Second "Happy Hour" - Family Night Will Continue

Very shortly, members of Northland will see a see the addition of a second "Happy Hour" to the club's schedule. This new "Happy Hour" - which will actually extend 2 1/2 hours - will be held on Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9:30pm.
Along with this change, members will also be able to take advantage of an extended "Happy Hour" on Thursday evenings, when drink and food specials will be available from 5pm to 7:30pm.
Look for both of these extended opportunities to begin soon.

Because of the enthusiasm it has generated, "Tuesday Family Night" will also be extended into the golf season. Executive Chef Mike Schueller is developing new menu options. With an increase in member traffic through the golf season, a decision has been made to offer the family-style dining menu only on the Member's Only floor and verandas.

GolfWeek Editor/Columnist To Visit Northland

Bradley S. Klein, editor and columnist for GolfWeek, where he runs the magazine's "America's Best" will visit Northland Country Club on July 16.
Klein, of Bloomfield, Conn., recently published Discovering Donald Ross: the Architect and his Golf Courses (Sleeping Bear Press, 415 pages). He is also the author of Rough Meditations (Sleeping Bear Press, 1997), a collection of essays about course architecture.
A former PGA Tour caddie, he holds a Ph.D. in political science and taught at the university level for 14 years before 'retiring' in 1999. Klein carries a 15 handicap and is a member of Wampanoag CC, Conn. and Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
Klein has been invited to Northland to review the golf course and offer his comments based on his experience and knowledge of Donald Ross designs. Following a tour of the golf course, Klein will offer his comments to a gathering of Northland members. We will provide further details of his visit as they become available.
Here's an interview conducted with Brad in 1999.
Here's an interview with Brad conducted in 2001.

Northland Membership Activity

Northland Country Club is pleased to welcome the following new members:

Corporate Golf
Mark Rudolph - UMD
David Barthel - Sansio

Clubhouse
Mike & Cynthia Bradley
Leonard & Melanie Johnson
Mark & Charlene McLennan
Michael & Ellen Altman
Dr. Kevin & Deborah Stephan
Douglas & Ann Melander
Donald & Nancy Melander

There have also been three upgrades to Resident Golf this past month:
Rick Sandhahl
A. Ron Johnson
Gerald Brown

COURSE OPEN 11AM

Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has announced that Northland will open for golf for the 2008 season at 11am. Chris notes that the course is still wet in some areas and is limiting play to walking only until further notice.

Chris is also advising that crews have removed the covers from the practice tee. While the tee looks very good, and is quite green, members are asked to continue using the MATS ONLY for the next couple of weeks. Before we can begin hitting off the turf air and soil temps need to warm consistently enough for seed to germinate and heal the divots. Please DO NOT step forward and hit from the turf. Any divots or damage done to the tee will not heal sufficiently at this time.

Region's Best: 10th & 15th at Northland

A panel of golf professionals and golfers interviewed by the Duluth News Tribune has ranked two of Northland's golf holes among the nine best in the region. The full story is in the Sunday edition of the News Tribune.
The panel chose the 10th hole (shown on the right in a photo taken this afternoon) as the most difficult in northeast Minnesota / northwest Wisconsin.

The panel also agreed that the most scenic hole in the entire region is the 15th at Northland. It's a beautiful view from the tee on 15, even on a bright sunny early Spring day when the trees are still bare.

The course is still a little wet from the rain and snow the past few days, but today's sun and breeze will help dry out the course in preparation for the opening of the golf season.

Rate Northland For GolfWorld

Here's your chance to tell the golf community what you think of Northland.

GolfWorld has announced its first-ever "Reader's Choice Awards." If you click here, the image at the top or the one on the right, you can register and rate several factors that enter into each visit to Northland.

Complete directions are available at the online site. There's also a sweepstakes to enter a trip for two or a set of premium golf clubs.

Happy Hour Specials

Tonight's Happy Hour Specials

Northland Wings - 3 Varieties
Northland Home Made Rings
Baked Nachos

Happy Hour Begins at 4:30
Ask about our drink specials

Stay For Dinner

UPDATED RADAR: Storms Will Delay Opening

Click the map above to watch the animated weather.

From Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh:
The plan was to open the course at 10:00am this morning. However, it appears as though that will be about the time the rain gets here. Weather Underground is now forecasting the possibility of significant snow accumulations tomorrow. At this point we are going to go into a holding pattern of sorts. We are getting the accessories on the course this morning and will be able to open the course on fairly short notice when/if the weather cooperates.

Course Opening Update: THURSDAY?

Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has sent out the following email to members. If you aren't getting the instant email alerts, go to the Northland Country Club main website and register, or you can also do it here by clicking Member EMail Sign-Up:I am anticipating a Thursday late morning, early afternoon opening. The golf course is still very wet and many areas of the course, mostly in the rough, are quite sparse due to snow mold damage. This lack of turf cover would result in extreme damage from cart traffic and therefore the course will initially be open for walking only.
The weather report for Thursday thru the weekend does not particularly promising. Weather underground lists the word snow for the forecast on Friday and Sunday.
I have made new posts on the Turfgrass Management Blog the last couple of days. I would encourage everyone to check the website frequently as course updates will be posted on most days.
(The photo above taken on the 10th fairway shows the consistency of the turf coming through the winter season. More photos taken from Tuesday are on Chris' blog.)

Family Night Menu

Course Update

Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has provided an update on course conditions on the Northland Grounds blog.
On Monday, crews were out rolling the greens and cleaning up some of the work that was started last fall, particularly that area on the 4th fairway where new drainage was added.
As you can see in the photo, the drainage is already producing results. As Chris notes, prior to the drainage, it was nearly impossible to have cart traffic on this area in wet conditions.
Chris will be posting regularly in the next few days as the course opening nears.

Foretees Reservation System Up And Running

The pro shop has activated the ForeTees online reservation system for the 2008 season. Do you remember how to use the system? Perhaps you're a new member and haven't used the system before. Whatever the case, call the pro shop and they'll be glad to assist you in navigating through the system.
You can read more about ForeTees here if you aren't already familiar with the service.

You can access the ForeTees system by clicking the logo on the right hand side of this page, or by going to the Northland main website and clicking the link provided there.

Guest Pass Reminder

New Format For Men's League

Members of Northland playing in the 2008 Men's League will find a new format when the season opens on May 22.

1. The league will now consist of an A & B division.
2. The division that you play in will be determined by total team handicap with the field split down the middle.
3. Each division will have an overall points champion.
4. Participants age 70 and older may play from the gold tees.

The changes are designed to increase the number of members joining the men's league, and already there has been some renewed interest among members who have not played for a few years.

To facilitate what is expected to be an increase in play, the golf course will be closed on Thursday afternoons between 1:30 and 6:00. Golfers who play Thursday morning must be off the course by 1:15. The first tee will reopen for member play at 6:00.

If you haven't signed up yet for men's league, call the pro shop today to register.

In Case You Didn't Read This Yet

From a recent MGA report:

How does one explain why golf is so great in Minnesota? Our state leads the nation in golfers per capita; Hibbing is home to a golfer who consistently plays more rounds and posts more scores than any other golfer in the U.S.; and Minnesota is the only state to have hosted all 13 USGA national championships plus the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and men's and women's State Team championships.
According to the report's findings, the size of Minnesota's direct golf economy is approximately $1.2 billion. When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism) Minnesota's golf industry generated approximately $2.4 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $776.7 million of wage income and 34,653 jobs.
Here's more of of the story.....

Greens Uncovered - Practice Area Open

The greens have been uncovered at Northland and, according to Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, made it through the winter in excellent condition. You can see additional photos of the condition of some greens at Northland Grounds blog.
Chris isn't speculating, but a course opening is anticipated sometime next week.

Meanwhile, the Practice Range is open. Play will be from the practice mats, but it's time to start getting the game in order for the season opener.

Ross Society: Update On NCC Visit

It's now very likely that members of the Donald Ross Society will visit Northland Country Club on August 29 - 30, 2009. Recent discussions among those members planning society excursions indicate that plans are nearly finalized for the group's first ever Northland visit.
Those members of the society who would participate in the 2009 outing will also spend some time in the Twin Cities metro area playing the White Bear Yacht Club, a Ross design recently ranked #43 on the list of Top 100 Classic Golf Courses by GolfWeek magazine. (Northland is #86) At this point, there are no plans to include other Ross designs in the Twin Cities in the Fall tour.

Have you taken the time to join the Ross Society? You can learn more about the Ross Society here and if you're interested You can find a membership form here.

Sunday Brunch - Reservations Preferred

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT NORTHLAND COUNTRY CLUB

Chef Schueller and his culinary crew are planning an exciting menu of traditional favorites and seasonal specialties for Sunday Brunch, this Sunday, April 20. Brunch will be served from 11am to 1pm. Reserve now by calling (218) 525-1941.

$18 adults, $10 children, under five free

Note:
Please phone your advance reservations in by Friday evening.

Happy Hour Specials

On the Happy Hour Menu

Northland Wings - 3 Flavors
Northland Rings
Seared Ahi Tuna

Numerous Drink Specials
Tonight 4:30 - 6:30

Pro Shop Opens For The Season

The Pro Shop at Northland has opened for the season.

Pro Joe O'Connor has added a great deal of new merchandise, including news lines of golf clothing and golf equipment.

In a few weeks, Assistant Golf Professional and Teaching Assistant Sarah LeClair will return to Northland from the Palm Desert area of California. Sarah spends the winter season working at a private golf facility in the area. Sarah has completed Level One of the Professional Golf Management program and is working on Phase Two now.


New to the Northland pro shop this year is Dennis Wilson. Dennis is 25 years old and recently completed a near 5-year stint in the U.S. Navy. Dennis is a graduate of Chaska High School near the Twin Cities. He wants to pursue a career as a PGA professional and is beginning his Level One studies.

Also new to the golf staff this year is Ross Pracher. Ross is a 2007 graduate of Moose Lake and is completing his freshman year at New Mexico State.

Dan Moseley is returning to Northland for a second season as the Caddie Master. Dan was new to the job last year and did a fine job in training in a new group of young men and women. Dan is completing his freshman year at Concordia College in Moorhead.

Joe the Pro says he has also heard from quite a few other members of the golf staff from last season and that most of them are excited about returning to the course for another season.

Doug Cameron is also coming back for another full season at Northland as the Starter. Doug started at the club last Fall and is looking forward to the beginning of the season. Members are reminded that they must check in with Doug and register all guests before teeing off. Doug will also work on the course as a ranger on some occasions.


Returning to the pro shop for another season as the golf shop assistant is Linsy Michelson. Linsy will be a junior at St. Scholastica in the Fall. She is pursuing a career in medical social work. Linsy has spent the past two weeks unpacking the many boxes of new merchandise getting the pro shop ready for the season.

Just one look around the golf shop this afternoon and is was obvious Joe has brought in the absolute latest designs in both men's and women's golf wear. And, there's also a nice selection of new shoe designs for the 2008 season. Looking for some new clubs? Joe has the latest new models of all clubs from drivers to putters. Just click the start arrow below to hear Joe's description of what's in stock and for sale.

Wine Tasting Tonight

Just a quick reminder that there are still openings for those Northland members wanting to attend tonight's wine tasting - over 50 wines will be available tonight.

If you're a member with a wine locker, there is a special tasting beginning at 5pm.

The official event begins at 6pm tonight and costs only $18. Executive Chef Mike Schueller has created a special menu to go along with the wine.
Call the office now to confirm your reservation.

Spring Clean-Up Reminder

Warmer weather has returned, so it appears the annual Member Spring Clean-Up will go on as scheduled this Saturday morning, April 19.
If you're available to donate any time between 8am and Noon, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please let Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh know if you're intending to volunteer. His contact information is available on the right side of this page. You can click his name to send an email or just call the number listed.
Participants are asked to check in at the maintenance facility at 8am where crews will be assigned to one of several areas on the golf course. Please bring a pair of work gloves and a rake if you have one.
Most of the member's work will involve raking the thousands of pine cones that litter the course. Others will remove fallen branches and other debris left over from the winter.
A lunch will be served in the clubhouse following the event.

Tonight's Family Style Menu

Sunday Spring Brunch

The Northland golf season is close to opening with the official start now just days away...so, it's time to kick off the season with a Sunday Spring Brunch.
The always popular brunch will be held Sunday, April 20 from 11am to 1pm.
Cost for this event is just $18 for adults, $10 for children; there is no charge for children under age 5.
Please call the office at 525.1941 to confirm your reservation.

IRS Tax Relief Party

Here's an opportunity to taste, rate and enjoy more than 50 wines from all over the world - including new regions and varietals. The event is being held this Wednesday, April 16, beginning at 6pm.
Executive Chef Mike Schueller is creating a wonderful array of hors d'oeuvres to complement the wines. There will even be a champagne toast to celebrate the tax filing deadline.
Cost for the event is just $18. Please call the office to confirm your reservation.

Northland Mourns Loss of Mrs. Donovan

Helen Donovan, 91, passed away Saturday, April 12 at St. Luke's Hospice. Prior to her death, Mrs. Donovan was Northland Country Club's longest serving member.
Helen had played in the Tuesday morning 9-hole group as recently as last year. The photo at the right was taken during her 90th birthday party at the Kitchi Gammi Club.
Visitation will be 5-7pm Friday April 18 at Dougherty Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is Noon Saturday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

NORTHLAND CLOSED - Follow Storm Progress

There will be no dining or bar service today at Northland.

Click the image above to see the latest animation of the storm currently hitting the Twin Ports and much of the region. The wind and snow are so strong at the Duluth harbor that most of the live web cams with views of Lake Superior are not currently available, their lenses blocked by ice and snow. Waves are said to be in the range of 16 feet or more.

Because the storm shows no sign of subsiding soon, a decision has been made to close the club for all business today.

Celebrate Blizzard Start With Happy Hour

Accu Weather and the storm prediction center at the National Weather Service are holding with their projections that the head of the lakes will be hit with blizzard conditions tonight. Upwards of 13 inches of new snow is expected in Duluth and along Lake Superior. You can see an animated image of the storm here. Why not toast the storm's arrival by attending Happy Hour at Northland starting at 4:30?
In addition to many drink specials, menu features this afternoon include wings, rings and grilled vegetables. Happy Hour prices end at 6:30, just about the time the storm is expected to start.
Wave action on Lake Superior this afternoon is already quite spectacular and something to see from one of the clubhouse decks.

In The Northland Extended Family

Northland Club Manager Gary Schneider and wife Joan have reason to be proud of their future son-in-law. Jeremy Davenport is now headlining a new advertising campaign for New Orleans. You can view the music video that's just been released by clicking this link. Jeremy leads his own band, has released several music albums and is a popular New Orleans entertainer.

Golf And The Environment

The May issue of Golf Digest has arrived at subscribers homes and is on the news stands with what the magazine is calling the most important article it has every published. There are many features included in the article that make for worthwhile reading. This link will take you to just one of the sections from where you can explore many of the features in depth. There's also a link to download the entire 27+ page article, if you aren't already a Golf Digest subscriber.

The article includes the results of an extensive golfer survey, and there's a link to review all the results. We've included just one of the questions for you to take in the current Northland Quick Poll posted on the right hand side of the page, just below the ForeTees logo. What do you think about the amount of water that should be put on the golf course?

Updated May - July Forecasts..."Potent" Storm Potential (Blizzard) For Friday

The National Weather Service has released its newest weather projections for the period May thru July. Temperature outlooks (top) now call for equal chances of all conditions as do the projections for precipitation (bottom).
The Old Farmer's Almanac is still calling for slightly warmer than normal temperatures for the May - July period with below normal precipitation.
There's also this long range forecast from Harris-Mann Climatology which provides just a bit of free information, unlike the other services.Accu-Weather is projecting the possibility of a major snow event for our region later in the week, possibly moving into the region as early as tomorrow night. Accu Weather labels the storm as "potent."
You can always click on one of the weather service images on the right side of the page for up-to-the-minute weather news. Weather Underground has already posted the possibility of a "blizzard" beginning Thursday night.

Update On Course Conditions, Work Still To Be Finished Before Season Opens

The weather forecast might be calling for more snow, but much of what had fallen this past winter is gone from the course and the ground crew is preparing to complete some of the projects begun last fall.
Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh is providing an update on his blog, available here at Northland Grounds. Included in the Spring work will be the completion of drainage on the 13th fairway, shown above.
Chris has taken other photos to show some of what's being done on the course, including what's behind the new white mat on the driving range.

Family Style Dining Tonight

New Postings At Northland Grounds Blog

Northland Country Club has received more new equipment to help facilitate improved playing conditions throughout the course in coming years. You can read a detailed description of the new equipment (just one of the pieces is shown on the right) on Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh's blog site, Northland Grounds.

Chris also has taken a moment to inform members about some of the articles written by Assistant Superintendent Jake Ryan, shown at the right, that have been recently published.
You'll find links to the articles on the Northland Grounds blog ( click here ).

Make certain to check back frequently for course updates throughout the year.

Golf Opener Days Away....Non-Resident Promotion Campaign Nears Its End Date

Northland Membership Director Ann Robertson continues to receive inquiries from golfers outside of the region interested in becoming a non-resident golf member. Much of the excitement was generated by two recent advertisements in the Minnesota Golfer magazine distributed across the state to more than 82,000 readers.
If you know of someone who would enjoy Northland - and now at a greatly reduced rate - have them contact Ann directly. Her contact information is at top right hand side of this page.

It Wasn't All Green Grass....

Some Northland members got an early start to the Minnesota golf season yesterday, traveling to St. Francis to play The Ponds. The two groups are shown at the right preparing for their 11am tee times as temperatures approached 50 degrees. As you can see, there was still some snow blanketing portions of the tee.
Temperatures rose throughout the day, reaching the mid 60s by the time the two groups finished just past 3:30. Course conditions were generally quite dry and there were just a few locations on the course with any snow cover.

Swimming? - Not That Warm, But Pool Schedules Are Being Announced

Temperatures in the 50's and 60's (actually 61 at this writing) might have you thinking that it won't be long before the pool at Northland opens, but we're still a few months away. Still, Pool Director Amy Pillsbury has been busy putting together a busy summer schedule of lessons and activities for children.
Amy's planning five sessions for lessons with four different levels based on experience. Group lessons are set to begin June 16 and will run Monday through Thursday until August 29. Amy is also setting time aside for private lessons.
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Don't forget that poll activities are also included in the Tuesday morning Children's Camp which is filled with pool, golf and tennis activities.
A special Pool Kids' Camp will be held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

We'll make certain to publish more details as the summer approaches. If you would like to receive more information now, please contact Membership Director Ann Robertson.

Thursday - Happy Hour On The Deck?

It's likely to be warm enough this afternoon to kick off Happy Hour on one of the decks overlooking the golf course or the pool. The fun starts at 4:30 with food and drink specials.