Archive for June, 2008

Great Time at U.S. Women’s Open

Published
by
Jeff
on June 30, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

I had a great time at the Women’s U.S. Open!

Some of the things I noticed:

  • The woman hit it longer than I imagined and very straight or with a little draw – nearly every time.
  • The women are much more friendly than the men.
  • Their swings seem effortless – a lot of flat swings.
  • Their grips are not very strong – most of them had neutral or even weak right hands.
  • The staff did a great job – very well run – no flaws.

Unfortunately, the course at Interlachen is not very spectator friendly – lots of hills – lots of trees – and the ropes did not allow the spectator very close at a lot of places. Still, though, it was great to have the Open in Minnesota! (Next time, seriously, consider one of the courses on the Iron Range - Giants Ridge & Fortune Bay offer some terrific options!!!!)

My time at the Women’s U.S. Open was absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!

Now can I get my swing like theirs?

Here’s to all us golfers being able to swing like these talented woman – Happy 4th to everyone. (NOTE: If you are celebrating the 4th of July on the Iron Range, let me know where you’re gonna be!)

No one “does” the 4th of July like the Iron Range

Published
by
Jeff
on June 24, 2008
in Events and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

I’m on my way to the Women’s U.S. Open at Interlachen in the Twin Cities area for the next couple of days, but I wanted to take the time to update the blog about what’s going on - on the Iron Range.

The 4th of July is right around the corner and no one celebrates it better than the Iron Range. Communities like Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Aurora and Biwabik all celebrate the 4th in some fashion (or another). Heck, some even celebrate the 4th on the 3rd of July! A complete list of 4th of July events can be found here.

The City of Virginia is also celebrating its “Great Virginia Get-Together” from July 1-6. This “all-community” reunion is jam packed with fun events for all ages. Check out the web site here. There’s even a golf tournament at the Virginia Municipal Golf Course!

The City of Gilbert celebrates its centennial (100 years) with car shows, dancing, helicopter rides and much, much more!

Mountain Iron does the 4th the “old-fashioned family” way, with most events held at the West Two Rivers Campground. Complete Mt. Iron 4th of July details can be found here.

From the 2nd through the 4th, Aurora celebrates Patriotic Days & Freedom Fete with traditional patriotic parades, children’s activities and games with a carnival-type atmosphere on Main Street. Children’s pie-eating contest, quilt show at the Aurora Community/ Senior Center, food vendors and spectacular fireworks show from Red Top.

Biwabik kicks off the 4th with its Calithumpian parade. The schedule of events for this annual celebration can be found here.

And, what would the 4th be without the annual 4th of July celebration in Eveleth? Check out the schedule of events in Eveleth at evelethfourthofjulyrocks.com.

Have a safe and happy 4th…more about golf next time around (I promise)…

Great Golf on the Iron Range! And, oh….the right equipment can make a difference in your game!

Published
by
Jeff
on June 10, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Great Golf on the Iron Range - NOW!
What a wonderful two days of golf on Sunday and Monday. I was very lucky to be invited to the Media Day Events at both The Wilderness at Fortune Bay on Sunday and The Quarry at Giants Ridge on Monday. Both courses are in wonderful shape and the staff at each of the respective locations went out of their way to ensure two great days of golf on the Iron Range.

The right equipment = all the difference
I can attribute much of my enjoyment for golf this year to one particular thing – The Taylor Made Burner Driver. I have NEVER hit the ball so straight and so long in all of my years of playing this fabulous sport. It has really made a difference in my game. If you have a chance to try one out, I’d highly recommend it! Everyone of my friends who has tried to hit it has also liked the results. So, I guess it’s true…one can improve their game with new equipment.

Other MN golf news
I went to Jordan, MN, last week to watch the Class AA Minnesota State High School Golf Tournament. The wind gusts reached over 40 miles an hour on Friday. The 18th hole was 2-tiered with the hole placement on the top tier. I watched a boy (who was 2 over after 17) reach the hole in 4 against the wind. He had a 35 foot putt left for par. His first putt was within 2 feet of the hole until the wind gust blew the ball back down to where he putted. He then hit his next putt 10 feet past the hole – until a wind gust again blew his ball back to where he putted it from. He putted a third time to within 1 inch of the hole – ran to mark his ball – but a wind gust again blew his ball back to the bottom tier. Unbelievably he made this long putt on his fourth try. If that was me, “something” would have gone flying! Talk about frustration! In my opinion , course officials could’ve responded to this. Maybe adding water to the green to slow them down? Just my opinion, for what it’s worth!

All of the courses that I’ve played on the Iron Range this season are in great shape. For more information on golf on the Iron Range, click here.

If you’re planning a golf getaway on the Iron Range, let me know where you’re planning to play!

Great Golf, Dining and Entertainment on the Iron Range!

Published
by
Jeff
on June 2, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

Hello fellow golfers! The golf season is off to a great start on the Iron Range. The sun has been shining and the courses are in great condition.If you’re planning your golf getaway to northeastern Minnesota this year, don’t forget about the great dining and entertainment found right here on the Iron Range.

Some of the best places to grab a bite to eat (often right on the courses) include, in no particular order:

The Wilderness Bar & Grille at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay – Tower
Have lunch on the beautiful patio here and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of Northern Minnesota, along with a great view of The Wilderness Golf Course. With windows all around and a spectacular view of the course, you will be sure to have an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience. And, the menu is TOP NOTCH, too.

Michael’s on the Course - Virginia Golf Course
One of my favorite dishes here is the walleye. Try it breaded or broiled, to your taste. Another great option are the ribs. YUM! This popular dining venue sits atop the Virginia Golf Course.

The Whistling Bird – Gilbert
Now THIS restaurant is a little out-of-the-ordinary for northeastern Minnesota, but you won’t want to go home without making this dining adventure. Located on the main drag in Gilbert, this Jamaican themed restaurant has been visited my guests from all over the country. Try the Negril Grill Jerk Platter, offering a sampling of the tastiest Jamaican jerk chicken, pork tenderloin and shrimp found anywhere!

Alden’s – Biwabik
This mom & pop style café located on Biwabik’s main street is one of my favorites on the Iron Range. The burgers here are awesome. The menu offers a variety of toasted sandwiches to suit any taste. One of my favorites is the authentic gyro…..yum! Alden’s also offers an array of unique, homemade soups that do not disappoint.

Zimmy’s Bar & Grill – Hibbing
Zimmy’s is named after the Iron Range’s very own Bob Dylan. Located on Howard Street in Hibbing, Zimmy’s is loaded with Bob Dylan memorabilia and menu items named after a few Dylan Tunes. Try the Hwy 61 pizza…it’s unique and mmmmmm…..tasty!

The Wacootah Grille at Giants Ridge – Biwabik
Almost everything on this menu is spectacular! The burgers (paired with waffle fries) are my favorite. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try the cobb salad. If you’re around on a Friday evening, DO NOT miss the Friday Night walleye fish fry! It’s THE BEST in town, bar none.

La Cocina & Cantina – Virginia
Situated on Virginia’s Chestnut Street, La Cocina and Cantina features authentic Mexican cuisine in the perfect south of the border atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of entrees, appetizers and vegetarian selections. Plus, La Cocina is well known for their variety of high quality tequilas, making the best margaritas on the Iron Range.

Four Corners Café – Embarrass
Another mom and pop café located at the “Four Corners” in Embarrass. Everyone here comes for the burgers and potato wedges and plain ‘ol good home cooking. This is a great stop if you’re traveling from the Giants Ridge courses to Fortune Bay…just drive up Highway 135 north toward Embarrass.

Sammy’s Pizza – Hibbing
This family owned and operated Iron Range franchise has spread throughout Minnesota. One of my favorite pizzas is the Taco Pizza. Or, be sure to check out the pasta menu – the chicken fettuccine is scrumptious!

Adventures Restaurant – Virginia
You can’t miss this Iron Range dining hot spot on Highway 53 in Virginia. Like many Iron Range restaurants, my favorite here is the walleye sandwich! If you’re a little more “adventurous,” try a wild dish like Elk Steak Tuscany. This tender and naturally lean elk steak is grilled to your liking then smothered with sautéed onions and mushrooms and accompanied by house-made garlic smashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. Yum….I’m officially hungry now!

Many locales across the Iron Range offer great entertainment, as well. Check out the entertainment line-up on the Iron Range here. Fortune Bay Resort – Casino also has a great summer event schedule. Check it out here.

Let me know where and when you’re planning to play and be sure to check back for more info on golf on the Iron Range.

See you on the links!