Golf course expansion begins/from page six

Press Release
Oak Harbor Golf Club

In the spring of 2004, Oak Harbor Golf Club Certificate Holders voted in favor of building an additional 9 holes to make Oak Harbor Golf Club, north of Baudette an 18-hole, par-72 golf course. Throughout the summer months planning sessions, permitting, construction bidding, layout and prep-work was completed. Finally, construction of the new nine began on October 18, 2004.
Huge progress has been made already, and all parties involved in the project are extremely encouraged. Terry Johnson Construction from Iowa who has been involved in more than 200 golf course projects, is the head contractor. He says that the course is completely staked out and 6 acres of trees have been logged off. Earthwork, including making the greens and tees, digging ponds and elevating fairways is being done now. As of November 19th, the four T’s for the second and third holes had been roughed in, the number 2 green and fairway were complete and 4 ponds had been dug. Johnson says, “we are lucky to have good weather now, we started moving dirt November 9th or 10th and have made great progress so far.” Local contractors that have been involved in the project are Warren Giles Construction, T & M sales and Erickson Timber Products.
Mark Mitchell, course architect of Golf Designs Associates, has been working on an 18-hole course layout for Oak Harbor for the past 7 years. Mitchell says. “This is going to be great for the community. There is no comparison between a 9-hole course and an 18-hole course. In a golfers mind there is an unfavorable stigma that goes along with a 9-hole course.” Mitchell explains by saying, „Any golfer, given the choice, will choose an 18-hole course over a 9-hole course, even if it means driving for miles to get there.” Terry Johnson, contractor, furthers that comment saying, „people will stay an extra day to golf an 18-hole course, there will be more room for events, tournaments and leagues with-out having to shut the course down to those who just want to golf. Nine-hole courses are dinosaurs and I am happy to be part of this expansion.”
The course itself will be challenging, yet anyone can play. There is a 4-T system that will encourage the play of beginner golfers and challenge the play of experienced golfers. Johnson says, „This will be a very pretty course with 14 ponds, gorgeous fairways and quality greens. The location is ideal for both tourists and locals, it will now be viewable from highway 172.‰
Steve Timm, golf course Superintendent, is on-site most everyday helping with anything that is needed. Timm says, „We were not expecting to get any dirt moved this fall, we are working on borrowed time now so we will be that much further ahead next spring.‰ Construction will continue, as long as weather permits, into early winter. Play will begin on the new nine in 2006.
Oak Harbor Golf Club is planning many fundraising events after the holiday season. Tentative plans include an Ice Golf event at Wigwam Resort on February 27th and an Ice Fishing Derby on March 12th. Be watching for more details on the upcoming winter activities sponsored by Oak Harbor Golf Club.