New Year's Eve Menu

Family Style Dining Returns January 5

Family Style Dining at Northland returns on Tuesday, January 5. This popular addition to the dining schedule will continue until the golf course opens for the season. New this year is the added feature of the ice rink...why not bring the family for some outdoor fun before moving indoors to enjoy some new menu features created just for Tuesday night. Look for weekly specials here on the blog and our Facebook page.

X-Country, Snowshoe Trails Open At NCC

The turf (snow) management staff at Northland has had its hands full with the after-effects of last week's snowfall...but they've had time to groom the cross-country ski / snowshoe trails on the golf course and they have opened for the season. The trail system is the same as last year. Today's weather conditions are absolutely perfect - why not get out for some loops today?
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There are some additional new posts on the turf management blog, including an organizational review of sustainable practices being used on the golf course. You can read the story here.
When you read the turf blog you'll note that Assistant Superintendent Jake Ryan is now also contributing articles.

New Year's Eve At NCC

There's something new this New Year's Eve for Northland members....a Family Skating Party will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00. We'll have the fire-pit roaring and there will be plenty of hot chocolate to keep you warm. Following the two hour skating party, there will be a special menu for the skaters inside the clubhouse.
While we have not scheduled any entertainment this year, we have put together a special New Year's Eve menu for your dining pleasure. Please call the office today to reserve your table.

Storm Over...Christmas Buffet Sunday

The Northland parking lot has been cleared of snow and, hopefully, you've been able to get your driveway and street cleared now that the most recent winter storm is in the history books. Why not recount some of your stories with other Northland friends during the rescheduled Christmas Day Buffet on Sunday? We still have some reservations open for both the 10:30am and 1:00pm seatings. Call the club this afternoon or this evening at 525.1941 to place your reservation.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Day Buffet Moved To Sunday

In the wake of heavy snow overnight and projections for worsening conditions, Northland staff members have spent much of this morning contacting members who had signed up for the Christmas Day Buffet, asking whether they would prefer to reschedule the event for Sunday. Overwhelmingly, the members agreed it was in the club's best interests to cancel the Friday event and hold it on Sunday after the worst of the storm has passed.

With the announcement, it appears likely even more members will attend. If this change in schedule is something that better suits you and your family, please contact the office to make your reservation. The office will be open all day Saturday to confirm your reservation.

As with the original date, there will be two seatings - 10:30am and 1:00pm.

Weather Worsening - Christmas Buffet Still On

As of 3:30 this afternoon, the National Weather Service is still uncertain about how severe the winter storm bearing down on the Upper Midwest and Minnesota will be - predictions are ranging from 6 inches to two feet of new snow, depending on location. As of late this afternoon, the immediate area around Duluth was expecting snowfalls in the 10 inch range.....but this is changing hourly as the computer models are updated. If you click here or the image on the right you'll see the latest animated version of the storm track.
The intensity of the storm could impact the decision by club officials on whether to proceed with the Christmas Day buffet. At this point, the buffet is still scheduled, with two seatings at 10:30am and 1:00pm.
If there's any change, members will be notified by email and a notice will be posted here and on our Facebook site. If you aren't regularly getting email updates, please call the office to get your name added to our list.

Northland Consultant - Golf Digest Recognition

Ron Prichard, the consultant hired to review the golf course at Northland Country Club, was recently recognized by Golf Digest for his restoration of the Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina. Prichard, who is also recognized by the Donald Ross Society as the pre-eminent expert on restoration of Donald Ross designed courses, was recognized for the best remodel of the year.

Northland members are anxiously awaiting the results of Prichard's review of the golf course. He did present some preliminary findings to members in late September, admitting at the time that Northland could very well be one of the top 50 golf courses in the country. His final report is expected to be presented for member review early next month.
You can read the Golf Digest article here.

Holiday Week Starts With Martini Monday

It's the countdown to Christmas and Northland kicks off the week with Martini Monday, beginning at 4:00...just minutes from now.

If one of our specialty martinis aren't what you're looking for, don't forget you can also try something off the new and expanded hot drink menu.

Update: Coach Nielson Trails By 646 Votes

We highlighted the voting process last week for the Liberty Mutual College Coach of the Year Contest and provided a link for you to vote for UMD football coach - and Northland member - Bob Nielson. UPDATE: As of this afternoon, Nielson is in second place, trailing by 646 votes, a margin wider than this morning.
Here's a link for you to cast your vote. Or, just click the image on the right. You'll need to go to the Division !! area to vote. The contest ends on December 29 and you are allowed to vote at least once each day.
If Nielson were to win, $50,000 would go to local charities and $25,000 would go to the UMD Alumni Fund.

Superintendent Review - Part 1 - Tees

Northland Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh has begun a new series of posts on his blog explaining progress he has noted during this three years with us.
Chris begins the series discussing tees. Here's a portion of the post:
Many of the tees on the course are irrigated with a single head in the middle of the tee, the very worst method of overhead irrigation spacing. This creates an extremely uneven pattern of coverage. In a single head situation the only area which may receive proper coverage is right around the head. This creates a situation in which getting the proper amount of water on the outer edges of the tee results in the extreme over-watering of the middle of the tee surface.
Here's the rest of the article. Part 2 of the series will be on fairways.

ICE RINK OPEN

The new rink at Northland is ready for skaters...who's going to be the first to lace up and hit the ice?
Lights are going to be installed for late afternoon,and evening skating, but for now there's plenty of ambient light from the clubhouse.
Remember, we've got a complete list of hot drinks for adults to enjoy and plenty of hot chocolate for the kids. So, grab those skates - get them sharpened if they've been stored away for awhile - and come on down for some new winter fun at Northland. If skating is not on the agenda tonight, maybe tonight's the night to come down, start up the firepit, and enjoy our late night happy hour.
We once again want to thank Skeeter Moore for his direction and many hours of service in getting this rink built.

By the way, if you've got some ideas for organized activities on the new rink, we'd welcome your suggestions. How about a boot hockey league? Family Days/Nights? Share your ideas with club manager Gary Schneider or Clint Johnson or the office and we'll try to make it happen.

Openings Remain For Christmas Buffet

Just one week remains before Christmas...the winter season is flying by. Are you planning on attending the Christmas Day Buffet at Northland? If so, you should know there are still openings for both of the seatings. But, we're starting to get more reservations every day so don't delay. Why not call the club this morning and let them know you'll be attending.
Please keep in mind you can request either the 10:30am or 1:00pm seating. Click the image on the right to view the menu full screen.

Countdown To Rink Opening

It's close...very close. The Northland logo has been added to the new ice sheet being built on the patio and now all that remains is one - or maybe two - more floodings before the grand opening. Oh, there's also the installation of lighting, but that's also just days away.

And then....sharpen the skates, tape up the sticks, get the brooms and boots ready because the opening of the rink is just days away.

It's been quite awhile since Northland had a rink. Watch the blog and your email for more details on skating hours and activities.

New Winter Snow Removal Equipment

No....we didn't purchase a powerful locomotive to remove snow at Northland this winter. (We do like the photo) But, we did purchase some new equipment to assist in efforts to keep our parking and walking areas clean of snow and ice.

You can see some photos of the new equipment and read more about what Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh and crew have in mind by reading this story on his blog site.

Bob Nielson - Coach of the Year? National Winner Will Receive $70,000

UMD head football coach - and Northland member - Bob Nielson is a finalist in the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year contest. If you click the link below you'll be able to cast your vote for Coach Nielson. As of this posting, Nielson was in second place in the balloting for the top spot.
If Nielsen wins, $50,000 will be donated to local charities and $20,000 will go to the UMD Alumni Fund.


You can learn more about the award contest here. The contest ends on December 29.

Breakfast With Santa

Northland welcomed almost 200 members and their children/grandchildren this morning for the popular Breakfast With Santa celebration.

Santa arrived at 9:00 and went from table to table greeting everyone while they enjoyed the breakfast buffet, occasionally stopping to read one of the many wish lists that some of the children had prepared.

Santa eventually made his way to his royal throne where he had a chance to talk with each of the children to hear exactly what it was they wanted Santa to bring for Christmas. Each of the children also received a special gift from one of Santa's elves.

We've posted quite a few additional photos on our Facebook page. Just click the Facebook icon on the right hand side of the page to see the entire album.

On A Chilly Night.....Some Like It Hot

It's Thursday night, and it's chilly out...some might say cold. Which might make it a perfect night to warm up with family and friends at Northland as you enjoy one of our special hot drinks.

Keep in mind, Happy Hour begins at 4:00 this afternoon with special pricing on beverages and appetizers until 7:30.

Progress On New Northland Ice Rink

Skeeter Moore is back at it again today, hoping to complete the new ice rink at Northland in time for the weekend. Moore, with some assistance from the turf staff, has put in quite a few hours this week constructing the boards and laying down the first few layers of ice.

When we spoke with him around noon today he indicated the rink will need a few more floodings before it will be ready for full service. With perfect weather conditions for ice making, Moore has hopes this can be done so the first skaters might be able to hit the ice by at least Sunday. Keep checking the blog for updates - and look for an email announcing the rink opening.

Thanks, Skeeter, for making this happen.

Tee Signs, Flags Available For Purchase

It's been a few years since there were any tee signs on the golf course, probably long enough ago that some members may not remember what they were like. The one you see on the right was in place prior to the most recent major rennovation to the course. If you have fond memories on these signs, there are a limited number available for purchase for only $30....but hurry, these won't be around much longer. If you want one, call or email Superintendent Chris Tritabaugh. His contact information is on the right hand side of the page.

If a tee sign isn't something you'd like, how about one of the flags that were first installed three years ago. These are changed out at the beginning of each season and there's a limited number of these for sale as well...only $10. Again, call or write Chris to place your order.

All proceeds from the sales will go towards the purchase of accessories for the course next season. We can only accept cash or a check made out to Northland Country Club. You'll be able to pick up the sign or flag at the main office in the clubhouse.

Reserve Today For Christmas Day Buffet

What's Up With That?

If you've looked outdoors at the Northland patio in the last day or so, you've seen some signs of a new construction project. See that guy in the picture above? If we told you that was Skeeter Moore, would you be able to guess what's going on? Watch this site for updates. We won't keep the secret on ice for too long.

Ladies Holiday Luncheon Photos

We want to thank all the members and guests who attended today's Ladies Holiday Luncheon. We've posted 23 photos on our Facebook page. If you aren't yet a Northland Facebook Friend, joining is easy. Just click the Facebook logo at the top right of the page to register and you'll start to receive club updates, and join our growing community of friends.
Today's event featured holiday music from Michael Patterson and the staff was serving special holiday drinks prepared by Food & Beverage Manager Clint Johnson.
The ladies also contributed donations today to assist the Miller Dwan Foundation's fundraising effort for a new children's mental health center.

Ladies Holiday Luncheon - Next Up...Breakfast With Santa

Northland plays host to the 2009 Ladies Holiday Luncheon today, welcoming members and their guests to the popular annual holiday event.
It is still possible for you to register, keeping in mind you'll need to select an entree choice for both you and your guest.
The party gets underway with the social hour at 11:30...lunch will follow at 12:30pm. Look for photos of some of those attending later in the afternoon.

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Next up on the Northland holiday calendar is the popular Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12. Your children will have breakfast, have a chance to talk with Santa so you can take some photos, every child will get a gift from Santa, and much more....
Cost for this event is just $10. Please contact the office with your reservation today.
Here's the breakfast menu:

Scrambled Eggs w/Cheese/Bacon
American Fries w/Ham
French Toast w/Syrup
Fresh Fruit Assortment
Assorted Muffins, Bagels
Coffee, Milk, Juice

It's Martini Monday

It's an event that is only two weeks old, but it's already proven quite popular.....Martini Monday begins at 4:00pm each Monday.
What a great way to kick off the work week - try one of the new creations made especially for you by the Northland beverage staff. We've heard some members are keeping notes in an attempt to determine their favorite as they make their way through the menu.

EOTW - 1/2 Price Wines

How'd the work week go for you?
However you answer that question, you're still invited to take advantage of some great wine features tonight at Northland.
Food & Beverage Manager Clint Johnson will select some of our best and offer them at 1/2 price. Perhaps a nice Cabernet is just what you desire on a cold, early winter's night. Why not pair this with one of the new entree features.
Take advantage of the 1/2 price special beginning at 4:00.

Don't forget the Late Night Happy Hour begins at 9:00.

Happy Hour On Your Calendar Tonight?

These weeks before Christmas are flying by...here it is Wednesday already. It's past 4pm, so it must be time for Happy Hour.

Holiday Luncheon - Next Tuesday

Have you called in your reservation for the 2009 Northland Ladies Holiday Luncheon? The event is just one week away - Tuesday, December 8.
We'll begin with an 11:30 social hour followed by the 12:30 lunch. Please remember that guests are welcome.
If you scroll down the page, you'll see a story highlighting the lunch entree options. When you call to reserve your spot, we will want to know your menu choice.