Keller Golf Course Grand Reopening Celebration Set for July 19

It’s official… Keller Golf Course will reopen on Saturday, July 19! Mark your calendar to join us for the grand reopening celebration, which will include a public golf event, course tours, entertainment, free instructional opportunities for all ages, ribbon cuttings and more.

Additional details about the event, including registration for the golf event, will be posted to www.RamseyCountyGolf.com in the coming weeks. In the meantime, visit Superintendent Paul Diegnau’s blog to read about the spring rains and controlled burns at Keller.

Scott Reuter Named New Pro at Manitou Ridge

Scott Reuter has been named the new head golf pro at Manitou Ridge Golf Course, effective immediately. Scott is filling the position as Mark Foley transitions into his new full-time role as head pro at Keller.

Scott has 16 years of experience in the golf industry and comes to Manitou from The Wilds, where he served as First Assistant Golf Professional. Previously, Scott was head pro at Heritage Links, Legends and Willinger’s Golf Clubs. Scott, a graduate of Iowa State, is married to his wife Stephanie and has two sons, Hogan and Payton.

Tips from the Pros: Practice Your Short Game

By Dave Colarusso, PGA Teaching Professional at The Ponds at Battle Creek

It's important to start the season off with a productive practice routine. Although it is fun to smash drive after drive on the range, the driver is used only 14-18% of all golf shots for the average golfer. Spend at least 50% of your practice time on the short game (putting, chipping, bunkers and pitching) as 67% of all golf shots happen within 50 yards of the green. This tip has the potential to reduce your average scores by 5-10 shots per round. If scoring doesn't matter, go rip the driver and have fun! 

Free Summer Kick-Off Event and Golf Clinic at The Ponds at Battle Creek Saturday!

Come celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer with a free family golf event at The Ponds at Battle Creek in Maplewood on June 7.

Enter drawings to win a 2015 junior league entry, a 2015 golf camp entry and free rounds of golf in 2014! Learn about all of the family and junior golf programs offered this summer at The Ponds at Battle Creek, and best of all, learn golf fundamentals from our PGA golf professionals and staff. Plus, defeat Golfzilla and win a prize!

Event runs from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Learn more.

Special Offer for Patron Card Holders – Enjoy Double Discounts on Weekend Afternoons

June is a great time to be a Ramsey County Golf Patron Card holder!

Patron card holders can double their discount ($10 off 18, $5 off 9) on weekend afternoons in June when they rent a cart and play after 2 p.m. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a 2014 Ramsey County Patron Card holder.
• Rent a power cart.
• Play 9 or 18 holes after 2 p.m. on Saturdays or Sundays at Goodrich or The Ponds at Battle Creek.
• Play 9 or 18 holes after 2 p.m. on Sundays only at Manitou Ridge (not valid Saturdays)
• Show a print or electronic copy of this email when you check in.

Offer is not valid for leagues or tournaments and cannot be combined with any other specials or coupons. Promotion ends June 29, 2014.

Promo code: 2XJUNE.

Tips from the Pros: The First Tee

By Mike Diebel, Head PGA Professional at Goodrich

Your first golf shot of the day to start your round is the most important one. That first shot can set the tone for your whole round.

Pre-round practice is the best thing a player can do to help their round get off to a good start, but time is sometimes a problem. Depending on how much time you have before your round, allocating your time is important.

Here are a few tips on how to make that first shot better and make your round of golf more enjoyable:

1. Take some practice swings. Get loose. Start thinking about your game today and why you’re here: to have fun and play well.
2. If you have time, do some chipping and putting. Get familiar with the speed of the greens. How are your chip shots reacting to the speed of the greens today? Start thinking golf.
3. Your first shot is important. If you still don’t feel confident, use your favorite club for that first shot instead of the driver. If your favorite club is a five hybrid, go with that. It’s important to be confident. If you don’t have a favorite club, see your local PGA Professional.