CLARNO — Windy Acres Golf Course suffered a devastating fire April 10, just as the season was kicking off. The fire destroyed the maintenance and storage shed, which housed all the groundskeeper equipment, as well as personal items in storage of owners Jim and Tammy Krieger. 

“We have been tirelessly pursuing the necessary means to reopen as soon as possible,” said Jim Krieger in late April. His father, Jim Sr., purchased the course in 1961.

The foundation of the former building was cleared of debris by April 26, with Steve’s Recycling and Behr Recycling cleaning the site. 

By May 1, the first carts came to the course. The course hosted its first league night on Thursday, May 2, and was set to be open to the public a week later.

The largest concern was getting mowing equipment to care for the grass before it got to long. 

“The course is going to start a little rough as we are still waiting on fairway mowing equipment,” Jim emphasized. 

Their rural insurance adjuster, Stephen Schuster, was “extremely supportive in this very difficult process,” Jim Krieger said. He didn’t stop at praising just the professionals helping him out, but the community in general. “The outpouring of love and support has been quite humbling.”

Located on County K near County P south of Monroe, Windy Acres is a 9-hole public golf course that opened in 1952. It holds various league nights throughout the week.