Tuesday, Oct 16 -- Fergus Falls, MN
Today was a glorious day - sunny and low 70s!  Perfect day to play two rounds of golf!

The first was at Thumper Pond Golf Resort in Ottertail. The picture is from behind the 18th green.  The 18th fairway is to the right with the 9th fairway to the left.

Cut out of a pine forest, Thumper Pond is a very playable yet challenging course.  They are constantly looking to make it more "friendly" for the higher handicap player but it will offer a good test for players trying to qualify for the MGA Amateur Championship in 2013.  The condition was good despite being one week from closing, and since it's pine trees, we didn't have to contend with the multitude of leaves.

Many thanks to PGA Professional and host Dave Sadlowsky for his gracious hospitality!

My next stop was to Balmoral Golf Course in Battle Lake.  Built in 1961, the course offers a quaint, comfortable feel.  Nestled amongst thousands of trees, the course winds its way through the gently rolling land.  PGA Professional and owner John Young joined me as we went around, walking most of the way.  It was an easy course to walk.  Unfortunately, most of the leaves had left the trees so not only did I miss seeing the course in the splendor of the fall colors, but we had our challenges finding golf balls.  The picture is of their "signature hole" -- the 178-yard, par 3 16th hole.  I'm sure it was an awesome site with the trees filled with leaves of many colors.

 

Wednesday, I'm out to see Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls, Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course in Elbow Lake and Eagle Creek Golf Club in Willmar.  Unfortunately, the weather forecast does not look very good.

 

Until then-

Doug