Scenic Golfing, Food, And Fun On Roy Lake

    Imagine playing nine holes of golf for $3. Or better yet, playing ALL DAY for $5. This is how much it cost to golf at the Roykota Golf Course when it opened in the late 1980s. Years later, it might cost a little more to golf, but the course and its clubhouse, located on Roy Lake two miles south of Lake City, are still going strong, thanks to many dedicated individuals. The business, now known as Royview Country Club, is vibrant and has a promising future. 
    The origins of Royview and the golf course can be traced back around 70 years to when Roykota Resort was established in 1955 by John Farley and Don Driscoll. The resort included a store and rental cabins on picturesque Roy Lake. 
    The business went through a few different owners’ hands before being purchased by Duane Strand in 1972. Strand improved the resort by constructing a marina and eventually constructing a new building. In the early 80s, Strand had a new idea for a big addition to the business- a golf course. Kent Duerre who also played a part in the history of Roykota and Royview, recalls that in those years, the lake was way down and the fishing was pretty poor. “Duane had a vision and he liked to golf,” explained Duerre. 
    The golf course took a few years to come to fruition though. The land had actually been a hayfield, but with persistence and hard work, Strand built a nine-hole course with sand greens. It opened in 1987 and attracted those from near and far. 
    In the mid-90s, ROI, Inc. bought the resort and course from the Strands and Tom Opsahl took over as manager in addition to being a part owner. The corporation worked to improve the resort and the course. Duerre, who worked for Natural Resources Conservation Service, orchestrated the planting of around 1200 trees on the property. The transition to all grass greens was completed in the late 90s and by 1998 it was fully operational as an impressive nine-hole course.
    The next decade saw more changes when Opsahl purchased the business. The resort portion was closed but Opsahl moved part of the building up the hill right next to the golf course to function as a clubhouse. The business’s future became a little uncertain a few years back when an owner from North Dakota purchased it and announced plans to develop the property instead of use it as a golf course. 
    However, the local golf enthusiasts did not want to see the sport disappear on Roy Lake. A group of members joined together and leased the course from the owner. Tom Satrang, the president of the board that originally leased the business explained, “We didn’t want to lose it, so we did what we had to keep it going.” 
    This included many helping hands being offered to maintain the course. Several members, all unpaid, worked at it. “The mowing, trimming, painting, and spring clean ups have all been done by volunteers,” added Satrang. “When we tell people that we run a course with volunteer labor, they can’t believe it.”
    The effort went well enough that the members’ group made a big commitment this past year. They purchased the course and clubhouse from the former owner. Satrang explained that they will eventually need to modify the layout of the course since a small portion of it was rezoned for residential lots. 
    The course is now a thriving par 32 experience. Elizabeth Jones, one of the co-managers of the clubhouse, added that the course is great for beginners and is family friendly. “We have several par threes and it’s a good course for young people and those just learning to golf,” she added.
    It also offers great vistas and landscapes. Rolling hills, mature trees and a beautiful view of the lake add to the pleasant atmosphere. Cart rental and storage are also available. Royview puts on three to four tournaments throughout the year including a women’s tournament plus the Shriners and a couple’s tourney.
    Another amenity of the business is the Royview Club House which functions as a bar and restaurant. Holly Wismer, along with Jones, took over as co-managers of the portion of the business last year. Since then, they too have been working on improvements. 
    They have worked to expand their offerings and now have many varieties of beer and malt beverages. They sell locally made wine from With the Wind Vineyard out of Rosholt. Wismer also bakes up homemade cinnamon rolls on Saturday and Sundays to go with coffee. 
    For meal options, they offer burgers as well as wraps and sandwiches. The managers have been pleased to feature fresher ingredients and options. They also have a “grill your own steak night” every Friday. Patrons purchase their steak and can cook it on one of the country club’s grills and enjoy it with a few tasty side dishes. 
    The Club House is open every day except Monday. See Royview’s Facebook page for full hours. 
    On the golf course, ladies’ night starts at 4 p.m. on Tuesday while men’s night begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. There is also a great deal on Thursday when you can golf and get a cart for a reduced rate, plus kids under 14 can golf for free with a paying adult. 
    Wismer says tee times to golf are not necessary but calling ahead to secure cart rentals is encouraged. Royview sells annual memberships and punch cards as well as encourages the occasional golfer or visitors to come out for a random tee time. 
Royview is open May through October 1. Call 605-448-2727 for more information. 
    The golfers that enjoy the course and club house, including Duerre, are pleased to see how far it has come. “It would have been a huge loss for the area if it had gone under,” he noted. “This course has brought many people into the game of golf, including some of my friends who otherwise might not have taken up the sport.”
    The people behind the business are also happy to witness its success. “Golf is a lifelong sport that all ages can enjoy,” emphasized Jones. “We are happy to be able to offer it and the amenities of the club house in this beautiful natural setting.”