Belated Congratulations To Couples Winners

Ooops...here's a piece of information we forgot to mention - congratulations to the winners of the Couples Memorial Day Holiday Event held this past Sunday. Rob & Diane Link paired with Jim & Karen Sher to win the competition, followed by Brian & Sue Liberty and Gregg & Becky McCall, with third place going to Dan & Karen Baresh and Dick & Bea Levey.

Youth - Women's Back-To-Basics Clinics Held Tonight With Big Turnouts For Both

It's becoming fairly clear that this might be an exceptional golf year at Northland Country Club thanks to the dedication of the professionals in the golf shop. Tonight's youth clinic and the women's back-to-basics clinic were just the latest examples. Director of Golf Joe O'Connor and Assistant Golf Professional Sarah LeClair provided instruction tonight for both groups, including the group of junior golfers pictured above on the practice green as their 90-minute session was ending. There's more of these events planned, including some for even younger members. The pro shop can provide complete details.
Following the youth event, it was time for the back-to-basics clinic for women members. Overall, even with the weather somewhat dubious, 26 women showed up tonight for the first clinic of the season. Sarah worked with the women on the practice tee, offering basic instruction in swing techniques. There were quite a few new members attending tonight's session in addition to current league members hoping to pick up a few helpful tips to improve their game.
While Sarah worked with the women on the practice facility, Joe had an opportunity to oversee some basic putting techniques with a separate group on the practice green. You know the old golf saying: drive for show, putt for dough. Think of how many strokes on every hole are made around or on the green and you can appreciate why it's so important to improve on your short game technique, especially with the putter.
This was the first of several back-to-basic clinics that the pro shop will be offering this season. You can find out complete details by calling the shop at 525.1970 - and don't forget the special class that will be held just for women on June 11 with a PGA teaching professional. Attendance is limited so call the pro shop on Thursday to reserve one of the few remaining spots.

Men's Member-Guest Is Filled

The 2007 Men's Member-Guest Weekend has sold out with 60 teams entered for the June 22-24 event.
Northland Tournament Director Joe Jeannette and Director of Golf Joe O'Connor have started a waiting list and will decide shortly whether the event will be expanded to possibly include 6 more teams.
With 120 players on the course competing over 27 holes on Saturday and 18 additional holes on Sunday, it may not be possible to add more teams, but a decision is pending. If you're interested, it would be wise to call the pro shop today to add your name to the waiting list.

One feature of the weekend that will return is the Member-Guest Putting Championship. The two-day contest was won last year by Tom Cartier and Nick Patronas, who split First Prize money totaling $820, with a 1-under total of 19 on the 5-hole course. The contest paid the top three teams with first place taking 50% of the entry fees generated.

New Members - Special About To Expire

The past few days have been extremely busy in the Northland office processing new member applications; 21 new members were approved last night at the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors. One application was faxed to the meeting in order to get on the ballot for approval before the board closed all social or clubhouse memberships. As of last night, all further clubhouse applications will be placed on a waiting list and initiation fees for new social members will be increased from the current $300 to $500.
Here's a listing of the new members:
Resident Golf: Joe Sitek, Susan & Denny Johnson
Corporate Golf: Brian & Shelly Murphy, Robert & Brenda Brannan, Kenneth & Brianna Johnson, Mark Rudolph
Non-Resident Golf: Troy Link, Steve & Terri Thompson
Upgrades: Jeremy & Karen Jeannette (pre-resident to resident). Bill Gange (clubhouse to pre-resident), Chris & Amy Carlson (clubhouse to pool/tennis)
Clubhouse: Candace Kolenda, Jason & Anna Tanski, John & Donde Goldfine, Bob & Marian Denno, Richard & Barbara Fisher, Jane Fitzpatrick, Gordy & Ruth Amundson, Dawn & Paul Cutler, Curtis & Kristen Teberg, Harvey Plasch & Eric Huie.

Remember - just one day remains in the special offer: Get a Northland golf membership for just $6000. On June 1, the rate goes to $8400.
Call Membership Director Ann Robertson today at 428.5178 or email Ann at arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com

Social Memberships Closed - Details Coming....Don't Forget, One Day Left In Golf Special

With a last minute flurry of new applications, there is now a waiting list for persons wishing to join Northland as social or clubhouse members. Later today, Membership Director Ann Robertson will post the listing of new members, which includes some more corporate and resident golf members. May has been a good recruiting month and there's still some expressed interest in golf memberships that could result in even more applications.
Don't forget, there is just one day left in the special golf promotion. New members are eligible to join for just $6000. Starting Friday, the initiation price for a resident golf member will rise to $8400. Let your friends or family know time is limited. Beginning Friday, the only special remaining will be for non-resident memberships, and there are few openings available before a waiting list is established.

Cartier Aces 12 - How Many Holes-In-One Have You Had In Your Life?

UPDATED: Congratulations to Tom Cartier for recording a hole-in-one Sunday.
Cartier used a 4-iron into a fairly good breeze on the par-3, 179 yard -12th hole. Cartier's ace was witnessed by Jim Ablesen, Joe Jeannette, Walt Ledingham, Tim Smith and Joe O'Connor.

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How many holes-in-one have you recorded in your life? Take this week's Quick Poll on the right hand side of the page and let us know.

The results of last week's poll were inadvertently deleted before they were posted. As you recall, the question concerned elevating the status of Northland in Minnesota and nationally. A strong majority of those persons taking the survey strongly favored actions to increase Northland's ranking from 88th nationally and 12th in Minnesota.

Board Announces Master Plan Committee Structure To Plan Northland Future - Membership Participation Is Encouraged

The Northland Board of Directors has announced the formation of a committee structure as part of an effort to plan for the future of Northland Country Club.
This research effort will result in a Master Plan to help guide the current and future boards in five major areas: finance, land use, buildings, by-laws and the golf course.
Committee chairs have been appointed, including: (Finance) - Joe Johnson; (Land Use) - Duke Skorich; (By-laws) - Ken Buck; (Buildings) - Dave Whittaker; (Golf Course) - Tim Smith.
Each of the committee is seeking members to assist in the discussions about the future of Northland. If you're interested in participating in this process, contact the committee chairs directly; their contact information is available in the Northland Member Directory. A sign-up sheet will also be available at the annual meeting of members on Tuesday, June 5.

New Scoring System Used For Men's Holiday Event

The Men's Memorial Day Holiday Event was held today in weather quite similar to last weekend; not bad at the start, but wind and rain before the finish.
The event featured a new scoring system this year - Point to Par. The four man teams were awarded one point for net bogie, two points for net par, three for a net birdie. The team of Michael Bolen, Tom Conrad, Howie Krenzen and Duke Skorich finished first with a total of 127 points; second place went to Steve L'Abbe, Doug Lewis, Michael Patterson and Dan Baresh with a total of 122 points.
There are still openings for the Sunday Couples Event. Call the pro shop if you're interested in joining other couples who have already registered.

First Fabulous Friday Photos

Fabulous Fridays returned to Northland Country Club last night - in a big way under the big top. Over 120 members and guests attended the party on a warm May evening that featured barbecued meats prepared by chef Jerry Goar and his niece Ashley Anderson.

The party followed a round of golf for many of those attending the event. Many new members also attended. Below is just a sampling of the photos taken. Thanks to entertainment committee chair Tracy Link and the Northland staff for making this a great start to the season.

Re-Posting Foretees Instructions

As you know, Northland Country Club recently became the latest club in the United States to add the Foretees online reservation system for tee times. Those members who have begun using the system have been impressed with its ease of use. To access the system, just click on the Foretees logo at the top right of the page that looks like the one included with this story. If you want to know more about Foretees, here's a link to the company website that will answer many of the questions you might have.

For those who are still unfamiliar with the new system, we're reposting the list of instructions. If you click on the logo below, you'll be able to view the complete list of instructions on how to sign into the system, how to make individual tee times, how to register for events and so much more. Just click the logo below. As always, if you have any trouble, you can call the pro shop at 525.1970.

Blog Traffic Passes 40,000

The Northland Country Club blog site registered its 40,000th hit this afternoon - it's easier to write and read than say. We hope you've enjoyed the content and changes we've brought to the site since it was first introduced in September 2006.
The official Northland Country Club website is in its final design stages. Until then, we hope you continue to use the links on this site - including Foretees to make you tee times, Poll Host for Quick Polls, and Accu Weather or Weather Underground for up-to-date weather information - and the other sites we've added for your enjoyment.
Occasionally we hear that not all content appears to the right of the screen for some people; some say all content is at the bottom of their pages. Part of the might relate to individual browsers in use and their settings.
Remember, you can always search for past stories on this site by using key words in the tool bar at the very top of the page - or just browse the archive section listed on the right side of the page.
If you're new to the site, any images can be expanded full screen just by clicking on each of the images. If you have any other questions, you can always post them in the comment section located just below each story. Just click where it says "0 Comments". If you click the envelope under each story, you'll be able to email that story to family or friends.

NOTICE: Men's League Cancelled

It's raining - and according to Accu Weather more rain is expected all afternoon.
Because of wet conditions, today's Men's League is cancelled.
As of the noon hour, Fabulous Friday golf beginning at 4pm is still scheduled as is the Men's Holiday Event set for a 9am shotgun start on Saturday.

Plan Now For Holiday Weekend Events

There are at least three opportunities for you to get out and enjoy golf and social activities at Northland this coming Memorial Day weekend.
The fun begins Friday with the first Fabulous Friday event of the season. This is a very casual affair with burgers and brats under the big top tent by the tennis center. If you're planning on golfing, tee times are available after 4pm - you should check here with the Foretees online reservation system or call the pro shop to see what times are available.
On Saturday, there's a brand new Men's Holiday Event. A new point-to-par scoring system will be used. The event begins with a shotgun start at 9am. You can register here through Foretees, or call the pro shop.
The Couples Holiday Event will be held on Sunday with a shotgun start at 1pm. This will be a best two balls of four event. You can register through Foretees as a team or with a foursome. The pro shop will also assist couples with pairings.

Men's League Opens Thursday - Players Needed

The official start of the Northland Country Club Men's League is just hours away. Director of Golf Joe O'Connor reports that 34 teams are entered this season, making it the largest group in nearly two decades.
The league gets underway at 1:30 Thursday afternoon - because of some late cancellations by team members, there are openings for substitutes.
If you're available, call the pro shop at 525.1970 and let them know you're willing to fill in.

New Member Orientation Held Tonight

In conditions unlike what they'll experience in another month when the new clubhouse opens, new members to Northland Country Club gathered tonight in the tent facility for an orientation session with Membership Director Ann Robertson and other members of the Northland staff on hand to go over the benefits of membership. These photos were taken during the initial reception. The first photo above includes Kristy McGiffert, Jeremy Carlson and Natalie Hoff.
As we've reported earlier, this has been an incredible off-season for Northland; overall, the club has experienced fairly significant growth with the addition of almost 100 new members since the clubhouse was closed on September 11. Normally, country clubs will experience a decline of between 11 percent and 15 percent each season. Also at tonight's party (photo above) were Lurene Burhmann, Bob Neve, Vicki Jacques and Bill Burhmann.
As of this week, there are very few social or clubhouse memberships available at Northland. The board of directors has decided to limit social memberships to 200. With the addition of some new members this past week, there are now fewer than a dozen memberships available before the club institutes a wating list; this would be the first time in club history that such a waiting list has been instituted. Visit Duluth Executive Director Terry Mattson and Spirit Mountain Executive Director Renee Appel Mattson are new social members and are pictured above with new member Sandy Hoff.
Peter and Linda Pichetti recently joined as new resident golf members. Peter even braved the less than ideal conditions this past weekend to particpate in the Men's Opener when temperatures dipped below 40 degrees at the finish. Northland would like to welcome all the new members who have joined the club over the past eight months since the clubhouse was torn down. It's going to be a great golf and social season and we're pleased you've decided to join Northland. Other new members at the orientation tonight included Rocky and Barb Chapin, and Tom Crook and Nancy English (photo above). Remember, there are just nine days left in the special membership promotion. (See the "Easy on the Green" story below about new membership rates)
Northland wants to thank Ann Robertson and Northland Director of Golf Joe O'Connor, Club Manager Gary Schneider, Event Director Jen Kolenda and Food/Beverage Manager Josh Stotts for their efforts in making tonight's event such a success.

Longest Day Of Year Party In Final Planning Stages

With the uncertainty of when the new clubhouse will be open for full member use, plans are still being finalized for a longest day of the year party on Thursday, June 21.
Tentative plans call for a sunrise breakfast, shotgun golf start at 8am, lunch buffet near the noon hour, a second shotgun start at 1:30 - incorporated into the Thursday Men's League - and a buffet dinner at sunset.
The 21st is also a major demonstration day at the pro shop, with club manufacturers from Ping, Callaway, Taylor Made, Cobra and Titleist all scheduled to display their newest models.
Cost for the various day's elements are still being finalized, but it's likely much of the proceeds will go to the Evans Scholarship program. We'll have more details as the plans are finalized.

2006 Guest Passes Good Until July 8

The board of directors at Northland has decided to extend the expiration date for guest passes purchased last season - passes set to expire on May 31 will now be good through Sunday, July 8. The board determined that the loss of clubhouse facilities in September of last season and at the beginning of this season limited members full use of the club for their guests. In order for them to experience the full benefits of membership, the board decided to extend the guest pass privileges through the first week of July.
Passes for the 2007 season can still be puchased through the end of the month at the pro shop. Passes purchased this year will expire on May 31, 2008.

Construction Update - Pool Deck Completion Begins Today

With a break from recent rains and the threat of more precipitation later this week, work crews were scrambling to prepare the surface for concrete to be poured for the new pool deck at Northland. Some tile work on the new pool has already been completed and additional work on the pool's interior surface will take place before the structure is fully completed and ready for opening next month.
Work on the new cabana is also proceeding with completion scheduled for mid-June. Once work crews remove the heavy equipment needed for construction, extensive landscape work will begin to repair the grounds. There are new landscape plans to implement which will improve the overall appearance of the club's facilities.
Crews working on the construction on the new clubhouse are now concentrating much of their efforts on the building's exterior. Final work is being done on the new verandas while siding of the new structure also continues in preparation for painting. Inside, crews have virtually completed all painting, staining and tile work, and clean-up has begun in preparation for laying the new carpeting; it's possible new carpet will be laid later this week on the second story. Members will receive a complete construction update at the annual meeting on Tuesday, June 5. Remember, this year's meeting will be held at the Duluth Congregational Church located just west of the club.

Weather Limits Women's Opener

The threat of windy conditions and cool temperatures limited this morning's official opening of the women's golf season at Northland. Temperatures were hovering near 50 under sunny skies when the first groups in the 18-hole league teed off just after 9am. Among the early players were Ginger Strom, Raija Macheledt and Bea Levey. Members of the NWGA 9-hole league tee off at 10:30 this morning.

Welcome New Members - Orientation Tonight

Northland is pleased to welcome the following new members:
Clubhouse: Tim Little, Dr. Gary Davis; Golf: Wells McGiffert, Jim Bradshaw, Pravin Aturaliya(upgrade).
Here's a reminder about the new member orientation party scheduled to begin at 5:30 this afternoon. The event will be held in the tent near the tennis facility. Current members are invited to attend to welcome the new members to the club.

Busy Week Ahead - Women's League Opener, New Member Orientation, Men's League Opener, Fabulous Friday, Holiday Events

This certainly ranks as one of the busiest weeks on the season's schedule - and the weather may not fully cooperate.
Monday - High School Invitational - 9am shotgun
Tuesday - Women's League Opening Day - 9am shotgun for 18-hole group, 10:30am shotgun for 9-hole group
Tuesday - New Member Orientation - 5:30pm under the big top tent
Wednesday - Junior Golf Clinic - Age 8 to 14, 4 - 5 pm, no charge
Wednesday - Back To Basics Women's Clinic - 5:30 to 7pm, no charge
Thursday - Men's League Opener - 1:30 shotgun
Friday - Fabulous Friday Under The Big Top - 5:30 - Tee times available at 4pm
Saturday - Men's Holiday Event - (New event scoring) - 9am
Sunday - Couples Holiday Event - 1pm

Please keep in mind, you can register for all events by using the new Foretees reservation system. Just click the Foretees logo at the top right hand side of the page. Complete instructions are available below in an earlier story. A one-page sheet of instructions is also available at the pro shop.

"Easy On The Green" About To End

Our "Easy on the Green" membership campaign is coming to a close. Interested resident or corporate golf members are encouraged to make application for membership prior to the May 31 deadline.
With our new clubhouse and pool about to open, word continues to spread that Northland is the place to be in Duluth. Effective June 1, our corporate and resident golf initiation fees will return to the $8400 rate.
Existing clubhouse and pool/tennis members may also take this opportunity to upgrade to full resident golf at the current initiation fee of $6000. Any initiation fees already paid are applicable to the resident golf upgrade.
From now until May 31, we are thanking principal sponsors of new corporate or resident golf members with five free guest passes (a $250 value). New golf members also receive five free guest passes.
Please call Membership Director Ann Robertson direct at (218) 428.5178 or email Ann at arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com

Fire Pit Addition Popular Idea

Here are the results of last week's survey on constructing a fire pit gathering area for members of Northland to enjoy. Since these results were totaled Sunday evening, a few additional votes were cast, raising the "strongly support" total to 54 percent. As mentioned previously, these areas have grown in popularity at some clubs, and the issue has been discussed by the Northland Board of Directors. Location and design are just two items that will need to be debated before any decision is made.
We're posting a new Quick Poll this morning in which you can participate. It concerns efforts to return Northland to elite or premier status among golf clubs in Minnesota and the United States. Recent state and national rankings indicate Northland is rated 88th nationally among classic designed courses, and 12th among all clubs in Minnesota. We'd like to know whether you support efforts to elevate that status. Apart from casting a vote, we'd also welcome your comments about what efforts you think might assist in improving the club's rating. The poll is posted on the right hand side of this page (depending on your browser settings, it's possible the poll appears at the bottom of your page).

Tie For First In Men's Opener

With temperatures near 60 at 9am this morning, it appeared as if today's men's golf opener would be played under fairly decent conditions; two hours later the winds switched and gusts off Lake Superior created a near 3-club differential at times. By 1:30 when most groups had finished, the temperature was 38 with a wind chill factor of 28. (Among the players today was Charlie Nelson, shown above putting on #13 along with team members Joe Morehouse and Bill Gravelle - he made the putt.)
There was a tie for First Place this year. The team of Jim Abelsen, Tony Yung, Gary Gange and Bill Rudie tied with Dave Gaddie, Paul Nelson, Tom Conrad and Michael Bolen; each team finished with 133 in the best 2 of 4 event. The third place team of Steve Licari, Scott Moores, Warren Askeland and Joel Kozlak is pictured above in the tent near the tennis facility following their round - thank goodness for those heaters.
Despite the weather, several decent rounds were turned in today, including the 77 by David Gaddie who took low gross honors.

Aerification/Fairway Update

Here's an update from Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh:
The spring aerification of greens is now complete. Well, for the most part. We do have a couple of greens with some empty holes and those will be filled during the next week or so. It is my understanding, in past the aerification holes have been "capped" off with more sand in the days following aerification. (The photo on the right was taken before any sand was added and plugs were cleaned.) This "capping" off of the holes is something we will no longer be doing. Our goal once aerification is complete is have the holes heal as quickly as possible. "Capping" off the holes will slow the healing process significantly. Here is why. The process of topdressing and dragging the sand does not cause long-term damage to the turf but it does cause bruising to the leaf tissue. This bruising causes the growth rate of the grass plant to slow down for a few days, which also slows the healing of the holes. If we were to go back and "cap" off the holes the dragging will cause more bruising and once again slow the healing process. The aerification process is also extremely hard on our mowing equipment. After aerification we use the riding mower and mow at a higher height of cut in order to save on the equipment. The sooner we can get the greens healed up the sooner we can get back to walk mowing the greens and bring the height of cut back down to regular heights. While the greens may be bumpy for a few days following aerification, they will heal faster by allowing the grass to grow and not putting down more topdressing. In a couple of weeks when the greens are fully healed and the sand is gone we will continue our light topdressing program. One of the improvements you will notice on the fairways this year is the lack of clumping. The fairways are typically mowed in the morning when the dew is heavy. Our new fairway mower has brushes on the rear rollers that will disperse the clippings rather then clump them. We were also able to get these brushes for our older fairway mower. Clumps of clippings on the fairways should be a thing of the past at Northland.

Foretees Reservation System Up And Running - Directions Available Below To Learn How To Operate The System

If you click on the Foretees logo below, you'll have access to a 6-page document detailing instructions on how to access the brand new Foretees Online Reservation System now being used by Northland Country Club. Once you access the document, you'll learn how to make a tee time, how to add members or guests to that time, how to change or cancel a tee time, how to sign up for events, how to view your playing history, and so much more.
Once you've read the instructions, you can click on the Foretees logo at the top right hand side of this site to access the reservation system.
If you have any questions, you can call the pro shop for some assistance, or scan the Foretees site for some frequently asked questions and answers.

Men's League Update - Men's Opener

There is still time for men to sign up for the Northland Men's League before the season starts next Thursday, May 24.
According to the pro shop, 34 teams have already registered, making this year's league the largest in the past 20 years.
If you're interested in playing and don't have a partner, let the pro shop know and they can assist in pairing you with another member. If you're uncertain about playing every week, the pro shop can add you to a list of possible substitutes.
Play each Thursday begins with a 1:30 shotgun start.
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Don't forget that the Men's Opener will be held this coming Saturday, May 19. Play begins with a 9am shotgun start. Please be at the course at least a half hour before play to receive team assignments.

Over 100 Attend Ladies Opening Luncheon

The Ladies Opening Luncheon held at the Kitchi Gammi Club today was one of the largest held in recent memory; well over 100 members and guests attended.
Nothland Women's Golf Association President Leslie Gramstrup (seen at the right with Director of Golf Joe O'Connor) welcomed the women to the luncheon, greeting many new members of Northland who were attending their first club event.
Clubhouse Manager Gary Schneider presented a schedule of upcoming social events at the club. Gary also briefed the women on completion of the new clubhouse; a tour of the entire facility - including the fabulous new kitchen - is being planned for all members.
PGA Golf Professional Joe O'Connor reviewed the NWGA golf schedule and the popular Wednesday casual golf night, as well as the new programs for junior golfers and the news Kids Kamp that will be held Tuesday mornings. A story about the camp appeared earlier on this site and is in the current Northlandia newsletter.
For those women who want more information about upcoming events or club activities, you can always call Peggy Smith at the Northland office. Peggy is shown on the right welcoming Sara Sarvela and Sarah Johnson to the luncheon.
If you're interesting in hosting an event at Northland this season, please call Jennifer Kolenda, the club's new Event Coordinator. Jen is shown in the photo on the right with Diane Link, NWGA Vice President, and Penny Anderson.
The women's golf season kicks off this coming Tuesday, May 22 with a scramble event. Please call the pro shop to register. Both the 9-hole and 18-hole groups are welcoming new members this season. PGA Professionals Joe O'Connor and Sarah LeClair will be presenting a "Back to Basics" clinic on Wednesday May 23 at 5:30 for women interested in improving their golf skills. Additional clinics will be held on May 30 and June 6, each from 5:30 to 7:00. As always, fellowship and conversation will follow.