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owners announced in an email to course members recently that the current pro shop and team will move into The Oaks space.
Even though The Oaks,
which ceased operations on Dec. 7
, will not offer a full menu due to high labor and food costs and limited traffic outside of Friday and Saturday nights, the bar will be open and staffed during pro shop hours. Light food options will be available for golfers.
“Our aim is to create an inviting place for golfers to gather before and after their round or event, catch sports on TV and chat with the golf staff seven days a week during pro shop hours,” owners Chad Pendill and Chris Sauer wrote. “We feel this accomplishes those goals.”
It is a move that Pendill and Sauer hope reflects their commitment to their “golf course first mentality and finding solutions that better serve our golfers,” as they stated in the email.
“We did not want to lose a place where people could have their camaraderie,” Eagle Creek Golf Club general manager Greg Snow said. “We plan on having pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, brats — just very simplistic golf course menu items — but not the full restaurant.”
The Eagle Creek Golf Club and The Oaks at Eagle Creek sign is located at 1000 26th Ave. N.E., north of Willmar along Kandiyohi County Road 24. The Oaks’ restaurant and bar will close permanently on Dec. 7, 2025, according to an Eagle Creek owners’ email on Wednesday to its club members and The Oaks staff. The owners intend to continue the Eagle Creek golf operations in 2026.
Kelly Boldan / West Central Tribune
With two weekly league nights and many other large events, including the Marcus Construction Pro-Am, enhanced food options will likely be available at these events, too.
“If it becomes popular enough, we have talked to a caterer about catering food on league nights, but definitely for all our tournaments,” Snow said. “We’re happy with where we’re at.”
Ownership has no plans to sell any kitchen equipment at The Oaks, according to Snow.
Snow noted that they are open to leasing the restaurant/bar to any potential suitors.
“The owners have no plans of shutting this building down at this point,” Snow said.
The Eagle Creek Golf Club pro shop is currently located in the southwest corner on the first floor of the golf course’s main building shown here Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The course owners are evaluating the transition of golf operations to the Willmar Junior Golf Foundation building for the 2026 season, according to an email that the Eagle Creek owners sent to club members Wednesday.
Kelly Boldan / West Central Tribune
Pendill and Sauer also noted major investment in equipment for the grounds-keeping crew with the purchases of a Dakota Rotary Top Dresser, Toro Aerifier, Toro Buffalo Blower, John Deere Fairway Mower, Workman HDX Utility Cart and Two Hauler Utility Carts.
Golfers, who will also enjoy the addition of 44 new Yamaha rental carts with windshields and upgraded seats, will see changes on Holes 11 and 18 beginning in 2026.
At the Hole 11 tee box, surrounding and overhanging trees have been removed. It will allow for sunlight and grass to grow by eliminating fallen acorns, branches and trees.
On the right side of the Hole 18 fairway, many of the trees have been removed. This will help the ground dry and allow for proper grass growth in an area that previously had swampy conditions.
Ownership believes that all these changes will deliver “the best experience” for golfers.
Michael Lyne joined the West Central Tribune as a sports reporter in May 2022, following his graduation from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he graduated with a bachelors degree in journalism and a minor degree in Spanish studies.
You may reach Michael at mlyne@wctrib.com, or by calling (320) 214-4345.