Oak Marsh Golf Course – Home of the Talking Blue Heron And Minnesota’s Version of Cheers

“What’s Arde up to?” Steve Whillock, Oak Marsh’s Director of Golf, gets asked this question almost daily. Arde is Oak Marsh’s blue heron mascot and their social media master of ceremonies. Regardless of the season, Twitter followers can find Arde providing jovial updates on what’s happening at Oakdale, Minnesota’s finest golf course.

Arde is just one of many reasons why Oak Marsh’s popularity has exploded over the past few years. When Oak Marsh opened in 1996, the U.S. golf boom was in full swing. In 2009 golf lost some of its steam. For survivors like Oak Marsh, there is a definite uptick in rounds played, league popularity, golf lessons, and inquiries regarding their banquet, reception, and meeting facilities.

Throughout the new times, lean times, and today’s renaissance, Whillock’s team has maintained their collective sense of humor and dedication to customer service. Whillock is quick to point out how his Oakdale teammates are instrumental in the golf course’s 2018 momentum.

Golf’s Version Of Cheers

Whillock likens his Oak Marsh team to the cast from Cheers. Whillock places a premium on hiring staffers who not only offer an expertise that golfers can appreciate, but also people pleasing personalities that bring golfers back again and again.

Long-time Superintendent Brandon Gauster has Oak Marsh in tremendous condition, thanks in part to one of his new toys. “We have a new Toro greens roller that we utilize every other day. With our greens running silky smooth and the meticulous cutting Brandon has done underneath our mature trees on 4, 17, and 18, Oak Marsh is playing as good as I’ve ever seen it,” Whillock said.

Whillock noted that Debbie, their bartender, has a loyal following due to her friendly banter and generous outpouring of hugs. Their golf cart crew features a dynamic duo of young Chuck and Vern the elder. Chuck is known for his precise parking technique, while Vern keeps Oak Marsh’s pristine Club Cars looking showroom new. Food and Beverage John takes care of Oak Marsh’ steady stream of meeting and wedding reception clientele, while Chef Kate wows the lunch and dinner patrons. “I hesitate to single out names because our entire team does an excellent job of making our clientele feel at home.” Whillock said.

Leagues, Rounds, And Events On Fire

Whillock explained that Oak Marsh’s pre-booking policy has spurred a boon in their leagues and overall rounds, as well as their tournaments and evening events. “We don’t have members, but we do have 18 leagues humming through the weekdays. We also have Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening leagues. These are all booked through August. For rounds, our pre-booking policy works great for assuring a tee time,” Whillock said.

Oak Marsh has gained quite a reputation for golf-related events that could be termed a walk on the wild side. Whillock has promoted these events through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by donning costumes that followers wondering what he’ll do next? “I’ve worn Blues Brothers gear, fishing gear, Hawaiian gear, Caddy Shack gear, and for the month of June, cowboy gear. “On June 29 we’re inviting golfers to our Wild West night. We’ll have horses here, and a good time will be had by all,” Whillock said.

Growing the game through teaching has played a big part in Oak Marsh’s success journey. With his expanding operations duties, Whillock has turned over the bulk of Director of Instruction responsibilities to LPGA Midwest Teacher of the Year Angie Ause. This 2017 Minnesota Women’s Player of the Year is passionate about helping golfers to not only improve their game, but to also gain more joy from golf. The response to Ause’s teaching has been so positive, that an additional professional, Troy Weise, was brought on this year.

3,000 Trees, Lasting Friendships, And Arde’s Golf Forecast

Whillock can hardly believe that 22 years have flown by since Oak Marsh opened their doors. “Prior to our 1996 opening, this acreage was nothing but farm land. We added 3,000 trees, we’ve remodeled and expanded our clubhouse, and we’ve developed many great friendships. I’m very grateful Wendell Pittenger gave me this opportunity,” Whillock reflected.

Even though the lengthy 2018 winter season meant one of the course’s latest starts in years, the silver lining is today’s Oak Marsh offer golfers a 6,200-yard track that is better than ever. If you have any doubts this is true, see what Arde the Blue Heron is up to on Twitter tomorrow morning. Along with delivering a steady diet of one liners, chances are good Arde is forecasting a great day for golf at Oak Marsh.