August 14, 2015 at 4:48 p.m.
Minocqua Country Club to host 2018 WSGA Amateur event
2015 event recently wrapped up at Erin Hills
Minocqua Country Club to host 2018 WSGA Amateur event
By By Delaney FitzPatrick-
Minocqua Country Club has hosted several events for the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) since the opening of the new course on July 4, 2001, which revamped the original nine-hole course, originally built in 1916, to one of the best 18-hole courses in the state.
According to Peter Nomm, former head professional of the Minocqua Country Club and still an active member of the club, hosting the State Amateur competition is a great honor, as it ranks as one of the largest events in the next to the State Open and Professional Championship, which was hosted by the MCC in 2010.
This year's amateur competition took place from July 20-23 at Erin Hills near Milwaukee, the course that will host the 2017 U.S. Open.
"Being considered to host this event, and to be in the same company as these other top courses, says a lot about what we have up here," said Nomm.
Minocqua Country Club members Bill Hopper and John Hogan, directors with the WSGA, encouraged the club to put in a bid for the State Amateur.
The course will need to make preparations to host 160 amateur competitors as well as tournament staff, spectators and volunteers in the form of parking, lodging and food.
"The most important thing will be continuing to maintain the course in the top quality conditions as it does every day now," Nomm said. The course can expect to have a few visits by the WSGA tournament staff later this year to go over any course setup logistics.
Nomm said that the decision to remodel the golf course from the original nine-hole course to 18 holes, has paid off for the country club.
"Given the nature of this community, with so many seasonal visitors from major markets such as Milwaukee or Chicago, as well as those that winter in destination areas such as Florida or Arizona, it is only fitting to have a top quality private club that exceeds the expectations of our summer residents," he said. "[The course] is both challenging to very good golfers, yet very fair and enjoyable for golfers of all levels."
Apart from the amateur competition, the Minocqua Country Club already serves as a venue for several community organization fundraising events, including the Dr. Kate Hospice Pro-Am which has recently helped to raise nearly $40,000 each year. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the fundraiser.
Many members of the MCC are also actively involved with area organizations such as the Howard Young Foundation, the Lakeland Food Pantry and the Lakeland Sharing Foundation.
"The Northwoods is fortunate to have wonderful residents, both year-around and seasonally, and the Minocqua Country Club is one small piece of the community that contribute to draw to this area," said Nomm.
Delaney FitzPatrick may be reached via email at [email protected].
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