By Joe Morey
News Editor
The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (TGB) purchased the Big Fish Golf Club on Friday, March 15, 2019, for $1.1 million.
LCO TGB member, Tweed Shuman, said the tribe is now the proud owner of one of the premier golf courses in the Northland.
“There was a full consensus among the tribal governing board members,” Shuman said. “And we did our due diligence in making sure this was a outstanding deal for the tribe.”
Shuman said Shauna Coons of LCO, an attorney for Kwe Law Firm, really went to bat for the tribe.
“She went over the financials and easement issues making sure we had a clear title,” Shuman said. He acknowledged the work of LCO’s attorneys as well.
The Sevenwinds Casino will do the marketing for Big Fish, according to Shuman. He also said the casino will be responsible for security, food and beverage and event planning.
Shuman indicated that Big Fish Golf Corporation would be looking to hire employees right away for the upcoming golf season, utilizing the tribal preference policy. The current general manager would be retained to train and mentor the next GM.
It was previously reported that a Charter Corporation was established to oversee the course once the purchase was complete and an initial Board of Directors of the Big Fish Golf Corporation was appointed, by resolution.
The initial board includes Jason Schlender, Michael Black, Randy Cadotte, Dave Fleming and Ariana Johnson. Tweed Shuman is ex-officio director.
Shuman said the initial board will meet on Tuesday, March 19, to begin the planning stages for the course.