Grand Maraisians had the pleasure of the First Annual Y Golf Scramble at Gunflint Hills on July 28th. A perfect Sunday afternoon was filled with a full slate of golfers raising money for Y youth programs. A good time was had by all reports. Staff and volunteers are encouraged about the course’s future.
Only four miles up the Trail, Gunflint Hills golf course suffered from declining play in recent years. No sign directed visitors to a golf course. The Ladies and Couples leagues died. Only one all course event was held in 2017, none in 2018. Players were skipping Gunflint Hills to play at Lutsen. Regular players were mostly older and mostly male, with only 8 women members, all part of couples.
The Y tournament was a turnaround. Good golfers said they had the best time. Many younger foursomes played and many women, young and older, played. Celebrities auctioned off to add talent also added enthusiasm. Everyone, including Y leader Emily Marshall, is already planning for next year. A women’s league has started on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p,m. And there is talk of a Canadian/ Minnesota tournament.
All these are signs of hope for increased play and revenue. What remains to be done? Here are some ideas being considered.
September: More signs to tell the world that Gunflint Hills is here to play. Why have the best kept golf secret in northern Minnesota? . More events to encourage use by Canadians, tourists, artists and writers and their partners and all age groups. Spread the word. Already the 100+ plein air painters will be at the course on Monday of their week in September and artist’s partners are being invited to golf while their painters paint. . Building on the 27 years of Mike Kunshier’s work, better grass is on the way—always an issue where granite is 2 inches below the surface. . Youth programs, perhaps a First Tee program, and perhaps a revival of the High School golf team, all to pass the game on to next generations. . A target market is those who have played and have clubs in the garage. Several such folk were in the Y tournament, led by Sue Hakes with her ancient clubs. Also, the course is the first for people coming down Highway 61 from Thunder Bay, Grand Portage, and Hovland. A sign pointing to the course will add players surely. . We are the closest course for all who live between the Canadian border and Cascade lodge. Stay and play packages with motels, inns, and restaurants between Cascade and the border will bring more play. . Who knows? If the energy brought by new manager Paul Jones and leaders like Emily Marshall and Rec Park Director Dave Tersteeg, we may need to make tee times by 2021.
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