2021 was a season to remember

One month ago, at 5 p.m. Oct. 19, it was 70 degrees outside in Cloquet. Just about perfect outdoor weather. Our region was very fortunate to have an elongated golf season in 2021 — just ask golfers!

Even with severe drought conditions this summer, Carlton County courses persevered and, in many cases, thrived.

“Our club had over 200 days of golf this year and over 21,000 rounds played,” said Bill Manahan, Cloquet Country Club pro/manager, adding that the course was open April 10 to Oct. 27 this year. “By comparison, we had 18,000 rounds last year, which was a good year.”

Manahan hypothesized that people wanted to be outdoors and socialize after the first year of the pandemic.

“Golf provides that and our added activity is reflected in our favorable financial numbers, too,” he said. “But, it is probably also why boat and camper sales are up as well. After feeling confined, people needed to stretch and breathe fresh air.”

What struck me as amazing was the 2021 turf condition of all of our Carlton County golf courses. The Big Lake Golf course and Black Bear were both closed in 2020, but came back big-time for 2021. Big Lake was basically for sale for the majority of 2020 and had a change in ownership that fall. Playing Big Lake several times this past summer with “lake” friends, I noticed marked green improvements with each visit. With the drought it was a challenge to keep greens and fairways irrigated, but all local golf maintenance crews worked their magic and, when critically needed, Mother Nature provided at least some rain.

Under new ownership, the Rugged Spruce in Mahtowa has enjoyed a busy season. “Of course we had many of the local “regulars” buy memberships and play often, but it was also nice to welcome new players with some of them becoming members too,” said co-owner Colleen Myhre. “We also had a lot of couples and families playing together.” With 2021 having minimal rain days, the Rugged was able to fully utilize their new attached deck/patio for outdoor events.

The Pine Hill Golf Club in Carlton also had an outstanding year. They’re looking to hire a drone operator to get some aerial views of the pretty course.

Moose Lake Golf Club, per pro Josh Gamst, had a fine overall year in 2021. It was so good, the club was able to finance the replacing of three greens (1, 2, and 3) without taking on more long-term debt. The company doing the green rebuild, Hartman Companies, is renowned in the state as one of the finest constructors of golf course greens. The greens should be ready for golfers at the end of May.

The Retreat Golf club near Floodwood and Gowan continues to provide a great turf product for its players. I played there in a tournament in September and the greens were fast and true. Not many “level” putts here: you need to be on top of your game. Congrats to owner Dan Donofrio and his hard-working crew.

The protective covers were put on the greens at the Cloquet Country Club on Nov. 3. Before the snow fell, there were rumors that the diehard hackers were still playing at the Rugged Spruce and Pine Hill. Some were even wearing shorts! They are rugged. Geez.

Steve Korby’s interest in writing goes back to when he was in fourth grade and editor of the Scan-Satellite school newspaper in Scanlon. Steve loves sports, especially golf. He welcomes human interest stories and tales regarding Carlton County residents, projects, history, and plans.