After purchasing the course in the latter part of 2020, this is the first full year of operations for Rugged Spruce Golf Club owners Jim and Colleen Myhre. They’ve already put in their share of sweat equity with some major improvements to the Mahtowa-area course formerly known as 29 Pines.

The weather was kind, and the course opened early this year.

They’ve also poured a large concrete deck floor that extends from the clubhouse entry toward the first hole. It is a big slab perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining.

And entertaining is a Myhre specialty. Colleen is a talented singer and songwriter and plays with several Carlton County musical groups.

“Our plan is to have live entertainment on Saturdays beginning in June, both in the clubhouse and outside, depending on weather,” she told me in the clubhouse, where she also cooked me a hamburger while bartending. It was delicious. “We get the burgers from TJ’s store in downtown Mahtowa,” she said. “I think steak sauce is one of the secret ingredients.”

The Rugged Spruce Golf clubhouse plans to be open year-round. It will accept guests on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the winter season. The course is on a state snowmobile trail and the couple intends to welcome thirsty riders with a warm pit stop.

Competitive leagues have begun, including the Friday morning fun scramble at 10 a.m. that is open to all. I paid $14, the senior rate, to play golf all day and it cost me $2 to get in on the Nine Hole Scramble. Keep your eyes open for special events at the Rugged Spruce Golf Club in Mahtowa.