Improvements to Canyon 9 at Superior National at Lutsen will begin as soon as the blue grass on recently renovated River 9 takes hold. The project is being completed in stages to ensure that golfers will always have 18 holes to enjoy. This shot was taken behind the green looking back up the fairway of River No. 8.
At the August meeting of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), EDA Treasurer and acting general manager at Superior National at Lutsen (SNL) Scott Harrison gave an update on rounds at the golf course.
The joint county/city economic authority owns and is responsible for management of the golf course.
Harrison said last year was really difficult for the Lutsen golf course with construction visible from the highway. He said it wasn’t apparent to visitors that the course was available for play, so this year is better. He said SNL has its “head above water.”
Harrison reported that to date SNL has had 5,293 rounds. In addition to that, he said there are member rounds, which are not counted in the total. He said SNL is 247 rounds ahead of budget.
Harrison said merchandise sales were a little flat, but beverage sales are up.
Revenue to date is $776,790, up from last year’s $673,895.
Harrison said the golf course has had to borrow money from the EDA in the past. He noted that the golf course owes the EDA $175,000 and in turn the EDA owes the county that amount.
However, he said once the golf course construction is complete, the golf course will make the revenue to get that paid off. Until the construction is complete, Harrison said things will be “squeaky.”
EDA Board Member Mark Sandbo said even with construction, the golf course has been doing better.
Harrison also said golf course contractor MidAmerica is ready to begin work on improvements to Canyon 9. However, he explained that the company needs to wait until the River 9 holes are ready for play. He said the rye grass on the recently reconstructed section of the golf course has taken off well, but not the blue grass. Harrison said once the grass is established on River, the work can continue on the Canyon section.
Leave a Reply