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There’s still time for a golf getaway!

Fall is the perfect season for a golf getaway.  We’ve had an exceptionally warm September here on the Iron Range, but it looks like we’re going to head back to more seasonable temps as the month of September comes to a close.

So, before the snow starts to fly, I just wanted to let you all know that many of the courses within the Iron Range region are offering some fantastic fall golf packages.  Here are a couple that I came across online today (if there are more out there, please feel free to let me know):

The Legend and The Quarry at Giants Ridge
Fall Golf Special
Play Monday thru Thursday, September 7-closing FOR ONLY $52!  Book your tee times and play at The Legend or The Quarry.  (Remember to register in the Giants Ridge Golf Shop upon check-in for complimentary Troon Rewards Program to be eligible for this special rate. )

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
End of Season Play and Stay Special
October 1st - 11th
One nights lodging and one round for $78.86 per person
Golf Rate: $45 - Standard Room Rate: $67.73 based on double occupancy

Iron Range Golf Course Directory

Headed to the Iron Range for Memorial Day weekend? Don’t forget to grab your clubs! For any of you who may be on your way “north”, I thought I’d put together a list of the courses in the area, along with phone numbers, links, etc.

Be sure to call ‘em up now and check tee time availability for the long weekend!
Eveleth Municipal Golf Course
218-744-7558

Hibbing Municipal Golf Course
218-263-4720

Hoyt Lakes Golf Course
218-225-2841

Mesaba Country Club
218-262-2851

The Legend at Giants Ridge

800-688-7669

The Quarry at Giants Ridge
800-688-7669

Virginia Golf Course
218-748-7530

Wolfridge Golf Course
877-666-0218

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
800-992-4680

Iron Range courses open for play! Unbelievable golf at a believable price!

Golf courses on the Iron Range are FINALLY opening up! In fact, I played at Virginia yesterday.

So far, courses in Eveleth and Virginia are open.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay opens on Friday, May 1.   Check out this great Spring Play & Stay special at The Wilderness.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge opens Sunday, May 3. There’s one heck of a special for those who play May 3-6 & another discount offer for those who choose to register for the Troon Rewards program. The opening date of The Legend at Giants Ridge is still to be determined.  They’re hoping to open it as soon a possible, but no “set-in-stone” date quite yet.

Wolfridge
golf course, north of Virginia is expected to open Friday, May 1, as well.

Be sure to check back for my take on “The Greatest Holes of Golf on the Iron Range.”  I’m working on the project now and hope to have it out within the next couple of weeks!

My favorite reasons why the Iron Range is a recession-proof golf getaway

It’s been a while since I’ve had some time to sit down and blog.

Even though I work at Giants Ridge and we still have A LOT of snow (the slopes and trails are in fine shape, I might add),  in all honesty, I’m so ready for spring and summer!  I cannot get the thought of a beautiful spring or summer day out of my head.  I long to be on the links soon!

With that in mind (and in light of the current economic crisis facing this great nation), I came up with some undeniable reasons why the Iron Range is the perfect location for your golf getaway this summer.  Rather than heading to the trendy, upscale courses down south (and having to pay out your nose), save your money now for an unforgettable (not to mention, affordable) golf vacation here in northeastern Minnesota.  Trust me, the Iron Range has THE best deals in golf.

Less travel time = more play time!
The Iron Range is a short three hour drive from the Mpls/St. Paul metro area.   Four-lane highway leads to the Iron Range, making travel time minimal and more time for golf.

Numerous, accessible courses

One could fill an entire week with golf alone, here on the Iron Range.  From world-class championship courses like The Legend and The Quarry at Giants Ridge and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay to pristine municipal courses, the Iron Range is one of Minnesota’s hottest places to play golf.   (Plus, each of the courses are within driving distance of each other, making the Iron Range a convenient golf getaway.)

More golf for your dollar
Though the Iron Range is home to some of the most extraordinary golf in the state (heck, even the United States), that doesn’t mean the green fees are far-fetched, too.  Here, you’ll find the absolute best deals in golf.  Take advantage of pre and post-season specials offered at several Iron Range golf courses.  No matter what time of season you choose to play, you’ll get more golf for your money here.

Abundant, affordable lodging
With dozens of comfortable and convenient accommodations to choose from, many of the lodging properties across the Iron Range offer Play & Stay packages for golfers (and other specials) throughout the season.  Several also provide direct access to the courses found here.

Recreation options galore
If you’re looking for something to do after a day on the links, you’ve found the perfect destination. Guests have enjoyed the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation activities on the Iron Range for years.  From fishing and hunting to canoeing, kayaking, hiking or biking, it’s all right here.

Leave your worries behind
Once you’re here, your worries disappear. Many who have vacationed here on the Iron Range say that it’s a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world.  Prepare to kick back, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty and splendor of the Iron Range.  You’ll hear the sounds of rushing streams, the call of loons and wildlife (as opposed to traffic) and the only worry you’ll have is where you’re going to play your next round.

Free Golf
And, the #1 reason the Iron Range makes a recession proof golf getaway…..you can register to win a golf getaway at Giants Ridge here, complete with four rounds of golf and a two night stay at The Lodge at Giants Ridge.  It doesn’t get much more recession-proof than that!

Iron Range Golf Giveaway!

So, I’ll let the cat outta the hat a little early, here’s the giveaway I’m talking about.

Register for your FREE Iron Range Golf Getaway!

The lucky winner receives four (4) rounds of golf from Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort and a two (2) night’s stay at the Lodge at Giants Ridge.  Drawing will be held Friday, May 1, 2009.

Be sure to tell your friends and family!

Here’s a link to a video I made with some of my friends which will show you why the Iron Range is MY FAVORITE GOLF GETAWAY.

FREE GOLF GETAWAY GIVEAWAY

Here’s the link to register to win a FREE Golf Getaway on the Iron Range.

Think Golf - on the Iron Range!

I’ve got one heck of a giveaway up my sleeve for a great golf vacation (golf and lodging) on the Iron Range.  Be sure to check my blog tomorrow for details.

Trust me…it’s pretty sweet.

Now taking tee times for ‘09!


Book 2009 Tee Times at The Wilderness!Fall has arrived at The Wilderness with the last day of the season on Sunday, October 12th. You can start planning your 2009 outing soon! Tee times will open to the public Monday November 3, 2008. Winter business hours will be Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.  - 4:30 p.m.

Have a great winter and we look forward to seeing you in 2009!

Tom Beaudry
General Manager
The Wilderness

Great Golf Specials on the Iron Range!

Fabulous Fall Golf on the Iron Range - Eveleth Municipal golf course

Experience fall in all its glory on the Iron Range.

See fall color like this on the Iron Range!

As summer winds down, several of the premier courses on the Iron Range are offering great specials.

Unlimited Golf & Lunch in August

Unlimited Golf with Lunch. $125 per person plus tax. Monday through Thursday during the month of August. Valid on either The Quarry or The Legend. Tee times required. Call 800-688-7669 (select option 1) to make your tee time.

Golf & Dinner for Two - Sundays in August
Nine holes of golf at The Quarry or The Legend and dinner for two at The Wacootah Grille every Sunday in August after 2 p.m. $72 per couple plus tax. Tee times required. Call 800-688-7669, (select option 1) to make your tee time.

The Lodge at Giants Ridge is offering a terrific midweek special for the month of August.

Stay two nights and receive the third night free.
(Based on availability, Sunday through Thursday. Not valid with any other specials or coupons.)


FALL GOLF

There’s no better time to take advantage of the crisp, clean fresh air of northeastern Minnesota than in fall. Many of the local courses offer post-season rates or fall golf specials during this time of year.

Book your tee times today and play either The Quarry or The Legend at Giants Ridge September 15, 2008, through closing for only $62! Lodging properties located at Giants Ridge are also offering fantastic fall golf rates, too:

The Lodge at Giants Ridge
25% OFF any condominium when you mention fall golf.
(New reservations only.)

Call 877-442-6877 or 218-865-7170
or visit: lodgeatgiantsridge.com

Villas at Giants Ridge
Mention this offer and receive 25% OFF your lodging.
(New reservations only.)

Call 800-843-7434 or 218-865-4155
or visit: villasatgiantsridge.com

Several other Iron Range courses offer terrific post season rates and fall golf specials. Be sure to check each of their respective web sites for up-to-date specials.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay has some great summer golf specials, too.

Does the price of gasoline have your golf game on “E”?
When you purchase $25 of gasoline or more from the Y Store (located near Fortune Bay at the intersection of Hwy 53         and County Road 77), receive $10 off your greens fee at The Wilderness!

Present the receipt of your gasoline purchase on the same day that you play. $10 discount good on rounds of regular     summer rate green fees. One coupon per customer, no exceptions.

OR,

    Free Green for Greens Fee!
When you golf at The Wilderness, receive a coupon good for: $10 BlackJack Matchplay or $10 Fortune Play!

Redeem at Casino Guest Services. Management reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at anytime.
One coupon per person. Must be a Wild Edge Member to redeem!

If you’ve played golf in the fall at any of the golf courses on the Iron Range, I want to hear about it.

I’m working on a list of the most scenic holes to view fall colors here on the Range. Be sure to check back in a couple of days!

Great Time at U.S. Women’s Open

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

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)…