By Joe Morey News Editor
Taking the reins as the new General Manager of Big Fish Golf Club has been nothing short of an incredible honor. Nestled in the heart of the Northwoods, Big Fish is more than just a golf course; it’s a vibrant community hub owned and cherished by the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe. To step into this role, entrusted with the legacy of this remarkable establishment, is both humbling and exhilarating.
When I began, I knew the road ahead would be challenging. The club had been without a cohesive marketing strategy or promotions for some time, and a number of areas needed attention to unlock its full potential. But with a clear vision, a passionate team, and the support of our membership and community, we set ambitious goals. Today, I am proud to say that we have already achieved some incredible milestones.
One of the first challenges we tackled was membership growth. Through an aggressive and well-executed membership sale, we have not only revitalized interest in the club but surpassed the highest number of memberships since the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe took ownership, and we still have three months before the season is set to begin. This success stands as a testament to the value we’re building here at Big Fish and the trust our community has placed in us.
Revamping our operations extended beyond memberships. The menu at Dye Hards, our on-site restaurant, received a much-needed update to better align with the tastes and expectations of our patrons. In tandem, we implemented innovative marketing strategies to elevate our visibility and appeal. These efforts have yielded extraordinary results and we are still in the process of developing more marketing campaigns and more on-site promotional enhancements.
In just my first few weeks, with the changes and strategies we have already implemented, we’ve generated well over $100,000 in increased food, beverage, and membership sales. My goal is to maintain this incredible progress through the remainder of our winter season.
A particularly meaningful accomplishment has been securing the jobs of our 12 winter workers, whose positions were in jeopardy when I arrived. Knowing these team members can continue to provide for their families during the off-season is deeply fulfilling and underscores the importance of the work we’re doing.
The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. Members and guests alike have shared their appreciation for the changes we’ve made and the direction we’re heading. While there is still much to do, the progress we’ve achieved so far is a reflection of the dedication and passion of everyone involved in this journey.
As we move forward, my commitment to Big Fish Golf Club and its community remains unwavering. Together, we’ll continue to build on this momentum, create exceptional experiences, and solidify Big Fish as a premier destination for golf, dining, and connection. The future is bright, and I am privileged to lead the charge.
Some Upcoming Events
At Big Fish, our staff recently met up to create a calendar for the next few months to bring us up to the start of the summer golf season. We’re excited to announce a variety of new promotions and events designed to bring our community together for unforgettable experiences! Sunday afternoons will now feature live old-time country music bands, perfect for relaxing with friends and family. On select Saturday nights, we’ll keep the good times rolling with more live country performances, providing a mix of nostalgic tunes and lively entertainment. To give back and have fun, we’re also launching charity bingo and poker tournaments, offering a chance to support great causes while enjoying some friendly competition.
We’re also thrilled to introduce our Fridays at the Fish, a 12-week series of Friday nights, packed with exciting events and dinner shows to showcase our food and vibrant atmosphere. Highlights include a Valentine's party, trivia night, a "Taste of the Fish" food-tasting event, a family-friendly Pizza & Putt night with simulator putting contests for prizes, and a Build Your Own Pizza experience. Guests can also look forward to our art gallery dinner show, an 80's night complete with a music and costume contest, and an exciting bar game pentathlon, plus many more Friday night events. Additional weekend events include corn hole and pool tournaments ensuring there’s something for everyone. These events are part of our mission to fully utilize our event center, introduce our new menu, and create memorable moments for all. Join us at Dye Hards—where great food, entertainment, and community come together!
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