How To Start Planning Your Wedding

So you recently got engaged. First of all, congratulations! Now the planning begins.

If you’re like most couples, planning your dream wedding can seem like a daunting task. Don’t sweat yet. Take a couple deep breaths, recruit the help of your friends and family, and follow these steps. Your wedding planning will be off to a stress-free start.

1. Celebrate as a Couple

Sometimes in wedding-planning craziness, couples forget to take time to themselves to celebrate together. Take a thousand photos. Dance in the living room. Shout, “We’re engaged!” Stare in awe at the engagement ring. Grab dinner at your favorite spot and just soak up this exciting time in your lives.

2. Tell Family and Friends

Now that you’ve sufficiently celebrated as a duo, it’s time to tell the people you love about the good news. We suggest starting with your parents. If you live in the same area as your parents, plan a nice quiet evening somewhere when both you and your fiancé can be present to spill the beans. They’ll love seeing the excitement in person. If you don’t live nearby, set aside some time to video call so they’re able to see you and your new fiance—trust us, video makes all the difference!

Once you’ve told your parents, it’s time to move on to other family members and close friends—preferably starting with people who will most likely be in the wedding party.

3. Announce the Engagement

Everybody important already knows about your exciting news and now it’s time to tell the rest of the world. Announcing your engagement can be done a few different ways: face-to-face, phone calls, social media, or an engagement party. If you’re super-enthusiastic, do all 4!

4. Buy a Journal

These next few weeks, months, or years of planning will fly by quicker than you expect and will be full of exciting moments, tough decisions, and a million memories. Writing it all down in a journal is the perfect way to vent about the tough times and remember the great times, all while ensuring you’ll have those memories for years to come.

5. Decide on a Budget

The dreaded B-word. It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, but you can save yourself a lot of stress by setting a budget from the get-go and deciding how much you’re able to spend on a venue, a dress, catering, and other wedding essentials.

If you plan on asking your parents for help, here’s a great resource on how to spark that conversation. Paying for a wedding all on your own? No worries, beautiful affordable weddings are totally doable. If you plan early and stick to the plan, any wedding is possible—you just may need some creativity.

6. Set the Date

Love can be celebrated any time of year, but if you’re looking at a specific location or need to plan around work, vacation, or prior commitments, now’s the time to figure that out. Not only is picking a date one of the most important parts of your early planning process, everyone will be asking you, “When’s the wedding?” and it helps to have an answer.

Picking the perfect wedding date doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it should be one of the easier parts of planning. You may want to start with a couple of potential dates until you officially pick the venue. That way if they’re booked on one of your dates, you’ve got a back up.

7. Find Your Venue

Securing the perfect spot for your dream wedding is key. You want to make sure the space accommodates your guest lists: both for the ceremony and the reception. St. Cloud Country Club has open dates in 2019 and we’d love to help you celebrate the greatest day of your life! Give us a call at (320) 253-1331 ext. 102 for more information.

These are just the beginning steps to planning the biggest party of your life. Remember: your wedding day is about you as a couple and the love you have for each other—not fretting about getting everything perfect for everyone else.

Is an Outdoor Wedding Right for You?

The popularity of outdoor weddings is easy to understand. They result in beautiful pictures, scenic views, and an airy, open experience.

Sometimes, however, they do not quite turn out as expected. In addition to weather changes, the bride and groom must consider amenities, food, and decor when hosting an outdoor wedding.

Weather

We don’t want anyone to stress at their own wedding! Prepare for bad weather ahead of time and be ready for the weather taking a turn for the worse. One way to deal with this is having a stash of umbrellas ready to go.

Since the reception takes up the majority of your wedding, you definitely need to have a shelter available. When you host your wedding at St. Cloud Country Club, this shelter is our beautiful clubhouse. The clubhouse will keep your guests comfortable and dry.

Amenities

An outdoor wedding requires just as many - if not more - amenities as an indoor wedding. Before determining where your wedding will take place, consider what you’ll need: electricity, restrooms, parking, decorations, seating, and more.

Everything you need will be readily available at the St. Cloud Country Club. When we host an outdoor wedding, you get all the same benefits as an indoor wedding.

Food and Decor

Outdoor weddings have their own unique and beautiful look. Whether you want something rustic or romantic, we have a wedding planner to make your dream become a reality. We remove stress from your wedding day by setting up everything so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and deliveries that sometimes come with outdoor weddings.

St. Cloud Country Club also gives you and your guests with a memorable, delicious meal. After a complimentary food tasting, our five-star chefs will give you with the menu of your choice. You won’t have to worry about transporting, heating, or serving the food.


If an outdoor wedding is for you, look no farther than St. Cloud Country Club! Our beautiful space, which can accommodate up to 200 people, has everything you need. Visit the website or call to book a tour for your 2019/2020 wedding!

St. Cloud Country Club: A Family Experience

When my husband first approached me about joining St. Cloud Country Club I replied with “Sure, sounds like a great place for you to golf!” When he explained there was more to love than just golf, I was suspicious to say the least, because I’d heard that about other courses, too.

Well, 4 years later I’m ready to admit it: My husband was RIGHT. Here are some of the things I’ve come to appreciate about the St. Cloud Country Club.

The Pool

What a lifesaver this place has been! Along with a large pool and water slide, there is a great kiddie pool for the littles in your life. Take it from a mom who’d rather sip a cocktail poolside than get into the water (I may be part cat), having a kiddie pool you can wade in with your kids is fantastic.

You don’t have to get super wet, and your kids still enjoy themselves. There is also a snack hut where you can order drinks, snacks, and the full 19th hole grill menu, which they will deliver to you by the pool. This is nice for the parents who don’t want to strip the swimsuits off their kids’ wet little bodies to go inside and eat, only to squeeze them back into said wet swimsuits when they’re done eating. The pool is also fully staffed with trained lifeguards. It’s nice to know there are always multiple sets of eyes watching over the pool and keeping everyone safe.

The Course

While I may not take pride in my golf game, I do know what makes for a great golf experience. The course is always well maintained and has a beautiful layout that blends into Mississippi River views around you.

While a round of 18 holes would take upwards of 4 to 5 hours at another course, the rate of play at the St. Cloud Country Club is steady, making a typical round last about 3 ½ hours. My favorite part about the course is that we can bring our 4-year-old, who is obsessed with golf, out onto the course in the evenings to play a few holes. He loves the fact that he’s on a real course with the adults, and we love that he’s getting a true golf experience. The staff always acknowledges him and engages in golf chat with him.

We’re excited for him to be old enough to participate in the junior golf program. There are also leagues for men and women, and couples golf nights, which usually have a dinner theme (perfect for date night!) These are all fun ways to enjoy the course in a more social setting.

The Dining and Banquet Experience

The dining experience at the St. Cloud Country Club is unmatched in the St. Cloud area. My husband’s family drives 2 ½ hours from Fargo every year for the Mother’s Day brunch – that’s how good it is. There are weekday specials like a build-your-own pasta bar, burger bar, prime rib night, fish frys during the Lenten season, and a “meet Santa” brunch in December.

We have also participated in some themed dinners, such as a Beaver Island dinner, which included special food selections, each course being paired with Beaver Island Brewing Co. beer. Planning date night is easy for us because we can just look at the events calendar each week and decide what we want to do!

As members, we’re able to rent out the banquet facility for events, which we did for my sister-in-law’s graduation party. The party was a breeze because Paige, Norm, and the rest of the staff were so on the ball. Our food was hot and fresh throughout the entire day, drinks were always full, and everyone who came to the party was thoroughly impressed by the facility, food, and staff.


The St. Cloud Country Club has become on of my favorite places to spend quality time with my family and friends. I was skeptical at first, but I’m so thankful that my husband was able to convince me to check out all that the SCCC has to offer. Come see for yourself – set up a tour of the St. Cloud Country Club today. I’ll wave to you from the pool!

Choosing Wedding Flowers for Summer Weddings

Planning your wedding can bring about enough decisions to make your head spin! Let us help you decide decor with information about wedding flowers that will be in season during your summer wedding.

Choosing wedding flowers that bloom during the month you are marrying reduces cost and ensures your flowers are fresh and fabulous! Here are the beautiful blooms to choose from in June, July, and August.

June Flowers

In early summer, you are a bit limited with choices. Tulips are perfect for an early June wedding, peonies for big bold blooms, and irises for height and elegance. If you prefer wild flowers for a bohemian themed wedding, this is a great list of native species that would work well in a cascading bouquet.

July Flowers

In July, many blooms open each week and there is much beauty to choose from! Roses, lilies, baby’s breath, phlox, orchids, poppies, and other popular wedding flowers are all great bouquet choices! Read about the plethora of July blooming wedding flowers here.

August Flowers

During late summer, wedding blooms include mums, dahlias, zinnias, and carnations. During August many ornamental grasses go to bloom as well which can make for interesting and ethereal wedding decor. A trendy choice for 2018 is sunflowers which are perfect for late summer weddings!


Another great guide to logistics around planning your wedding flowers is theknot.com’s tips and tricks article. Also, when choosing your flowers, it can be symbolic and special to learn the traditional history behind your flowers.

It is also good to keep in mind that St. Cloud Country Club is the perfect venue for your wedding! We will work with your florist to ensure the wedding flowers are all set up as expected and the day goes off without a hitch. To learn more, visit here!

The Top 5 Benefits of Becoming A St. Cloud Country Club Member

You may think you know all there is to do in Saint Cloud, but if you are not a member of the Country Club, you are missing out.

There is so much to do at the Saint Cloud Country Club if you are one of our members! Consider the top 5 benefits of becoming a member:

1. A Pristine Golf Course

The SCCC boasts the best 18-hole golf course in Saint Cloud. As a member, we offer many options for competitive play as well as junior, women's, and men’s leagues. If you are a novice, individual lessons and clinics are available to learn! You will absolutely love the quiet atmosphere and the gorgeous views on SCCC’s pristine golf course.

2. Splash in our Swimming Pool

Summer fun means pool time, but there are limited options in Saint Cloud for a place to dip your feet. As a member of the SCCC, you get access to our large outdoor swimming pool from May 27th through September 4th. If you have a family, this benefit is huge! The pool includes a water slide, kiddie pool, and we also offer swimming lessons. The SCCC also serves meals to order poolside and has ample snack and drink options while you relax.

3. Fun Family Events

As a member of SCCC, you have access to our large gathering space which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is not just for weddings, think office parties, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, birthdays, and more! You have a venue ready to serve delicious food and do the clean-up for your family events.

4. Scrumptious Food

Speaking of delicious food, our dining experience is excellent. Our chefs use seasonal foods to shape a gourmet menu just for you. The cuisine paired with the gorgeous views of the rolling hills along the Mississippi river make for the perfect mealtime experience. Join us for a date night, a fish fry, a Thursday night pasta bar, or a Sunday brunch. You will not be disappointed!

5. Part of a Community

The best benefit of becoming a member at the Saint Cloud Country Club we saved for last. The community at the SCCC is outstanding! Many members have been a part of the Country Club for decades. Expand your professional network, meet a golf or tennis pro, and build relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.


Consider becoming a member of the Saint Cloud Country Club today! With so much to do and so much to gain, the benefits really outweigh the costs.

Winter Wedding Planning Tips

Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular for many reasons. Many vendors will offer lower prices during the colder seasons. If it’s snowed recently before the wedding or even flurries during the wedding, it makes for perfect photo opportunities. Here are our top tips for planning your winter wedding.

Work with Your Caterer or Venue to Create a Winter-Themed Meal

There’s no need to have a heavy entree; you can still have light, winter-themed meals. Work with your caterer or venue to decide on savory soups and delicate appetizers. Instead of champagne, think about having mulled wine and ciders. At the end of the night, treat your guests to a hot chocolate bar.

Pick Flowers that are in Season

Although you will save money on most vendors for a winter wedding, florists are not one of them. Since the majority of flowers are in season during the spring and summer, the cost of flowers can increase significantly during the winter. If you choose to go with real flowers instead of faux, pick flowers that are in season to help keep costs down.

Create a Cozy Reception

To keep your guests comfortable, provide pillows and throws throughout the reception. Instead of turning on the bright lights, keep your lighting low and use lots of candles. It will help create a romantic environment, and the warmth from the candles will help keep it cozy.

Send your Save the Dates Early

Although it’s not the summer, people may be just as - if not more - busy. If you want a majority of your friends, family, and colleagues to make it to your winter wedding, send your Save the Dates early.

Don’t Get Obsessed with Tracking the Weather

Although you’re less likely to get rain on your wedding day, you will still be obsessed with tracking the weather. You’ll likely check each day before the wedding to ensure a snowstorm doesn’t happen on your perfect day. Plan for bad weather and make your plans early; the weather will come no matter what, so all you can do is let it happen.



St. Cloud Country Club can help you plan a fantastic winter wedding. Contact us today to learn more.

Host Your Holiday Party at the St. Cloud Country Club

Getting ready to plan the same old holiday party for your office? Take it up a notch by choosing the St. Cloud Country Club for your celebration venue. Here are just a few of the reasons you and your holiday guests will love it here!

The Location

Located amidst the rolling hills, tucked away in a quiet part of town, Saint Cloud Country Club is serene and private. Our indoor banquet hall seats 200 and you do not have to be a country club member to host a party. Enjoy Mississippi River views from the outdoor areas and take in the beautiful landscape. Conveniently located only a few miles from I-94 right off Highway 75, the location is also convenient for locals and those joining the party from afar.

The Menu

Our highly-reviewed food will not disappoint your guests, no matter how big the party! We have seasonal menus and customizable options to ensure you are serving food that everyone will enjoy. Leave it to our experienced chefs to cook up some Minnesota Chicken with Northwood's wild rice and mushrooms, offer a pasta buffet, or serve a smoked salmon platter. The best part is that there is no food or beverage minimum for parties. Enjoy and eat without the worry, just the wow.

The Details

Getting the details organized for a holiday party can be stressful. Rest assured that our food and beverage manager, Paige Bremer, will help you out. Paige can help work out all the details of your holiday party and make sure everything falls into place. To reserve a time and find out pricing details, call Paige at (320) 253-1331 ext 102.


The St. Cloud Country Club is the clear choice for this year's holiday party planning. Learn more about our excellent dining choices and holiday party options here. Your guests are looking to let loose and have fun, so celebrate your holiday party with us!

DIY Wedding Decor for Fall Ceremonies

Are you planning on getting married this fall, but you’re still struggling to decide on the decor? We have the perfect DIY decor that will catch the eyes of your guests on your special day.

Here are the top 7 DIY decor ideas for your fall wedding:

1: Altar

Having an altar to your wedding is a must for your wedding. Using a one-of-a-kind piece such as a vintage buffet will be unique and cost-friendly for your wedding.

2: Chair Ties

Add a rustic touch with a Mr. & Mrs. chair ties. Burlap is a must-have texture at a fall wedding. Dress it up with a touch of lace for an elegant addition.

3: Rustic Beverage Sign

Create a rustic sign using chalkboard paint and chalk markers to let your guests know the drink options. You can also collect decorative frames from thrift stores and paint them to match your wedding theme. 

4: Personalized Cake Topper

Adding a simple cake topper will make it more personalized and give your cake that extra pizzazz. Instead of the traditional plastic bride and groom, go for a personal sculpture, wood plaque, or wire-wrapped accent to make your cake a one-of-a-kind.

5: Bark Centerpieces

Put your favorite fall flowers in a vase wrapped with bark. These centerpieces will add a beautiful fall touch.

6: Mini Caramel Apples

Candy buffets are a recent trend for weddings of any season. Take it a step further and offer your guests a sweet surprise at cocktail hour with mini caramel apples.

7: Flower Girl Leaves

Instead of the traditional flower petals, use leaves! This adds a beautiful, rustic touch.


Now that you have some decor ideas, it’s time to choose your venue. St. Cloud Country Club offers professional wedding planning and we are ready to answer all of your questions. Our goal is to give you a stress-free planning experience. From our first conversation to the last departing guest, we assure you we will execute everything to ensure the day is one you’ll cherish forever.

For more information about the venue, call Paige Bremer at 320-253-1331 ext. 102 or visit our website.

Teaching Your Kids The Game Of Golf

If you’re an avid golfer and have children, the natural instinct will be for you to teach them the game of golf.

There are several steps to remember when teaching your young ones about this great game. The most important thing, above all, is remembering to have patience as a parent. Golf takes a lot of time, effort and practice to become adept at. But when things get frustrating, always remember to have fun and talk things through with your child.


Let’s take a look at some of the steps parents can take to help their child love the game as much as they do:

Take Advantage Of Late Evenings

Golf courses usually see the least foot traffic in the evening. Not having a crowded course will allow you more time to focus on the mechanics of your child’s swing instead of worrying about a group of people running up behind you. You can also have a little more fun and be a lot more relaxed on an empty course.

Let Them Tell You What They’re Comfortable With

For a young child, let them learn the game at their speed. You can teach them fundamentals like a proper grip, but children just want to have a good time. Let them find their own way at first. Putting contests are a fun and easy way to start some form of direction. Chipping contests are also a great idea to see who gets closest to the hole.

Give Them The Proper Equipment.

A lot of young golfers get hand-me-down clubs that don’t always fit their height. The clubs are either too long, stiff or heavy. This can really mess with a young golfer’s swing. Make sure to fit them with the proper equipment so they can enjoy the game the right way.

Start When They’re Ready.

One of the worst things you can do as a golf parent is starting their lessons too young. Don’t try to teach your child to swing until they’re at least 5 years old. Bring them to the hitting range or practice green with you to see if they have any interest in what you’re doing. Start with toy clubs that are plastic and work your way up to the real thing.

Don’t Be Overbearing.

The worst thing a parent can become is an opinionated coach. Don’t focus on the negative and always give them positive feedback. If something negative happens, be supportive and encourage them to try again. Be a cheerleader for your kids, not a dictator. Always talk about the good shots and not the bad ones.


Don’t forget to sign up for the St. Cloud Country Club’s Junior Golf League, which begins June 22. Junior golf memberships are also available.


We have many other membership options available.

Membership at St. Cloud Country Club

Looking for the best swimming, dining, and golf recreation spot this summer? Look all you want, but you won’t find anywhere in Central Minnesota that matches the St. Cloud Country Club. We offer a variety of membership plans that allow everyone to find a plan tailored to their interests. From the avid golfer to the family looking for fun outdoors, we have a membership option that will be perfect for you.

Golf Membership Options

Class A: $446.95/month

For families/couples age 40 & over
$1,000 Initiation Fee

This membership includes unlimited golf, unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage. This plan is perfect for the family seeking activities to do together. Take advantage of all St. Cloud Country Club facilities for the season.

Class B: $332.46/month

For families/couples age 33-39, or singles aged 33 and over
$750 Initiation Fee

A class B membership for families includes unlimited golf, unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage. Get your family out and active with this membership plan which features access to all St. Cloud Country Club activities.

Class C: $219.32/month

For heads of families ages 21-32
No Initiation Fee

This plan is perfect for young families looking for quality time together. Class C memberships in this age group includes unlimited golf, unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage. Get your golf time in while your family spends the day at the pool or on the tennis courts.

Class C: $174.22/month

For singles age 21-32 and under
No Initiation Fee

Take advantage of all that St. Cloud Country Club has to offer with this unlimited plan at a newly reduced rate for millennials. Class C membership includes unlimited golf, unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage.

Limited Golf Memberships

Limited Golf Membership: $169.22/month

$300 Initiation Fee

Take advantage of 6 rounds of golf throughout the season without compromising your family’s pool time. This membership includes 6 rounds of golf (per season per spouse), unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage. This membership plan is perfect for those busy families who can’t make it out to the course every day.

Social Membership: $103.72/month

$200 Initiation Fee

Don’t golf but still want to get outdoors? No problem! This plan is perfect for the active individual with unlimited access to all facilities including our pool and tennis court. The membership Includes unlimited swimming, unlimited tennis, and facilities usage.

Dining Membership: $98.35/month

$100 Initiation Fee

Membership includes all clubhouse dining facilities. Access to top-notch dining can be yours with this affordable dining membership plan.


Interested in signing up for a membership? Visit our website to learn how you can join St. Cloud Country Club as a member.

Love at the Club: Host Your Wedding at the St. Cloud Country Club

Engaged couples can surely attest to the challenges and immense responsibility and commitment of wedding planning. We at the St. Cloud Country Club aim to make that process easier for our clients by taking some of that stress off of their shoulders. We offer dedicated service and commitment to creating a wedding that is personalized to your individual preferences.

Our event planner, Paige, will work with you from the very beginning to determine just what you’re looking for in your reception or ceremony. From there, we ensure all of your needs are met when it comes to catering, decor, and wedding coordination on your special day. Quality service with a personalized touch is our specialty.

The St. Cloud Country Club Offers

• Region’s Best Room Rental Value 
• No minimum for Food & Beverage 
• No membership required 
• Included in Your Wedding Reception are: 
• Table centerpieces 
• Cake cutting services 
• Customized menu planning 
• Food tastings for up to four people 
• Table linens /skirting

With a perfect area overlooking the Mississippi River, our classic Clubhouse is nestled among the rolling hills of our championship golf course. We guarantee that your wedding will have gorgeous views from your reception and backgrounds for your wedding photos.

Our venue has won the Central Minnesota Wedding Association’s award for Vendor of Distinction for the past three years in a row. Come see for yourself if our venue is right for you by setting up a consultation with our event planner.

Contact our event department at 320-253-1331 ex. 102 or email Paige at paigebremer@stcloudcountryclub.com. For more information about our venue services, visit our website.

Host Your Corporate Event at the St. Cloud Country Club

The sub-zero chills of Winter are only now beginning to sink in. ‘Tis the season to hunker down indoors with a good book and sip something hot from a mug, which is fine in your down time, but what about while you’re at the office? The dreary days of Winter will be with us for some time yet, and it’s hard enough to engage everyone at an office meeting or plan an exciting event.

At the St. Cloud Country Club, we offer so much more than just great golf. Our food, facility, and beautiful views make it the perfect destination for corporate events or meetings. If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your workplace meetings or gatherings (at any time of the year), the Country Club is the perfect place.

Exceptional Food from Experienced Chefs

An important aspect of any successful meeting is the food. Sure, you could provide the usual stale bagels and bitter coffee, or you could let our experienced chefs provide a mouth-watering meal for you and your colleagues. Head Chef Norm Maish and Assistant Chef Jasen Merkel can whip up a variety of dishes to please any crowd. Check out your menu options here.

Space for Any Sized Group

Whether you’re hosting a few coworkers from the office or collaborating colleagues from around the state, we have the space and functionality to accommodate. We can even provide you with professional event coordinators if you are really looking to impress your crowd. And since we are located just off of Highway 75 and are a stone’s throw away from I-94, our location is simple to find for guest from out of town. Get directions here.

Picturesque Views

Phrases like “just off the river” and “picturesque views” might seem cliche, but they’re true. Winter views at our country club are just as breath-taking as they are in the summer. Voted a vendor of Distinction by the Central Minnesota Wedding Association in 2014, 2015, and 2016, your guests won’t forget their visit. Just remember to invite them back for a round of golf in the Spring, once all the snow melts!

A Quiet, Relaxing Atmosphere

Our staff is courteous and diligent, our views are beautiful, and the atmosphere is calming and relaxing. Get away from the screeching cars and constant noises of the city and concentrate on what matters to you and your group. You’ll find the accommodations you need without the added distractions at our venue.

St. Cloud Country Club is one of the area’s best event venues for a reason. If you don’t believe us, take it from some of our happy customers.

If you want more information on hosting an event at the St. Cloud Country Club, Contact Paige Bremer to inquire about open dates.

Join The Winter Celebrations at St. Cloud Country Club

Looking for a new way to celebrate the Holidays with your family this season? At the St. Cloud Country Club, we will be hosting some special events to ring in the season. Take a look below, and make sure to add these winter celebrations to your holiday calendar:

Santa Brunch

Sunday, December 11th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Open to public with reservation

For an exceptional morning treat, bring the whole family to the St. Cloud Country Club for our Santa Brunch. Serving hearty American breakfast classics with some special holiday touches, the St. Cloud Country Club welcomes all–even Santa–to start the Christmas celebrations early! Call 320-253-1331 ext. 102 to reserve your spot.

Pajamas & Pancakes Holiday Party

Saturday, December 17th, Members and Guests only,
$12 per gingerbread house and $6.95 per person for the buffet

Are you ready to celebrate Christmas morning a week early? Join us for our Pajamas and Pancakes party. In addition to our pancakes breakfast buffet, check out the deliciously decadent hot chocolate bar. Are you yearning to get a little creative with your gingerbread house this year? Bring the family to create some delicious and not-at-all nutritious memories together building a gingerbread house. Guests are invited to wear pajamas and are encouraged to bring a gift to donate to Toys for Tots. Reservations are also required.

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Saturday, December 31st, Open to the public with a reservation

Looking for a place to enjoy the last meal of the year? Join the St. Cloud Country Club to ring in 2017 with a New Year’s Eve dinner. Bring the family and share your favorite memories of 2016 along with your New Year’s reservations and wishes for 2017!


Contact the club office Monday through Friday from 8:30 Am to 4:30 PM to learn more information and get reservations for any of our upcoming holiday events. You can also follow our Facebook Page to learn about events and updates at the Country Club this Winter!

Why Do Leaves Change Their Colors?

October brings a variety of colors to Central Minnesota, especially along the Mississippi river. We are fortunate to have some of the most impeccable views on our course because of our location. The leaves change from green to red to orange and finally yellow before they cascade down to the ground. This is a stunning time of year, but have you ever asked yourself why the leaves change color like they do?

The scientific reason as to why leaves change isn’t certain, but we know the basics.

It all breaks down to a few different chemicals and proteins found within a leaf’s structure. As you may remember from biology class, chlorophyll (which is necessary for photosynthesis in plants) gives leaves their rich green color. Carotenoids are the dominant pigment found in fall leaves and produce yellow colors in other plants, such as bananas, daffodils, and carrots. Anthocyanins, which give organisms their red color, are also triggered in leaf cells during autumn. Anthocyanins are also found in apples, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries.

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are present in the leaf’s cells during the growing season, but it is not until the fall when anthocyanins (the red colors) form within the cell. Anthocyanins are often produced as a result of bright light and an excess of sugar within the leaf’s cells.

When the days shorten and the daylight dwindles in the beginning of Autumn, the veins of a leaf begins to become clogged by cells and trap sugars that promote the production of anthocyanins. As the green colors fade away, the yellows and oranges begin to peek through. Anthocyanins, which produce bright red colors, begin to come through after the sugars start to get trapped within the leaf cells. As soon as the all of the connection tissues are sealed and the leaf has completed its metamorphosis of color, it then falls to the ground.

Central Minnesota has some of the most vibrant colors in the fall, especially along our golf course along the Mississippi river. Now that you know why we get to see these magnificent colors, be sure to stop by St. Cloud Country Club for a round to see the color-changing for yourself!

Wedding Themes that are Perfect for Fall

Are you in the middle of planning a fall wedding? Well, congratulations! As the leaves turn and the weather cools down, autumn makes for the perfect time to share vows. Find inspiration in the beautiful shades of the season, and relish in the warmth and comfort of the season. Explore some of the themes below for some wedding inspiration:

Back-to-School

Whether you are both teachers, met on the school playground, or share a deep love of literature, a back-to-school theme could be an A+ idea! You could take this idea literally and add accessories that play off pencils, chalkboards, and cherry red apples to take it back to the classroom, or you could find inspiration from your favorite books. Are you Harry Potter fans? Throw a Hogwarts-inspired wedding with wands, robes, and potion bottles. More of a Tolkien fan? Have your wedding party and guests decked out in hobbit and elf ensembles. The possibilities are endless!

Harvest

For a more toned down celebration, take advantage of the full beauty of Fall with a harvest wedding. Infuse your wedding venue and reception with hay bales, pumpkins and gourds, wildflowers, and cozy elements. You can easily incorporate rustic and country elements for a romantic flair. Serve heart-warming comfort foods as appetizers and serve warm apple cider to really bring out the best of this season.

Halloween

For fans of this late fall celebration, why not go all out? Incorporate a black and red theme for gothic and vampy vibes. Schedule a zombie-themed engagement photo session. Go playful with orange, greens, and purple for a kid-friendly event. Play up these themes with whimsical candles and sophisticated versions of Halloween décor for a spooky and romantic affair. Take inspiration from The Nightmare Before Christmas for a fun, pop culture-infused celebration!

Earthy and Inspired

With the beauty of the season, take inspiration from the great outdoors! Infuse earthy elements like pinecones, cranberries, and mosses for nature-inspired décor. Choose earthy autumnal shades for your wedding colors, like burgundy, maroon, purple, orange, and gold. Incorporate soft amber lights to let the textures and warm colors of the season shine. Use the changing of the colors for truly beautiful and memorable wedding pictures.


Whatever theme you choose for your upcoming nuptials, get inspired by the season, and let the St. Cloud Country Club help you plan the wedding of your dreams. For more information, reach out to the St. Cloud Country Club for a beautiful and stress-free wedding.

Before you Swing: Preparing for a Round of Golf

No matter the sport, all athletes go through a pre-game warm-up to enhance their ability; no one hops out of bed ready to perform. Taking the time to warm-up before a round of golf gives you a chance to prepare your body and your game for what's to come.

Different golfers have different routines when it comes to starting a round of golf. Below, we have listed a few important pre-game rituals for you to incorporate before you start your next round:

Stretch Out

Stretching is an important part of any form of physical activity. The importance of stretching comes from warming up your muscles and getting them loose and flexible for the upcoming workout. Five minutes of warm-up stretches can prevent pain and will benefit you in the long run. For a few examples, check out this list of different stretches from the Mayo Clinic that will improve your performance.

Warm-up Your Putter

One of the major mistakes that amateur golfer make is not arriving on the green early enough to practice and warm-up. It’s important to put in that time. Make sure you get to the course early so you won’t feel rushed. You don’t need to spend the entire time at the driving range, either. Practice a few putting techniques on the putting green before you start on the bigger swings. Not only will practicing before a round help you understand the speeds for the green, it also gives you time to warm up your stroke.

Practice Tricky Shots

Many golfers assume that your drive is the most important swing in golf, but what happens when you drive your ball into a bunker and have not had the chance to warm up the shot? Practicing a few shots that may come about while on the course is a smart idea. Preparing yourself with pitching, chipping and sand shots will give you a handle on how the round will play out. 

By utilizing some of these warm-ups into your routine, you will see improvements in your golf skills. Everyone is different, however, and not all gain the same benefits from the same warm-ups. Finding a routine that works well for you is key.

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