Brookside Golf Course opens nine holes in RC

By MaryHelen Swanson
Brookside Golf Course in Rush City is open for business with nine exciting holes ready for play.
Course owner Mike Murphy watched Monday night as the Erickson brothers, who grew up on the land on which the golf course is built, teed off for their first round of golf.
Ken, Karle, Bronson and Blaine Erickson used to expend a lot of energy baling hay and picking rocks as kids on the farm that is now Brookside Golf Course.
One of the brothers chuckled and said, ìI never thought that some day Iíd have to pay to get out here for some exercise.î
About 256 acres along CR 1 and I-35W was the Bronson Erickson farm. An additional 40 aces belonged to Blaine Erickson.
Murphy also bought land from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Turpen Realty, making a total of about 300 aces.
Murphy has planned for housing in different areas of the course, and some of the lots are selling fast, Murphy said.
Each of the holes has a minimum of four tee blocks, Murphy explained on a trip around the course Aug. 26.
The sand in the bunkers, what Murphy called ìOhioís best,î was brought on a barge.
Flower gardens have been planted for ambiance and an old walk-behind plow can be found near a wooden bridge as a reminder of the original farm site.
Large trees were saved when the course was built, providing a compliment to the greens.
The course is family-friendly; difficult enough to challenge the best of golfers but friendly enough for children or novices.
A wedding island is under construction overlooking a small lake. Murphy said he will build a gazebo where weddings can be performed.
To the southwest of the wedding island will be a banquet facility for a complete package, Murphy said.
Close by will be the course club house.
The course, through which Rush Creek meanders, was designed by Mike Morley and George Shortridge.
Brookside is Murphyís first golf course.
The brothers were all smiles as they moved from hole to hole trying out the course. Bronson credited Murphy for bringing the golf course to Rush City.
ìIt will be good for the community,î he said.
Murphy reminded golfers that the road to the office is paved and nine of 18 planned holes are open for play.
These days, instead of behind a plow, Bronson Erickson can be found on a mower grooming the greens at the golf course.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com