Golf Season Is Near

     Now that the calender is changing to March, everyone- including me- is getting excited about another season of golf! This time last year we were already out on the course enjoying "bonus golf". (That's what I like to call it when we are fortunate enough to be able to golf from November through March). But, as you can see when you look outside, there is a lot of snow on the ground after the last snow we had. At this point, factoring in the long range forecast, the frost line in the soil, and the fact that our rental carts aren't quite ready to go for the season, it looks like we won't be opening the course until the last week of March at the absolute earliest. Even though the snow will be gone long before then, and we will most likely have temps in the 50's or 60's, the ground is going to be very saturated for some time. Plain and simple, we need the ground temp to warm up so that it can soak in this moisture, and ground temps typically don't start changing until late March.
     So please, be patient and we will get you out there just as soon as we can! Thanks.

Ben Meyer

Looking Ahead to the Summer of 2013

Last summer, we experimented with advertising, trying some golf specials and a few other things. One thing we found out was this: When we tell the community we're here, they'll come out to golf!

So, in 2013, we'll be building on what we learned last year. The Elks Golf Course will be advertising a lot more. We'll have some new, and we hope attractive specials for the public. And, we'll be looking to improve the golfing experience for Members and the public alike.

It adds up to "change," of course. There's no doubt, trying new things can spark a natural reaction of concern. However, it's important for you to realize that there are some things we ALL want to keep and protect. Here are three things that will not change:

• Our holiday tournaments will continue to be fun and relaxing
• We'll continue to have plenty of Tee Times available, and getting on the Course will remain a breeze
• We will never force you to golf with people you don't enjoy spending time around

The only goal in any of the "changes" you've heard about is to improve our financial results.

We want to keep the lowest greens fee and membership rates in our area...which means we have to generate all we can in non-Member revenue. If we tried to support our operation with dues alone, the dues would have be somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,000! The revenues we generate from food and beverage sales, greens fees, golf cart rental and other sources of income is what keeps our Membership fees affordable.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be talking in-depth about some of the "changes" you've heard about. I really believe that when you know exactly what we're doing, you'll agree that none of the "changes" will alter the friendliness, fun and enjoyment we all take from belonging to the Hastings Elks Golf Course!