Kevin Norby has completed a renovation project at Bemidji’s Town and Country Club, located in the US state of Minnesota.
Opened in 1919, Bemidji Town and Country Club is one of the oldest in the state. Some of the greens were rebuilt in the 1990s, affecting some of the‘golden age’ character, but according to Norby, the course in general has kept much of its original style.
“By and large the course has retained much of its original classic character with naturally undulating fairways, elevated greens and small ribbon-style bunkers,” he said. “Most ‘golden age’ courses in Minnesota are exclusive private country clubs which means most golfers don’t have the opportunity to experience the classic style and character found at Bemidji Town and Country Club. Unfortunately, we don’t know who the original architect was.”
Norby began working at the club in 2011 and developed a long-term master plan for the course. This plan laid out a detailed vision and approach to increasing the membership and outside play through the restoration and enhancement of the classic character of the Bemidji course.
“We wanted to provide a unique experience that would be more enjoyable for the average golfer while providing the challenge and strategy that the more skilled, low-handicap golfer might be looking for,” said Norby. “We removed trees to widen and restore fairway corridors, added new irrigation around the greens and rebuilt all of the bunkers with a premium white sand and a more classic style.”