May 2010
Tucked along the shores of the Rainy River, with views of Canada off of the club house deck, the Falls Country Club (FCC) – a public course - has seen a great deal of change from its humble beginnings. Initially created as a nine-hole course by a group of volunteers in 1928, the early course was fairly short and featured sand greens. Over the years, the course continued to mature and was managed by a board of directors and a variety of locals maintained the golf course. In the mid 1990’s, the course began exploring the notion of expanding to 18 holes and enlisted the help of designer Joel Goldstrand. After funding was secured, the work of expanding and re-configuring the current course was begun and play on the new layout began in the summer of 1998.
The new layout included the addition of 10 new holes and the result was a par 72 course measuring 6,613 yards as well as a new practice area. To help manage the new expansion, the FCC was fortunate to find PGA Professional Tom O’Connell. O’Connell brought an impressive resume and a history of managing resort courses and teaching golf in the Phoenix area. O’Connell is still at the helm at FCC and is hugely responsible for guiding the operation through a challenging period for golf as well as bringing a culture of professionalism to the facility. He has a pro shop and offers lessons as well as running the day-to-day operations. Another important piece of the management team is Superintendent Mike Tanner who joined the operation in 2005. In addition to the management and staff, the clubhouse was given a facelift in 2007 and a new outdoor deck pavilion and new restroom facilities were included as part of major capital improvements.
The emphasis for the staff and management is first and foremost creating an inviting and fun atmosphere for the public from beginners to accomplished golfers. And in the competitive environment of today’s golf world, providing consistent course conditions and quality amenities are critical. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised at not only the views but what FCC offers in terms of course conditions and hospitality in northern Minnesota. And for locals and snowbirds that summer here, FCC continues to provide an inexpensive venue that is convenient and familiar.
This year also marked another first for FCC – the earliest opening on record - March 26th. With the season generally running into early October, this will make for a lengthy season of golf. For more information, check out the website at www.fallscc.com, or if you’re in the area, stop in, grab a bite to eat and see for yourself why Falls Country Club is one of Northern Minnesota’s best kept secrets. And as the staff at FCC will tell you, “ Just play…just have fun and have a great day at FCC.” Northern MN’s best kept secret
