Happy Hour This Afternoon

If it's Thursday, it's Happy Hour at Northland this afternoon.

The fun begins at 4:30 with appetizer and drink specials. Each week, the culinary staff comes up with at least one new appetizer feature. No word on what they might have planned for this afternoon.
As for drink specials, club manager Gary Schneider was seen walking around with a New York Times story earlier in the week about the return of the Harvey Wallbanger. Was that a clue?

Beargrease Awards At Northland

A frosted Jason Barron is all smiles after winning the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Wednesday morning. [BOB KING/NEWS TRIBUNE] Here's the story in today's News Tribune.
Northland is hosting the awards ceremony at a luncheon today. The event begins at 11am.

Skating On Third Street

Here's something you don't see everyday - or ever.
Craig Peterson is shown above playing hockey with his son Max on Third Street, not far from the third green at Northland.

New Addition To Family Night Menu - TAKE OUT

There's been an addition to tonight's Family Night dinner menu - Baked Chicken has been added as an entree.

As those of you living in Duluth know, we've had quite a change in the weather overnight. A thick coating of ice has forced quite a few cancellations, including the Duluth school system. Tonight's weather forecast also calls for dangerous wind chills, possibly in the neighborhood of 55 below. All of this after near record highs on Monday.

As a result of the weather change, tonight's Family Night dinner will be available for TAKE OUT. Call the club and let the office know what time you would like your meal or meals ready. The menu will be available anytime after 5:00 this afternoon.

Board Meets Tonight - Family Night

The monthly meeting of the Northland Board of Directors will be held tonight beginning at 5:30 in the Donald Ross Room.

Also, tonight is Family Night at Northland. Please check the menu below for tonight's featured entrees.

Do you have a meeting coming up that you'd like to hold at Northland? Contact Events Coordinator Jen Kolenda to reserve one of our private meeting rooms.

Two New Looks At Northland

Here's something we recently found on the Internet that you might find interesting and worth a moment of your time.

Both features are from Stracka.com.

The first is an interactive yardage map that can be downloaded to Google Earth.

The second is an aerial tour of the golf course using Google Earth that was published on YouTube.

Reminder...if you see something on this site that you'd like to share with others, just click the little envelope at the bottom of each post to email the story.

Today At Northland

Good Monday morning.....
The Membership Committee at Northland will meet in the clubhouse today at 1:00. Membership Director Ann Robertson will provide an update on new member applications and on the growing list of applicants for social membership.

On the blog this morning:
A story about the possibility of the Donald Ross Society visiting Northland in 2009.
A preview of the Tuesday night family night dinner.
A new quick poll on the leagues this summer. The poll is posted in blue on the right side of the screen. Some of you with different screen resolutions will find the poll at the bottom of your page.

Also, have you seen the photos and video from yesterday's start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon? We had a record turnout.

All of these stories and more below.

Ross Society Will Consider '09 Northland Visit

The Donald Ross Society, a group of golf enthusiasts formed to honor the traditions of the Scottish architect and help preserve the character and tradition of his courses, has indicated its desire to visit Northland Country Club in the Fall of 2009. (The photo of Mr. Ross on the right was taken in 1923, just after he completed his design work at Northland.) Learn more about Mr. Ross here.
The Ross Society was founded in 1989 <learn more about the group history here> and has more than 1,400 dues paying members throughout the United States and many foreign countries. You can learn more about the Ross Society here, and you can download a membership form to join the organization here.

The idea to include Northland Country Club as a golf venue for members of the Ross Society was discussed recently by the group president, Gerald Stratford, and Derek Dobbs (shown on the right) during the group's recent gathering in Sarasota, Florida. Dobbs sits on the organization board and is responsible for planning group outings.

While the discussion about including Northland as a venue is 2009 is just beginning, Dobbs has indicated a desire to have the organization spend at least two days in Duluth. The group would fly directly into Duluth and play golf at least twice. Northland would host the group at an evening banquet. Dobbs also indicated the group would enjoy a match with Northland members.
Following play on the second day, the group would move on to the Twin Cities to play other Ross designed courses in the metro area.

We'll continue to update you on discussions with the Ross Society as they proceed.

Tuesday Family Night Specials Popular New Addition to Dining Options

The first month of Tuesday Family Nights have proven to be a popular new addition to the dining options at Northland. With each week, more and more families and their guests have enjoyed the specials; last week's Chicken & Ribs completely sold out.
Tomorrow night, Chef Mike Schueller is featured Baked Ham as the featured entree. There may be one other addition to the menu, a decision that will be made today.
Cost for the meal is just $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 or under. As always, there is no charge for children under 5.
While they are not required, reservations are suggested.

Record Crowds For Beargrease Start

A record crowd of over 300 Northland members and their guests were on hand this morning and early afternoon in above seasonal temperatures for the 25th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The warm temperatures undoubtedly led to a last minute flurry of reservations as more than 200 members, guests and family members enjoyed the Beargrease lunch in the first floor ballroom. The photo on the right above is of the first of the 29 teams participating in the 400 mile marathon. (click any image to view full screen)

The activities at the club began at 10am with dog sled rides out on the 18th fairway, thanks to two dog teams brought to the club for the day by Outdoor Adventures (see the story below for their website address to learn more about the company). Northland wants to thank the company and their sponsors for making this such a great way for children to experience the thrill of dog sled racing up close and personal.

Kids did have a real chance to get close to the dogs. In addition to taking a ride of one of the sleds, many of the children also got to learn more about what it takes to raise and train the sled dogs. Many of the team owners raise and train dozens of dogs each season and were more than willing to share their stories of what it takes to manage such a large kennel.

Following their sled rides, it was back to the warmth of the fire pit next to the clubhouse, just feet away from the trail used for the start of the 400 mile race. Steve Payette had the fire pit roaring at 10:30 and Scott Anderson made certain there was plenty of firewood to keep everyone warm, including children who enjoyed their Smores. Event Coordinator Jen Kolenda made certain there was an ample supply of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for everyone.

Northland will also host the Celebration Awards Brunch on Thursday, January 31 when members will have an opportunity to meet the Marathon Champions. The event begins at 11am and will cost just $25 per person. If you would like to attend, please call the office today to make your reservations, or call the Beargrease office at 722.7631.

We've posted a video below of the two teams used to give rides to Northland children this morning.
It may take a moment to load after you click the image.

Over 100 Registered For Beargrease

Over 100 Northland members and their families are already registered for the start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon on Sunday.
The fun at Northland begins at 10am with dog sled rides for children - some of whom can be accompanied by an adult. See the story below for full details.
Remember, the race starts at 1PM.
Portions of our parking lot near the pro shop and member's entrance will be closed. The trail has been put in place and cannot be disturbed. There is still ample parking in other lots.

Beargrease & Northland - Dog Sled Rides Will Begin at 10AM

The 25th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is now just a short four days away. With a warming trend in the offing, members of Northland will have an excellent opportunity to view the race close-up as the dog teams will run in front of the clubhouse as they make their way up the North Shore. The race officially starts at 1:00 at Ordean School with the first teams coming through Northland just a few moments later.
As was reported on this site last week, Northland has planned a morning and afternoon of activities for members and their families, including a snow scuplture contest, dog sled races and a marshmallow roast. The fun begins at 10am with dog sled rides, with the judging of the snow sculpture contest taking place at 2pm.
Northland has arranged with Positive Energy Outdoor Adventures to offer dog sled rides on the NCC course prior to the Beargrease Race start. Cost of the ride is $10 paid to the ride provider. The age range is 3 years to 12. A younger child can go with an adult rider. The dog sled ride consists of a loop around the NCC golf course. Rides will be available beginning at 10am to just before the race starts at 1pm. Signage will be available on the NCC course to direct members to the ride start area. For more information, contact steph@outdooradventures.org. Ride proceeds benefit the organization’s winter camp for kids. Visit www.outdooradventures.org.

If you plan on attending the Sunday activities, please call the office at 525.1941 and let us know that we should add your name to our growing list of members who will participate.

Northland will also host the Celebration Awards Brunch on Thursday, January 31 when members will have an opportunity to meet the Marathon Champions. The event begins at 11am and will cost just $25 per person. If you would like to attend, please call the office today to make your reservations, or call the Beargrease office at 722.7631.

Update: Skorich, Van Brunt Win Ross Event

Northland members Duke Skorich and David Van Brunt finished in first place at the winter golf outing of the Donald Ross Society at Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida (seen in photo above).

The Sara Bay course was designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1926, four years after Ross completed his work at Northland.

Close to 40 members of the society from around the United States competed in the golf event.

During the weekend, the society also had the opportunity to play at Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota, another Ross design completed in 1926.

Before the weekend event officially ended, some members of the group had the opportunity to play at the Bradenton Country Club, designed by Ross in 1924. The church pew bunker on the right is reachable from the tee of the par 5, 15th hole at Bradenton. The course has 60 bunkers, many of them very large with deep facing, unlike the bunkers at Sara Bay and Bobby Jones.

You can find more information about the Ross Society here or by clicking the Ross crest above. A link to their website is also available under the Links section on the right side of the screen. Several Northland members joined the Society in 2007, a fact acknowledged by officials with the organization during the Florida event.

Also attending and playing in the Florida event were Northland members Huck and Karen Andresen. The couple is shown here with Michael Fay, Executive Director of the Ross Society.

New Additions To Turf Site

Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has posted three new articles to the Turf Management blog site. You can access it at this link, or by clicking the address for Northland Grounds under the Links section on the right side of this screen.

Among the articles Chris has posted is one about the new 150 yard yard stakes that will be used this coming season. As you can see in the photo on the right, the stakes this year will be capped with red, white or blue. The bottom portion of the stake is highly varnished, similar to the benches and garbage stations that were introduced last season.

Chris also takes a moment to introduce us to the newest staff member on the Grounds staff, Equipment Manager Chip Smith. Prior to coming to Northland, Chip had worked at golf courses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado. Chip enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid snowboarder.

Finally, Chris reports on the three-day seminar he and the turfgrass crew attended last week in the Twin Cities. Chris intends to write more about what he and the staff learned at the Minnesota Green Expo, so check in frequently at the new blog site to stay fully informed.

New Addition To Northland Family

Congratulations to Northland members Stevie and Sandy Paulson on the birth of daughter Peighton Marie, born on December 26. Peighton weighed in at 6 pounds despite being born 27 days early.

New January Features

Here's a listing of some of the new menu features at Northland for the remainder of January. Northland favorites are always on the lunch and dinner menu. To view this menu full screen, just click the image below.

Family Night - Classic Meatloaf

Last week's Family Style menu of Spaghetti/Meatballs & Sausage/Peppers was very well received by members of Northland, and this week's menu should be another hit when Classic Meatloaf will be featured.
You can click the image above to view the entire menu options for Tuesday night and the remainder of January.
Reservations are encouraged, but are not required. Remember, adults pay just $15 and it's only $5 for children under age 10.

UPDATED: RIDES AVAILABLE ...Beargrease - Best Seats In Town; Fun For The Entire Family

UPDATED: Northland has arranged with Positive Energy Outdoor Adventures to offer dog sled rides on the NCC course prior to the Beargrease Race start. Cost of the ride is $10 paid to the ride provider. The age range is 3 years to 12. A younger child can go with an adult rider. The dog sled ride consists of a loop around the NCC golf course. Rides will be available 10am to just before the race starts at 1pm. Signage will be available on the NCC course to direct members to the ride start area. For more information, contact steph@outdooradventures.org. Ride proceeds benefit the organization’s winter camp for kids. Visit www.outdooradventures.org.

2008 marks the 25th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon <--more here) and the best seats in town will be at Northland. The January 27 race begins at 1:00 pm at Ordean Middle School, and the first team will cross in front of the clubhouse just a few minutes later. This is a great opportunity to join family and friends for a fun outing while watching the dog teams run just a few feet away from you. Northland has several events planned this year, including a marshmallow roast and treats for the kids and a snow sculpture contest with prizes. The fun begins at Noon; the snow sculpture contest will be judged at 2 pm. The culinary staff also has planned an appropriate menu with a trio of fabulous chili's, hot dogs, chips, assorted cookies, hot chocolate and cider....all for only $7.50. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. Call the office today at 525.1941 to let them know if you plan on attending.

Meet The Patterson Twins

Northland members Dr. Eileen and Mike Patterson are the proud parents of twins.....
Zachariah Brubeck Patterson and Cleo Morgan Patterson were an early Christmas present, arriving on December 18.
Eileen reports that everyone is doing well.

New Saturday Hours

Beginning this weekend, there are new Saturday hours at Northland.
The member's lounge will now open for bar service at Noon, but food service will not be available in the club until 5:00p.m.
Club Manager Gary Schneider has been recording club use on Saturday for several weeks and reports very little member use prior to 5:00.
This limited schedule will remain in effect until the opening of the golf course approaches.
Please remember the member's lounge opens at Noon on Sunday, but there is no Sunday food service until the golf course opens for the season.
With the changes, here are the club's winter food service hours:

Lunch - Monday thru Friday
11:00 - 5:00
Dinner - Monday thru Saturday
5:00 to Closing

Family-Style Dining Begins Tonight

Click the image above to view the family style menu full screen. We've had considerable interest in this new menu and anticipate a fairly good turnout for the first night.
Remember, adults pay just $15; there's a $5 charge for children under 10. There is no charge for children under age 5.

UPDATED: POLL...Let's Talk Bunkers

UPDATED: New Quick Poll
The long range planning committee met Monday night to discuss the condition of the bunkers at Northland. Over the next few weeks, we'll include a series of articles and quick polls on bunkers and the golf course. We'll begin with just a quick assessment of what you think of the overall condition of the bunkers. The Quick Poll is posted on the right side of the screen, just below the contact information. We appreciate your input. We also welcome your comments. Just click "Comments" below this post to add your thoughts.

It's been awhile since we updated you on the progress of the long-range master plan process, but the latest opportunity to participate in conversations occurs tonight.
The topic of conversation tonight before those tasked with the golf course plan will be bunkers. The group will meet at 6:00 to discuss these features of the golf course. Among the topics will be the possibility of replacing the current sand, the shape and size of bunkers, whether there's a need to re-establish some bunkers that were filled several years ago.
Green Committee Chair Dr. Tim Smith and Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh will lead tonight's meeting, each presenting some new information about recently completed research. Please attend if you'd like to share your thoughts.

New Member Specials

Do you know someone who's wanted to join Northland, but hasn't yet made the decision? Now might be the time to let them know about the great new member specials. If you click the images below you can view each of them full screen.
As you'll see, it's possible for new resident golf members to save up to $2000 on membership between now and the end of February. And, non-resident members can now save up to 50 percent on membership. In each case, dues won't start until May.
Call Membership Director Ann Robertson for complete details.

Interested In Bridge?

Are you interested in learning how to play Bridge? Or are you already an accomplished player?
Club Manager Gary Schneider is launching the Bridge season on Tuesday, January 8.
The game will begin at 6:30pm.
Please call Gary at the club (525.1941) if you are interested in playing.
Newcomers are welcome.

Happy Hour - Dinner Specials

If it's Thursday, it must be Happy Hour at Northland.
The appetizer and drink specials begin at 4:30 and end at 6:30. Each Thursday, the culinary staff presents three or four appetizer specials, along with traditional favorites.
Interested in dinner tonight? Here are the specials that will be featured through Saturday night.

Seared Scottish Salmon
Sauteed Shrimp / Linguine
Grilled Diver Scallops
Grilled Rib Eye
Pork Three Ways