Beaver Island Golf Course News

As I write this three sandhill cranes have just flown over, calling to announce their arrival and then alighting on the #3 fairway. I take this as a very good omen.

We are coming off a snow-less winter and I didn’t even get the snowmobile out for a spin. By March 15 there was no snow left, and Ron Wojan was the first golfer out on the course, followed closely by Joe Moore and Fairway Frank. A little robin told me Joe did pretty well! Mike Bailey can’t be counted as the first player of 2010 since he never stopped playing from last year, hitting balls at the driving range all winter or playing a partial round when the snow was not too deep.

The early spring has allowed me to get a head start getting the course ready for your arrival. I have done some controlled burning on some of the roughs and that should make it easier to find golf balls for those who like to play out of the roughs from time to time. I also removed some junipers along the road on #1 fairway, and as of now, the ball count from that particular area is at 67.

The tough national and state economies have been very hard on the golf course. Last year our revenue was down 30% from 2008; at this rate, some hard decisions will have to be made. Insurance, and the cost of fuel and fertilizer continue to climb, plus we have the extra freight charges of shipping to the island. We are going to raise our membership rates $5.00 per person, and a round of golf from $18.00 to $19.00. We hope our members will understand and support us. The prompt payment of a membership is greatly appreciated, and a reasonable payment plan can be worked out with John.

Our men’s and ladies’ leagues will start again in May/June with the mixed alternate shot couple outings from May through September continuing. Buck Ridgeway has some new kinds of golf tournaments for us to try, and all our usual summer tournaments will be back.

The Beaver Island Golf Course will be on Michigan Golf Live this year with the segment to be aired in July and August. There will be a four person crew filming it in mid-June and if you are around, they may want to interview you. Just remember to tell them that all golf balls always go into the cup; I think it has something to do with the magnetic pull of our greens! We also have a “Facebook” page now, so log on and become a fan.

As always, we can’t have a golf course without you, our valued members and loyal supporters. This year we are again continuing our successful Member/Grandchild program of teaching youngsters about golf; greens fees will be waived for the kids. What better place than our golf course to include family and friends in learning about golf? It is a game that can be played and enjoyed for a lifetime. Thanks, and let us all “play” for a good year!

John, Carolyn, and Meg Works

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