Letter: Keep MNGL - and city's above-par winning legacy

To the Editor:

On June 16, 2011, the Red Wing girls golf team made its mark in Minnesota history by winning the AA state champion title.

Throughout our journey, we were backed by innumerable support and cooperation from the members and staff of our home course — the Mississippi National Golf Links.

Growing up, we all seemed to have a different story on how our passion for the game of golf developed. One thing we all found to be a common factor though was that our passion stemmed from the countless hours that we devoted to practicing at Mississippi National. Having such a large facility — a range, a large putting green, and two different

18-hole courses — allowed for our team and other high school members to develop the necessary skills to play and enjoy the game, while also allowing other community members to remain on the course.

Not only would the decision to close the Mississippi National Golf Links affect the future high school golf teams, but also the community as a whole.

Several community members are avid golfers who feel at home when playing at Mississippi. The course and its staff accommodate all visitors and members: seniors, teenagers, couples, families, and small children.

The Lowland Course allows for easy walking and exercise for those who do not wish to take motorized carts. The Highlands Course, on the other hand, has gained a reputation around the Midwest for having incredible scenery due to the elevation on which it is located.

Both are unique courses that attract people from all around Minnesota and surrounding areas. These visitors not only stop at the golf course, but several ask about and visit our downtown area. This provides our local businesses with new customers every day.

We, as a former team, feel passionately about our home course. Five out of the six members of the 2011 varsity girls golf team have continued golfing while in college.

This demonstrates the passion we have all developed for the game, our skills that allowed us to continue on with our journeys, and our knowledge of different courses around the country. We can honestly say that Mississippi is a one-of-a-kind golf course and facility. It is our home.

Closing the course will result in an incredible loss to our community and to the game of golf itself. Without the presence of Mississippi National, our team never would have accomplished our state title.

Katie Kesti

University of Nebraska-Omaha, Division 1 women’s golf team member

Ashley Brooks

Drake University, Division 1 women’s golf team member

Danielle Brooks

Drake University, Division 1 women’s golf team member

Anna Busch

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Division 3 women’s golf team member

Marisa Toivonen

Augustana College, Division 2 women’s golf team member

Nikki Pasch

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tags: opinion, letters