Labor Day Weekend Golf Activities

We're coming up on the last big holiday weekend of the golf season and there's at least two opportunities for you to join in the golf fun at Northland.
On Saturday, men and women will have the chance to play in an event format. The men will tee off at 8:30am with the women to follow at 10:00am. Both begin with a shotgun start.
On Sunday, there's a couples Jack & Jill event beginning with a shotgun start at 1:00pm.
If you're interested in any of the events, please contact the golf shop to register.

There is no organized golf activity on Monday, the officially recognized holiday.

USGA Agronomist Visits Northland

Members playing the course yesterday may have noticed a group of interested people closely inspecting turf conditions.
Bob Vavrek, Senior Agronomist with the United States Golf Association, was touring the course with Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, Green Chairman Tim Smith and other key members of the ground maintenance staff.
Vavrek will prepare a report on his findings.

Course Closed For Builder's Exchange

One of the largest golf events of the seson is being held at Nortland today - the annual outing of the Duluth Builder's Exchange.
As a result, there will be no member play today.
Over 80 golfers are on the course this morning, another 140 will tee off this afternoon.

The Solheim Cup Matches At Northland

Northland's version of The Solheim Cup is being held this morning. The professional event features top women golfers from the United States against a team of European women.
Northland's version will feature 12 women playing a 9-hole match and 24 women who will play three six-hole matches.
Action got underway at 8:00 this morning.

Golf Shop Summer Clearance Sale

Can you believe that the summer season is coming to an end?
As the summer months wind down it is once again time to mark down the summer fashions in the Northland Golf Shop. The golf shop still has a very nice selection of summer clothing....with savings up to 30 % off. If you've got shop credit this would be a great time to use it up. Maybe you're looking for golf clubs? All drivers, fairway metals, hybrids and iron sets are marked way down.

Stop in today to take advantage of great pricing on top-of-the-line clothing and golf equipment.

Fall Promotion Ends Tomorrow

As we move into the final months of another fabulous golf season, Northland Country Club is offering a 2008 Late Season Golf Promotion.
For a limited time, Northland is offering new golf members the opportunity to join with no monthly golf dues until we reopen the course in spring 2009. Beginning September 1, approved applicants may enjoy unlimited rounds of golf throughout the remainder of the current 2008 season. Five complimentary guest passes are included.

Note: $35 clubhouse dues and $15 capital remain in effect during the off-season for new members starting September 1, 2008. This offer is available to new resident, corporate, pre-resident, and non-resident golf applicants. Initiation fees apply.

For a limited time, new non-resident members enjoy 50% off the initiation fee of $4500 (promotional rate is $2250).To get more details regarding this late season promotion, or to arrange a trial round for your prospective applicant, please contact membership director Ann Robertson at (218) 428-5178, (218) 525-1941, or arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com.

Applications are being accepted through August 26 for those applicants wishing to begin golfing privileges on September 1. If you are an existing clubhouse member, you may also opt to change to full golf status under the current offer.

PS: We have two new openings available to clubhouse applicants. Applications are being taken until 5pm Tuesday.

Congratulations To Men's Club Champions - Ledingham Hole-In-One

Congratulations to Dan Moline and Jim Abelsen, the 2008 Men's Club Champions. And, congratulations to John Hyduke and Dick DeLano for their net champion honors.
Northland also congratulates Walt Ledingham for his hole-in-one on #8 today....Walt's third career hole-in-one. Walt hit a hybrid to just left of the hole before going in. (Walt didn't see it...well, neither did anyone else in the foursome....age, don't you suppose?) Walt birdied #5, made the hole on one on #8, and then made par on both #12 and #17.

It was a great weekend for both the women's and men's club championships....thanks to all participants.

Up next on the Northland major event calendar - the Spooner Invitational.

Moline-Liberty - 18th Club Championship

Northland PGA Pro Joe O'Connor is shown above presenting the winner's cup to Sue Moline-Liberty after winning the Women's Club Championship earlier today. According to O'Connor, a review of Northland's record books indicates this marks the 18th occasion Sue has won the club championship, a record that may never be equaled. Congratulations Sue on another outstanding performance.

Note To Members About Dining During Spooner Invitational Tournament

Club Manager Gary Schneider has sent the following notice to Northland members:

Special Member Dining Notice:
On Saturday, September 6, member dining will not be available after 5pm.

The Leo Spooner Four-Ball Memorial Invitational is scheduled for September 5 - 7. Because of a private event being held in our NCC Banquet Hall on Saturday, September 6, Spooner participants will be dining in the Link Lounge and Fireside Room.
The J.R. Link Grill and Fireside Room remain open as usual on Friday evening for your dining pleasure.
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Quick Poll Extended

We've extended the current Northland Quick Poll.
What do you think about a drivable par 4 during a future tournament at Northland?
As the earlier story posted Monday noted (scroll down), a drivable par 4 was used during this year's U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship.
Some comments among players on the course suggest either hole #6 or #13 might be best considered, with #13 having a slight edge.
Take the poll on the right hand side of the page (below ForeTees and the Online Posting logo), and comment below by clicking "Comment" to offer your thoughts about which hole should be considered.

Moline-Liberty Women's Champion

Sue Moline-Liberty has claimed another Northland Women's Club Championship, beating Katrina Woods in the championship finals today.
In other action, Karen Baresh won the First Flight and Sandy Nelson was the Second Flight winner.
After the first day of action in the Men's Club Championship, defending champion Kevin Noreen is at the top of the leaderboard, shooting 75 today, two strokes ahead of Norm Maciver. In the Senior Division, Bill Juntunen finished the day at the top with an 80. The Senior Division also recognizes a net score winner. Dick Delano is in the lead with a net 66.
The men's event concludes tomorrow.
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Don't forget the all-member BBQ Party tonight...the social hour begins at 5:30.

Catching Up On The News

We forgot to post this story that was done by WDIO-TV a few weeks back during Bradley Klein's visit to Northland.
Just click the link above or the image on the right to be taken to the script for the story. Once you get to the link, you can also click the video screen on the right side of the page to watch the entire news story.

Champion's Weekend - Women Finals At 9:45

It's Champion's Weekend at Northland. The men begin play this morning at 7:50am. Defending men's champions are Kevin Noreen and Duke Skorich (Senior Division). The men will complete play on Sunday.
The women will complete their tournament today with the final groups teeing off at 9:45am. In the women's championship, it will be Sue Moline versus Katrina Woods.
The first flight will have Karen Baresh competing against Dottie Harrington. The second flight features the match between Sandy Nelson and Missy LaFlamme.

Don't forget the Championship BBQ Party tonight. The fun begins at 5:30pm. Cost for this event is just $20 per person. Guests are welcome.

New Membership Promotion Announced - Unlimited Fall Golf At Northland

As we move into the final months of another fabulous golf season, Northland Country Club is offering a 2008 Late Season Golf Promotion. If you have a friend or family member who has expressed an interest in playing our top-caliber Donald Ross course, please pass on the following opportunity to them:

For a limited time, Northland is offering new golf members the opportunity to join with no monthly golf dues until we reopen the course in spring 2009. Beginning September 1, approved applicants may enjoy unlimited rounds of golf throughout the remainder of the current 2008 season. Five complimentary guest passes are included.

Note: $35 clubhouse dues and $15 capital remain in effect during the off-season for new members starting September 1, 2008. This offer is available to new resident, corporate, pre-resident, and non-resident golf applicants. Initiation fees apply.

For a limited time, new non-resident members enjoy 50% off the initiation fee of $4500 (promotional rate is $2250).To get more details regarding this late season promotion, or to arrange a trial round for your prospective applicant, please contact membership director Ann Robertson at (218) 428-5178, (218) 525-1941, or arobertson@northlandcountryclub.com.
Applications are being accepted through August 26 for those applicants wishing to begin golfing privileges on September 1. If you are an existing clubhouse member, you may also opt to change to full golf status under the current offer.

PS: We have two new openings available to clubhouse applicants. Applications are being taken now for approval at next week's board meeting.

Have You Reserved For Fabulous Friday?

This fabulous party is scheduled for Friday night....but if you want lobster and all the trimmings, you should reserve today. Please see the earlier posting from August 13 (scroll down) for additional event details.

Invitational Story Posted Below

We've solved the technical difficulties which prevented earlier posting and you can read the Invitational story by scrolling down the page.... we hope to add other interviews with Bruce Wagner and Jim Lehman later.

Here's the sports story from today's Duluth News Tribune.

Up Next: Champion's Weekend

The NCC Women's and Men's Club Championship will be held this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This event is open to all Northland members with established handicaps. We have something for everyone of you regardless of your handicap or age level.

The Women's event will begin Friday and conclude Saturday. Men will play Saturday and Sunday. Men who who choose to compete for the overall gross championship will play from the blue tees. All other flights will play from the white tees and compete for the overall net championship. We have a regular division, a senior division for ages 55 and over and super senior division for those who are over 70.
This weekend's event also includes an all-member barbecue on Saturday evening for all participants. Non-participants and guests are encouraged to attend. Prizes for the women will be awarded at the barbecue.

Players can sign up in the golf shop or the locker room. For barbecue reservations, just call the Northland office.

What About A Drivable Par 4 During Tournament Play At Northland?

Twice this year in major tournaments, the PGA and USGA have moved up the tees on par 4 holes tempting players into trying to reach the green from the tee. The first was the 14th hole at Torrey Pines during the U.S. Open. Next up, the 6th hole at Oakland Hills.
What about putting one of Northland's par 4 holes into play one of the days during an upcoming tournament? Which hole?
We've posted a quick poll on the right side of the screen for your opinion, but we'd like to know which hole you think would best be suited for the test. Do you think it would lead to more birdie opportunities?
Take the poll and then take a moment to comment below. Just click on "Comment" and record your opinion.

Yeager, Wagner Claim Invite Titles

In the photo above, Invitational runner-up Jim Lehman, Champion Matt Yeager, Senior Champion Bruce Wagner and senior runner-up Ron Johnson.

83rd Invitational Championship

Matt Yeager got to the 14th hole at Northland during Sunday's final round against Jim Lehman still holding a two-hole lead. Following a tee shot into the woods left of the fairway and two attempts to get back to the fairway later (photo at right), Yeager's lead, which had grown to three after nine holes, was down to one.

Both players boomed their drive off the 15th tee, nearly driving the hole. Yeager was first to play and chipped to within 8 feet. Lehman followed (note Yeager's ball on the green in the photo at right) but could not get his chip to stop off the slope left of the pin, leaving himself a tricky 15 foot right to left putt. Following his miss, Yeager sank the birdie putt and his lead was back to two.
Both players made par on 16.

On 17, Yeager's tee shot was 30 feet left of the pin while Lehman's shot came up just short of the green. His chip came up about 4 feet short. Yeager took one walk around the green, settled over his putt and made the birdie, claiming the 83rd Invitational championship 3 and 1. The 2007 runner-up accepted the congratulations from three-time winner Lehman (2003, 2004, 2005).
Following the match, Yeager and Lehman both spoke about how important the Invitational title is, made especially so on a golf course as spectacular as Northland under the conditions of this past week. Lehman called the tournament among his favorites, saying he looks forward to returning each year. Earlier this summer, Lehman played at the MGA Players Championship at Northland and said course conditions were even better now. Yeager offered even stronger praise during an interview following his victory.

Senior Championship

Ron Johnson's lead over Bruce Wagner in the Senior Championship at Northland was four after nine, and grew to five after the 10th hole. The 2006 Senior Champion looked as if he was going to have a short afternoon. But, Wagner settled down and the 2008 Arrowhead Invitational champion started winning holes. By the time the pair arrived at 16, the match was even. It stayed that way through 18, prompting sudden death.

On the extra hole, Johnson drove left but had a shot to the green. His shot caught the bunker fronting the left side of the green. Wagner played his second from the middle of the fairway to the green, leaving him a 15 foot putt from left of the hole. Johnson's third shot caught up in the rough left of the green and his next chip hit the green, but he watched as his shot gathered speed and ended up going off the green, ending up 50 yards below the green, leaving him a wedge shot to the surface (photo at right).

Johnson was the first to play, but his putt was too long, stopping almost 20 feet below the pin. He picked up the ball and conceded the match. While leaving the green, Wagner admitted he did not look forward to putting after watching what had happened with Johnson's two shots from above the hole.
Wagner also had high praise for the tournament and playing conditions.


Congratulations to Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh and the entire maintenance crew for the excellent playing conditions during the Invitational, to Invitational Chairman Joe Jeannette for the months of preparation that made the event run so smoothly, to PGA Pro Joe O'Connor and the entire golf shop staff for their hard work leading up to and during the event, and to Club Manager Gary Schneider and the entire food and beverage staff under the direction of Executive Chef Mike Schueller and Josh Stotts for their long hours and dedicated service, making this 83rd Invitational such a great success.

Final Championship Matches Set For Sunday

Sunday's final matches in the Northland Invitational are set to begin at approximately 9:50am and will feature 2003, 2004, 2005 champion Jim Lehman, 2007 runner-up Matt Yeager, 2006 Senior Champion Ron Johnson and 2008 Arrowhead Invitational Champion Bruce Wagner.

All members are invited to attend the final matches and the Rib-Fest which will begin at 11am and continue well into the late afternoon.

The forecast for Sunday calls for clear skies with highs in the 80s. Put on some sunscreen and come out to watch some great golf action.

Lehman In Finals....Other Matches In Progress

Three time Invitational Champion Jim Lehman is in the finals again. Lehman beat Ross Prachar 5 - 4 in this afternoon's semi-finals.
Other matches are still in progress.
Matt Yeager was 3-up over Brian Crawford with four to play as of this posting.
In the Senior Division, Bruce Wagner and Ron Johnson were each 2-up over Jay Kernan and Bruce Odlaug. These matches were on the 11th hole.

UPDATED: There Will Be New Invitational Champions In Both Divisions

2008 will bring two new Invitational Champions as defending champions Reed Kolquist and Jim Abelsen have been eliminated in today's opening quarterfinals.

Kolquist lost 4 - 3 to Brian Crawford of Superior. Crawford had previously won this year's Nemadji Invitational.

In other Championship action, Matt Yeager, last year's second place finisher, defeated Dan Moline 1 up. Northland's Ross Prachar beat Brett Stinson 4 -3 and will play three-time Invitational champion Jim Lehman in the afternoon match. Lehman beat former Invitational winner Scott Anderson 2 - 1.

In the other afternoon pairing, Crawford will play Yeager.

In the Senior Division, defending champion Jim Abelsen did lose his match to Bruce Wagner 1 up. Earlier this month, Wagner won the Senior Division of the Arrowhead Invitational. In other matches, Jay Kernan beat Larry Bistodeau, Ron Johnson beat Bill Riddeering, and Bruce Odlaug beat Bob Mathias in 19 holes. Odlaug is a former winner in both the regular and senior divisions of the Invitational.

This afternoon, Wagner meets Kernan and Johnson will play Odlaug.

Afternoon matches have just begun. We'll have results later tonight.

Quarterfinal Pairings

Reed Kolquist v Brian Crawford
Matt Yeager v Dan Moline
Ross Prachar v Brett Stinson
Scott Anderson v Jim Lehman

The quarterfinal matches will begin at 7:30 this morning. Forecast highs for today are in the 80's with sunny skies and light winds predicted.

Defending Champions Play On

Defending Invitational champions Reed Kolquist and Jim Abelsen will continue play on Saturday....joined by several former champions, including Scott Anderson, Dan Moline, Jim Lehman and Bruce Odlaug. Kolquist got by Dave Whittaker today while Abelson went 19 holes against Bruce Hay. Anderson eliminated Brett Hull this afteroon. Tournament medalist Ross Prachar is still in contention after winning his afternoon match 4 - 2. We had a communication problem which prevented us from posting results tonight, but we'll have more coverage on Saturday.
In the meantime, here are the photos of the two participants who recorded a hole in one today during the Invitational. Cory Cartier (top photo) got his ace on #17 and Shane Grahn recorded his on #5.
Congratulations to each....the many participants who were able to take advantage of your generosity thank you.
We do have many photos taken during the banquet tonight, but a few technical errors and blog maintenance have prevented us from posting them tonight. These same errors have prevented us from posting the results of today's competition.
We'll post more photos and information on Saturday and will have extensive coverage of the finals on Sunday.

There are no official events at Northland tomorrow, but all members are invited to come to the club to watch the final matches on Sunday and to participate in the Rib-Fest celebration. Activities will begin around the noon hour and continue until the winners are determined later in the afternoon.

Two Holes In One During Invite

There were two holes in one recorded at Northland today during the Invitational....Cory Cartier on #17 and Shane Grahn on #5.
Cartier is a Northland member; Grahn is employed by Playboy Golf.
Congratulations to both.....we have their photos and will publish them later.

Kolquist Match Goes 19 Holes - Updates Posted Later Tonight

The second round of championship play is still underway in the Northland Invitational...first day qualifiers and leaders Ross Prachar and Brett Hull advanced through the morning round, as did defending champion Reed Kolquist. Kolquist was able to hang on after going 19 holes against Frank Mertz in the morning session. Others still in contention are former champions Dan Moline and Scott Anderson, both victorious this morning.
In the senior division, defending champion Jim Abelsen was one down with one to play in his match against Bruce Hay.
We'll have a complete update of championship flights once play has been finished for the day.

On tap tonight at Northland, the golf banquet with special guest, comedian Scott Hansen. Hansen has been awarded the title of Minnesota's Best Comedian on five different occasions.
The social hour begins in a few minutes, with dinner at 7:30. Hansen is set to take the stage at approximately 8:30.
We'll have photos taken from earlier today and tonight later this evening.

Pairings Set For Match Play In Both Championship & Senior Divisions

Here are the pairings for the Championship Flight (top) in the Invitational and the entire Senior Division. If you click on each of the images, you'll be able to view them full screen.
Play in the regular division begins at 7:30 in the morning....winners will play two matches.
Play in the senior division will begin at 12:30.
Ross Prachar, an employee in the Northland Pro Shop, is the 2008 Medalist. Ross will leave for his second year at New Mexico State on Monday; he is attending on a golf scholarship. Ross will play Adam Vork in the morning.
Defending champion Reed Kolquist opens Friday play against Frank Mertz of Northland.
In the Senior Division, defending champion Jim Abelsen will play Bruce Hay.
The forecast for Saturday calls for highs in the mid 70's with southerly winds of 7 to 10 miles per hour.

Invitational Update: 6:45.....1:20 Group Just Finishes

Afternoon rounds at the Invitational are running even longer than the morning rounds, a combination of strong easterly winds and even faster greens due to drying conditions because of the winds. As of this posting, there are still six groups on the course, including last year's champion Reed Kolquist.

The golf shop reports just 25 rounds of 80 or less. Ross Prachar (photo at right) and Brett Hull are still the leaders with scores of 73, 74. Prachar said he hit the ball well all day and could have scored lower had he putted better.
Among the recent past champions playing this year, Scott Anderson, Dan Moline and Jim Lehman all finished with a score of 78.

We'll post scores and starting times for tomorrow's rounds as soon as all groups have completed play for the day.

Invitational Update: Winds, Scores Up At Conclusion of Morning Session

Despite perfectly clear blue skies, easterly winds off Lake Superior in excess of 15 miles per hour caused problems for many of the 84 players completing the morning session of the 83rd Northland Invitational Golf Tournament; not a single golfer was able to match par.
Northland's Ross Prachar shot 73 and was the leader after the morning session, one better than Northland's Brett Hull.
We'll have updates later today following completion of the afternoon session which got underway at 12:30. The final group did not tee off until 2:20. There are 89 golfers in the afternoon session.

Fabulous "Fruits de Mer" Friday

One of the most popular parties of the year at Northland will be held next Friday, August 22. It's the annual lobster party with a new twist - this year the seafood choices have been greatly expanded to include shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, calamari and much more.....
As always, there are alternatives for those who do not eat seafood.
Guests are welcome to attend this party which will cost just $39 per person.....but reservations are encouraged as soon as possible. Late reservations are not guaranteed lobster.
The event begins with a social at 5:30pm followed by the 6:30 pm dinner.

This event will be held in conjunction with Champion's Weekend at Northland. Please keep in mind the Women's Championship will be contested on Friday and Saturday. The Men's Championship is Saturday and Sunday. The event includes a BBQ party Saturday night beginning at 6:30pm to honor the Women's Champion and other flight winners - all members are welcome to attend the BBQ.

Why not take a moment and sign up for both the Fabulous Friday and Saturday BBQ today.

Change In Food Service At Northland

Club Manager Gary Schneider informed members of a change in operating hours for food service at Northland today. Here's a portion of the announcement:

Beginning in September, Northland will be CLOSED on MONDAYS for food service. If a large golf outing or special event is scheduled, we will be open for banquet service only. After Labor Day, the pool will be closed for the season. If weather and staffing permits, the pool will be open for the two weekends following Labor Day. The Pool Cabana food service will remain open on days the pool is open. The Tenth Tee will remain open as long as the golf course is open. The JR Link Grill will open at 11am on Mondays with beverages, soup, wraps and sandwiches available at the bar.

We appreciate your understanding.
Gary Schneider, Clubhouse Manager

Schneider says many food service operations and restaurants in the region have experienced labor shortages this summer, leading to increased overtime for existing staff. Coupled with rising food costs, it has been difficult to maintain established budgets. Schneider said the change will reflect the policy of many other clubs around the country.

Kolquist Back To Defend Against Strong Field

The Northland Invitational Golf Tournament begins Thursday with the first groups teeing off at 7:40am. The 2007 champion, Reed Kolquist (photo at right), is back to defend his title against one of the strongest fields assembled in recent years; 176 golfers will participate this year. Kolquist is fresh off a victory last weekend at Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth, and his earlier victory at the Arrowhead Invitational at Ridgeview Country Club in Duluth..

Among the other top golfers competing this year: Matt Yeager, who finished in second place last year, Jim Lehman (three time Northland winner from 2003 - 2005, 2002 winner Scott Anderson, 2006 winner Dan Moline, David Haselrud, and Brett Hull.
The Senior Division of the tournament also has a strong field, including defending champion Jim Abelsen.

The tournament qualifying rounds are Thursday followed by match play through Sunday's final groups. A complete schedule is included in the stories below.

Reservations For Invite Events Encouraged - Non/Playing Members Are Welcome

We're re-posting the event listing for the Invitational which begins with Wednesday practice rounds. Although the cost for the events is included with the participant entry fee, all members are being invited to the events as well - but reservations are encouraged.
The costs for members not playing in the Invitational are $25 for the Wednesday night BBQ, $35 for the Friday night banquet and comedy show with Scott Hansen, and $15 for the Sunday afternoon Rib-Fest.
Please call the office to confirm your reservations as soon as possible.

Golf As Mind Game

Famed golf psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella has recently published a new book dealing specifically with the mental part of golf - self confidence and the belief you have to have in yourself. Rotella says If you're going to play competitively, you have to take the time to work on your head. Some people don't play in tournaments because they lack the belief in their ability to perform. When asked about the most common error he sees in amateurs, Rotella said: "They hit a shot while worrying about hitting a bad shot because they're worried about what people think about them as a human being. You have to do it for you and your own personal pleasure. That's got to change to find out how good you can get."

During the Legacy of Hope outing, we asked PGA Professional Curt Byrum about the pressures of playing with others in a scramble format.

Three Players Needed For Invite

There are three openings for the 2008 Northland Invitational Golf Tournament which begins Wednesday with practice rounds. The field of 176 had been filled, but three cancellations were received Monday, opening up the new spots.
If you had considered playing and want to reconsider, please contact the golf shop today.
Qualifying rounds begin Thursday morning.