PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
Amery Golf Club Fox Run Golf Course Frederic Golf Course Grantsburg Golf Course Amery Golf Club
601 Deronda St. Amery, WI Phone: 715-268-7213 Web site: www.amerygolfclub.com E-mail: amerygolfclub@amerytel.net Owners: Membership owned Manager: Jeff Gajdostik Director of golf: Bryan Melberg Course designer: Tom Varden of the Twin Cities designed the original nine holes in 1922, and Don Herfort of the Twin Cities designed the additional nine holes in 1989. Type of course: Public Holes: Regulation 18 holes Length: 6,300 yards Course par: 72 Membership: Individual: $645, Couple: $890, Family: $970, Student: $220, College student: $310. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $15 and 18 holes $25. Weekends & holidays: 9 holes $20 and 18 holes $35. Twilight special after 3 p.m.: $25 for 18 holes with cart. Leagues: Wednesday ladies, Thursday men’s. Lessons: Yes, by Bryan Melberg. Driving range: Yes. Small bucket range balls - $4; Large bucket range balls - $7. Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: $14.75/person for 18 holes; $8.50/person for nine holes. Pull carts: $6 for 18 holes, $3 for 9 holes. Walking: Yes Golf Club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes. The clubhouse is available for weddings, anniversaries, reunions, etc. Call Gretchen. Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Clam River Golf Club
1199 Hilltop Road Shell Lake, WI Phone: 715-468-2900 Owners/operators: Gerry and Alyce Smith Manager: Alyce Smith Course designer: Gerry Smith Type of course: Public Holes: 9 Length: 2,900 yards Course par: 36 Membership: Individual: $405, Couple: $570, Family: $645, Junior: $120. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $16; Weekends: 9 holes $18. Senior discount (Monday-Thursday): $13. Leagues: Wednesday morning seniors. Lessons: No Driving range: No Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: No Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes
3 4 5 6
INDEX
Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Clear Lake Golf Course
100 Golf Drive, Clear Lake, WI Phone: 715-263-2500 Membership Owners/operators: owned. Manager: Steve Hagen Type of course: Public Holes: 9 Length: 3,014 yards Course par: 36 Membership: Call for costs. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes, $10; Weekends: 9 holes, $14. Leagues: Monday seniors, Tuesday ladies, Wednesday men’s. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes Chipping green: No Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: No Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: No Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Five Flags Country Club
1855 145th St., East of Unity School Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Phone: 715-825-2141 Owners/operators: Jamie Calabria and Haylie Nielsen Course designer: Tommy Thompson Type of course: Public. Holes: 9 Length: 6,271 yards. Course par: 36 Membership: Individual: $300, Couple: $525, Senior: $250, Junior: $150. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $10. Weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m.-11 a.m. 9 holes $8. Weekends & holidays: 9 holes $15. Leagues: Starting in May. Tuesday men’s, Wednesday ladies. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: No Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Frederic Golf Course
Hwy. 35 South of Frederic 1/2 mile Frederic, WI 54837 Phone: 715-327-8250 Web site: www.fredericgolfcourse.com E-mail: fredericgolf@lakeland.ws
Luck Golf Course Siren National Voyager Village Golf Course Yellow Lake Golf Course
Owners/operators: Stockholder owned Manager: Joan Spencer Type of course: Public Holes: 18 Length: 6,173 yards Course par: 72 Membership: Individual: $525, Couple: $725; Family: $775, Youth: $85, Student: $225. Fees: Weekday: 9 holes $15, 18 holes $24. Weekend & holidays: 9 holes $20, 18 holes $32. Senior and junior discounts. Early bird and twilight special (Monday-Friday): Before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. $18, after 2 p.m. $23, after 6 p.m. $10. Saturday twilight: 4-6 p.m. $26. Sunday twilight: 2-6 p.m. $20. Leagues: Tuesday morning men’s. Lessons: Call for information. Driving range: Yes Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes. Dining room and pavilion available for parties. Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Fox Run Golf Course
Hwy. 35, 2 mi. N. of Webster Phone: 715-866-7953 Web site: www.foxrungolf.net E-mail: info@foxrungolf.net Owners/operators: Kevin (KC) and Amy Belland Course designer: Ren Belland Type of course: Public Holes: Two nine-hole courses Course par: 27 for the par 3 and 35 for the regulation course. Membership: Individual: $500, Couple: $650, Family: $680, Student: $275. Fees: Weekday (Monday-Thursday): Par 3 course $9. Regulation 9 course $15. 18 Regulation course $25. 18 Regulation 9 + Par 3 $19. Discounts for seniors and juniors on weekdays. Weekend & holidays: Regulation 9 course $18. Par 3 course $11. 18 Regulation $31. 18 Regulation 9 + Par 3 $24. Leagues: Tuesday evening men’s; Wednesday morning ladies; Thursday morning men’s. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Grantsburg Golf Course 333 W. George St.
7 8 9 10
Grantsburg, WI Phone: (715) 463-2300 Web site: www.golfgrantsburg.com E-mail: grantsburggolf@gmail.com Owners/operators: Village of Grantsburg/Grantsburg Golf Course, LLC Clubhouse manager: John Addison Type of course: Public Holes: 9 Length: 1,950 yards Course par: 32 men, 33 ladies Membership: Individual: $270, Couple: $335, Family: $375, Student: $125, Youth: $65. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes $10, 18 holes $15, Weekends & holidays: 9 holes $12, 18 holes $17. Leagues: Monday youth, Tuesday ladies, Wednesday morning seniors, Wednesday afternoon and evening men’s. Lessons: Yes Driving range: No Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: No Practice green: No Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Krooked Kreek Golf Course
2448 7th Ave. (CTH M) Osceola, WI Phone: 715-294-3673 Web site: www.KrookedKreek.com E-mail: golf@krookedkreek.com Owners/operators: Dean Dehmer, Kevin Berg, Gary Olson, Glen Dehmer. Director of Golf: Bob Klund Type of course: Public Holes: 18 Length: 6,109 yards Course par: 72 Membership: Individual: $541, Couple: $767, Family: $960, College student: $257, Junior: $195. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $16, 18 holes $25; Weekends and holidays: 9 holes $20, 18 holes $32. Leagues: Tuesday and Wednesday men’s, Thursday ladies, Friday couples. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes, $3.50 for 30 balls. Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes. 9 holes $14; 18 holes $26. Pull carts: Yes. 9 or 18 holes $2. Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes. 9 or 18 holes $10. Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
See Guide/page 11
APRIL 21, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 3
AMERY – Golfers will certainly find a challenging course in Amery, in which half of its 18 holes have water hazards. Amery Golf Club, nestled on 150 acres of land inside the city of Amery, is an 18hole regulation course that provides numerous challenges along the way. Golfers gain confidence on the first hole, which is the easiest hole on the course, according to club manager Jeff Gajdostik. The course continues to get more difficult after hole number one, but the front nine holes are generally easier than the back nine. Golfers cross Deronda Street to play holes number 10, 11 and 12. When teeing off on hole number 10, golfers are required to hit the ball over water and then deal with water on both sides of the fairway.
AMERY
Golfing around in Amery
also tough in that golfers can’t see the flag when teeing off, just like hole number nine. Gajdostik serves as the course superintendent and general manager, and he provides a friendly atmosphere for golfers, along with Gretchen Bader, clubhouse manager, Bryan Melberg, director of golf, and Chris Schanon, assistant superintendent. – Leader staff reporter
Hole number 11 is regarded as Amery Golf Club’s signature hole, because it’s a pretty hole which is a bit secluded and is surrounded by white birch, poplar and aspen trees. It’s a beautiful hole especially in fall when the trees are turning colors. Golfers need to hit the ball over water to reach the green on the par-3 hole. – Leader file photo
Hole number 11 is regarded as the course’s signature hole, because it’s a bit secluded from the rest of the course and is surrounded by white birch, poplar and aspen trees. It’s especially pretty in the fall when leaves on the trees are turning colors, Gajdostik said. The par-3 signature hole is 148 yards from the men’s white tee, and golfers need to hit the ball over water. “It’s probably one of the nicest par threes in this area,” Gajdostik added. There’s a nice drop circle on the other side of the pond. Once golfers are able to
get the ball over the pond, they then need to deal with sand bunkers on both sides of the green. But golfers who hit the ball straight over the pond should be successful. Don’t be surprised to see some wildlife on the course, especially around the signature hole, such as eagles, osprey, turkeys, ducks, fox and deer. The back nine also includes the toughest hole on the course. Hole number 14 is regarded as the most difficult, Gajdostik said. It’s a horseshoe-shaped hole that is 525 yards from the men’s tee. It’s
Amery Golf Club Location: 601 Deronda St. in Amery Phone: 715-268-7213 Owner/operators: Amery Golf Club Inc. leases the golf course and buildings from the city of Amery, and the golf course is managed by Jeff Gajdostik. Course designer: Tom Varden of the Twin Cities designed the original nine holes in 1922, and Don Herfort of the Twin Cities designed the additional nine holes in 1989. Holes: Regulation 18 holes Course par: 72 Signature hole: Number 11 is a pretty par 3 that is a little secluded on the course. Golfers need to hit the ball over water to make the green, which is surrounded by white birch, poplar and aspen trees. This hole is especially beautiful in fall when the trees’ leaves turn colors. Greens fees: It costs $15 for nine holes, and $25 for 18 holes on weekdays. It costs $20 for nine holes and $35 for 18 holes on weekends and holidays. Rentals: Power and pull carts and clubs. Power carts $14.75 per person. Services: Nice pro shop, bar, beverage carts, upstairs banquet room, which can be rented for parties and weddings. Food by Gretchen Bader. The course also offers a golf driving range, chipping green with a sand bunker and a putting green.
PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
APRIL 21, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 5
FREDERIC
Frederic Golf Course: Ready for a great 2010
FREDERIC — Thanks to the warm nice, weather this spring, things are already in full swing at Frederic Golf Course. Course Superintendent Ray Amundson opened the 18-hole course and driving range the 26th of March—this is about two weeks earlier than past years. Golfers can get an early jump on their golf game, and after the cold winter, everyone is grateful for that! This is the 53rd year of great golf at FGC. Golfers at Frederic have always enjoyed the lush fairways and beautifully manicured greens along with the challenging, but fair holes. Golfers enjoy being able to walk the course if they choose, but there are always plenty of power carts if walking isn’t your thing. It is truly one of the more enjoyable courses in NW Wisconsin for all levels of golfers. They believe once someone plays Frederic Golf Course they will have a customer for life. All of the staff at FGC are excited the course is open and are ready for a great 2010! Amundson and his crew always have the course in top condition. With over 20 years of experience at FGC, Amundson knows just what it takes to keep the course in great shape all summer long and late into the fall. His crew of Tom Fuller, Mike Hogan and Doug Grimh has remained the same for years and are all back again too. The only change is Amundson’s blond sidekick. Sadly, Ray’s golden retriever, Gabby, was hit by a car this spring. His new companion is a 2-year-old retriever named Frankie. The course remains open until Nov. 1, and because of Amundson’s expertise, golfers here enjoy great playing conditions right up until the end. Frederic Golf Course is lucky to have someone as competent as Amundson running the show! They are also excited that their manager, Joan Spencer, is back for her fourth year as clubhouse manager. Spencer is an ex-
At the Frederic Golf Course you'll run into a friendly staff to help you with your golfing needs. Pictured (L to R): Clubhouse manager Joan Spencer, Frankie and superintendent Ray Amundson. – Photo by Marty Seeger
and come out and play. The Frederic Golf Course offers 18 holes of challenging, The course’s yet fair, golf with beautiful scenery. – Photo submitted largest tournaments include St. tremely friendly and likable person and Croix Regional Medical Center and NW she, along the entire clubhouse staff, strive Passage. Both have had their fundraising to make every experience at FGC a pleas- tournaments here for years, and everyone ant one. Spencer is happy to accommo- at FGC is proud they choose them as their date groups of any size and guarantees course of choice. The local policemen are that any event at FGC will be a well-run really getting into the fundraising spirit and fun experience. Whether it’s a family and have sponsored the Cop-Out Tournaouting, a corporate tournament or just a ment for four years now. This tournament great day of golf, the staff at FGC will do raises money for area causes, and the local their best to make it a good one. Even if law enforcement has a lot of fun while you haven’t dusted your clubs off yet, stop they do it. Even though FGC is lucky to in and say hi to Spencer, Mel Runnels, Sue host many tournaments, most are schedWettergren and the rest of the great staff at uled on weekdays, and there is always Frederic Golf Course. time after the tournaments for members There is always a lot going on at Fred- and visitors to enjoy a relaxing round of eric Golf Course. To see a schedule of tour- evening golf. naments and events at FGC, please visit They are thrilled to again have Rick their Web site at www.frederic Giller heading up the junior golf program. golfcourse.com. A series of tournaments Last year he, along with Chuck Holicky, make up the basis for their Player of the Kelly and Ron Steen, RJ Serverude and the Year Award, something relatively new and high school volunteers, did an excellent open to anyone. Jeff Moats won the Player job with the juniors. They had almost 70 of the Year Award last year. They also kids participate, which was an amazing have the club tournament the last week- turnout. Information on the junior proend in August. This tournament is open gram will be sent home with the kids from to all members and is always a fun week- area schools, but if you’d like more inforend. Club champions for 2009 were Jason mation, please call the clubhouse. The Pearson for the men and Jenn Delozier, for ladies will be hosting their fourth tournathe women. All other tournaments are ment for breast cancer research—last year open to everyone so check the Web site
they raised over $1,000 for the cause. They have the usual happenings at FGC too—scrambles, men’s Tuesday morning league, Men’s Day on Tuesday afternoons, ladies morning league on Thursdays, and Ladies Day on Thursday afternoons (course is still open to everyone on Thursdays). This year the local courses have joined together and formed a traveling men’s league. Please call the clubhouse for additional information on any of these. FGC offers a variety of memberships including single, couples, family, junior and corporate memberships. They also offer a one-month membership, a weekday membership and a weekend punchcard. If you’d like to become a stockholder in FGC, stocks are available, but you do not have to be a stockholder to become a member. Frederic Golf Course is a privately owned course open to the public. Outside play is always welcome. It is owned entirely by its stockholders who vote in a seven-person board of directors to help run the club. Some of FGC’s original stockholders are still active members today, and like the stockholders back in the 1950s, a lot of volunteer effort goes into making the course a success and an asset to the community. For more information on Frederic Golf Course please call 715327-8250 or check out their Web site at www.fredericgolfcourse.com. - submitted
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
GRANTSBURG – This summer the Grantsburg Golf Course will be celebrating its 83rd anniversary. Built around the same time as great courses such as Pebble Beach and Augusta, it carries with it a rich history not easily found in other courses. Rolling hills, small greens and 150-year-old oak trees are just part of its charm. It truly is small-town golf at its best. Where other courses might expect or require you to wear polo shirts and khaki pants, at Grantsburg, T-shirts and blue jeans are the most common attire. Where else can you find 209-yard par 4s followed by 232-yard par 3s? To put it simply, the Grantsburg Golf Course is a classic. Fresh off some recent renovations, the Grantsburg Golf Course is ready for one of its best years ever. “We work hard each year to offer a better golf course than the year before,” said John Addison, general manager. “We don’t work this hard for the money; we work this hard because we love the golf course.” And he seems to be right. Every spring and every fall members of the community volunteer their time to help get the course ready for the year’s beginning and the year’s end. The Grantsburg Golf Course is not just a golf course but a part of Grantsburg itself. So if you are looking to be a part of golf history, this might be the place for you. Get a group together, it's guaranteed you will have some fun. After all, it’s a classic. - submitted
The new Grantsburg Golf Course
GRANTSBURG
Grantsburg Golf Course Location: 333 W. George St. Phone: 715-463-2300 Web site: www.GolfGrantsburg.com E-mail: GrantsburgGolf@Gmail.com Holes: 9 holes. It is a par 32 for men
Three holes have been changed during the construction around the hospital’s new emergency entrance. It is now complete, green and ready for golfing. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer
and par 33 for the ladies. Length: 1,950 yards Clubhouse manager: John Addison Superintendent: John Addison Membership: A single membership costs $270, a family of two costs $335, a family of three or more costs $375, students costs $125 and youth costs $65. Greens fees: It costs $10 for nine holes on weekdays, and $15 for 18 holes. It costs $12 for nine holes on weekends and holidays, and $17 for 18 holes. Rentals: Power and pull carts and clubs. Power cart prices $5 per rider. Services: The course has a nice pro shop, bar and snacks.
APRIL 21, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 7
Course showcases area’s beauty
LUCK
LUCK - Luck Golf Course is nestled on the south shore of picturesque Big Butternut Lake and has graced the area for more than 65 years, providing enjoyment, challenge, and at the same time, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Designed by Gordon Emerson, the Luck Golf Course offers a variety of terrains and multiple tee boxes to both test and satisfy players of all abilities. Luck Golf Course is a 6,200-yard par-71 layout sporting 18 holes. Eight of the original nine holes are on a rolling countryside flowing through open land that is dotted with majestic oak trees. The other 10 holes weave through a pristine pine and hardwood forest placing a premium on accuracy and club selection. Course history The first meeting to discuss a golf course for the village of Luck was March 1, 1938. Prices for season golf tickets in 1948 were: Gentlemen-$10; Ladies-$7.50; Family-$15. Greens fees for nine holes were 75 cents a day for weekdays, and 35 cents per round on Sundays and holidays. Opening day was April 30, 1938, but few showed up. On June 3, 1938, a meeting was held to take up the business of the clubhouse. There were three bids made. Herman Swanson’s bid of $165.95 was accepted with the provision of a family season ticket. By June 6, 1938, there were 38 paid memberships. The
7th Hole
389 Yards
Par 4
1st Hole
182 Yards
Par 3
grand opening was Aug. 21. It was a gala day starting with a golf tournament, motor boat races, band concert, water sports and baseball games. In 1940, a junior season ticket was inaugurated at a price of $5. In 1988, the course was expanded to 18 holes due in part to a generous donation of the land to the south of the course by the Ravnholt family for the purpose of a second nine. The order of the holes was reversed in 1997 with the construction of a new building. In the winter of 2004, the clubhouse and bar were remodeled. Today, Luck Golf Course is in great shape year-round and offers the perfect balance of challenge and family fun. The Luck Golf Course is open for play April – November. Season golf pass prices for adults over age 24 are $550, college students (18 -23) $250, couples $650, family $700 and youth $100. All membership categories include unlimited greens fees, discounts on golf cart rentals, early access to tee times and club-sponsored events. Annual passes for the full-length driving range and WSGA handicap services are also available. The well-stocked golf shop offers a wide variety of food, drink and some of the latest innovations in balls and equipment. Adult greens fees Monday – Thursday are $15 for nine holes and $24 for 18. Friday – Sunday rates are $19 for nine holes and $34 for 18. Special senior, junior, Twilight and 36-hole advance booking discounts are also
available. Call the golf shop at 715-472-2939 or visit the course Web site at luckgolfcourse.com for more information. Planning a golf tournament? The weekday outing rates start at $34 per person including cart and greens fees. Let their professional staff handle all the details for your company outing, charity event or club scramble. They can customize an event for any size group with small-town hospitality unmatched anywhere. Merchandise and equipment with your company logo is available from the golf shop at reasonable prices. After your event, join them upstairs for great lake views, cold drinks and food. With indoor seating for 100 patrons, the Luck Golf Course is the perfect choice for your next party. A full-service bar and catering is available. Schedule your function today at 715-4722939. The Luck Golf Course is known for always being in great shape thanks to the extra efforts of GCSAA golf course superintendent Seth Peterson, now in his seventh year. The day-to-day golf shop operations are professionally managed this year by Sloan Wallgren. They both cordially invite you to come and play one the of the finest 18-hole facilities in all of northwestern Wisconsin. – from Luck Golf Course
– Photos submitted
12th Hole
178 Yards
Par 3
PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
SIREN NATIONAL
Siren National all set for the season
SIREN – There’s a lot to love about Siren National, as it’s one of the most scenic in Northwest Wisconsin. With rolling terrain, a heavily forested backdrop and water hazards throughout, this course can be quite challenging, but it also offers open areas on the course, offering a little something for everyone. Since its grand opening in 2001, Siren National has gone through several changes, including foreclosure. The RiverBank in Osceola is the current owner of the course, and it’s still for sale, yet the course is still 100-percent func-
tional, and has been open for the season since March 27. The earliest opening on record was April 10. “We’re way ahead of schedule,” says general manager Mark Kamish, who was golf course superintendent before it opened in 2001, and is also the course groundskeeper. This year, Kamish will have a lot more time to do some of the continual improvements on the course, as opposed to the more large-scale improvements that were being done last summer. Up until August last summer, the course was in the process of changing, hole No. 18, which was a 538-yard par 5. “That was the hardest hole on the course previously and now we made
The putting green overlooks the rolling hills of hole No. 18. – Photo by Nancy Herman
The elevated view from hole No. 1 is very scenic, especially during the fall color season. – Photo by Siren National
that hole a lot more user-friendly,” Kamish said. Hole No. 9 is now a 365-yard par 4, which makes the course a lot more playable for the higher handicapped golfers. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t a challenging course. It features five sets of tee boxes, so you can play the course anywhere from 4,568 yards to 6,737 yards. “There are areas to play for any caliber of golfer,” said Kamish. Along with the courses natural water hazards and wooded beauty, there are some unique manmade touches including hole No. 3, which features a rock wall with the green on top of the hill, making it a challenging, but unique par 3.
Siren National has a special spring rate going this year, and through May 20, golfers can go nine holes with a golf car for $20, and golf all 18 holes for $30, which also includes the golf car. If you hurry, you can still get a single season pass for $450, which is good through the month of April as part of the course's early-season membership drive. Whether you’re a professional golfer, novice or somewhere in between, Siren National can meet every one of your golfing needs, and they’re ready for another great season of golf. “We’re going to try and make it a fun place to play,” Kamish said. – Leader staff reporter Marty Seeger
APRIL 21, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 9
VOYAGER VILLAGE
Voyager Village adds "frosting on the cake" in 2010 WEBB LAKE – “Unlike the reported golfing trends by the U.S.G.A., here at Voyager Village
Voyager Village hosted more than 50 golf tournaments from outside play (not including member events) in 2009.
our golf rounds continue to increase every year. The best marketing tool for today’s golf business is providing an excellent golf course experience that is consistent day in and day out! The golf community is very connected, and the word is definitely out in regards to our green speeds, and the overall excellent condition this course is in from tee to green. “Steve Johnson is without a doubt the best golf course superintendent I have ever been acquainted with in 35 years of managing golf courses and resorts. Our golf pro, Gabe Cessna and staff also are professionals in providing lessons, organizing golf tournaments, and a pro shop that offers all the latest apparel from the major brands such as Nike, Foot Joy and Ralph Lauren,” stated general manager Mark Crowl. Voyager Village hosted more than 50 golf tournaments from outside play (not including member events) in 2009 with
The golf course offers private instruction and clinics for beginning golfers.
Voyager Village Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship course. – Photos submitted
all of them planning on returning in 2010. To get hooked up for the best golfing deals, and informed of all the fun golfing events scheduled for 2010, contact Cessna at gcessna@centurytel.net. Come to Voyager Village, enjoy not only the 18-hole championship course, the Par 3 course on Birch Island Lake, the new bocce ball courts, but also have a great lunch on the deck overlooking the first tee on the course. Watch this summer for their outdoor concerts including the Porch Dogs, the D-Boys, the Twerps and even Elvis will be in the house! - submitted
Voyager Village Golf Club Location: 28851 Kilkare Rd., off of CTH A. Phone: 715-259-3910 Web site: www.voyagervillage.com Owner: Voyager Village Property Owners Association General manager: Mark Crowl Course designer: Jerry Gobel Holes: Championship 18, and a Par 3 Golf Pro: Gabe Cessna Greens fees: $34 Monday through Thursday; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays $38; $18 for twilight.
PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
YELLOW LAKE DANBURY– Sand greens certainly make Yellow Lake Golf Course unique, in that golfers need to employ a different strategy than they would normally use on courses with grass greens. Owners Chuck and Sheila Anderson take pride in having what Chuck believes might be the only golf course in Wisconsin with sand greens. Chuck Anderson said golfers need to “chip and
“Chip and run” strategy is key to mastering the sand green
The “chip and run” strategy has held strong on the Yellow Lake Golf Course for 80 years. – Photos by Marty Seeger
Owners Chuck and Sheila Anderson take pride in having what Chuck believes may be the only golf course in Wisconsin with sand greens.
run,” to have success on the course. “The secret is to chip early and let the ball run onto the green,” he said. “There’s a hard pack of sand underneath, and then a layer of soft sand on top. A number seven iron is a key iron around here.” Golfers don’t need many clubs in their bag for playing this course, as a driver, a couple of irons and a putter will suffice. That’s what late, longtime golfer Harold Haaf of Webster did until he was in his mid-80s. Golf courses used to have sand greens in the 1920s and ‘30s when there weren’t any irrigation systems, Anderson said. But Yellow Lake is probably the only one
in Wisconsin that kept the concept. Anderson hasn’t heard of any other courses that have sand greens. Many people will practice on Jack O’Fallon’s Westside Driving Range, located three-fourths of a mile down French Road, before playing the Yellow Lake course. After teeing off, golfers need to chip the ball near the hole and let the ball roll into the green. Golfers don’t want a lot of loft on their ball, because the ball will hit the ground and bounce off the green. This is where using a number seven iron is best, because it has less loft than a normal pitching wedge. “The short game is important,” Anderson said. “The approach shot is the most-
important shot here, just like with grass greens.” Once golfers make the green, they need to be aware of sand pebbles, which could alter the ball’s movement on the green. Hitting a small pebble can ruin a good putt and make the ball just miss the hole. Before the Andersons bought the golf course in May of 1988, it was much easier to get the ball into the cup, because the ball used to funnel into the hole. So golfers needed to simply get the ball near the hole, and it would go in the cup. The Andersons took away the funnel, so golfers are required to work at making a good putt. Night-light golfing is popular at Yellow Lake Golf Course, as the course was one of the first courses in the area to start offering it 15 or 16 years ago. Groups of 12 people pay $18 apiece to golf six holes near the clubhouse. Golfers play with balls that glow in the dark, and there’s a light stick on the hole flags. Each group is given a flashlight, which they shine on the hole as people in their party are putting on the green. Night-light golf occurs almost every weekend from now until Labor Day, Anderson said. The $18 includes lunch before golfing. This is the kind of activity that reflects the golf course’s image of providing a pleasurable golfing experience. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy themselves on this course, while not being hurried. “Our emphasis is on fun. There’s no ranger on the course,” Anderson said. – Leader staff reporter
APRIL 21, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 11
Guide/continued
Luck Golf Course
1520 South Shore Drive Luck, WI 54853 Phone: 715-472-2939 Web site: www.luckgolfcourse.com E-mail: lgcdirector@lakeland.ws Owners/operators: Village of Luck Director of golf operations: Sloan Wallgren Course designer: Gordon Emerson Type of course: Public Holes: 18 Length: 6,200 yards Course par: 71 men’s, 72 women’s Membership: Individual: $550; Couple: $650; Family: $700; Youth, $100; College student: $250. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes $15, 18 holes $24. Junior & Senior: 9 holes $11, 18 holes $18. Weekends: 9 holes $19, 18 holes $34; Junior & Senior: 9 holes $19, 18 holes $34. Call for twilight rates and specials. Leagues: Tuesday afternoon Junior Golf League Lessons: Friday evening and Monday morning Driving range: Yes. $4 per bucket. Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes. 9 holes, $11; 18 holes, $15. Pull carts: Yes. 9 or 18 holes, $3. Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes. Used $5, new $15. Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
St. Croix Valley Golf Course
2200 Hwy. 8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 Phone: 715-483-3377 Course designer: Not sure who first designed the course in 1923, but Andy Lindquist has since redesigned it. Type of course: Public Holes: Regulation nine hole Length: 3,075 yards. Course par: 36 Membership: Single: $315, Couple: $525, Senior: $300, Grade school student: $150, High school student: $155, College student: $215. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes $14, 18 holes $20. Weekends & holidays: 9 holes $16, 18 holes $24. Leagues: Call for information. Lessons: Yes Driving range: No Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Siren National Golf Course
8606 Waldora Rd. Siren, WI 54872 Phone: 715-349-8000 Toll-free phone: 866-747-3645 Web site: www.sirennational.com E-mail: mark@sirennational.com Owners/operators: RiverBank Manager: Mark Kamish Type of course: Public
Holes: 18 Length: 4,568 to 6,737 yards Course par: 72 Membership: Individual: $450, Couple: $650, Family: $750, Junior: $100, College student: $200. Fees: Spring and fall: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes for $20 with cart; $30 for 18 holes with cart. Summer weekends & holidays: 9 holes $20, 18 holes $32. Leagues: Wednesday night men’s. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes. Small bucket range balls - $4; Large bucket range balls - $6. Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes. Practice bunker: No Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes. 9 holes, $12; 18 holes, $16. Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes, $5. Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Voyager Village Country Club
28851 Kilkare Rd. Webb Lake, WI 54892 Phone: 715-259-3911 Toll-free phone: 800-782-0329 Web site: www.voyagervillage.com Owner/operator: Voyager Village Property Owners Association Manager: Mark Crowl Course designer: Jerry Gobel Type of course: Public Holes: 18 Championship, and Par 3. Length: 6,640 yards Course par: 72 Membership: Call for information. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 18 holes $34; Weekends & Holidays: 18 holes $38. Twilight, $18. Leagues: Call for information. Lessons: Yes Driving range: Yes Chipping green: Yes Putting green: Yes Practice bunker: Yes Practice green: Yes Power carts: Yes. 9 holes, $9; 18 holes, $15. Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes. Indoor pool (call about hours), tennis courts, mini golf. Call for golf specials and discounts. Restaurant: Yes
Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
White-Tail Wilderness Golf Course
27225 Hwy. 35, Webster, WI Phone: 715-866-8276 Owners/operators: Mike Waltzing Course designer: Mike Waltzing Type of course: Public No. of holes: 9 Length: 1,650 yards Course par: 31 Membership: Individual: $400, Couple: $575, Family: $650. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $7, Friday Sunday and holidays: $9. Leagues: No Lessons: No Driving range: No Chipping green: No Putting green: No Practice bunker: No Practice green: No Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
Yellow Lake Golf Course
7768 CTH U, Danbury, WI 54830 Phone: 715-866-7107 Owner/operators: Chuck and Sheila Anderson Type of course: Public Holes: 9 Length: 2,613 yards Course par: 34 Membership: After May 1, Single: $225, Couple & family: $310. Fees: Weekdays: $8 all day. Weekends and holidays: $10 all day Leagues: Monday men’s, Tuesday and Thursday couples. Lessons: No Driving range: No Chipping green: No Putting green: No Practice bunker: No Practice green: No Power carts: Yes Pull carts: Yes Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar: Yes Cocktails: Yes
PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 21, 2010
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