Speedy greens at Little Crow Golf Resort in Spicer: Lieser
Little Crow likely never played golf, but the golf course in Spicer is named after him. He was the Mdewakanton Dakota chief who led a faction of the Dakota in a five-week war against the United States in the summer and fall of 1862 that resulted in approximately 600 deaths. Overshadowed by the Civil War (1861-65), many Minnesotans know little about Little Crow and this war except those who live in southwest Minnesota.
During a recent round at the 27-hole Spicer complex, here are some observations culled from talking to Isaac Nelson, Little Crow’s head professional for the past five years. Little Crow GC opened in 1969 and added another nine holes in 2000. The three nines are named Willows, Pines and Oaks.
Nelson had this to say about the course: “We have had a busy year despite an early start due to poor spring golfing weather. We have had 27,000 rounds so far and average 125 rounds per day. Our course is family friendly for our 380 members and in 2018 GrandStay added a hotel and suites event center with a bar and grille. Today the club has a modern, upscale look.”
From my view playing the course recently, the green speed was the fastest I have played all year. Course Superintendent Kevin Gruber has been at the club for nine years. He and his crew had green speed topped out at 13.5 on the stimpmeter this summer. That’s pro tour speed! If any golfers are in line for a September road trek along Minnesota Highway 23, playing Koronis Hills in Paynesville in the morning and Little Crow in the afternoon would be an ideal day trip.
Fees at Little Crow are $67 with a cart for 18 holes and a new fall rate will go into effect tomorrow. Check the club’s website at littlecrowresort.com for the new rate or call the pro shop at: 320-354-2296.
Golf notes
Bryan Hoops, a member at Territory Golf Club who lives in Arizona, has had quite a summer. He qualified for the USGA Senior Open played in June at Saucon Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania. On Aug. 28, he captured the Tianna Shortstop in Walker with a record setting score of -7. He continued his stellar play at the 35th MGA Mid-Amateur at Indian Hills in Stillwater by shooting 69-71-72 and finishing solo fourth. Wapicada’s Daryl Schomer fired 72-74-71 to finish in a tie for eighth.
Territory Golf Club held its club championship on Aug. 21 and here are the winners: Men’s Champion Robb Olson, Players Flight (Handicapped) Vince Gebhart, Senior Men’s Champion Wesley Lindquist, Women’s Co-Champions Sue Hiltner and Emily Steinmetz. The club, which opened in 2001, has become the area’s popular destination site for many Twin Cities golfers.
The Albany Golf Club held its annual club championship Aug.13-14 and here is a list of winners: Men’s Champion Thomas Gutzmer, Women’s Champion Sophia Anderson, Senior Champion Joe Nett, Men’s First Flight Evan Deters, Men’s Second Flight Bob Blaukat, Women’s First Flight Brooke Kleinschmidt, Boys’ Junior Champion Joshua Hoff.
St. Cloud State University’s wrestling program held its 16th Golf Classic on Aug. 26th at Wapicada Golf Club. More than 100 golfers competed and the five-some of Butch Raymond, Kurt and Jeannie Stelten, and Lee and Sue Wahl-Storbeck prevailed with an impressive -16 under par score to capture the scramble event. Head Coach Steve Costanzo reported that more than $20,000 was raised to support its top-ranked NCAA wrestling program, which nailed four consecutive NCAA Division II wrestling titles from 2017-2020, and last year finished runner-up.
Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker held its club tournament Aug. 17-18 and here are the champions: Men’s Champion Spencer Hinrichs, First Flight Randy Siemers, Second Flight Lonnie Fluck, Third Flight Bryan Dunderi, Fourth Flight Joseph Henrich.
— This is the opinion of Times golf columnist John Lieser. Contact him at Jgl1943@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Speedy greens at Little Crow Golf Resort in Spicer: Lieser
