Got in my second round of the year the other day, this time heading out to Steve Whillock’s Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, Minnesota. Usually one of the first courses to open in the spring, Oak Marsh has already had a lot of play in 2009. The course was in good early season condition, although I hate when courses charge full price when they haven’t really done any conditioning yet. The 18 hole walking rate was $31.

As I’ve written before, this course is only 5,793 yards from the white tees and plays to a par of 70. This makes my 86 seem much better than it really was, but I still feel this course plays a little tougher than the 68.2 slope and 117 rating indicate.

Mr. Whillock was telling me about the 2009 edition of their Players Club Awards program. Sign up for free and earn a 10% award for all green fees, cart fees, range and golf merchandise. You also get a free round of golf on your birthday if you give them a valid email address (off-season birthdays get their round in April).

Oak Marsh is part of the Wendell Pittenger group of courses, which also include Lost Spur in Eagan, Mississippi National in Red Wing and Willow Creek in Rochester.