Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 5-15-12

     Hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend! And what a beautiful weekend it was. Summer is here, so let’s play some golf. It looks like a great upcoming week to play and Blueberry Pines Golf Course is in fantastic shape. For more information about Blueberry Pines Golf Club, go to our website at blueberrypinesgolf.com or call the Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653).

     Group Golf Lessons start next week on Tuesday, May 22. If you are interested in starting the game of a lifetime, looking to improve your current golf game, or just looking to get outside and have fun with friends call our Golf Shop at (218)-564-4653 to sign up for our 1^st series of Community Ed Group Golf Lessons. This program is fun and informative at a very reasonable price. The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at either 5:30 or 6:30 and will last about 50 minutes. You will receive six lessons for the cost of $60. The group will meet twice a week for 3 weeks at your choice of starting times, either 5:30 pm or 6:30 pm. Growth of the game is hugely important right now and we invite you to become a part of the great game of golf.

     Our Grandest Event of the Season, the 10^th Annual Golf Benefit for St. Joseph’s Hospice & St. Joseph’s Scholarship Fund, scheduled for Wednesday, May 30^th, is quickly approaching. On course prizes and events galore including a Helicopter Ball Drop at 5:30 p.m. where someone will win $2,500.00 CASH! The Helicopter Ball Drop is a huge part of the fund-raising effort, only 1200 total tickets are sold. Ball Drop tickets are selling fast this year, so get your tickets now at the following locations: in Park Rapids at both Orton’s locations, Casey’s, Holiday, Headwaters CC or T&M Express, plus in Menahga at Blueberry Pines Golf Club, Orton’s BP, Shell, Cenex and Ted’s Hardware, in Nevis at T&M Express and in Walker at Orton’s. For more information, to sign up, or to contribute to this very special event please call the St. Joseph’s Communication/Development office at (218)-237-5711 or call Jim at Blueberry Pines Golf Shop at 564-4653.

     This past Saturday, May 12 we hosted the Dollars for Scholars Benefit Scramble. This is a great event which benefits local youth. A huge thank you for all the supporting sponsors who helped to make this year’s event a success! 1^st Place in this year’s tournament went to Jay Wallace of Austin, TX, Mark Peterson & Curt Peterson of Minneapolis and Larry Hertzog of Florida & Menahga firing the low score of the day an 11-under par 61. 2^nd Place went to Jay Baarstad of Menahga, Ken Sikorsky of Park Rapids, Dale Captain of Menahga, Connie Wadman of Menahga and Marnie Porter of Park Rapids and Kansas City scoring a 10-under par 60.

     Wednesday, May 9^th Men’s Night event was a 4-Man Scramble. 1^st Place went to the team of Ken Mackley, Lynn Seward, Mark Schik and Andy Williams firing a great score of 28. Winning a scorecard playoff for 2^nd Place was Gary Marjama, Todd Sanquist, Pat Foss and Jim Wallace shooting a 31. 3^rd Place went to Jerry Wisuri, Terry Ristinen, Kent Cease and Mike Carr carding a 31. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #1 went to Tim Bloomquist, closest to the pin from the tee on hole #8 went to Jerry Wisuri and the longest putt drained on hole #9 went to Lynn Seward. Dustin Berttunen is the new Men’s Night Money Leader. Special thanks this week goes out to Jimbo! This week’s Men’s Night event will be a 2-Man Low Net Best Ball and next week’s event is a Flighted Individual Low Gross and Low Net.

     Thursday, May 10^th Ladies Night event was a Scramble. 1^st Place went to the team of Mary Williams, Shirley Potter, Connie Wadman and Barb Thomason scoring a 1-under par 35. Winning a scorecard playoff for 2^nd Place was Amy Andersen, Dee Smith, Sandy Porter and Karen Weappa scoring an even par 36. 3^rd Place went to the team of Sue Fisher, Helen Keezer and Dianne Salmela also carding an even par 36. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #1 went to Dianne Salmela, closest to the pin from the tee on hole #8 was Marcia Weyland and the longest putt on hole #18 was sunk by Dee Smith. This week’s Ladies Night event will be a 2-Lady Net Best Ball and next week’s event will be Low Putts, plus Low Gross and Low Net. Ladies Nights begin with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day and everyone is always invited.

     Tip of the Week: Maintain your swing arc for more distance.

     One thing that helps you maintain a bigger swing arc is having a straight left arm throughout your backswing and downswing through impact (Right Handed Golfer). What bends your left arm during your backswing is your right arm bending to much. At the top of your backswing your right arm should be in a right angle, or bent 90 degrees. If it bends any further you cannot help but bend your left arm, which results in much less distance and erratic ball flight. Good Luck and Good Golfing! If you need more help with your golf game, please contact Jim or Andrew the PGA Golf Professionals here at Blueberry Pines Golf Club. Or call your local PGA Professional.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 5-8-12

     Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there! Great Mother’s Day Specials now offered in our golf shop with new equipment and new sports wear arriving daily. For more information go to our website at blueberrypinesgolf.com or call the Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653). Get Mom hooked on golf!

     Join us this Saturday, May 12 for the Dollars for Scholars 4-Person Scramble. An 11:00 shotgun start is planned. Join the fun this year as this tournament is always a fun event which benefits local youth. If you are not a golfer or cannot attend, please consider contributing to this great event. The entry fee of $60.00 includes your golf, cart, prizes, fun on-course events, including a $10,000 Hole-in-One, plus every golfer receives a Gift Bag for their participation. A fun format benefitting a great cause. For more information or to sign up, call Michelle at (218)-732-5099 or send her an email at mrkoch@menahga.k12.mn.us. Or you may also sign up by calling Blueberry Pines Golf Club at (218)-564-4653.

     Community Ed Group Golf Lessons start Tuesday, May 22. If you are interested in starting the game of a lifetime, looking to improve your current golf game, or just looking to get outside and have fun with friends call our Golf Shop at (218)-564-4653 to sign up for our 1^st series of Group Golf Lessons of the season. This program is fun and informative at a very reasonable price. The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at either 5:30 or 6:30 and will last about 50 minutes. You will receive six lessons for the cost of $60. The group will meet twice a week for 3 weeks at your choice of starting times, either 5:30 pm or 6:30 pm. Make this your year to play golf, get in shape or simply enjoy the company of family and friends.

     Our Grandest Event of the Season, the 10^th Annual Golf Benefit for St. Joseph’s Hospice & St. Joseph’s Scholarship Fund, scheduled for Wednesday, May 30^th, is quickly approaching. On course prizes and events galore including a Helicopter Ball Drop at 5:30 p.m. where someone will win $2,500.00 CASH! The Helicopter Ball Drop is a huge part of the fund-raising effort, only 1200 total tickets are sold. Ball Drop tickets are selling fast this year, so get your tickets now at the following locations: in Park Rapids at both Orton’s locations, Casey’s, Holiday, Headwaters CC or T&M Express, plus in Menahga at Blueberry Pines Golf Club, Orton’s BP, Shell, Cenex and Ted’s Hardware, in Nevis at T&M Express and in Walker at Orton’s. For more information, to sign up, or to contribute to this very special event please call the St. Joseph’s Communication/Development office at (218)-237-5711 or call Jim at Blueberry Pines Golf Shop at 564-4653.

     Wednesday, May 2^nd Men’s Night event was Flag Night plus Low Gross, Low Net. Long drive #10 went to Gary Marjama, closest to pin #10 went to Lynn Seward, closest to pin #11 went to Dale Catain, closest to 150 marker #12 was Craig Korvela, closest to pin #12 was Roger Zahn, closest to pin #13 was Mark Anderson, closest to pin #14 went to Doug Dufty, longest putt #15 went to Pat Foss, closest to Oak Tree #16 was Ron Husby, closest to pin #16 was Mike Erickson, long drive #18 went to Dustin Berttunen and longest putt #18 went to Lynn Seward. 1^st Place Low Gross was Ron Litzau with a 35! 1^st Place Low Net went to Mike Erickson with a 29! Great scores guys! Special thanks go out to Craig Korvela! Also, Special Thanks to all the guys partaking in our Play Golf Minnesota event, closest to the pin on hole #17, won by Adam Eshenko of Fargo, ND. We raised $330 for the Special Olympics! This week’s Men’s Night event will be a 4-Man Scramble and next week’s event is a 2-Man Low Net Best Ball.

     Thursday, May 3^rd Ladies Night event was Throw Out Your Worst 3 Holes. 1^st Place went to Karen Weappa firing a 6-hole net total of 22. 2^nd Place went to Janakaye Husby scoring a 23. 3^rd Place went to Bev Hepoksoki winning a scorecard playoff with a 24. 4^th Place went to Marsah Weyland who also carded a 24. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #10 went to Barb Thomason and the longest putt on hole #18 was made by Janakaye Husby. This week’s Ladies Night event will be a 4-Lady Scramble and next week’s event will be a 2-Lady Net Best Ball. Ladies Nights begin with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day and everyone is always invited to participate.

     Tip of the Week: Choose motion over mechanics.

     It’s all too easy for golfers looking to improve their swing mechanics to lose sight of the single most important factor, swinging the clubhead. You must swing the club freely through the ball. Fluid motion allows you to deliver the clubhead accurately and at a high rate of speed. This kind of motion can only come from relaxed muscles. Beware of anything mechanical that restricts your muscles. Try the Jason Dufner waggle. Good Luck and Good Golfing!!

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 5-1-12

     All this week is PLAY GOLF MINNESOTA WEEK at Blueberry Pines Golf Club! Get your sticks out and play some golf Minnesota! For more information go to our website at blueberrypinesgolf.com or call the Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653). Get Mom hooked on golf! Great Mother’s Day Specials now offered in our golf shop with new equipment and new apparel arriving daily.

     Our next upcoming event is the Dollars for Scholars 4-Person Scramble. An 11:00 shotgun start is planned for Saturday, May 12. Join the fun this year, as this tournament, is always a fun event which benefits local youth. So start putting your team together, and put the date for the Dollars for Scholars 4-Person Scramble on your calendar today. If you are not a golfer or cannot attend, please consider contributing to this great event. The entry fee of $60.00 includes your golf, cart, prizes, fun on-course events, including a $10,000 Hole-in-One plus every golfer receives a Gift Bag for their participation. This is a fun format and a great cause. For more information or to sign up, call Michelle at (218)-732-5099 or send her an email at mrkoch@menahga.k12.mn.us. Or you may also sign up by calling Blueberry Pines Golf Club at (218)-564-4653.

     Community Ed Group Golf Lessons start Tuesday, May 22. If you are interested in starting the game of a lifetime, looking to improve your current golf game, or just looking to get outside and have fun with friends call our Golf Shop at (218)-564-4653 to sign up for our 1^st series of Group Golf Lessons of the season. This program is fun and informative at a very reasonable price. The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at either 5:30 or 6:30 and will last about 50 minutes. You will receive six lessons for the cost of $60. The group will meet twice a week for 3 weeks at your choice of starting times, either 5:30 pm or 6:30 pm. Make this your year to play golf, get in shape or simply enjoy the company of family and friends.

     Wednesday, April 25^th Men’s Night event was Individual Low Gross and Low Net. Ken Mackley fired the best round of the night earning 1^st Place Low Gross honors after carding a 38. Yours truly finished in 2^nd Place Low Gross winning a scorecard playoff at 39. 3^rd Place Low Gross went to Dale Captain also firing a 39. And 4^th Place Low Gross went to Dustin Berttunen shooting a 40. 1^st Place Low Net went to Mark Schik carding a net 33. 2^nd Place went to Austin Pulju firing a net 35 and winning a scorecard playoff over the 3^rd Place winner Don Salmela who also scored a net 35. 4^th Place went to Lynn Seward coming in with an even par net round of 36. Special appreciation goes out to Tim Bloomquist. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #1 went to Don Salmela. Closest to the pin from the tee on hole #8 went to Jay Baarstad. The longest putt on hole # 9 was made by Bruce Kinnunen. Russ Weappa remains in the lead on the Men’s Night Money Leader list with Dustin Berttunen a very near 2^nd. This week’s Men’s Night event will be Flag Night and next week’s event will be a 4-Man Scramble. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30. The public is always welcome to participate in any Men’s Night event, we simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 pm the day of the event.

     Thursday, April 26^th Ladies Night event was Low Putts plus Individual Low Net. Three players tied for top honors in Low Putts with 16 putts each including Dianne Salmela, Bonnie Beilke and Karen Weappa. 1^st Place Low Net went to Karen Weappa firing a great net score of 29. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #9 was won by Joy Torvinen. This week’s Ladies Night event will be Throw Out Your Worst 3 Holes and next week’s event will be a 4-Lady Scramble. Ladies Nights begin with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day and we invite all you gals out there to participate.

     Tip of the Week: Pre-set your body for crisper chips.

     The key to chipping well is to pre-set your body in the correct impact position. The buttons on your shirt should be in line low point of your swing. The shaft should lean forward at address - the same angle you want at impact. Your center of gravity should remain on the target side of the ball, promoting a downward blow for crisp chips. Good Luck and Good Golfing!! If you need more help with your golf game, please contact Jim the PGA Golf Professional on staff here at Blueberry Pines or call your local PGA Professional. Andrew Martinson is now offering V1 Video Golf Instruction, you must check it out, it is easier to learn when you can visually see yourself swing.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 4-24-12

     All next week is PLAY GOLF MINNESOTA WEEK at Blueberry Pines Golf Club! We will be offering some cool specials all week long. Play Golf Minnesota Specials will be offered from Monday, April 30 through Sunday, May 6. Monday is Collegiate Day, wear your favorite Collegiate Colors and receive a special rate. Tuesday is Senior Day, anyone above the age of 62 receives a special rate. Wednesday is Charity Day, all golfers participating in a closest to the pin from the tee event, receive a special rate, with all proceeds going to the Special Olympics. Thursday is Wine and Women’s Day, all women receive a special rate, plus receive a complimentary glass of wine. Friday is Free Lesson Day, free 10 minute golf lessons offered all day Friday with a prior appointment. Saturday is Free Club Fitting Day, get professionally fitted for golf equipment free with a prior appointment. Sunday is Family Day, Kids Play Free with any paid accompanying adult. Pick your day, pick your special and Play Golf Minnesota! For more information or tee times, please call our Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653).

     Blueberry Pines hosted the first golf tournament of the year, our Spring 4-Person Scramble this past Sunday, April 22. The format offered a Championship Flight and a Handicap Flight. In the Championship Flight 1^st Place Low Gross went to a Minneapolis, MN team including Brad Roegiers, Bryan Patterson, Jessie Patterson and Dale Brainerd firing a 13-under par score of 59. 2^nd Place went to a Detroit Lakes, MN team including Dave Conzemius, Brooks Larson, Robert Schuler and Ryan Nietzke scoring a 10-under par 62. In the Handicap Flight 1^st Place Low Gross went to a Staples, MN team including Mark Waverek, Barney Miller, Mark Forsberg and Randy Wilson carding a 14-under par total of 58. 1^st Place Low Net went to local total including Austin Pulju, Ken Mackley, Tim Bloomquist and Ron Litzau carding a net 49.6. Congrats go out to Tim Bloomquist for holing his 60 degree wedge from 80 yards out on Hole #10 giving his team an eagle 2 on the par four.

     Wednesday, April 18^th Men’s Night event was Low Putts, plus Individual Low Gross and Low Net. Russ Weappa proved to be the man, wielding the most impressive flat stick, winning 1^st Place Low Putts with just 12 Putts. 2^nd Place went to Bruce Kinnunen, finishing just one back with only 13 putts. 1^st Place Low Gross was won by Justin Day firing a great score of 38. 1^st Place Low Net went to Dustin Berttunen scoring a 6-under par net 30. Special thanks go out to Austin Pulju. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #10 went to Mike Erickson. Closest to the pin from the tee on hole #17 went to Doug Dufty. Russ Weappa’s 1^st Place finish vaults him into the lead on the Men’s Night Money Leader list. This week’s Men’s Night event will be Individual Low Gross and Low Net and next week’s event will be Flag Night. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30. The public is always welcome to participate in any Men’s Night event, we simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 pm the day of the event.

     Thursday nights have been a little chilly, which has made Ladies Night a little tough to get started this year. The weather this week looks to be a little bit nicer, so join the gals for a fun event, a 4-Person Scramble this Thursday, April 26. Next weeks event will be Low Putts. Ladies Nights begin with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day. Plus we invite all you gals out there to participate.

     Tip of the Week: Stretch to maintain your spine angle.

     This exercise, performed by Chinese phenom Mu Hu, will improve your posture and help maintain your spine angle. Turn back and through, mocking your golf swing, with your arms extended while holding a golf club behind you with one hand on each end. This will give you the feeling of rotating your chest while keeping your shoulders wide. This may help you gain distance also. Good Luck and Good Golfing!! If you need more help with your golf game, please contact Jim the PGA Golf Professional on staff here at Blueberry Pines or call your local PGA Professional. p.s. Andrew Martinson is now offering V1 Video Golf Instruction at Blueberry Pines Golf Club and it is really cool! You must check it out for yourself!

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 4-18-12
 

     It looks like this week is bringing some badly needed moisture, remember April showers bring May flowers! From Sunday through Monday morning we received an inch and three quarters of rain and I would guess two to three inches of snow. However much we as golfers hate to see rain, and even more so, snow, this moisture is the exact TLC the Doctor has ordered for the golf course. Now the growth season can begin and we will soon be enjoying the sweet sights of Spring!

     I don’t know about all you out there, but I just cannot stop thinking about the shot Bubba Watson hit on the 2^nd playoff hole in the Masters. Wow, just to hit a 52 degree wedge 155 yards is awesome, but to hook it 40 yards in the air and to land it in about a 10 foot circle is crazy! Plus hitting it off pine straw, absolutely incredible!

     This is your last chance to take advantage of our crazy good April Spring rates this week and next, as the rates will increase slightly as of May 1^st. Right now 18 holes walking is just $25 and 18 Holes riding is $40 for one to three players and $35 for 4 or more players. Plus 9 Holes walking is $15 and 9 Holes riding is $25.

     Blueberry Pines first golf tournament of the year, our Spring 4-Person Scramble is scheduled for this Sunday, April 22. A 12:00 shotgun start is planned. Get your team together for this fun format which will offer a Championship Flight and a Handicap Flight. The Championship Flight will play the Blue Tees and use Gross scores only and the Handicap Flight will be Gross and Net scoring with the net handicap being figured by 20% of the teams total handicap. This format gives everyone a chance to win. The entry fee is $60 per player for non-members and $50 per player for members, which includes your golf, cart, prizes and a meal following play. Get your team together and sign up today by calling the Blueberry Pines Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653).

     Wednesday, April 11^th Men’s Night event was Throw Out Your Worst 3 Holes using 30% of each players individual handicap. The event finished in a 3-way tie being determined by blind draw. 1^st Place went to Craig Korvela firing a 6-hole total of 20. 2^nd Place went to Russ Weappa who also carded a 20. 3^rd Place went to Jim Carlson also scoring a 20. 4^th Place went to Dustin Bettunen finishing with a 21 and winning a blind draw over the 5^th Place winner Ken Mackley who also fired a 21. Closest to the pin from the tee on hole #17 went to Tim Pederson. The longest putt made on hole #18 went to Lyle Heldt. Kent Cease has moved into the lead on the Men’s Night Money Leader list after a 1^st Place finish last week. This week’s Men’s Night event will be Low Putts and next week’s event will be Individual Low Gross and Low Net. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30. Public is always welcome to participate, we simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 pm the day of the event.

     Some of the ladies golfed this past Thursday, April 12^th, but chose to not do an event. The scheduled event for this Thursday, April 19 will be Guess Your Score and next weeks event will be Throw Out Your Worst Three Holes. Ladies Night begins with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day. Plus we invite all you gals out there to participate.

     Tip of the Week: Topspin your ball for better putting.

     A big key to better putting is creating more topspin on the ball. There are three key things that will help you create more topspin including: 1. Create a negative loft on your putter by forward pressing your hands at address, meaning you should not be able to look down and see the face of your putter, every putter has 4 degrees of loft; 2. Accelerate through the ball, suggestion would be to shorten your backswing, which should in turn help you accelerate on your follow through, most important is to never decelerate your follow through; 3. Have a good follow through, to me, a good follow through means getting your left hand, past your left leg for a right-handed golfer, an example is, if the left side of your body was up against a wall, the back of your left hand should hit the wall before your putter head hits the wall. Good Luck and Good Golfing!! If you need more help with your golf game, please contact Jim the PGA Golf Professional on staff here at Blueberry Pines or call your local PGA Professional. P.S. Andrew Martinson is now offering V1 Video Golf Instruction at Blueberry Pines Golf Club and it is really cool! You must check it out for yourself!

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 4-9-12

     As I am writing this article, this early Monday morning, I am gazing out the window seeing some snowflakes and looking at the temperature gage and seeing a wind chill in the teens. Brrrrrrr! This spring has been so nice, this seasonal weather feels a little bit chilly. Still, the forecast for the balance of this week looks pretty good.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! And wow, what a great finish in the Masters! The entire tournament was fantastic, from the see-sawing leaderboard. To seeing the pressure affecting even the worlds best players. To seeing an old favorite Freddy Couples on top of the leaderboard. To seeing a very rare double eagle, a 2 on a par 5, scored on the 2^nd hole in the final round. To the final day, finishing the 72^nd hole in a tie. And finally finishing the 2012 Masters with the emotion displayed by a very deserving winner Bubba Watson. What a great start to the golf year!

     Plus I have a great story from right here at home this week. A perfect shot was made at Blueberry Pines Golf Club this past Wednesday, April 4^th. Katie Kristofferson made a Hole-in-One, hitting a perfect shot that landed on the green, bounced twice, and rolled directly into the center of the cup. Katie used a pitching wedge to score a one on the 115 yard 14^th Hole here at Blueberry Pines! Katie is on the Park Rapids Panther Golf Team and is a Member of Blueberry Pines Golf Club. Katie works very hard on her game and is very deserving of one of golfs most sought after awards! Congratulations Katie and have a Great Golf year! Keep hitting it at the hole!

     Blueberry Pines first golf tournament of the year, our Spring 4-Person Scramble is scheduled for Sunday, April 22. A 12:00 shotgun start is planned. Get your team together for this fun format which will offer a Championship Flight and a Handicap Flight. The Championship Flight will play the Blue Tees and use Gross scores only and the Handicap Flight will be Gross and Net scoring with the net handicap being figured by 20% of the teams total handicap. This format gives everyone a chance to win. The entry fee is $60 per player for non-members and $50 per player for members, which includes your golf, cart, prizes and a meal following play. Get your team together and sign up today by calling the Blueberry Pines Golf Shop at (218)-564-GOLF (4653).

     Wednesday, April 4^th Men’s Night event was Guess Your Score. Two players guessed their score right on the nose including Kent Cease and Mark Schik. Blind draw determined Kent Cease the winner after guessing a 40 and shooting a 40. Mark Schik finished in 2^nd Place guessing a 46 and scoring a 46. 3^rd Place went to Dustin Berttunen guessing a 45 and carding a 44, missing by just one and winning the blind draw over Don Dearstyne, also missing his score by just one shot after guessing a 44 and firing a 43. Kent Cease has moved into the lead on the Men’s Night Money Leader list after his 1^st Place finish. Closest to the pin from off the green on hole #1 went to Ken Mackley and the longest putt made on hole #9 went to Don Dearstyne. This week’s Men’s Night event will be Throw Out Your Worst 3 Holes and next week’s event will be Low Putts. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30. Public is welcome to participate, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 pm.

     Some of the ladies golfed this past Thursday, April 5^th, but chose to not do an event. The scheduled event for this Thursday, April 12 will be Guess Your Score and next weeks event is Throw Out Your Worst Three Holes. Ladies Night begins with a shotgun start at 5:30, we ask that you sign up by 3:00 that day. Plus we invite everyone to participate.

     Tip of the Week: OK we got the basics, a good grip, a good stance, a good setup and good alignment, then we moved on to the swing path or plane. Now let’s get it all in good rhythm. Good balance, tempo and timing are vital to playing good golf. Stay cool-headed and maintain good tempo and you will play better golf. Good Luck and Good Golfing! If you need more help with your golf game, please talk to your local PGA Professional or talk to one of the PGA Professionals on staff here at Blueberry Pines Golf Club. Either myself or Andrew Martinson would, at any time, be happy to help you improve your golf game and play better golf.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 4-2-12

     Easter weekend is upon us, we wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday Weekend! And this is also Masters week, what a great time of year! The Masters is definitely one of the best golf events of the season and it also signifies the start of summer! We are already off to a great start of summer, which extends our golfing season. The golf course is in great shape, although it is thirsting for moisture. The lack of snowfall this past winter and the fact that we did not get the rain that was expected this past weekend, leaves us little choice but to turn on our irrigation system, which will be the earliest start-up date ever. Current temperatures continue to remain above normal, so take advantage of the great golf weather, get your clubs out and play some golf. Or think about joining as a member. Membership at Blueberry Pines Golf Club does have its benefits. To check out all our Membership options and Membership benefits call us today at (218)-564-GOLF (4653) or go online at blueberrypinesgolf.com.

     We have some very exciting plans for this upcoming season, including a big surprise coming soon that we think you will all be quite happy about. We also feel that this change will be quite fitting for our name, for our building and for our entire community. But for now, you’ll have to watch the ads in this newspaper, where all the details will be coming soon.

     We are currently offering some great spring rates through April as follows. 18 Holes walking is $25.00 per player; 18 Holes riding for one to three players is $40.00 each, and if you have four or more players 18 Holes riding is just $35 each. Take advantage of these special rates by getting your 4-some back together and booking your tee times today.

     We will be email blasting our Annual Master’s Trivia Quiz on Wednesday, April 4^th and we invite you all to participate. Two lucky winners will receive a Round of Golf with Cart for 2. If you do not receive our Master Trivia Quiz by email and would like to participate please call us at (218)-564-GOLF (4653) or send us an email at bbpgolf@wcta.net. Test your knowledge, join the quiz and enjoy the Masters!

     Wednesday, March 28 Men’s Night event was a 3-Man Scramble. 1^st Place went to the team of Ron Litzau, Mark Anderson and Austin Pulju firing a 4-under par round of 32. 2^nd Place went to Jay Baarstad, Pat Foss and Craig Korvela carding a 2-under par 34. Closest to the pin from off the green on Hole #1 went to Russ Weappa. The longest putt on Hole #9 went to Craig Korvela. This week’s Men’s Night event will be Guess Your Score and next week’s event will be Throw Out Your Worst 3 Holes. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30.

     Join us on Thursday, April 5 for our first Ladies Night event of the season. The start of the year event will be a 4-Person Scramble beginning with a shotgun start at 5:30, next week’s event will be Guess Your Score.

     Everyone is always invited to sign up and participate for both our Men’s and Ladies Night activities. We simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 the day of the event to help us arrange pairings. Non-Members are invited, encouraged and welcome to participate. The fee for Non-Members throughout the season will be $12 for your green fee and $8 for your optional cart fee. On Men’s night we charge an $8 event fee and on Ladies Night we charge a $5 event fee, with the event fee being paid back to the players 100%. Play golf at the area’s finest golf facility, meet new people and have an opportunity to win. The majority of our events utilize handicaps which are based off the scores you shoot on Mens or Ladies Night. So, realistically, you are mainly competing against your own average score or handicap. Join us this season for Men’s and Ladies Night activities to meet new people, enjoy great comradery, experience fabulous golf and participate in a great, healthy social activity.

     Tip of the Week: Last week’s tip was to stick to the basics, a good grip, good posture-stance-setup and good alignment. Once we get the basics, a good sound foundation, we can begin to work on the swing. Begin with your swing path and swing plane. A great place to start. We would love to see you play better golf in 2012! Good Luck and Good Golfing. If you need more help with your golf game, please talk to your local PGA Professional or talk to one of the PGA Professionals on staff here at Blueberry Pines Golf Club. Either myself or Andrew Martinson would, at any time, be happy to help you improve your golf game and play better golf.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 3-27-12

     The golf course has come through winter in fantastic shape! With the recent warm temperatures, the grass has really started to green up the past few days and is quickly beginning to grow. Our greens are currently being manicured on a regular basis, and all of the ice and snow from winter has disappeared. This must mean it’s Golf Season! And it’s still only March. What a great start to this 2012 season! The temps are a little more seasonal this week, but still above normal, and this upcoming weekend is beginning to look like the start of another warming trend. Bring it on! Take advantage of this great start and extended season by becoming a Member of Blueberry Pines Golf Club. For more information please call us at (218)-564-4653 or go online at blueberrypinesgolf.com.

     We are currently offering some great spring rates through April as follows. 18 Holes walking is $25.00 per player; 18 Holes riding for one to three players is $40.00 each, and if you have four or more players 18 Holes riding is just $35 each. Take advantage of these special rates by getting your 4-some back together and booking your tee times today.

     On Wednesday, March 21 we hosted our first Men’s Night event. 16 players competed in the early season 2-Man Blind Partner Low Net Total event. Returning to where he left off last season, was Tim Bloomquist, the 2011 Men’s Night Money Leader, finishing in 1^st Place in this first event of the season. Tim teamed up with partner Kent Cease as they blitzed the field with a great low net combined score of 63. Finishing in 2^nd Place was the team of Mark Schik and Russ Weappa scoring a 66 and winning a scorecard playoff over the 3^rd Place team including Ken Mackley and Mike Carr, who also shot a pretty good net total of 66. Closest to the pin from off the green on Hole #1 was Ken Mackley, who holed out his chip from about 40-50 feet out. The longest putt on Hole #9 went to Mark Anderson. This week’s Men’s Night event will be a 3-Man Scramble and next week’s event will be Guess Your Score. Men’s Night events shotgun start at 5:30.

     Currently, our first planned Ladies Night event of the season will Thursday, April 5. The start of the year event will be a 4-Person Scramble beginning with a shotgun start at 5:30.

     Everyone is always invited to sign up and participate for both our Men’s and Ladies Night activities. We simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 the day of the event to help us arrange pairings. Non-Members are invited, encouraged and welcome to participate. The fee for Non-Members throughout the season will be $12 for your green fee and $8 for your optional cart fee. On Men’s night we charge an $8 event fee and on Ladies Night we charge a $5 event fee, with the event fee being paid back to the players 100%. Play golf at the area’s finest golf facility, meet new people and have an opportunity to win. The majority of our events utilize handicaps which are based off the scores you shoot on Mens or Ladies Night. So, realistically, you are mainly competing against your own average score or handicap. Join us this season for Men’s and Ladies Night activities to meet new people, enjoy great comradery, experience fabulous golf and participate in a great, healthy social activity.

     Tip of the Week: Your first few times out can be difficult, finding your correct ball position, etc. Stick to the basics, really pay attention to your grip, your setup or stance and your alignment. Spring is a great time to correct your prior faults. We would love to see you play better golf in 2012! Good Luck and Good Golfing. If you need more help with your golf game, please talk to your local PGA Professional or talk to one of the PGA Professionals on staff here at Blueberry Pines Golf Club. Either myself or Andrew Martinson would, at any time, be happy to help you improve your golf game.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 3-19-12

     Our earliest opening date ever! Blueberry Pines Golf Course opened for the season at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 14^th. And what a great start it was, players from as far away as Saskatchewan, Canada traveled to Blueberry Pines to play golf and enjoy the fantastic June weather in March. This is such a great bonus and a fantastic way to start the 2012 season. I hope you all had the chance to get outside and enjoy the weather, plus I hope we see you all out golfing at Blueberry Pines Golf Club very soon. The current forecast still looks quite nice for this upcoming week and for the near future. So take advantage of this wonderful start and call us today for a tee time, green fee or membership information at (800)-652-4940 or (218)-564-4653.

     We proudly hosted the St. Urho Kolf Tournament on our driving range this past Saturday, March 17. The tournament is normally played on Spirit Lake in Menahga, but due to the warm early spring weather, the event had to be moved off the lake for obvious reasons. Several Kolfers participated in this St. Urho Day event.

     Congratulations go out to Jake Lund for firing a Hole-in-One on Blueberry Pines 17^th Hole on Saturday, March 17 during our first opening weekend of golf. Jake used his 52 degree wedge to make the 135 yard shot of a lifetime. After hitting his shot, his group roared a little, as they were unable to tell if it actually went into the hole or not. But, after getting to the green and peering into the hole, the entire group erupted, so loud, it could be heard all the way across the golf course. Way to go Jake!

     This early start makes Membership at Blueberry Pines Golf Club an even better value. This beautiful early season golfing weather, will make for a much longer golfing season this year. Please stop out, call or go online at blueberrypinesgolf.com to check out all of the great Membership options for joining the area’s best Golf Course and Club, Blueberry Pines Golf Club.

     We are currently offering some great spring rates through March as follows. 18 Holes walking is $25.00 per player; 18 Holes riding for one to three players is $40.00 each, and if you have four or more players 18 Holes riding is just $35 each. Take advantage of these special rates by getting your 4-some back together and booking your tee times today.

This Wednesday and Thursday, our plans are to kick off the Men’s and Ladies Night Golf Leagues. The start of the season events will shotgun start at 5:30 pm. The Men’s Night event will be a 2-Man Blind Partner Low Net Total event and the Ladies Night event will be a 3-Lady Scramble. Everyone is always invited to sign up and participate. We simply ask that you sign up by 3:00 the day of the event to help us arrange pairings. Non-Members are invited and encouraged to participate. The fee for Non-Members throughout the season will be $12 for your green fee, $8 for your optional cart fee and $8 for an event fee, with the event fee being a 100% payback. Play golf at the area’s finest golf facility, meet new people and have an opportunity to win. The majority of our events utilize handicaps which are based off the scores you shoot on Mens or Ladies Night. So, realistically, you are mainly competing against your own average score or handicap. Join us this season for Men’s and Ladies Night activities to meet new people, enjoy great comradery, experience fabulous golf and participate in a great, healthy social activity.

     Tip of the Week: Generally, my first tip of the season, is to take it slow, do some stretching, maybe start by hitting some balls on the range, or by playing just 9 holes. And this year it’s no different, start slow, don’t over do it. Your muscles and general health will be glad you did. After all, we want to see you out here all season enjoying our course, your game and your friends. Let’s make 2012 the best year ever! Good Luck and Good Golfing. If you need more help with your golf game, please talk to your local PGA Professional or one of the PGA Professionals here at Blueberry Pines, myself or Andrew Martinson would, at any time, be happy to help you play better golf.

Blueberry Notes by Jim Carlson - 3-13-12

     Wow, what a fantastic Spring! I am writing this abbreviated Blueberry notes article to serve as a short and oh so sweet version of what we all want to hear - GOLF COURSE OPEN. Blueberry Pines Golf Course is planning to open the Golf Course Thursday, March 15^th. The earliest opening date ever! The short-term forecast looks fantastic, so get ready, to get out, and play some golf, right here in Menahga, Minnesota. Call the Blueberry Pines Golf Shop at (800)-652-4940 or (218)-564-4653 for more information. As I am writing this article, Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 pm, there is at this point, still an outside chance for us opening sometime Wednesday afternoon. Again, please call as conditions are changing drastically each day. Currently we are booking times for Thursday and beyond. Hip-Hip-Hurray Golf Course Open!

     We will be offering reduced spring rates through March as follows. 18 Holes walking is $25.00 per player; 18 Holes riding for one to three players is $40.00 each, and if you have four or more players 18 Holes riding is just $35 each. Take advantage of these special rates by getting your 4-some back together and booking your tee times today.

     This early start makes becoming a member of Blueberry Pines Golf Club an even a sweeter deal. Stop by, call or check out all of our Membership options online for more information at blueberrypinesgolf.com.

     Tip of the Week: This is March in Minnesota, you never know what is ahead, as far as the weather goes, so my tip this week is to get out and take advantage of these crazy June type temperatures. Then, let’s all look forward to a wonderful 2012 Golfing Season!