skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has sent out the following to Northland members:
Currently we have completed all fairway aerification on hole 5-13. Yesterday, with the week's forecast looking favorable, the fairways on 4 & 14 were aerified. The cores on this fairway are extremely wet and will need a good half day of sun to dry out. Unfortunately we are slaves to the weather at this point and when we get a good day we will be getting these two fairways cleaned up. The fairway aerification process is extremely important and regardless of how long it takes us we will be completing all of the fairways this fall.
Cart Traffic Reminder:
As those of you who have played in the past week or so know, the golf course is extremely wet right now. If you do come out to play and you take a cart please follow these cart rules:
DO NOT drive your cart on any fairways that currently have cores on them.
DO NOT drive you cart on any fairways in which ropes have been placed at the beginning of the fairway. These holes have been recently aerified and cannot handle cart traffic.
Use the 90 degree rule on any fairways without cores or rope. Please drive your cart only in the rough and cross the fairway, when necessary, by driving straight across.
Keep your cart on the CART PATH ONLY when a cart path is present.
At this time of year it is essential we receive your help in caring for the golf course. Please help us by following these cart traffic rules for the rest of the season.
With the first of October now upon us, the golf shop at Northland would like to remind you that now is a great time to get in and use your Golf Shop credits. The golf shop has a very nice selection of both summer and NEW fall fashions and merchandise to choose from. If it's equipment that you are looking for, the shop has some great sale prices on golf clubs. Perhaps you can do some holiday shopping early. Don't know how much credit you may have? Give the golf shop a call at 525-1970 to find out. Please remember that your golf shop credit and certificates must be redeemed by November 1st.
The Northland 1-Club Tournament was held under perfect conditions earlier this week, with the winning team determined in a sudden death playoff between three of the teams.Thursday's event featured eight two-person teams. The format for the event was better ball for the first 12 holes followed by alternate shot for holes 13 - 18.
The team of Jeremy Jeannette - Greg McCall successfully defended their title with a thrilling extra hole alternate shot playoff against the teams of Scott Anderson - Steve Payette and Cory Cartier - Joe Golcz.
The annual tournament concludes the 1-club series which is held each Thursday evening following men's league play.
Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh reports that aerification of fairways continued Wednesday afternoon after some delay caused by heavy rains. The photo to the right was taken from the middle of the 13th fairway and shows that preliminary work has begun with fairway spiking...this will be followed by the aerification. Ground crews have been verti-cutting the fairways following the plugging, which keeps much of the soil in place while allowing for removal of thatch and grass.
Chris also notes that the greens are healing quite nicely following last week's aerifying. By this weekend, the greens should be fairly well back to decent playing condition.
While the crews were delayed because of the wet conditions, some did take the time to begin other work that has been added to the fall maintenance agenda. 
Included is the removal of trees behind the 13th green, as the photo taken Wednesday indicates. We've added the photo on the right that was taken July 17 so you can see a comparison of the before and after view from the middle of the fairway. Look for an expanded report on the tree removal on Chris' blog in the next day or so.
10AM UPDATE: Here's what Chris said on his blog about the work yesterday and today on #13.....his notes start:
Yesterday the Turfgrass Management Staff with approval from the Green Committee removed the trees from behind the 13th green. The goal of this removal was to highlight Northland's #1 feature, the views of Lake Superior.
Read the story and see more photos here.
The Northland Men's League has finished play for the season, a season that featured the largest number of teams ever to participate in the league. Comments during the season indicated that the switch to two divisions based on team handicaps was well received.
In the Hagen Division featuring teams with a lower handicap, the team of Tim Smith, Bud Kolquist and John Simenson took top honors.
There was a tie in the Sarazan Division between the teams of Huck Andresen-Dan Baresh-Jim Fellman and Upali Aturaliya-Bob Hollenhurst.
Congratulations to the winners. Complete standings have been posted in the golf shop and the locker room.
Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has posted a 5-minute video on his blog site detailing the green aerification process. You can click here to watch the process from start to finish, including some commentary from Chris.
Or, you can go the Chris' blog....just click here.
How would you like to be on the 8th tee at Hazeltine National with Tiger, Phil, Sergio, Vijay and the rest of the top players in golf? You can make this happen.Northland Country Club members will serve as hole marshalls next August during the 91st PGA Championship. Team captains Joe O'Connor and David Whittaker are still looking for a few volunteers to fill the squad.You would be asked to serve 3 to 4 shifts over the course of the week on the par-3 8th hole. Your volunteer pass will give you access to the grounds for the entire week.Please call the golf shop today if you are interested to get the registration information.
The annual Northland Ladies' One Club Event will be staged this afternoon beginning with a 4:30pm shotgun start.
This will be a full afternoon of fun and prizes. Nine holes of golf are scheduled.
Among today's features: a complimentary drink station on the third hole.
There will also be an "event" on each hole today. Players will also be allowed one mulligan.
Following golf, there will be heavy hors d'oeuvres in the Donald Ross Room. Prizes will be awarded following the social.
If you haven't signed up, there's still time. Call the golf shop and you will be added to a group.
Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has sent the following note to members about the completion of fall aerification of all greens.
We were able to finish all of greens yesterday. The weather was perfect and the entire process went as well as it could have. 
Because of the weather and the rain we had leading up to the aerification, the green surfaces are in wonderful shape this morning. Usually the brushing and brooming needed to work the sand into the hole causes significant bruising to the plant, which stunts the growth and lengthens the healing time. This was not the case yesterday. Due to the moisture in the greens, the amount of material we removed, and the traffic required to complete the process, the putting surfaces are very bumpy. The greens are being rolled as we speak and will be rolled again tomorrow and Friday. After rolling greens on Friday we will be making a fertilizer application. Once the fertilizer has broken down we will mow the greens for the first time. Today we will be finishing up the aerification and topdressing on approaches. Tomorrow will we begin the fairway aerification process.
Club Manager Gary Schneider would like to remind members that Northland Country Club is now closed for traditional food service on Mondays.
If a large golf outing or special event is scheduled, the club will be open for banquet service only.
The 10th tee building will remain open as long as the golf course is open.
The JR Link Grill will open at 11am on Mondays with beverages, soups, salads, wrap sandwiches and sandwiches available.
===
Don't forget the regular Happy Hour schedules will remain in effect on both Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
We'd like to thank Karen Andresen for coordinating and providing the details of the recently held MWGA Scholarship "Fun Raiser" to benefit young women golfers in the state.
The event was limited to 15 holes because of rain, but thanks to generous donors, the groups that played will donate $375 to the scholarship program.
Tom Hay and Dan Baresh won the men's division. There was a tie in the women's division between the teams of Giner Strom-Karen Baresh and Carol Fryeberger-Karen Andresen.
Thanks to the participants.
If you haven't seen the story yet, Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has updated members on the aerification process that will be completed Monday on all approaches to the greens. Work has been delayed because of the recent rains.
If you'd like to know why this process is done each year, you can read the full story here on Chris' blog site.
====
As a reminder, the greens at Northland are still scheduled for aerification on Tuesday, weather permitting.
The field has been expanded to ten teams and the pairings are set for the annual "Y&O Challenge" at Northland...the teams will tee off on Saturday morning with a 9am shotgun start.
A very confident looking Larry Johnson, captain of the seasoned veteran team, is shown in the photo earlier tonight with Bart Olek of the "Y" team. Although Bart is the captain of the defending champion team, his attitude and demeanor tonight was described by some team members as one of "reflection and resignation." According to one of the younger players, "Bart seems resigned to the fact that we're not able to defend our title, and that's somewhat troublesome to the rest of the team, but we haven't had the opportunity to talk with him about this." As for the "O" team, there was strong support for Johnson and his pairings, with little of the sniping and dissention that seemed to characterize the emotions of the younger team members as they gathered tonight. In fact, while 16 of the "O" team members were present tonight, just 9 of the 20 "Y" members were present. "This is so sad," said one of the young players. "I just don't have a good feeling about tomorrow." Yet another young team member who is on the verge of being eligilble for the "O" team was overhead to say that he expected "a fair amount of discussion about the dedication of this team" following Saturday's play.
"O" Team captain Johnson is sporting one of the fashionable vests that will be worn by his team this year. The "Y" team will wear black shirts similar to the one Olek is shown wearing in the photo.
The pairing of team members was completed earlier tonight as the team members feasted on Sammy's Pizza supplied by "O" team member Jim Acheson.
We'll have results of Saturday's action following the award ceremony.
This Saturday, September 13th is the Minnesota Women's Golf Association Girls Scholarship Fundraiser here at Northland. Both Men and Women are welcome to play in the best-ball two-some event with handicap.
The day will start with coffee and rolls at 10:00am in the Link Lounge, and there will be prizes and lunch following play. The cost is a $15.00 donation.
If you are interested please contact Karen Andresen through our member directory or let the golf shop know you're intending to play.
UPDATE: Men's League for today has been canceled. The final position round will be played next Thursday with a 1:30pm shotgun start.
=========
There's the possibility that the Thursday Men's League Final could be impacted by a line of thunderstorms moving towards Duluth at this hour. If you click the image on the right, you'll be able to see an updated animation of the storm's path.
In the event of a cancellation, the golf shop will alert members through the normal email channels and we'll post an update on this site.
Northland's PGA Professional Joe O'Connor has qualified for the 2008 Senior PGA Professional National Championship to be played next month in California.
Twenty-five professionals from across Minnesota played the past two days at Northland, hoping to qualify by finishing in the top five. Despite a bogey-double bogey finish, O'Connor snared the fifth spot by two strokes.
Former PGA Tour professional Bill Israelson (who also worked at Northland for O'Connor in the early 1990's) finished first in the event, shooting 73-71. After his round, Israelson told the other professionals that Northland was his second favorite golf course. His favorite: Pebble Beach. Israelson also remarked that Northland is playing at least five to six shots more difficult than at any time he has seen it and that the overall playing condition has never been better....quite a complement.
The national championship will be held October 2 - 5 at Toscana CC in Indian Wells and at Andalusia CC in LaQuinta. Congratulations Joe....and good luck at the tournament.
One of the highlights of the member golf season at Northland is the playing of the annual "Y & O Challenge" pitting some of the younger members of the club against a group of seasoned veterans. The 2008 event will be held this coming Saturday.
The "Y" team claimed the trophy in 2007 with a 15 to 9 victory, erasing any bad memories from 2006 when they suffered the worst defeat of any team in the five year history of the challenge series. With last year's win, the "Y" team now holds a 3 to 2 advantage.
Still to be decided is whether the rosters for this year's event will be expanded. Last year, the number of participants was expanded from 28 to 32. There has been some early discussion that the format may be expanded to allow for 20 four-man teams.
Returning this season as captains are Bart Olek and Larry Johnson. Larry is shown presenting the bronze trophy to Olek after the 2007 matches. The trophy is generously donated by our friends at Stewart-Taylor Printing.
The groups will get together Friday night for the annual selection of teams and pairings for Saturday's matches. All matches are played with a player's full handicap available. Last year, the "Y" team entered the matches with a 10-stroke handicap margin. Pairing sheets will be posted as soon as they're available and we'll have the results following Saturday's play.
The 2008 Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational Tournament will go down in history as the Year of the Jacobson's.
Brent Jacobson (right in photo) and his partner Troy Johnson won the Championship Division of the tournament with a two-day total of 135, shooting a 70-65 for the event. The pair trailed by three strokes entering play today. There was a tie for second place between defending champions Matt Yeager - David Haselrud and JB Lloyd - Peter Honsa, each team finishing with a two-day total of 136.
In the Senior Division, Gary Jacobson (on the left in the photo) and partner Bill Riddering prevailed, beating the defending champions David Gaddie - Duke Skorich in a sudden death playoff. The defending champions trailed by two stokes with three to play, and although they tied the match on the final hole, they were unable to defend their title. This sudden-death playoff was a first for the Spooner. With the victory, the team of Jacobson - Riddering becomes the first team to have won both the Championship and Senior Divisions of the Spooner Invitational.
Craig Dahl and his brother Jeff were winners of the net title in the Senior Division. The pair trailed by four strokes entering play today, but were able to match their Saturday total with a second straight 64 today for a two-day total of 128.
Northland would like to thank all of the participants for playing in this year's event. Despite some inclement weather today, the course held up well and some of the play was quite stellar.
Congratulations to Gary and Brent Jacobson on becoming the first ever father and son to have won the championships during the same year. Gary had also contended in this year's Northland Invitational Tournament. Well done!
Sixty teams were entered in this year's event, which brings to an end the major tournament schedule at Northland. It's been quite a year and we'd like to thank PGA Pro Joe O'Connor and his entire staff (most notably Assistant Pro Sarah LeClair) for a well-managed season.
A special thanks also to Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh and the entire ground maintenance crew for the excellent playing conditions all season long. Comments heard during all the events indicated that Northland has never been in better playing condition.
And, one final note of thanks to the entire Food & Beverage staff at Northland for their hard work and dedication during this weekend and all events this past season.
It may be a men's event, but we thought we'd start with this photo of some of the women who joined in the festivities tonight - including, Kim Whittaker, Mignon Fryer, Vicky Thomas, Patty Cartier, Michelle Juntunen, Jackie Grombacher, Patty McNulty, Julienne Abelsen and Linda Jeannette.
The Spooner Memorial Invitational is the last major tournament of the year at Northland, a chance for out-of-town guests to play one more event before the season ends. Pictured above are David Steingart and his wife Dori, Gwen Bischoff and Bruce Steingart.
There have been some good rounds posted during the first two days of the event, including the practice round on Friday. Peter Honsa, Jr. (on the left) carded a 65 on Friday, just one shot shy of the course record. Peter is shown with JB Lloyd and Bill Riddering. Bill is in the senior division and ended today's play tied for the lead after he and partner Gary Jacobson shot a level par 71.
Also in the Senior Division, quite a round was posted today by Dr. Bill Rudie. Bill and his partner Dick Rothe finished the day with a net score of 60, four shots better than any of the other 17 teams. Bill is shown tonight with Katie Kelly. Congratulations to Bill for his fine round this afternoon. The senior division awards trophies for both gross and net winners.
David Gaddie (in the middle in the photo at the right) and his partner Duke Skorich are defending champions in the senior division and are still in contention, finishing day one just two strokes off the lead. David is shown in the photo with Darryl Coons and Gary Gange.
All groups will begin play at 9am tomorrow with a shotgun start. The award ceremony will take place at approximately 2:30pm.
All photos taken tonight (there are many) will be displayed at the clubhouse just inside the member's entrance. We'll show you one other from tonight's festivities, this one with Amy McClure, Cathy and Dan Markham and Jason Patronas.
======
There was another golf event at Northland today - "The Kidder" is held each year for members and guests not playing in the Spooner. Part of the group of 20 is shown here as they gathered for their post round celebration near the fire-pit. Play will continue tomorrow. Organizer Ian Kidd is second from the left in the photo (wearing the gold colored hat).
Two teams are tied at the top in each of the two divisions of the Spooner Memorial Invitational being held at Northland this weekend.
In the regular division, the teams of Kevin Noreen-Brian Moores and David Haselrud-Matt Yeager are tied with rounds of 67. Haselrud-Yeager are the defending champions. There is a single group at 68 and four others at 69.
In the senior division, the teams of Gary Jacobson-Bill Riddering and Jim Abelsen-Joe Jeannette are tied with 71's. Defending champions Dave Gaddie-Duke Skorich are just two strokes back. In the senior net division, Bill Rudie-Dick Rothe opened with a net 60, four shots better than any other group.
Play continues tomorrow with a shotgun start at 9am.
"The grain pulled that putt up hill." "That putt is really slow against the grain", or "really fast with the grain." These are comments most of you have probably heard or maybe even uttered yourselves.
That's the way Superintendent Chris Tritabuagh started a recent post on his blog site. How true. Any member who has played with a guest know they become baffled by the greens at Northland. Earlier this week a guest remarked, "I'm going to become a blithering idiot by the time I finish this round if I don't figure out these greens." He had just finished four-putting on the 6th hole.
You can read the complete post on Chris' blog here.
All three winning teams from last year's Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational Tournament are entered in the 2008 events and will defend their titles this coming weekend. Play gets underway with Friday practice rounds. The field features 60 teams, 42 in the regular division and 18 in the senior flight.
Saturday's play will begin with tee times beginning at 8am. There will be an invitational dinner on Saturday evening for players and their spouses.
Sunday play begins with a 9am shotgun. Following play, awards will be given during a 2:30 ceremony.
The Minnesota Golf Association Senior Tour will play its final matches of the season at Northland today and tomorrow. A full tournament slate of 120 two-man teams will compete, beginning with matches at 1pm this afternoon and continuing with a shotgun start at 8:30 on Wednesday morning.
As a result of the action, the course will close for member play at Noon today, re-opening at 6pm. Tomorrow the course will not be available until 1pm.
The Senior Tour travels to some of the finest courses in the state each year and Northland is pleased to host them for the next two days.
As those of you who have played in the past week or so know, the golf course is extremely wet right now. If you do come out to play and you take a cart please follow these cart rules:
