Spruce Creek is officially open

By Ken Johnston
Editor

It was a fantastic day for a grand opening and people took full advantage of it as Spruce Creek Golf Course near Morson was officially opened Saturday.
About 100 rounds of golf were played and more than 120 people attended the grand opening celebrations. Golfers came from all over the area including a bus load of 20 from Fort Frances, to try out the new par 36, nine hole course.
Some took lessons from Golf Pro Dave Spence and then headed out on the course. If people were booked ahead they were likely lucky enough to get a cart. Otherwise many folks walked the course, but that was fine as that weather was gorgeous and the course is truly beautiful.
Many commented that it was not only beautiful but peaceful, being that it is away from the noise of larger centers.
At 2 p.m. Spruce Creek owners Ken and Laurie Pentney gathered their staff for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. After the ribbon was cut, Laurie gave a short speech. She spoke of how she and Ken visited Dave Grant, the course architect in April of 2004. “We told him we were bored and thought maybe we should build a golf course. We were sure he thought we were nuts.”
But after Grant visited the property everyone was on the same page. “He told us we had excellent soil and good terrain for a course,” said Laurie. She also noted how both her husband Ken and Dave Grant came up with basically the same vision for what the course would look like.
Laurie said that despite it taking a bit longer to come to fruition, she credits Ken with having the vision and for never losing site of it.
Laurie thanked all her staff and Grant for all their hard work. She concluded by saying, “I hope pursuing that little ball around the course will give you hours of enjoyment for years to come.”
Dave Grant said that it was a real treat for him to come to work with Laurie and Ken. “Every course starts with a dream and this is a great day. Congratulations Ken and Laurie.”
Course Superintendant Greg Ross said that from his years of experience in the business that Spruce Creek is a top notch course. “Ken and Laurie put a lot of energy and passion into this. Dave Grant has done a wonderful job designing this for all levels of golfers. It is a great thing and all the people in this area should be thankful for it.”
Lake of the Woods Reeve Valerie Pizey also spoke to the crowd offering congratulations to the Pentneys.
Laurie was very pleased with the turnout at their grand opening and how things are progressing. We have three tournaments booked already for the summer including the Rainy River Open.
Winning the grand prize for the day was Tammy Crowe of Fort Frances. She won 10 free rounds of golf.