Prichard Offers Hole-By-Hole Preview During Master Plan Presentation

Explaining that there will be changes before he presents his final report, golf course architect Ron Prichard presented members of the Northland Restoration Committee with his latest thoughts last night about how he would restore some of the original features of the golf course as part of a Master Plan.
Prichard began his presentation by calling Northland "phenomenal" and suggested it has the potential to be "one of the top 50 golf courses in America." In discussing his work in progress, Prichard said he is developing a "road map for the future" with the goal to educate members about classical architecture. "Donald Ross was the best their ever was. There is no equal," said Prichard about our course designer.
Prichard told the committee members that the goal of his final report will be to assist members in developing the plan to restore and build a better golf course. "This golf course is a classic that does not need major surgery," he said.
Prichard walked committee members through his vision for each of the 18 holes on the course, indicating that it was possible there would be some additional revisions based on his latest visit. Prichard hopes to have his final report prepared by late October.

Master Plan Update Tuesday

Northland members serving on the recently formed Restoration Committee will receive an update on the Master Plan process from golf course architect Ron Prichard on Tuesday. Prichard was hired earlier this summer and will return for yet another site visit tomorrow before briefing the members of the planning committee Tuesday night.
Prichard has extensive experience with Donald Ross-designed golf courses - 75 percent of the work he has performed has been with Ross designs, almost entirely limited to "restoration" efforts.
The planning committee has prepared a document addressing many of the frequently asked questions about the new planning process - a copy of this can be obtained from committee co-chair Ray Peterson or from the Northland office.

Northland 21st In GolfWorld Ratings

For the second straight year, Northland Country Club has been rated one of best private country clubs in America by the readers of GolfWorld magazine.

The 2010 Readers' Choice awards issue is out this week with the ratings for all public, private and resort clubs. More than 46,000 votes were cast this year, the second year the magazine has sponsored the contest. You can read detailed stories about the contest and the rankings here.

Northland is rated 21st this year, and is the only Minnesota country club in the top 25. Last year, Northland was ranked 15th best overall, including second best for food service.

The ratings are based on 13 criteria, although only 10 apply to all clubs. Overall, Northland received a total of 93.77 points out of a possible 100. Our ratings included:

Quality of course - 9.70
Condition of course - 9.27
Reputation/Prestige - 9.43
Golf practice facility - 8.05
Speed of play - 9.27
Clubhouse/Locker room - 9.55
Caddie program - 8.44
Food/Dining - 9.41
Service - 9.20
Overall Value - 9.32

Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY, was rated number overall by the GolfWorld readers with a rating of 98.40.
Read more about the contest here.

Fall Fest - Saturday October 24

Set aside Saturday, October 24th for the next family party at Northland - we'll announce full details in a few days. Among the activities being planned - a pumpkin patch and hayride for all children and families.
Reservations will be encouraged so we can adequately plan all the details. Watch the mail for a postcard announcement - and we'll also send out email notification, post updated information here on the blog and our Facebook page as well.

Happy Hours Begin Hour Earlier - New Dining Schedule - Sunday Brunch Service

Northland is changing its Happy Hour times....Wednesday and Thursday Happy Hours will now begin at 4:00pm and will continue until 7:00. These times will remain in effect through the off-season.
In addition to the time change, there's also a change in special pricing options. While beverage specials will be available both days, food specials will only be offered on Thursday. The culinary staff is adding new features every Thursday, including more healthy options for the discerning palate.
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Once the golf course closes for the season, there will be a change in operating hours for food service. The kitchen will stop serving at 9pm Tuesday thru Thursday, but will continue service until 10pm Friday and Saturday nights. When the course closes, there will be no formal food service on Sunday or Monday.
However, beginning in October, there will be a brunch/buffet offered on the last Sunday of each month. Service will be from 10:30am to 2:00pm. This feature will remain in effect until the end of March. The Sunday service will be in the Link Lounge and formal dining area on the Member's floor.

Entertainment Committee Looks To Expand

The committee responsible for planning most of the events for members of Northland is looking to expand - here's your opportunity to serve on the Entertainment Committee.
This committee regularly meets to plan such events as Fabulous Friday and the many holiday events that are scheduled throughout the year - such as the New Year's Eve party pictured on the right. Frequently, the members of the committee will meet with their counterparts on Food & Beverage to plan the menu items that will be served at the parties.
So...does this sound like a committee you'd like to join? Contact committee chair Marti Buscaglia and let her know of your interest.

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Other committees are occasionally looking for new members. Check the membership directory for a listing of committee assignments and contact the chair to express your interest in joining.

MWGA Event Postponed

The event to benefit the Minnesota Women's Golf Association scholarship program - originally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) - has been postponed.
Event organizers still hope to hold the event later this month. We'll alert you when the event will be played. Please keep in mind, this event is for all members....men and women.

Time To Complete Season-Long Matches

The golf shop is offering a gentle reminder to all participants that the season is coming to a close and it's time to complete remaining matches in the season long individual and four-ball competitions.

Please try to schedule any remaining matches as soon as possible.

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Already completed for the year, the Mr & Mrs. Championship won by Susan and Brian Liberty, and the Couples Championship, which was won for the second straight season by Emily and Matt Stall.

Congratulations to both couples for their excellent play, and a thank you to all participants in these two events for making this another successful season.

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We also acknowledge the season's winners of the two Men's League divisions. There were 44 teams registered - 28 in the Hagen Flight and 16 in the Sarazen Flight.
Gregg McCall & Mike Qualio won the Hagen Flight with 62 points, just a half point better than Gregg Anderson and Wade Nelson. Two other teams were within 2 points of the winners.
In the Sarazen Flight, congratulations to Tom Wood and Dick DeLano who accumulated 80 points, 8 more than second place finishers Bill Rudie and Bill Merrick.
Thanks to all participants for another great season.

Golfers Needed For MWGA Scholarship Benefit

The Minnesota Women's Golf Association is dedicated to enriching all aspects of the game for women golfers...and each fall, there are a series of events around the state to raise money to benefit young women in pursuing their college educations.
This Saturday, September 19, an event will be held at Northland and all members are encouraged to participate - this event is not for women only...men are invited to play.
Members interested in participating are invited to attend a short gathering at 8:45am in the Link Lounge, during which 2-person teams will be assembled. Although there is a women's and men's division, mixed teams are also encouraged.
The entry fee is only $15 - or you can make a tax deductible donation in any amount to the MWGA Foundation.
Play begins with tee times between 9:20 and 10:50. There will be an informal lunch and prize award ceremony following the golf. Here's a unique twist - do you have a prize you'd like to regift or recycle? If so, bring it to the event and it will be awarded.
There are sign up sheets in the locker rooms, or you can call the golf shop to register. If you need additional information, please contact Karen Andresen, who has donated her efforts to make this event successful.

Lost Trophy Found In Time For 1-Club Event; Ledingham Wins

The mystery of the missing trophy presented annually to the winner of the Ladies 1-Club Tournament was solved in time to be presented to Judy Ledingham after she won last night's event. You might remember that event organizer Tracy Link (left in photo) has pleaded for a replacement trophy. Luckily, the valued trophy was discovered recently in a basement storage unit. Thanks to Linda Nervick for providing the photo.
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It's a beautiful Thursday and temperatures in Duluth today are expected to reach near 80 degrees. While activity on the golf course has slowed with the ending of the men's league season, there's still a fair amount of activity and play. Keep in mind the Thursday Happy Hour with special food and beverage pricing...service begins at 5pm and continues until 7:30.

Ladies 1-Club Today At 4pm - Happy Hour Begins At 5pm

Another event today indicates that the golf season at Northland is winding down for the season - it's the annual Ladies 1-Club Tournament. If you haven't signed up yet, please contact the golf shop.
The group will begin play at 4pm.
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Don't forget, there's Happy Hour at the club tonight beginning at 5pm. Enjoy specials on appetizer and beverage items until 7:30pm.

New Winners In Two Of Three Spooner Divisions - Jacobson & Riddering Defend In Seniors

The 2009 Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament - the last of the major tournaments at Northland for the season - saw some spectacular play today as the two-day event was completed in near perfect weather conditions on a golf course that was praised by the field for its great condition and playability.
Two of the three winners in the two tournament divisions are first-time winners, with the defending champions in the Senior Gross Division repeating as winners.

In the Championship Division, Eric Ecker & Chris Daniels claimed the coveted crown with a final round 66. The pair opened play yesterday with a 2-under par 69. Their two-day total of 135 was one stroke better than the total for 2008 champions Matt Yeager & David Haselrud who opened with a 66, but slipped to a 70 today. The team of Frank Mertz and Dan Moline tied for second with rounds of 70-66.

In the Senior Division, the team of Gary Jacobson & Bill Riddering successfully defended their 2008 championship, with rounds of 70-71. The team finished two stokes ahead of Mark Carlson & Jim Greer. Jacobson & Riddering remain the only team to have won both the regular and senior division of the Spooner.

In the Net Division of the Senior field, the first time paring of Tom Bell & Pat Henry proved to be a success with the team shooting back-to-back 64s, good for a five stroke victory over the teams of Jay Thomas & Bill Juntunen and Joe Johnson & Mark Carlson.

Northland thanks all the competitors for making this another successful completion of the major tournament season at Northland; we look forward to your participation again in 2010.
We join with the players in congratulating the professional golf staff under the direction of PGA Professional Joe O'Connor, the culinary staff and Club Manager Gary Schneider, and the entire turf management staff headed by Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh for their performance in delivering an incredible golf course experience.

Participants Laud Golf Course - Wide Open Field For Sunday Finals in Spooner Invitational - "Kidder" Field Is Also Wide Open

Participants in the 2009 Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational shared their stories about their rounds on the golf course earlier in the day during tonight's banquet dinner, with most agreeing the golf course was in great condition and played to its full potential.
There were some great scores posted today in both divisions, including a 66 by former champions David Haselrud & Matt Yeager, who lead the championship division. Seven other teams are within two strokes of their lead.
In the Senior Division, defending champions Gary Jacobson & Bill Riddering are tied for the lead in the gross field with Jim Greer & Mark Carlson. In the net field, Pat Henry & Tom Bell hold a one shot lead over three other teams.
Play tomorrow begins with a 9:30am shotgun start. We'll have photos of the winning teams and a tournament summary following play on Sunday afternoon.
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Photos of guests at tonight's banquet are available on the Northland Country Club Facebook page. Just click the Facebook logo on the right hand side of the page to view our Facebook site and to review the album of photos we've posted. If you're not already a fan of Northland, please consider joining to keep up to date on the very latest happenings at the club.
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Let's not forget that this is also the weekend for the "Kidder" Invitational Tournament at Northland. Brendan Brooks & Bill Olson are the leaders after day one of this annual event, with several teams within a stroke or two of the lead. Part of the elite field is pictured above relaxing near the fire pit watching golfers finish the 18th hole. The group will tee off at 2:pm on Sunday for their final round.

Defending Champions Back For The Spooner

The 2009 Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational Tournament got underway today with practice rounds - this year's field includes all three defending champions from last year.
In the Championship Division, Brent Jacobson and Troy Johnson return and will face a strong field, including 2007 champions, Matt Yeager and David Haselrud. There are 24 teams in this upper division. Among the notable players is the 2009 Northland Club Champion Dan Moline and his partner, Frank Mertz, along with Robert Mason, Dan Luther, Peter Nervick, JB Lloyd, Reed Kolquist, Tom Waitrovich, JB Lloyd and brothers Mike & JB Honsa.
In the Senior Division, Gary Jacobson and Bill Riddering will defend their title against a strong field that includes former champions David Gaddie & Duke Skorich, and Jim Abelsen & Joe Jeannette.
Senior Division net winners Jeff & Craig Dahl will also be in the weekend event and will face several teams with a legitimate chance to claim the title on Sunday afternoon.

Men's League Finale - Happy Hour Returns

This afternoon's play will mark the end of another successful Men's League season at Northland and the return of the popular Thursday night Happy Hour. -- Don't forget there's also a Wednesday night version of Happy Hour.
Following play tonight - why not enjoy special pricing on food and beverage items? Food & Beverage Manager Clint Johnson and the culinary staff are developing new menu features for the Happy Hour - which begins at 5:00 and continues until 7:30.

End Of The Summer Season

It's the end of the Labor Day weekend - the date that traditionally marks the end of the summer golf, pool and tennis season at Northland.
While the golf course and tennis courts will stay active for awhile longer, today marks the end of the pool season at the club. What a great day to get out and enjoy one more sun-filled day around the pool.
Tomorrow, the women will hold their final league play of the season. On Thursday, the men will play their positioning round marking the end of the men's league for the year.

Still to come, the Leo Spooner Memorial Invitational Tournament this next weekend. You can read all about last year's event here.

There's also the annual 1-club events, and the Backwards Scramble. The long range weather forecast indicates there's plenty of great Fall golf ahead of us.

Northland thanks all the staff - some of whom have already returned to college and others who are leaving this weekend - for making this a great summer season.

Divots - An Instructional Video

Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has made another instructional video for members - this one on the proper technique to repair divots on the golf course. Just click the image below to watch the video.

The "Moon People" Celebrate Full Moon

For quite some time during the rising of a full moon, there's been a gathering of Northland members at the 15th tee...tonight we were able to capture a picture of some of them while the light was still bright enough.... let this serve as an invitation to other members to join in this monthly ritual. The mix of couples and individuals has varied, but what a great way - and view - to greet the full moon.
Generally, this group will meet about a half hour before the full moon rise. There's plenty of food available - with each couple bringing something to share - and there's not been a shortage of beverages, although wine is generally preferred.
The next full moon will be the Harvest Moon - set to rise during the first week of October. The group tries to schedule the activity during a clear evening.....for now that means the night of October 4. Interested? Look at our Facebook page for more photos of tonight's party.

Update On New Stairs

Here's the start of a new update from Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh:

Just over a week ago I emailed to say that the stairs between the upper and lower parking lot were in disrepair and needed to be closed. Today I am happy to report that thanks to the efforts of Northland member Scott Anderson and Turfgrass staff member Joe LeVoir, the stairs have been replaced and are ready to use.

You can read the remainder of the update here>

Ross Society Report On Northland Visit

Gerry Stratford, President of the Donald Ross Society, has prepared a final report on the group's visit to Minnesota and Northland Country Club. The entire report will soon be posted to the society website. We've selected some sections about Northland for this posting - the entire report will be sent to Northland members whose email addresses are on file with the office.

....Northland is built into the bluffs that overlook America’s most inland fresh water port with access to the sea. The views are spectacular, and probably anyone could layout a golf course here that would be attractive (there was indeed a course here before Ross came), but what Ross has done is truly amazing. This is a BIG golf course on land that tilts inexorably toward the water, but Ross has managed to provide undulation that fools the eye and redirects the ball in surprising directions. This is a course, like many in Scotland; where bump and run shots are a preferable route to the green....

....Your President had the honor of playing with Course Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, and Chris asked me what I thought of the course as we walked off the tee on #12. I guess he wanted my opinion before I saw the view from the 13th fairway, and was completely blown away by the scenery. Certainly, the very best holes on the golf course are not even the ones with the views of the lake - 7 through 10 are simply wonderful golf holes....

....The eighteenth hole at Northland might be the best finishing hole Ross ever did. With a beautiful view of the waiting clubhouse and the peak of its roof serving as a perfect target, you must drive into a strong prevailing wind. The long second shot must carry over a cavernous gully carved by a creek and somehow hold onto a steeply sloped green. A ball hit too short or with too much backspin will roll perhaps seventy yards back down toward the creek, and the putt when you are on the green is no picnic either—mine broke fifteen feet.....

....The second major development at Northland is the establishment of a Northland Restoration Committee and hiring of Ron Prichard to proceed with a major restoration project. A Committee that appreciates traditional values, a dedicated Superintendent who values playability over aesthetics and an architect willing to respect an early vision and humble enough to avoid the temptation to write his own “signature” on the land, this is a combination that promises great results.....

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