St. Croix National adds new golf pro to staff

• Steve Dornfeld

Steve Dornfeld, new Class A PGA Golf Professional at St. Croix National Golf Course, has more than 30 years experience in the golfing industry. “St. Croix National has had wonderful customer service and I want to continue offering that,” Dornfeld said. “Just to make it a fun place to be for all ages.”

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You could say golfing has always been in his blood.

“My dad was a pretty avid golfer,” Steve Dornfeld said, with a nod. “I used to caddy for him when we lived in White Bear Lake (Minn.).”

He began caddying for other people when he was 10 years old. So began a love of the sport that has endured for more than 30 years.

Dornfeld is a Class A Professional Golf Association golf pro and has recently joined the St. Croix National Golf and Event Center in Somerset.

He comes from Woodbury, where he lives with his wife and three children. He admits that he never played the St. Croix National course, but skied here when it was Snow Crest.

“But I always heard good things about this course,” Dornfeld said. He added he is looking forward to playing once the weather warms up.

He should know a good course when he plays one. As a PGA Pro, he’s had 20 successful years as a PGA Head Golf Professional and been honored as Minnesota PGA Merchandiser of the Year in 1993 and 1995. Naturally, he’s played many courses.

“They are all different and unique,” Dornfeld began, when asked if he had a favorite course. “But if I had to pick, I’d say I really enjoyed Grand Cypress and Bay Hill, both in Florida.”

“But this one (St. Croix National) is my new favorite course,” he added with a laugh.

Dornfeld said he always wanted to pursue a career in golf. He did study business for a while in college, but switched to physical education, has coached boys and girls tennis and is the assistant hockey coach for Woodbury Youth teams.

“I’ve always wanted to teach and I enjoyed sports,” he said. “By teaching golf I get the best of everything.”

Although he conceded that he hasn’t been on site long enough to make suggestions for improvement, he did express his interest in getting kids golf clubs available for rental. He advocates golfing as an ideal family activity.

“We have leagues for women, seniors, juniors, men, couples,” Dornfeld said. “You can all play the same course and enjoy it, regardless of your age.”

To schedule an appointment with Dornfeld for lessons, call St. Croix National at 247-4200.

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