Golf 2011 by Inter-County Leader

3RD SECTION • INTER-COUNTY LEADER • APRIL 20, 2011

Special Golf Section Golf courses and specialty shops

Amery Golf Club

Fox Run Golf Course

Frederic Golf Course

Luck Golf Course

Siren National

Grantsburg Golf Course

Yellow Lake Golf Course

Krooked Kreek Golf Club

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

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, Thomas Frank, 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 3's 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 $18 for nine holes and $30 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.

534088 35L

APRIL 20, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 3

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

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: Thomas Frank 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, new 19-30 year individual, $500; Couple: $890, Family: $970, Student: $220, College student: $310. Our members also enjoy a reciprocal play agreement with Barron, Cumberland, Frederic, Luck, Colfax and Siren National Golf Clubs. Fees: Weekdays: 9 holes $15 and 18 holes $25. Weekends & holidays: 9 holes $18 and 18 holes $30. Twilight special after 3 p.m.: $25 for 18 holes with cart. Leagues: Wednesday ladies, Thursday men’s. Lessons: Yes, by Thomas Frank. 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, 715-2687213. Restaurant: No Snack bar & 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 & 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 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 $16, 18 holes $25. Weekend & holidays: 9 holes $21, 18 holes $33. Senior and junior discounts. Early bird and twilight special (Monday-Friday): Before 10 a.m., $18, after 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m., call for details. Saturday twilight: 3-6 p.m. $25. 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 & 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: $550, Couple: $650, Family: $730, Student: $300. Fees: Weekday (Sunday (after 2 p.m.)-Thursday): Par 3 course $9.35. Regulation 9 course $15.50. 18 Regulation course $25.50. 18 Regulation 9 + Par 3 $19.50. Discounts for seniors and juniors on weekdays. Weekend & holidays: Regulation 9 course $18.50. Par 3 course $11.50. 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 & Cocktails: Yes

Grantsburg Golf Course

333 W. George St. Grantsburg, WI Phone: 715-463-2300 Web site: www.golfgrantsburg.com E-mail: golfgrantsburg@gmail.com Owners/operators: Village of Grantsburg/Grantsburg Golf Course, LLC

Clubhouse manager: John Addison Type of course: Public Holes: 9 Length: 1,933 yards Course par: 32 Membership: Individual: $270, Couple: $335, Family: $375, Student: $125, Youth: $65. Fees: 9 holes $10, 18 holes $15, 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 & Cocktails: Yes

Krooked Kreek Golf Course

2448 75th 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 & Cocktails: Yes

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: $700; Family: $750; Youth, $85; College student: $225. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes $15, 18 holes $24. Weekends: 9 holes $19, 18 holes $34; Call for junior /senior specials, twilight rates and other 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, $12; 18 holes, $16. Pull carts: Yes. 9 or 18 holes, $3. Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Used $5, new $15. Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: Yes Snack bar & 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: $550, Couple: $750, Family: $850, Junior: $100, College student: $200. Fees: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday): 9 holes for $14; $23 for 18 holes. 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, $5. Walking: Yes Golf club rental: Yes, $5. Clubhouse: Yes Restaurant: No Snack bar & 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: Single: $260, Family: $360. 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 & Cocktails: Yes

APRIL 20, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 5

Frederic Golf Course: Enjoyable and challenging golf for all

FREDERIC —If you haven't played Frederic Golf Course they want you to know what you're missing! This is the 54th year of great golf at FGC and the 11th year of being an 18-hole course. Golfers at Frederic have always enjoyed the lush fairways and beautifully manicured greens along with the challenging, but fair holes. Golfers like 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 northwestern Wisconsin for all levels of golfers. They believe that once someone plays Frederic Golf Course, they will have a customer for life. All of the staff at FCG are excited to be back and are ready for a great 2011. Golf course Superintendent Ray Amundson received tons of compliments last summer on the condition of the course. And of course, he never gets tired of hearing compliments. 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. The greens are always beautiful and are considered by many as the best in the area. His crew of Tom Fuller, Mike Hogan and Doug Grimh has remained the same for many years and are all back again. The course remains open until Nov. 1, and because of their expertise, golfers here enjoy great playing conditions right up to the end. Joan Spencer is back as manager again and, as usual, has some new ideas up her sleeve. This is her fifth year at FGC, so she pretty much knows everybody by name and that's pretty good considering they had over 13,000 rounds played last summer. Spencer, along with the entire clubhouse staff, strives to make every experience at Frederic Golf Course a pleasant one. Spencer is happy to accommodate groups of any size and guarantees that any event at FGC will be a well-run and fun experience. Whether it's a family outing, a corporate tournament or just a great day of golf with friends, the staff at FGC will do their

FREDERIC

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

The Frederic Golf Course offers 18 holes of challenging, everyone at FGC yet fair, golf with beautiful scenery. Shown above is hole is proud we're eight, which is a par 4, bordered by water. – Photo submitted they course of

best to make it a good one. Even if you haven't dusted off your clubs yet, stop in and say hi to Spencer and two of their longtime staff members, Mel Runnels and Sue Wettergren. There is always a lot going on at Frederic Golf Course. To see a schedule of tournaments and events, please visit their Web site at www.fredericgolfcourse.com. Remember, if you want to play in their club tournament—always the last weekend in August— you need to be a member with a current handicap. And because they know the economy hasn't gotten much better, their membership prices are the same as last year and the year before. They try to keep golf as affordable as possible. Club tournament weekend is always a fun and competitive weekend and it is a great way to meet new people. Last year's champions were Shawn Olson and Jenn Delozier. There are usually seven or eight flights for the men and three for the women, so even if you'll never be a club champion, you could win your particular flight and that can be exciting too. Just ask anyone who has gone home with a trophy. All other tournaments are open to everyone so check out the Web site and come out and play. The course's largest tournaments include St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Northwest Passage. Both have had their fundraising tournaments here for years and

choice. The local policemen are really getting into the fundraising spirit and have sponsored the Cop-Out tournament for five years now. This tournament raises money for area causes, and the local law enforcement have a lot of fun while they do it. Most tournaments are scheduled on weekdays, and there is usually time after the tournaments for members and visitors to enjoy a relaxing round of evening golf. Frederic Golf Course is excited again to have Rick Giller heading up the junior golf program. For the last several years, he, along with Chuck Holicky, Kelly and Ron Steen, RJ Severude and some student volunteers, have done an excellent job with the junior golfers. Information on the junior program will sent home with the kids from area schools, but if you'd like more information, please call the clubhouse. New this year is a Pitch, Putt and Drive contest for the juniors. Again, please call for details. Regular happenings at FGC include scrambles, men's Tuesday morning league, Men's Day on Tuesday afternoons, ladies no-commitment morning league on Thursdays, and Ladies Day on Thursday afternoon (course is still open to everyone on Thursdays). Herb Howe will be running the men's traveling league this year. Spencer is trying to get a two-person Wednesday evening league going this year. If you don't golf and would like to learn,

Severude and Tim Smith are available for lessons. Just call the course for details. The driving range is a great place to practice and is open during golf course hours except Thursday mornings when it is closed for mowing. FGC offers a variety of memberships including single, couples, family, junior, student and corporate memberships. They also offer a one-month membership, a weekday membership, a weekend punchcard, a driving range pass and a riding cart pass. They have reciprocity with five area courses—Barron, Amery, Luck, Siren and Cumberland. Cost is $25 for 18 holes of golf with cart at these courses if you have a membership at Frederic Golf Course. If you would like to become a stockholder, FGC stock is 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 for a seven-person board of directors to help run the club. Any stockholder can run for the board. 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 715-327-8250 or check out the Web site at www.fredericgolfcourse.com. submitted

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

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.

7th Hole

389 Yards

Par 4

1st Hole

182 Yards

Par 3

By June 6, 1938, there were 38 paid memberships. The 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) $225, couples $700, family $750 and youth $85. 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, Twi-

light 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 eighth year. The day-to-day golf shop operations are professionally managed again 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

534138 35L

APRIL 20, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Golf Course was established in 1927, making it one of the first small-villageowned courses in the upper Midwest. It was originally constructed as a six-hole sand-greens golf course, and it remained a six-hole course until the mid-1960s when a group of private citizens and the village of Grantsburg joined together to expand the golf course. This summer the Grantsburg Golf Course will be celebrating its 85th 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 4's followed by 232-yard par 3’s? To put it simply, the Grantsburg Golf Course is a classic. This year, the Grantsburg Golf Course is ready for one of its best years ever. 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 they’ll guarantee 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

The Grantsburg Golf Course is challenging enough, that even avid Vikings and Packers fans will play a round of golf together. – Photo submitted

E-mail: GolfGrantsburg@gmail.com Holes: 9 holes. Par 32. Length: 1,933 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, and $15 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 20, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 9

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 No. 7 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 No. 7 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

Free Admission for 20 11 U.S. Amateur Championship

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

2011 U.S. Amateur Championship at Erin Hills

parking at Erin Hills or Blue Mound. “We want Wisconsin to embrace fully its first U.S. Amateur and want the free admission to encourage people to come see the best amateur golfers in the world,” said John Morrissett, the competitions director at Erin Hills. “With Erin Hills set to host the 2017 U.S. Open, the 2011 U.S. Amateur provides an opportunity to walk the fairways of a U.S. Open course for no charge.” “This departure from the traditional admission policy is a result of the generosity of the Friends of Erin Hills, a small group of companies

MILWAUKEE – For the first time since 1997, there will be no admission charge for the U.S. Amateur Championship, to be played Aug. 22-28, 2011 at Erin Hills and Blue Mound Golf and Country Club near Milwaukee, Wis. Spectators of all ages will be able to attend the championship without having to purchase a ticket. In addition, there will be no charge for

which have made significant contributions to the championship,” said Jim Reinhart, the General Chairman of the 2011 U.S. Amateur. “The Friends of Erin Hills include Baird, M&I and Artisan Partners. By not charging for admission (daily admissions average $25 at recent championships), Erin Hills and Blue Mound will allow more golf fans to see outstanding golf played over two special courses.” For more information on the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship, visit www.2011usamateur.com. – from www.golfwisconsin.com

! ! A A R R T T X X E E Pick Up Your Copy Of The

Amery

At these local businesses.

Chet Johnson Drug Amery Express

Balsam Lake

Jonzy Market Pap's General Store Balsam Lake Grocery Balsam Lake Hardware Balsam Lake Pharmacy Holiday Stationstore

Centuria

Centuria Stop

Clear Lake

Lake Magnor Store

Cushing

Holiday Stationstore

Danbury

Frederic

Frederic Grocery Frederic Liquor Holiday Station Frederic Stop Medicine Shoppe Inter-County Leader Office Sundown Saloon Trade Lake Store

Jorgas Holiday Stationstore Inter-County Leader Office MarketPlace Foods Maynard's BP Tangen Pharmacy Super America Wayne's Cafe

Countryside Co-op Holiday Stationstore Luck Pharmacy Van Meter's Meats Wayne's Foods Plus

Auto Stop Chattering Squirrel Fourwinds Market Holiday Stationstore Inter-County Leader Office Olsen & Son Drug Peggy's Fashion Rack Tom's Bar Yourchuck's

Luck

Milltown

Log Cabin Store Wayne's Foods Plus

Cheese & More Holiday Stationstore

Dresser Food & Liquor

Little Turtle Hertel

Dresser

Grantsburg

Burnett Dairy Feed Burnett Dairy Cheese Grantsburg BP Grantsburg Country Store Grantsburg Family Foods Holiday Stationstore Wood River Pharmacy

St. Croix Falls

Hertel

Osceola

Cascade BP Cotter-Green Petro Dick's Market Holiday Stationstore Osceola Stop

Webb Lake

The Main Store

Siren

Taylors Falls

General Store

Webster

Connor's Station Holiday Stationstore Wayne's Foods Plus Wild Bill's Outpost Yellow River Pharmacy

APRIL 20, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - PAGE 11

Krooked Kreek has the sights and wildlife

– OSCEOLA The Krooked Kreek Golf Club is nestled between the bluffs of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the glacial eskers of western Wisconsin just two miles east of Osceola on CTH M. Golfing in the serenity of the prairie and natural wetlands is a sure way to see and hear many different forms of wildlife, such as ducks, whitetail deer, foxes, turkeys, pheasants, sandhill cranes and many more. The golf course was first opened in 1990 with the front nine holes, while the back nine were added in 1995. Staying true to the name, a crooked creek runs through the course, challenging golfers

OSCEOLA

An aerial view of hole one.

and showing the true beauty of the countryside through gorgeous landscapes. The front nine greens of the Krooked Kreek Golf Club are generous in size and fairly level. The back, however, are smaller and have more pitch and plenty of undulations to test even the experienced golfer. The 18-hole course is a par-72 championship course that is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Most of the holes are par 4, except the second, sixth, 12th and 16th holes which are par 3 and the third, ninth, 13th and 15th which are par 5. The first hole is a good start for any golfer. It’s a par 4 that the course pro says “a good drive will leave you a short iron into an inviting green.” The course’s Web site www.krookedkreek.com gives a pro tip for each hole along with pictures. Reservations for tee times may be made up to seven days in advance, but 24-hour notice is asked for tee time cancellations. For golfers desiring a USGA handicap, there’s a handicap computer on grounds. League play has started for the year and anyone wishing to participate, who is not currently on a team, may sign up for play next year. There is a men’s, women’s senior and couples league available. The junior program offered is a twopart program. All juniors are welcome to participate in both sessions or to choose the one that best suits their level of play. The first part is basic instruction and the second is a nine-hole league. The program is designed to introduce juniors, age 7 to 17, to the fundamentals of the golf swing, proper golf course etiquette and prepare them for play on the golf course. KKGC has opened for the season and will be open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Twilight hours are unlimited Saturday and Sunday after 2

The Krooked Kreek Golf Club is enjoyable for all ages and all skill levels. The photo shows the view on hole seven. – Photos submitted

p.m. Golf carts, pull carts, club rental, a spacious driving range and practice green are some of the many features of the golf club. Club regripping is a service that is available, in a variety of grips, which are all done in house. A bar and grill are located in the clubhouse for lunch, dinner or a snack. Lessons, club-fitting and club repair are available in the full-service golf shop, along with golf equipment, clothes, balls, clubs, hats, towels and accessories, several with KKGC’s logo. Group outings are welcome and hassle free for the planner after calling Krooked Kreek. There is a dining/meeting facility, bar and cook who will prepare the meal or snack you would like. Accommodations can be made for groups up to 144 people. All tournament packages include full event services, registration tables, prize

tables, event announcements to welcome guests, personalized cart signs, professional scoring, beverage cart attendants, hole contest signage, setup and pickup of signage/tables/chairs on the golf course, two complimentary committee carts, as well as use of practice putting green. Full beverage service is provided. The club’s banquet area has seating for up to 90 people. While the golf course usually closes in November, the banquet center is opened year-round. Tournaments are scheduled from May until October, several being member events, which league players are invited to. If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Krooked Kreek Golf Club, call 715-294-3673 or visit the clubhouse. – information from the course Web site

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - GOLF ISSUE - C - APRIL 20, 2011

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