Elks Golf Course opens for play

SANDPOINT — Attention area golfers, duffers and hackers alike: Sandpoint lodge No. 1376, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, has announced the opening of their golf course on Highway 200, in Ponderay.

Following a record-setting snowfall this winter and an extremely wet March, the standing water has finally evaporated enough to allow work — and play — on the golf course.

On Saturday, April 21, 34 volunteers, Elks and non-Elks, joined Tom Tharp, golf course manager, for “Volunteer Clean-up Day.” They raked and shoveled leaves and winter fall, as well as cleaning up lots of tree limbs.

“This is an annual event that takes the burden off of the grounds crew, and saves the Elks money they can use for their charitable projects,” said Tharp. “Thank you to all those who worked so hard and did a great job.”

Debra Shelton, who operates the Elks Café at the golf course, provided hamburgers and drinks for the crew after the clean-up. As the new restaurant operator, Shelton will have extended summer hours, a special bar menu and a “happy hour” to better serve the daily golfers as well as the local diners.

“Many people in Bonner County still don’t realize that both the Elks Golf Course and The Elks Café are completely open to the general public,” said Bob Huyck, past Exalted Ruler. “We depend very heavily on the community support of these businesses for us to continue our numerous community service activities.”  

Stop by the Elks Lodge and check out the opportunities.

For further information please call the following: Elks Café    at 255-7494; Elks Golf Course at 263-4321; and Elks Membership at 263-3811.