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In an area once dominated by heads of cattle, now lay some of the most difficult and pristine greens in the Thunder Bay area. This is a wide-open golf course that will challenge even the better than average golfer, while not overwhelming the newest to the sport. Our friendly and laid back country atmosphere is designed to welcome all golfers. |
The following article was submitted to various local newspapers and newsletters, including the Superior Choice, by the owners of St. Urho's, Lynda & Urho Piilo, in April 2000. |
Taking a strong look at retirement, to us is like looking at a glass of water and deciding if it is half full of half empty. During our 26 years of marriage, we have raised 7 children of the yours, mine, and ours variety. Living on 68 acres, we kept the family busy with farming in a consumable way by raising our own beef, chickens, eggs, milk, veggies, and of course, a horse for play. Urho had a dream of turning our wonderful fields into a golf course, but up to the fall of 1998, alas the cows were still taking up the space - grazing very contentedly, I might add. Then, upon retirement, those same fields became empty and for 3 winters, we played and became snowbirds. Visiting Arizona, Texas, and Florida, enjoying this time very much, but we were at the same time finding a void in our lives. I guess with always being active and involved, we were stuck with over-aggressive minds and imaginations. Add all these things together and the fact that the cows were gone and we didn't want the fields to become grown over with tag alders like so many others in the area, the golf course idea was starting to have a very strong pull. Visions started to take shape on our return home in April of 1999. Urho purchased a mower and said: "Let's go to it." We did. I mowed and every time I broke down or got stuck, Urho would ensure I was able to get back to work as soon as possible. Since that time, we have cleaned up the old cars, devoured fence lines and had others installed. We have cut and burned brush, picked rocks and various car parts, and built dams. We cashed in some RRSP's and purchased a tractor, tree spade, and another mower. Now ask me if this picture looks right. When Urho arrived home with the equipment, he also had one of MY own personal dreams on board. Among the manufactured equipment was a beautiful 25 foot tall weeping willow tree, which I feel is the most graceful tree in wht world. This beauty was the first official tree planted on our new golf course. Our goal is to have 3 - 5 holes ready for the latter part of the summer. The Driving Range opened on July 31st, 1999. We supplied clubs, baskets of balls, a cash box, and most unprofessionally I suppose, a sign on the porch saying "Help Yourself". The driving range operated for the most part on an 'on your honor' basis. The last person batting balls on the range was on November 7th, 1999. The weather this winter has surely cooperated for us. Urho has been hauling dirt for the building of the greens and the filling of the memorable rut holes the kids have left behind while 4x4ing in the fields. I have been busy clearing for the RV Campground and 18 hole country style mini-putt. The idea for these added features came about when the 'Sleeping Giant Good Sams Club' of which we are members, had their annual highways clean up day in May and most bring their RVs and stay the weekend enjoying each other's company around a bonfire. Our eldest member is 82 amd spry as a spring chicken. This year they will stay with us. Also, a member of the Canadian Explorer RV Club from Winnipeg, has put together a caravan heading east and when approached, found they would like to camp here with us on the June 30th weekend. So with all this incentive, we anticipate having the park ready for these events. The mini-putt will be across country, placed within the grounds and park (no cement slabs or artificial greens). We expect to have the mini-putt open sometime in June 2000. We are trying to make this venture affordable to the average person with a cozy atmosphere in the clubhouse. We have a senior lady in the area who comes by to help because she loves keeping busy. She loves golf and is hoping to be able to use this as therapy to combat past medical problems. Also, on young lad is helping out where ever he is needed in exchange for a membership. We are willing to do as much as we can through the barter system. All in all, we are having fun and enjoying our retirement project - building St. Urho's Golf Course and Driving Range, RV Park and 18-Hole Mini Putt. Don't stop dreaming. It is the biggest part of life itself, as you come into this world naked and leave naked. It is how we clothe ourselves in between that makes the world happen. |