June Newsletter
GENERAL MANAGER & HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
We have had some pretty good spring/summer weather as of late. The unusually warm weather, and some rain, has been very helpful in the getting the course back into shape from our rough winter. Still a few weeks away from getting into Wilderness shape but we will get there. Our maintenance staff has been working very hard and utilizing every trick in the book to get the course into the condition we have all come to expect.
June is Player Development Month at The Wilderness. If you are interested in learning to play or just improve your game check out the following complimentary events!
Free Putting & Chipping Clinic Free 15 minute lessons
Wednesday, June 20th or June 27th Thursday, June 22nd or June 29th
9am – 10am (preregistration required) 8am – 10am (call to schedule a time)
$30 special lesson rate from June 18th – 28th
Don’t forget about our weekly golf clinics as well as individual lesson offerings during the season!
Check out these upcoming fun, social events!
9 & Stein Event – Thursday, June 14th
Beer & Golf, what’s not to like about that!
5:30 pm Shotgun event – Sign up as an individual or as a group
Play 9 holes of golf, sample some beer along with a chance to win some on course prizes!
Chip & Sip Event – Thursday, June 28th
Wine & Golf, may be just right for you!
5:00 pm Chipping Clinic – 5:30 pm Shotgun Start
Sign up individually or as a group. Space is limited!
Sample some wine during the clinic, Play 9 holes of golf and win some great prizes!
To register or for more information on the above events or activities please call the golf shop at 218-753-8917.
Happy Golfing!
Ryan Peterson
“The worst club in my bag is my brain” – Chris Perry
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GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
Recovery continues on the golf course with a very good seed catch on the 7th green-the one most punished area by our terrible winter. While the green is certainly not race ready, the recovery is gaining momentum and accelerating. Before and after pictures from seven are below:
7 Green April 28, 2018
7 Green June 7, 2018
7 Green June 7, 2018
Note the abundance of seedlings on the picture. This area was completely and thoroughly smoked a month ago. Considering that the early part of May was quite cold at times (we had a frost on May 20), I am pleased with this kind of progress after really only about three weeks of decent growing weather-with the wear and tear of golfers on the turf. Temporary greens are not really an option at this facility. Now that we are moving into some summer-like weather, I expect the recovery to accelerate rather quickly.
Overall, the golf course on the whole is looking more like its old self with the passing of every day. Most of the golf course looks much like the picture of 18 below:
Hole 18 June 7, 2018
Other than some low lying parts of fairways that are still in the recovery process, the golf course is actually growing through the damage quite well. This does not just happen on its own.
We have been continually seeding, fertilizing, and watering to get the course to where it is today. The work load has been unusually high for this time of the year. I am just glad that I have such a great crew to work with throughout this whole experience. The two biggest things to be learned from the recovery process are:
1. Patience. Grass will only grow as much as temperatures permit-even with the excessively high levels of fertility we are running at the moment. Waiting for the work to payoff-like it finally is now-is like watching a pot boil.
2. Balance. The other work involved with maintaining a golf course does not go away while we sling seed around. This is always one of the busiest times in a normal year with other types of work as well-such as ornamental plantings, aerification, and bunker maintenance. We have to be able to focus on everything, not just problematic areas. I think a lot of supers get in trouble when other work gets neglected due to a single focus on a recovery.
I look forward to these next few weeks as our recovery accelerates and we begin to round into mid-season form. When we are satisfied that the recovery is virtually complete, we will at that point begin to lean the golf course back and try to shoot for a firmer, faster playing surface. This is something that is impossible to do while we are recovering-but will be something that we will accomplish as soon as we can. In the meantime, the golf course remains highly playable and while the course is softer and slower than we would like, it still remains a great test of golf and a great place to be.
Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of our efforts. I have been very impressed by the understanding shown by almost all customers. I am stopped almost daily by those who understand just how long this past winter was and how intense our efforts have been to make them happy. Very encouraging indeed.
See you on the course.
Vince Dodge
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FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER / EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Wilderness Grill held our first Night on the Patio on Wednesday, June 6th. What a great night! The weather was beautiful and our entertainment for the night was Pat Surface. Everyone enjoyed Pat’s music and the Grill Feature was amazing!
Upcoming Wednesday nights:
June 13th - Chi June 13th - Chile Verde/Spanish Rice/Tortillas – Music by The Divas
June 20th - Smoked Cornish Game Hens/Mushroom Risotto/English Peas – Music by Bittersweet
June 27th - Whole Roast Pig/Mac and Cheese/Coleslaw/Dollar Buns/Assorted Sauces – Music by The Divas
There will not be Night on the Patio on the 4th of July.
Mark your calendar…and we will see you Wednesdays!
On June 14th, we are having our first 9 & Stein. You have the opportunity to enjoy 9 holes of golf and sample some beer. Castle Danger will be here with some of his best! The cost for the night is just $45. After you have finished your fun on the course, stop in and enjoy a free tap beer! Try one of our Oven Baked Pretzels for just $4!
June 17th is Father’s Day! Treat Dad to dinner here at the Wilderness Grill. Chef Doug and his crew will be preparing dinner perfect for Dad. Smoked Prime Rib, Roasted Baby Reds and Seasonal Vegetables for $32. We will also treat Dad to a free rail drink, house wine or a tap beer!
June 28th is our first Chip–n-Sip! Play 9, sip on some wine and join us in the dining room to enjoy Fruit and Cheese prepared by Chef Doug!!
Our staff will be attending True Service Training. This training is required for all of our staff to provide exception service, to you, our guest. At the Wilderness Grill we know that to deliver a truly unique experience, requires teamwork, friendly service and a dedicated staff. We train our staff to provide genuine, helpful and friendly service each and every day.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Darlene Simonson & Doug Sperry
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Director of Sales & Marketing
We would like to thank everyone who participated in Golftime Magazine’s Best of the Midwest Awards. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay was chosen for the Best Course in Minnesota in 2018! Thank you for the grand recognition of all our staff's hard work over the years.
Casino promotions this month:
All June, Sunday through Thursday receive $5 off your green fee when you show your Wild Edge Card in the Pro Shop! Limit one per person per day.
Join us in celebrating the US Open June 11th-17th! All Wild Edge members bring your receipt from that day's green fee to the Player’s Club and receive $10 Blackjack Match Play. One offer per guest per day. If not a member, you may sign up the day of.
Also, you may click on any of the following promotions below regarding more information on the items displayed.
Hope to see you all this season!
Rachel Indihar
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