We moved back into the clubhouse this past week and are no longer working out of our temporary office (payments can be dropped off at the Club again). The main level of the clubhouse is open with the exception of the Golf Shop which is scheduled to open April 22nd. Our first non-member event is April 2nd and the first member event is our Easter Brunch on Sunday. The lower level is still under construction and will not be open until May 1st. Please do not attempt to access the lower level as it is a construction zone and not safe to walk around. Work on the exterior of the building will continue until around June 1. The areas being worked on are fenced off and again; please do not enter these areas. Just a few more months and we will be finished with remodeling and able to enjoy all aspects of our new clubhouse!
This edition has all of the information you need regarding April dates for member dining in the Fireside Room, April and May events (dates and times), the Fitness Center, and golf course updates. If you don’t typically read through the entire newsletter, you may want to check it all out this month.
I am very excited to announce the newest additions to our Golf staff. Chris Peterson has joined us as our PGA – Head Teaching Professional. Chris is a class A member of the PGA of America and has been teaching golf for 20 years. He graduated from Iowa State University where he was also the captain of the golf team. After a brief stint in golf course design, Chris has had some great experiences as a club professional with most of his time at Stillwater CC and Northfield GC. For the past 2 years he has been the Head Teaching Professional at Stoneridge GC where he has found his true passion in helping others “find their game.” Chris is an accomplished competitive player himself in the Minnesota PGA Section and loves keeping his game sharp. A native of Rosemount MN, Chris now resides in Stillwater with his wife Jenny and two young boys Fletcher and Monte.
Chris will spend half of his time on general golf operations and the other half of his time will be spent giving lessons. The addition of a Teaching Professional is another amenity we have added to help you get the most enjoyment possible out of your golf game. By working with Chris you can make this the year you lower your handicap and play your best golf ever.
Also joining our Golf Staff is Assistant Pro – Matt Sletten. Matt is returning to Minnesota from Florida and will be starting on April 8th – which we hope will be opening day for the golf course. Clayton, Nick, Chris and Matt are all excited to provide a great golf experience for you and your guests this year!
Junior sign-up day is April 26th for Golf, Tennis and Swimming. You can find the sign-up sheets on our web site in the members area under the Juniors tab.
The Fireside Room will be open on the following dates for member dining. Dining will be by reservations only and Chef Peter will provide a themed, limited menu for each evening. Make your reservations between 5pm-8pm quickly before we fill up!
April 7, 8 and 9 – choose from six special entrees prepared by Chef and his staff. Price for each of these evenings is $39.95 and includes: salad, entrée (choose either Alaskan Halibut, Duck Breast, Filet Mignon, Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon or Scallop and Shrimp Risotto) and desserts.
April 15th – Grill food will be the focus on Tax Relief Day. Order off of a representation of our Grill menu
April 22nd – Mexican Fiesta, order off an ala carte menu of Mexican favorites
April 24th – Surf & Turf
April 28th – Pasta Buffet
These seven dates will be a great chance to experience Chef Peter’s food and enjoy the Club prior to opening of the lower member level. Call the office for reservations.
The golf course made it through the winter in great shape. Now we need warm weather and rain to get it in condition to open. With the lack of snow this year and the very cold temperatures the frost went deeper than usual. It will take another week or so until we can open the course and are hoping to do so on April 8th (although cold night time temps or snow will push that date back). The practice facilities will open at noon Wednesday April 1st. There are two routes to get to the range and Cart Barn for your clubs. Take the cart path behind the 18th green and follow the path to the Cart Barn. The path has gravel on it due to damage from construction vehicles so it can get muddy. The other route is to go through the pool area, down the handicap ramp, through the pool area to the door in the wood fence and down the path to the Cart Barn. This route is safer and is unaffected by the construction.
Lastly, we are losing a long term and very valuable employee. Christian Dunn, one of Eric Peterson’s assistants is moving back to Germany. He has been found his dream job as a Superintendent at a golf course in the northern part of the country. While we are all sad that he will be leaving us I am very excited for Christian and wish him the very best.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Club!
–Dennis Countryman