Kaari Speer worked at the Battle Lake, Minn. course in her youth and her grandfather helped finance the original owners when they established the golf course in the early 1960s. In the coming years, she says there are plans to make “small but noticeable” changes to the course, like adding food trucks.
Kaari and Jason Speer purchased the Balmoral Golf Course in Battle Lake, Minn. for $2.2 million, according to a filing with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal reported. Kaari had worked at the course in her youth and, upon moving back to the area, she and her family thought buying the course would be a nice way to get more involved with the community.
“We are both avid golfers, and we decided to take the opportunity to buy the course,” said Kaari, who coached and played collegiate golf. “We thought it was a very strong business.”
The couple, who are from Henning and Battle Lake, moved back to the area about five years ago, the Business Journal reported. In 2020, the they purchased and renovated the Vining Palace bar and grill to ensure its place in the community. But the bar was not a good fit for the couple’s lifestyle, which involves raising young children, so they sold it to make way to purchase Balmoral Golf Course.
Jason also teaches elementary school physical education in Henning while Kaari spends the day at the course and with her children, the Business Journal reported. For Kaari, the course has been a part of her family for generations, as her grandfather helped finance the original owners when they established the golf course.
The 18-hole course was built in 1961 and designed by Arnold Hemquist, the Business Journal reported. The course features 11 bunkers and 11 water hazards. From the tips, the course is 6,300 yards with a rating of 70.3 and a slope of 126. In the coming years, Kaari said there are plans to make “small but noticeable” changes to the course, like adding food trucks.
The Speer’s purchased the course from John and Karen Young, the second family to own the course, the Business Journal reported. John Young, a 28-year PGA Member, said it was always his dream to own a golf course, but after 23 years, the time to sell had come. The idea of it going to Kaari, who worked for John at the course while she was in college, made the transition easier, he said.
“That was definitely part of the decision … Knowing that she and her family were going to operate and own it made it easier because we know we are leaving it in good hands,” he said.
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