Whitefish renovates four greens for more visual appeal

The Whitefish Golf Club will have a new look beginning Wednesday.

Whitefish reopened four greens on its front nine after a year-long renovation project. These four greens were the last remaining greens of the original golf club founded in 1968. The greens were updated to be more visually appealing and more challenging. The renovation includes a new pond, renovation of some bunkers and improved greens design. The renovation project was designed by Mark Mitchell, an Earth Partnership designer in Minneapolis.

"One thing Whitefish has always been known for is continual improvement to the golf course," said Steve Bengtson, Whitefish Golf Club general manager. "We are always striving to improve the golf course and make a better golfing experience for the player.

"We strive not only to be a good golfing value but also a quality golfing experience that everyone can enjoy," he said.

Whitefish was recently identified as one of the 201 public access courses to play in North America in the "Places to Play" issue by Golf Digest, Bengtson said.

"The completed renovation project will add to the golfer's experience and our national standing as one of the best public golf courses in America," he said.

LF golfers Kluver, Martin qualify

EDINA -- A.J. Kluver and Paul Martin, both of Little Falls, earned trips to the State Amateur Championship July 17-19 at Bearpath Golf and Country Club in Eden Prairie following their performances in the MGA Amateur Championship June 29 at Little Falls Country Club.

Kluver was medalist with a 1-under par round of 71 at the 6,037-yard (par 72) public course in Little Falls.

Brady Swedberg of Alexandria Country Club and Martin claimed the last two qualifying spots after a 3-hole playoff. They were among a group of four players who tied at 74.

The final qualifying round wraps up Friday at Austin Country Club.

MGA Amateur Championship Qualifying

June 29, Little Falls Country Club

Par 72, 6,037 yards

Qualifiers

A.J. Kluver, Little Falls CC 71

Garrett Isaacson, Pebble Creek GC 72

Greg Jamieson, Columbia GC 72

Matt Gordon, Detroit CC 73

Dave Bonk, Mendakota CC 73

Brady Swedberg, Alexandria CC 74

Paul Martin, Little Falls CC 74

Alternates

Mike Pietrowski, Monticello CC 74

Pat Tuel, Pebble Lake GC 74

Hole-in-one

Jim Owens of Savage used a 4 iron on the 180-yard eighth hole at the Preserve at Grand View Lodge to record a hole-in-one June 26.

Vintage wins again

The Vintage again was victorious in the girls' MGA junior program, winning at Cuyuna Country Club by 14 strokes on June 26.

Dana Hasselberg fired a 78 to lead the Vintage. Melanie Wilson and Mary Hasselberg shot 95s and Alicia Forsberg had a 106.

On the boys' side Pine Meadows at Brainerd ruled the fairways, shooting a 224. Ben House shot a 72 to lead his team. Joe Morgan fired a 74, Jim Bender and Nick Dahl shot 78s, and Jonathan Larsen an 82.

Team scores -- Girls: Vintage 173, Ruttger's 187, Pine Meadows inc. Pine Ridge inc.

Boys: Pine Meadows 224, Vintage 270, Pine Ridge 291, Ruttger's 325, Cuyuna inc.

Cuyuna results -- B-Tom Paulbeck 94

Pine Meadows results -- G-Lisa Renneke 95, B- Ben House 72, Joe Morgan 74, Jim Bender 78, Nick Dahl 78, Jonathan Larsen 82

Pine Ridge results -- Bean Pilgrim 93, Travis Grossman 94, Derek Orth 104, Dustin Greenwaldt 112, Brandon Meirs 142, G-Rachel Sauer 114

Ruttger's results -- B-Jake Schaefer 106, Mike Simmonds 109, Joe Bauer 110, G-Liz Meschke 91, Sam Welle 96, Valerie Meschke 116, Becca Gaviglio 117

Vintage results -- B-Josh Grossman 80, Cory Wilson 92, Nick Doll 98, G-Dana Hasselberg 78, Melanie Wilson 95, Mary Hasselberg 95, Alicia Forsberg 106