We’re all 0-0 to start the 2023 season. What have you done during the offseason to improve your standing in the area?
When I was growing up, my mother liked to use the lion/lamb proverb, as in “March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb.” Being a golfer in Northeast Ohio’s “snowbelt” region, I used it as hope that I’d be playing by the end of March.
Turns out, the saying may not have anything to do with the weather. Instead, it most likely started as a reference to astronomy, referencing the position of the constellations Leo (a lion) and Aries (a ram, or lamb) in the night sky.
Still, when a blizzard would dump a foot of snow on us at the end of February or beginning of March, I’d take solace in the possibility of the lamb—and spring—being only a few weeks away.
As an adult, I still watch the weather, but now I long for spring simply because I hate being cold and get no enjoyment from snow. I should’ve taken up skiing years ago, but missed that window and just want to be warm.
As you likely know, we put out a daily newsletter Monday through Friday. If you haven’t already, check out our website and subscribe. To prepare those newsletters, we scroll through our inboxes and scour the Web each morning to find news that our readers would find interesting. We’re entering the period of countless headlines reading “(Insert Name Here) Golf Club Opening.” Those used to catch my eye—thinking we had a new course to cover—but now I know it’s just one of many coming out of its winter hibernation.
Don’t get me wrong, I still like reading those articles because I know spring is upon us and those course operators will soon be welcoming golfers and filling up tee sheets. And every day there’s a handful of new golfers being introduced to the sport I love. The more, the merrier!
And there’s still value to be had in those articles. Many of those clubs opening for the season are introducing renovations and/or enhancements for the upcoming season. Take my neighborhood club, for instance. StoneWater Golf Club will have an indoor/outdoor fitting and instruction studio this year.
When all the snow melts from the recent winter storm in Minnesota, members of Austin (Minn.) Country Club will enjoy the culmination of a $5 million, three-phase project that transformed the clubhouse. Work addressed many areas of the facility, including dining, retail, event space and deferred maintenance.
The club’s new restaurant and bar named “Bunkers” has a casual/modern feel and includes a state-of-the-art golf simulator and lounge area adjacent to the space. During the project, crews completed a full refresh of the club’s golf shop, as well. The renovation also enhanced the event space for hosting up to 300 guests for weddings, receptions, class reunions, meetings, seminars, lunches, and dinners to anyone in the surrounding area.
Not everything will be extravagant … or even get noticed. A fresh coat of paint, refinished floors or expanded kitchen can go a long way to enhance the member/guest experience. A new grill won’t be seen, but those cheeseburgers are certainly going to be appreciated.
As a Cleveland sports fan, I was taught to enjoy the beginning of a new season. Everyone is 0-0 and has a chance to win the Super Bowl or World Series. The Cavaliers gave us an NBA championship in 2016, but that celebration will pale in comparison if the Guardians win it all. And God help us if the Browns hoist the Lombardi Trophy!
So we’re all 0-0 to start the 2023 season. What have you done during the offseason to improve your standing in the area? Shoot me an e-mail and tell me about the new roof on the clubhouse, or resort-style pool that’s scheduled to open for Memorial Day weekend. Send pictures … we love pictures.
And let’s all hope March goes out like a lamb so April 1 won’t treat us like fools.
Rob Thomas,
Editor
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