What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
When February winds howl across frozen lakes and outdoor golf courses lie buried under snow, Northwoods golfers face a familiar dilemma. Do you pack up the clubs until May, or find a way to keep that swing sharp?
This winter, Lakeland Fitness & Golf in Woodruff offers a solution that does more than scratch the golfing itch. Their third annual virtual golf tournament lets players chase birdies on over 100 courses worldwide — all from heated simulator bays — while raising thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.
It’s the kind of win-win that makes sense up here, where long winters demand creativity and community spirit runs deep.
The format keeps things simple and social. Teams of two compete in a best-ball tournament, meaning each golfer plays their own ball and the better score on each hole counts toward the team total.
Registration runs through the end of March at $50 per person — that’s $100 per team. Every dollar of entry fees goes directly to a featured local nonprofit, which changes monthly.
Golf pro Tate Fohrenkamm, who oversees the competition at Lakeland, explains the appeal beyond just staying warm: “It’s a good way to spend the weekend. Bring some family, bring some friends, come in and hit some golf balls. Keep your game in shape and knock off some rust for the spring.”
February’s proceeds support the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena in Minocqua. Past beneficiaries have included Generations (the Lakeland Retirement Foundation), Lakeland Union High School, and the MHLT Firebird Foundation.
“The owners, John and Shelley, and really the whole team at Lakeland Fitness and Golf are always looking for new opportunities and ways to help out the local nonprofits and make an impact in our community.” — Tate Fohrenkamm
Since launching in 2023, this tournament has raised thousands of dollars while giving golfers a reason to gather during the quietest months. Monthly winners can take home cash prizes up to $1,500, but most participants say the real prize is getting back on a course — even if that course happens to be in Norway or Mexico.
The four simulator bays at Lakeland offer access to more than 100 courses from around the world. One day you’re playing Pebble Beach, the next you’re teeing off at Oslo Golf Club. The technology tracks every shot with precision, from ball speed to spin rate.
For year-round residents and snowbirds who stick around, these simulators fill a genuine need. Northern Wisconsin winters stretch six months, and without indoor options, serious golfers would either lose their edge or spend small fortunes traveling south.
Lakeland Fitness & Golf opened in summer 2020, founded by John and Shelly Weis to create a year-round fitness and recreation destination in Woodruff. Located off Highway 47 behind the post office, the two-story facility serves a broad cross-section of the community.
Beyond golf simulators, the center features:
The Weis family, long-time Northwoods residents originally from central Wisconsin, built the business around a “customer first” philosophy. John Weis also serves on the board of the Lakeland Retirement Foundation, deepening the facility’s ties to senior services and community wellness.
In October 2025, the YMCA proposed a partnership to expand into a Woodruff location at Lakeland’s site, signaling the center’s growing role in public health initiatives.
Winter recreation looks different up here than it does downstate. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing thrive when temperatures drop. But golf? That’s been a summer-only game since the first courses opened nearly a century ago.
The Northwoods golf season typically runs May through October, weather permitting. During those peak months, courses draw tourists and locals alike, contributing significantly to the region’s tourism-driven economy. But when November arrives and greens freeze solid, that revenue stream vanishes.
Indoor simulators help bridge that gap. They keep local jobs active during slow months, attract visitors who might otherwise head to Arizona, and provide entertainment options when cabin fever sets in. For small businesses in resort communities like Woodruff and Minocqua — where 60-70% of annual activity depends on tourism — year-round programming isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential.
Facilities like Lakeland also reduce the need for residents to travel hours for winter activities, keeping spending local and strengthening community bonds during months when social isolation can creep in.
Registration for the virtual golf tournament remains open through March. Teams can book tee times at Lakeland Fitness and Golf or stop by the facility at 669 Veterans Parkway in Woodruff.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking to stay sharp or someone who just enjoys smacking balls with friends, the tournament offers a chance to do something positive while staying active. The nonprofits receiving support provide critical services — from youth sports to senior care — that keep the Northwoods strong.
As Fohrenkamm puts it, it’s for a great cause. But it’s also just plain fun, which is exactly what February in the Northwoods needs.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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