The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Vern Hollister - Correspondent

"It was a late year getting going," Nicolet Country Club golf course manager Brett Simonis said, "but the grass is starting to grow good now. We just need some good weather and to get some people."

Practically the entire month of July at Nicolet is devoid of special events so that golfers can find time for open golf. The leagues, according to Simonis, are closed or suspended for the Fourth of July week. "It's all open golf," he said.

The only two special July dates are an ESPN qualifier July 6 and the Reinhart Cup competition, July 20. Two legs of the Cup competition between the top echelon of golfers from four country clubs have already been held. Currently, Nicolet is in third place behind teams from Black Bear in Cecil and McCauslin Brook in Lakewood. Nicolet will host the alternate shot competition. Spectators, if they'd like, can follow the likes of local golf stars Bret Mattson, Chuck Sekel, Tim Chrisman, Craig Kochenderfer, Tom Ashbeck, Tom Wojnowski and Simonis. Ten golfers from each country club participate. The McCauslin Brook contingent will probably bring in Ron Swanson and Ken Klein, the area's Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.

June, at the course, began with a Tri-County golf outing for law enforcement figures. This past Saturday, the annual Laona Quarterback Club hosted its event. Crandon's Booster Club hosts its Hacker Classic August 16.

The biggest difference with the course this season is a new piece of equipment to roll the greens. Simonis said they tried it out, "demo'ed it," last season and liked what they saw. "We're rolling our greens this year, so they're rolling fast and very smooth. It (the machine) smooths the grass, makes the grass lie down. We cut one day and roll the other."

Nicolet Country Club members can take part in a reciprocal agreement with other courses. If they have a membership in one course, they can play at a reduced rate on another. For $20, they can shoot a round of golf during the week or $25 on weekends, including a cart. In cooperation with Indian Springs Resort & Casino, out of town guests can choose a "stay and play" package. Certain other days have special deals and special meals as kitchen manager Laurie Carter has expanded the menu. Steaks are a regular feature.

Cook Mary Kremer said, "Steaks are back on the menu. Strip steaks were the Father's Day special; and this week for men's league, a prime rib sandwich. Business has increased, especially on Friday nights."

The fish menu includes Friday specials, and salmon has been added to the regular menu. The kitchen is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes homemade soups and homemade pizzas as well as the burger and sandwich choices. A popular choice from last season, the chicken wrap, remains.

Men's league is Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., both nines. Women's league begins Tuesday mornings between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Seniors start play Wednesdays at 8 to 9 a.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Otherwise, the course is open to the public. Green fees are $13 and $22 during the week and $16 and $27 on weekends. Holidays have weekend rates. Carts cost $13 for nine and $24 for eighteen holes.

First the late start, followed by the rain and storms to green the course. Some nice weather, and Nicolet Country Club should be busy inside for the food and outside for the golf on smooth and rolled greens.

Special Dates & Events

June 25: Native American Tourney

June 28: Channel 7 Qualifier

July 6: ESPN Qualifier

July 20: Reinhart Cup

August 8: Potawatomi Business Development

August 16: Crandon Booster Club Hacker's Tournament

August 23 & 24: Nicolet Country Club Tourney

September 9: Casino Outing

September 20: Fall rates go into effect

Early October: Course closes

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.