May 2024
Savor
MEMBER NEWSLETTER
Happy Spring, DCC Friends! You may (or may not) have noticed my opening newsletter article missing from last month’s edition. My mother ingrained a strong sense of Catholic guilt in me as a kid. I still carry with me today, so I often feel the need to over-explain. This is one of those times. Here's the scoop: The reason my article was missing last month is the same reason my golf game doesn’t improve. It’s the struggle to juggle. Life is a perpetual scramble. Trying to raise two kind little people who will do good. Working a job that requires full-time-plus hours. Driving Mom Taxi to swim team, baseball, faith formation, ninja class, and beyond. Working to ensure the house and yard are tidy enough that the neighbors don’t call the cops on us. It’s all in a day’s work. Needless to say, there’s not a lot of spare time to bust it trying to shave strokes off the ol’ handicap. And, you know what? I’m not special.
From the President
There are dozens of other moms at the club juggling just like I am. (I’m going to pretend they were just born better at golf.) And, whether you’re a working parent to young kids, or at any other stage of life, we all juggle. Whether it’s your career, kids, volunteer commitments, aging parents, your own health, or the health of your loved ones, family dynamics—whatever—we’re all juggling. In a world that often feels like a whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines and commitments, Dellwood Country Club is an escape from the grind. There’s something truly special about the things DCC offers that we’re fortunate enough to get to indulge in. I wish I could spend a whole lot more time at Dellwood, but the time I do get to work on improving my golf game, sip salt-rimmed margaritas, eat really good food, and goof around with our boys isn’t taken for granted. With the best spring and summer days yet to come, here's to treasuring every moment of fun and escape this spring and summer at the club! Yours in bad golf, Brienna P.S. If you haven’t seen it on the menu yet, look for the new President’s Cocktail. It’s…you guessed it…an unadulterated salt-rimmed margarita on the rocks. It’s perpetually on special and perfect for summer sippin’.
By Brienna Schuette, Club President
By Pete LaCoursiere General Manager
From Your GM...
We made it through another successful Spring opening on the course, as we welcomed our golfers back to the course April 12th. What once felt like a potential record breaking opening date, a typical Minnesota March snow storm pushed us back for what was still an earlier-than-average opening. Eric and his crew have been continuing to work on tree removal and cleanup within the course and around its boundaries, much of which is in response to ash borer disease, a disease that is estimated to have killed over 100 million trees in North America. The results of their hard work have put the course in great condition for this week's Women's 18-Hole Opener (Tue, Apr 30), Men's Opener (Wed, May 1), and Women's 9-Hole Opener (Thur, May 2). We're seeing new highs in participation across the board, with a recently sold out Couples Opener later this month (Fri, May 17).
Our Junior Programs have been well-published and received to accommodate the demand to get on parents calendars earlier and earlier every year! If you haven't yet, there is still time to register your kids (or grandchildren) for our programs - which were laid out in yesterday's Connection, but can also be accessed HERE. Programs range from Golf to Tennis/Pickleball to Swim! Clayton referenced our Dellwood CC x River Valley Charities Pro-Am, held Wednesday, Aug 7. We still have spots available in this event, that has a direct impact here in our community by benefiting the White Bear Area Food Shelf as well as 21 Roots, a non-profit organization out of Grant. Aside from supporting an amazing cause, the format supports a fun, yet competitive environment. Sign up as a group of 3 (members /guests) and be paired with a PGA Professional and their guest in a 3 Net of 5 event! Sign up is available on Foretees. I'd like to finish this article by reminding you all that we have a very supportive group of Members that make up our Advisory Committee. In addition to our management team, we encourage you to utilize this group to share your ideas, feedback and suggestions. For a recap of your 2024 Advisory Committee, click HERE! Thank you! Pete
From Catering & Events:
And we are underway!! The 2024 season has begun! It’s been so nice to see more familiar faces around the club and we had a fabulous opening weekend with weather in the 70s. I know quite a few of the snowbirds are trickling back in as well – we always get excited to see everyone using the club more. April was an eventful month around here for all of us. We have been working hard on staffing up for the season as well as getting ready to go live with our new point of sale system with Foretees. A lot of behind-the-scenes time and effort has been put into this as we learn and prepare out teams for this switch. We are really looking forward to a system that propels us into the future with what we can do in the Food and Beverage sector. There are so many goals and dreams internally here to grow and change how we deliver amazing and fresh food and drinks to all of our fine members daily, and believe we will be able to achieve that with this new system. It’s been fun to work together on cleaning up our current system so that we can be effective and accurate when we launch with Foretees. Our goal is to still be able to give the same exceptional service, while being more accurate, direct, and timely. We know we may encounter some bumps along the road once we launch at the beginning of June, so we appreciate if you all would be understanding if there are any delays at your table. It’s been a great process for us and we are excited to put it to use soon! We certainly are looking forward to introducing to you all our new employees for the year as we have hired about 30 new staff members! You’ll see some new faces throughout our grill area, as well as at the Depot and Pool area! Be sure to give them a warm DCC welcome. Looking forward to a great month full of spring weather, many golf rounds, endless specialty cocktails, and more! Cheers! Brita P.S – T-minus 24 days until Pool opening day! Woohoo!
by Katie Boyd Director of Banquets & Events
by Brita Van Guilder Food & Beverage Director
Hello Dellwoodians! Plans for outside spring and summer events have been in the works and it’s time to have fun, catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones! The following member events are coming up soon! Please visit the Foretees App for additional event details and sign-ups: Pop The Bubbly - A new event on 5.9.24 that I am so excited for! We've paired up with Small Lot Wine & Spirits to present a casual atmosphere and social evening, with tastings of bubbles from around the globe. Tasting and education will include selections such as champagne, cava, prosecco and more. Mother’s Day Brunch - Dellwood's Queen Bee Gathering- Grab your favorite lady and bring her to DCC on 5.12.24 if you truly want to see Mom smile! The culinary team is preparing their famous Mother's Day Buffet with fresh ingredients and great tastes. Pair that with some craft cocktails or bubbly, and there are only good times to be had! There will also be a take-away gift for all mom’s that day! New Member Open House - If you have joined recently, or in the past year, please join our Dellwood Country Club Management Team in the Fireside & Deck on 6.13.24. Prepare for an evening of introductions, good conversation, a bite to eat, and the best sunset view on property from the upper deck. Live Music on the Patio - Summer Concert Series kick-off night 6.21.24 with Steve McCormick. His soulful guitar playing and raspy voice carry the influence of iconic Americana. He has released six studio albums to date with Stars and Chandeliers being the most recent. He is a consumate recording artist, covering all facets from songwriting and performance to recording, production and mixing. Dellwood Country Club Luau & Couple's Night - Join us on 6.29.24 for a good time with Hawaiian style food and drink. Chef’s use banana leaves to prepare the best Kalua pork the Midwest has tasted. And of course we are serving up Mai Tai's that will make you want to hula. This year we will be joined by hula dancers from Kaleiokapilialoha Halau based in Minneapolis. Before you know it… Holiday parties will be upon us! Please give the Events department a call (651) 426-4155 or emailKatie@dellwoodcountryclub.comto reserve a date for your holiday fun. We can take care of the details after the warm months of summer. Cheers and see you around the Club! Katie Boyd Banquet & Events Director
Food & Wine
Men’s Club Information The New 9-Hole Men’s Club is fast approaching, which begins Wednesday, May 8th. We currently have 150 players signed up and are extremely excited about this new Wednesday format. Format of the event is Modified Stableford Point System, using net scores. We will pay out weekly to teams and individuals. The cost is $600 per team ($100 per player if a full 6-person team). Dellwood Country Club Pro-Am The Dellwood Pro-Am is August 7th and if you have not signed up and would like to play, please go onto the Foretees App to register. This is a great opportunity to play with some local golf professionals from around the area. Proceeds from the Pro-Am go directly to River Valley Charities. This is a great opportunity to help raise money for the charity and help kids around the area. The cost for the event is $225 for members and $250 for guests. Dellwood Simulator League The Simulator League for 2023-2024 has finally crowned a champion. I would like to congratulate Ryan Lepper, Joe Cox, Adam Geissler, and Luke Schroeder. Great playing this year and congrats again!
Chef Peter Christenson Corporate Chef
From the Pro
From the Kitchen
Hello Members, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you over the years, and always enjoy our conversations and idea exchanges. I have also had the pleasure of leading an entire culinary team here at the club to help create food and experiences that keep our members happy and satisfied. A couple of individuals on this team have been a part of Dellwood Country Club Culinary Team for a combination of 31 years! These two individuals are leaders on the culinary team. You might not have had a chance to meet them yet, whether it is chatting in the hallway or at an event. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you all a bit more to Ryan & Randy: Ryan Kanewischer – Banquet Chef Ryan was born in St. Paul, raised in White Bear Lake, and is still proud to call this area home. In 2001 Ryan decided to take a break from college and take a prep-cook job here at Dellwood CC. While the original plan might have been to make DCC a temporary stop, his love for the culinary industry began to grow that day. Ryan continued to learn and develop his culinary skills, and has remained a pillar of our Dellwood Country Club culinary community for 23 years! When asked what his favorite DCC item to prepare, cook and serve, Ryan stated that the whole cooked Beef Tenderloin, that is sliced and served to perfection, is by far his favorite menu item. But, when it comes to cooking at home, Ryan usually has a slow-cooking, homemade soup on the stove. At the end of the day, he is a practical guy that knows it is important to have a hearty, healthy, home cooked soup in the freezer in the off chance that there is a cold day to remedy. Randy Smith – Sous Chef Randy has been a Dellwood Country Club team member since 2013. His private club experience started at Bearpath Country Club 17years ago as Banquet Chef, and has since continued on here at DCC as Sous Chef. When asked what keeps him showing up to Dellwood CC every day, Randy relied “The people. The owners. My entire team.” Randy has always had a passion for the world of culinary, especially when it comes to Cajun cooking. Randy’s most memorable moment from his culinary career to date, was the opportunity to travel to Louisiana and train in the ways of Creole and Cajun cooking with Paul Prudhomme, the Cajun seasoning king. While on that trip Randy will never forget falling in love with Crawfish Etouffee, a Louisiana specialty that harmonizes fresh crawfish, Cajun seasonings, fresh herbs and vegetables. Amongst the local Dellwoodians, Randy is especially known for his BBQ and grilling skills. In fact, on days off Randy often opts to grill his dinner. It's truly is a pleasure to have the support of these two individuals as we continue to collaborate and create for the members and guests of Dellwood Country Club. You will most certainly see their faces out at member events over the summer seasons. See you around the club, Executive Chef Peter Christenson
By Golf Professional Clayton Johnson
Hello DCC Members, I’m looking forward to stepping into the role of leading the Sip N Swing Clinics this year! These clinics are designed for every female golfer to help improve and learn all aspects of your game in a fun and inviting environment. Each clinic costs $25 per person and includes a drink at the start. This is a great way to meet and socialize with other female golfers while improving your skills. Sign ups will be available beginning May 1st for the following dates on ForeTees. •June 6th 3:45-4:30 - Putting •June 14th 4:15-5:00 - Chipping/Short Game •July 26th 4:45-5:30 - Irons •August 15th 3:30-4:15 Driver See you on the course! Faith
A Note From Faith
Michelle Murray, Office Manager Brita van Guilder, Director of Food & Beverage
Member Since: 2020 Amenity Used Most: Golf, but we use it all! Favorite Menu Item: Farmhouse Salad w/ Chicken What I Enjoy Most about DCC: Women's Golf on Thursday nights! So fun to get out on the beautiful course with friends and stay for dinner & drinks afterwards. Little Did We Know.. I have been known to, how do I say this, out-drive my husband!
Blair Oklobzija
Paul Edwards
Beth Pilacinski
Clayton Johnson, Head Golf Professional Pete LaCoursiere, General Manager
Representing DCC Staff:
2024 Advisory Committee
Kate Gonzalez
Bill LeBlanc
Member Since: 2012 Amenity Used Most: Golf & Restaraunt Favorite Menu Item: Everything breakfast What I Enjoy Most about DCC: #1-Great golf events. #2-The people! I'm fascinated at how approachable members are and the respect everyone has for one another. Claim to Fame: I've had two aces at DCC on the same hole: #16 which was #7 the first time I aced it. The second one was with Driver, but hey, it was from the tips!
Lisa Kaler
Member Since: 2020 Amenity Used Most: Golf, Pool a close 2nd (thanks to my son Aksel, 7) Favorite Menu Item: Chicken Wings, extra crispy, buffalo sauce What I Enjoy Most about DCC: The welcoming nature of the Club. Very family friendly, accepting, no cliques,& the right balance of laid back, casual, and still nice. Claim to Fame: I once eagled Holes 5 & 8 and failed to break 40 on the front!
Member Since: 2022 Amenity Used Most: Pool is #1 Favorite Menu Item: I'm advocating to bring back the Tater Tatchos! What I Enjoy Most about DCC: I love the family friendly atmosphere and the many events that children enjoy participating in. Big fan of the sleigh rides! Claim to Fame: I once made a net hole in one on the second hole during the big Box Car Member-Member Tournament!
Sara Han
Member Since: 2009 Amenity Used Most: Golf. IMO it's one of the most alluring courses in the Metro Favorite Menu Item: Seared Ahi Tuna w/ Sweet Chili Sauce and Wasabi Aioli What I Enjoy Most about DCC: Dellwood Members have become second family. I've created lifetime friendships with men & women, young and old. Every summer I look forward to seeing the next generation partake in Junior Golf Camps. Claim to Fame: I aced Hole #12. On Mother's Day. AND in front of all my kids. That's tough to beat!
Member Since: 2016 Amenity Used Most: Myself: Golf. My wife Amanda & Kids: Pool Favorite Menu Item: Seafood Risotta & Oktoberfest Pretzels! What I Enjoy Most about DCC: The overall welcoming feel. I entertain a lot of customers and business partners at the Club and they all love the experience and look forward to coming back. All Family: Amanda and I have three boys, Miles (14), Oliver (12) & Calvin (10). They love hanging at the pool and enjoy the food!
Adam Larson
Member Since: 2020 Amenity Used Most: Golf Favorite Menu Item: Turkey Burger w/ Cranberry Aioli & Bootleggers What I Enjoy Most about DCC: Women's League on Thursday nights and Couples Golf Events. Lifelong friendships have been created through these events. Claim to Fame: My husband Steve & I won the Couples Club Championship in 2022!
Member Since: 2012 Amenity Used Most: Golf Favorite Menu Item: Big fan of our Turkey Burger, right behind that is the Ahi Tuna salad and the Filet. What I Enjoy Most about DCC: The group of 20 or so guys that gather on Wednesday's and Saturday's. Play a little 2 of 4 Net game. Great group of people. More About Me.. I enjoy wakeboarding, the outdoors, my new labrador and keeping busy in retirement.
DELLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 29 East Highway 96 Dellwood, MN 55110 651.426.3218 (Clubhouse) 651.426.4733 (Golf Shop)