Meetings Today - August 2016

they play their rounds,” said Doppler.

Riverwood also has a lounge for up to 80 people to enjoy a post-tournament dinner and awards ceremony inside, and larger groups can rent tents in the areas adjacent to the golf shop and lounge buildings.

Also in Bismarck is Hawktree Golf Club, ( www.hawktree.com) where golfers will notice unique black sand in the bunkers.

According to Jordan Berglund, PGA,
head golf professional for the course, it’s a
“beautiful and challenging 18-hole facility”
that’s consistently ranked among the best
courses in North Dakota and top in Bis-
marck-Mandan.

“We host everything from professional
events to corporate outings,” said Berglund.
“We have a full-service bar and restaurant
to accommodate any event’s needs.”
There is also an on-site pro shop with
merchandise, a chipping green, putting
green and driving range.

Minot

Opened in 1929 as a nine-hole golf course,
today the Minot-based Vardon Golf Club
( www.vardongolfclub.com) has 18 holes
that according to Todd Lee, its head golf
professional, “are not long in distance,
but the greens are always kept in excellent
shape.”
Lee added that after a flood in 2011, the
course is “better now than pre-flood.”
The on-site pro shop offers name-brand
golf equipment including clubs, bags,
apparel and other accessories, and there
is also a clubhouse that accommodates 60
to 80 people for pre- or post-tournament
meal functions and receptions.

The Souris River winds throughout the 18-hole Souris Valley Golf Course (www. minotparks.com/golf), which opened in Minot in 1968 and was also impacted by the flood of 2011.

“The golf course is in better shape now
than it was before the flood,” said Steve
Kotter, director of golf. “The course was de-
signed to stand the test of time, and people
throughout the country have expressed it
is one of the nicest public golf courses they
have golfed.”
Souris Valley features a clubhouse, pro
shop and a banquet room that can accom-
modate up to 150 people.

RIVERWOOD GOLF COURSE, BISMARCK

What type of meeting did you hold in Bismarck?

The NDBA/SDBA Annual Convention.

Was anyone particularly helpful in executing your event?

The team at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel, particularly Becky Cermak and Ally Kraft, were terrific to work with. They answered questions, provided guidance and worked with us to ensure a successful event.

What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about Bismarck?

Attendees love Bismarck’s central location. It’s an easy drive from anywhere in the state. This event included attendees from South Dakota as well, and they enjoy visiting North Dakota’s capital city.

Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups that are meeting in Bismarck?

Bismarck’s downtown has become a great place to experience. There are so many terrific restaurants and bars; this year we offered a downtown walking tour and progressive lunch.

The North Dakota Heritage Center is another fabulous place to visit. It has the feel of a big-city museum and admission is free.

Did you host a golf event?

We held a golf tournament at Hawktree Golf Club and had over 100 golfers on a beautiful afternoon. Hawktree is such a beautiful and challenging course— our attendees love playing there, so the golf event always sells out.

How does Bismarck compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?

Bismarck has so much to offer! From history to outdoor activities, it’s a great place to hold a meeting. Bismarck is easy to get to, travel around the city is pretty straightforward, and people are friendly and helpful. Visitors from the eastern part of the state really enjoy the terrain and the beautiful Missouri River.

Would you recommend it to other planners? Yes, I would recommend Bismarck for meetings. We host a lot of events and this particular meeting is held in Bismarck every four years. Bismarck always has something new to offer and we have fun planning exciting things for visitors.