Get out and golf...

(This article is a condensed version of a story that ran in the May 2011 edition of North Dakota LIVING, to read the full story and more about other North Dakotans subscribe today!)

by Danielle Hance

With summer finally here, now is a great time to golf. In eastern North Dakota, check out the Leonard Country Club, Leonard, and Rose Creek Golf Course, Fargo. Both facilities are served by Cass County Electric Cooperative. (photo by Scherling Photography, Fargo)

Stroll the course at Leonard
The Leonard Country Club was built upon the vision of a group of farmers. The course, located just 30 minutes southwest of Fargo, started in 1960 with only three holes. It quickly grew a solid reputation and an additional six holes. At that time, it was known as Leonard Sand Hills Golf Course because of the sand greens. The sand wasn’t converted into grass until the early 1980s when a new clubhouse was constructed.

The 21st century brought new improvements and a new name. The course became Leonard Country Club and several improvements were made to give it the “beautiful polish of a private country club,” according to Mike and Angie Pulczinski, Kindred, who own and operate the grounds.

Green fees for nine holes are $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends. Eighteen-hole green fees are $20 on weekdays and $22 on weekends. Tee times can be made up to two weeks in advance by telephone.

League play is also available. The two-person league meets Mondays at 6 p.m. on Mondays, June-August. Women golf for half-price every Tuesday. Every Thursday is men’s day with contests and prizes starting at 2 p.m.

Visit www.leonardcc.com or call (701) 645-2582.

Swing into Fargo
In Fargo, guests can take a stroll on the beautiful Rose Creek Golf Course. The par-71 course runs nearly 5,000 yards from the front tees and 6,600 from the back. It is located in a residential development just four miles south of Interstate 94 in South Fargo.

In addition to season passes, league play is also available. Wednesday evenings are ladies’ nights. Thursday evenings are men’s nights, and Friday evenings are couples’ nights. Green fees are $30 for 18 holes.

Rose Creek uses electric power for maintenance and irrigation systems. The new electronic reservation system makes it easier for golfers to make tee times any time of day. The course also accepts telephone reservations. Visit www.fargogolf.net/rosecreek.html or call (701) 235-5100.

Golf the border
The Bois de Sioux Public Golf Course, Wahpeton, is located along the Red River of the North on the Minnesota-North Dakota border. It is the only course in the United States to feature 18 holes in two states; the front nine in North Dakota and the back nine in Minnesota. The course features a 6,675-yard, par 71 from the championship tees. Each hole features four tee locations to accommodate all skill levels – champion to novice. There is a full practice facility and putting green. 

The clubhouse features a full menu restaurant and bar that includes outdoor seating overlooking the driving range, number 1 tee box and the beautiful number 9 green. The golf course has been updated and recently redesigned by architect Jeff McDowell to better manage water on the golf course. Bois de Sioux is open to the public and features weekly specials on golf rates. For more information, call (701) 642-3673 or e-mail golfwahpeton@midconetwork.com

Danielle Hance resides in Fargo. She enjoys reading, making music and going on mission trips when she is not busy writing.