Eighty-one days and counting until the sounds of golf clubs swinging will be heard at Rhinelander Country Club. The Clubhouse opens April 9. It’s a spring ritual, a waiting game that’s been played out on the shores of Boom Lake since the early 1920’s.

“A group of businessmen got together, and in 1923 bought a piece of farmland,” said club President Alan Olds. “The rest is history.” Oh there have been a few changes, the clubhouse was originally located where the storage shed is; but Rhinelander Country Club remains a private club with many functions.

“We have a couples league in the afternoon and evening Tuesdays, a ladies league that meets in the morning and afternoon Wednesdays and a men’s league that is all day Thursday,” Olds said. “There are no tee times required except on league days.”

That is one of the advantages, and purposes of the Country Club according to Olds.

“Members can walk in and there is usually someone they can play with,” he explained.  “For example, there is a game every Saturday and Sunday morning. Guys just show up, write their name on a card and when it’s time to play we shuffle the cards and that’s who you play with.”  Members play with new people, and meet new people.

Olds admits that getting new members, younger families, is a bit of a challenge. One attraction is the Junior League, available to members’ children held weekly during the summer. The golf pro, Jon Konz, gives the youngsters a lesson and then they hit the course and play based on age and skill level.

“Young families are busy these days, with kids in sports all year round,” Olds said. “When we can interest them to join, even if they leave for a time, they usually come back. We have long-time members who are still playing golf into their 80s.”  

In addition to golf, the Rhinelander Country Club is known for its food. Along with a full service bar, the dining room is open daily for lunch, and Tuesday through Thursday for dinner. Friday features a fish fry. “I may be a little biased,” Olds confessed, “But our food here is second to nobody. We have very good food.”

While nearly all aspects of the club are for members only to enjoy, the public can rent the facility for parties and weddings. An area by the lake with an arbor creates a perfect setting for a bride and groom to recite their vows.

A golf range, full pro-shop, club storage, men’s and women’s locker rooms stocked with amenities are just a few more perks to add to the membership list. Now is a good time to consider becoming a member, according to Olds. The Country Club is offering a special introductory offer for individuals or families interested in joining. The initial rate is reduced this year, and then over five years the fee increases to rate.

Bottom line, according to Olds, it’s a social club, where you can play the social game of golf. “If you come up to the bar after league, you’re lucky to get a stool. People don’t leave. There is always something going on.”  This is where friendships are made, and a lifelong passion for a game played against oneself, is discovered.  

More information can be found on the club’s website, www.rhinelandercountryclub.com. The club is located at 1699 Eagle St., and can be reached by phone at 715-365-3200.