Course closeup: Moose Lake Golf Club

The Moose Lake Golf Club is celebrating its 91st season. Pro/manager Josh Gamst (in 2019 photo at right) is now in his 13th season in that role.

"As of June 1, our decks are now open to serve our hungry and thirsty golfing guests," Gamst said, "the public is sure welcome. The course could use some soaking rain with this dry spell we've had, but we're watering daily and it is greening up fast and getting into spectacular shape."

Due to the pandemic, the course moved its Shoot the Moose fundraiser to August 8. This four-person scramble is the club's largest annual fundraising event.

There are definitely regular patrons at Moose Lake Golf Club. There is a group of guys, usually 12 to 20, that play 18 holes of golf every day at 2 pm. If they are playing 27, they'll start earlier and include a lunch break. That type of dedication points to not only the players love of the game....but the love of this beautiful course.

The entire nine holes are challenging and each has their own unique characteristics. The hole that was featured in "Minnesota Golfer" magazine was No. 9. It is a 178-225 yard par 3 with a tiered green. "If the wind is off the lake it can play like 240 yards " Gamst said. "It also has out of bounds on the left which comes into play on any kind of pulled shot. Holes 7-9 are a tough finish and can make or break a golfers dream round."

The 65th annual Moose Lake Shortstop is scheduled for the weekend of August 14-16. Derek Benson is the defending champion and plans to return. Wes Salo, who was runner-up last year and a past winner, also plans to appear. Paul Munson holds the record with 10 Moose Lake Shortstop championships to his credit.

The Moose Lake Club has several golf scrambles planned for later this summer, plus the 9-9-9 event in September which is a two- person team event with 9 holes of best ball, 9 of alternate shot, and 9 of scramble ... all in one day.

Located west of Moose Lake, not far from Interstate 35, the club can be reached at 218-485-4886.