#TeamCampNisswa headed to Moonlite Bay in Crosslake, MN, this past weekend to take on the Ice Tee Open. It is a “pro-style” 😉 golf tournament on the ice (Yes, on the ICE), presented by Moonlite Bay & Golden Eagle Golf Club, and it benefits Camp Knutson (service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota). (Pro-Tip: It's on the ice so wear winter boots & warm clothes.) Our team arrived at 11:00 am from Nisswa, MN, with all our gear (Two Hockey Sticks & a wedge). We journeyed through the grand entrance of Moonlite Bay to arrive at check-in. We were greeted by the fantastic staff of the Ice Tee Open.They checked our team in and gave us a breakdown of the event. (Pro-Tip: Buy a Mug for great drink specials!) There is also a fabulous silent auction (11:00 am – 4:00 pm) with great items and the proceeds go to Camp Knutson. As our team walked around the silent auction and ventured around the “clubhouse,” we had a chance to chat with the staff members of Camp Knutson. If you have not heard or learned about Camp Knutson, check them out. We were very impressed with what they are doing to help the community and the children & adults with identified needs.
Information about Camp Knutson from their website:
“Camp Knutson is a supportive, medically-sound camp for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, and other identified needs. We partner with other organizations to host camps for youth and adults with identified needs such as autism, heart disease, skin conditions, Down syndrome, burn survivors, HIV/AIDS, and youth experiencing homelessness.
Our beautiful, updated 30-acre campus is nestled between the pristine waters of Lower Whitefish and Big Trout lakes. Open year-round, our modern facilities and beautiful north-woods setting make us the perfect location for retreats, conferences, social gatherings,meetings, or training events from September through May.”
Once we placed our bids in the silent auction, we grabbed our mugs, filled them, and headed out to the course (we called ahead for a “tee time "). (Pro-Tip: Get there early to grab some drinks, meet with Camp Knutson, get into 50/50 raffles, & view the awesome silent auction items.)
When you leave the “clubhouse” and get through the fans, you arrive at the top of the lookout point overseeing the course. It is one of the most incredible sights you will see. A beautiful, well-maintained, 9-hole golf course on the ice. We descended the hill with our gear and went to the first tee box. (Pro-Tip: Have a full mug to stay hydrated 😉.) The golf course marshal greeted us, and we were issued our “golf ball” (Tennis Ball). We waited for the team ahead of us to finish the first hole, and then it was “GAME ON.” Our Camp Nisswa Team consisted of Rooster, Country Steve and Ramen Brother.
#TeamCampNisswa was off to a running start, with Rooster scoring his first hole-in-one on hole #2. It wasn’t until hole #5 that Ramen Brother took the lead with some fantastic shots from the snow bunkers. Rooster took the lead on the last hole and won the round with his excellent chip shot from the tee box.
But that was the first round… Pro-Tip: There are two bonus holes at the end (Chances to win by completing the challenge hole and get entered in the grand raffle. You must pay to play the hole & make your shot to be entered into the raffle. There is a golf hole or a hockey hole.)
Round Two (We decided to purchase another round because it’s for a good cause… And maybe we are a bit competitive ;-)
Rooster and Ramen Brother decided to stick with their tennis balls, and Country Steve used a hockey puck to up the game. We went around the course making our shots, having fun, listening to our tunes, meeting people, and not keeping score. We ended our round again by playing the bonus holes and making some shots to be entered into the grand raffle.
We returned to the “clubhouse” to celebrate our rounds and chat with the “fans.” (Pro-Tip: If you are hungry, Moonlite Bay has terrific food and runs food specials for the event.)
As the day ended and the golfers finished their rounds, the Camp Knutson staff brought everyone together to announce the winners of the silent auction items and grand raffle prizes. Our team did not win any of the raffles, but we did win one of the silent auction items. (Video Game Console Basket).
After the event, it was announced that the Ice Tee Open raised a record-setting amount of $54,000 to benefit the campers of Camp Knutson!
This was #TeamCampNisswa’s first time attending, and we were not disappointed. It was an incredible event, and we will be back next year!
We would also like to make a special note to thank the volunteers and staff of Moonlite Bay, Golden Eagle Golf Club, & Camp Knutson for hosting and putting on such a great event!
Other notes about this year’s event:
Event was held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Put a team together or come solo (plenty of great people to meet and hang out with)
Bring your own golf club or hockey stick.
You can call Moonlite Bay to reserve a tee time or show up. Towards the end of the day, it gets busier.
Entry Costs: Adults | $20 Per Person and Children under 14 | $10
All proceeds benefit Camp Knutson
Family-friendly event
Hole sponsorships are available for $100
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog and learn about #TeamCampNisswa's adventures!
If you have attended the Ice Tee Open before, please share your stories or memories in our comment section!
See you all there next year!
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