesigns at private clubs in other states.
Although the superintendent's position was inititally published in Minnesota trade journals, the applications have been submitted from candidates across the country, an indication of how highly respected Northland Country Club is in the golf community. Several of the applicants have direct ties to Duluth, having grown up in our community, recently moved here or current live nearby.

Vote Update: Support For 7,000 Yards

Have you voted in the current online survey posted on the right side of this screen?
As of this morning, there was more support than opposition for eventually extending the golf course to 7,000 yards. What do you think?
Take the survey and if you think the golf course should be extended, what holes would you like to see lengthened? If you believe the golf course is long enough already you can also add your comments under "Comments" at the bottom of this post.