Golfing by myself 🏌️

The Lincoln Ledger: February 21st, 2025

Author

The Lincoln Ledger
February 21, 2025

Happy Friday Ledgers,

You’d be forgiven for thinking winter took the year off. December and January’s unseasonably warm days lulled us into a cozy—but ultimately false—sense of security. But, like a mob boss collecting a debt, Mother Nature finally showed up (casually tosses baseball bat over shoulder).

On the bright side, this deep freeze came with an unexpected perk: perspective. With temps now creeping back into the 30s, 40s, and even 50s, we’re about to experience the rare joy of calling anything above freezing “shorts weather.” 🩳

In this week’s issue:

In honor of our newfound gratitude for any day above 0 degrees, we’ve put together something special for your afternoon listening pleasure. Introducing the TLL Way Too Early Spring Playlist. After all, spring is just 27 days away as of today.

Warmer days are ahead! Enjoy. ☀️

- Landon

TLL - The Way Too Early Spring

Playlist ¡ Landon Mattison ¡ 28 items

open.spotify.com/playlist/5lBGXdkBz574NzdVzF4o5D?si=c5626da4ef864bc9

PRIVATE

Sandhills Global proposes new private golf course in Lincoln ⛳

With warmer weather on the horizon, few things scream summer like a round of golf—and Lincoln could soon have a new course to add to the mix. According to reporting by The Lincoln Journal Star, Sandhills Global has submitted plans for Battle Run, an 18-hole private course proposed for 290 acres near 98th and O Street. If approved, it would be the first new 18-hole course built in Lincoln in over 20 years, joining the ranks of other local private courses like Firethorn, Lincoln Country Club, and the recently privatized Wilderness Ridge.

But before you start practicing your swing, there’s a catch—you probably won’t be able to play it.

A Private Affair (For Now)
According to the application, Battle Run would initially be reserved for private guests. However, there’s potential for limited public access in the future; think local high school and college golf teams using it for practice, or as a location for hosting charitable events in the future.

A second phase of the project, would look to introduce a clubhouse with lodging facilities and open the course to private memberships, but for now, Battle Run looks to be an exclusive addition to Lincoln’s golf scene.

Nebraska’s Legacy of Elite Golf
If Battle Run moves forward, it could join the growing list of premier, hard-to-access courses that have put Nebraska on the golfing map. Some of its competition includes:

🔢 By the numbers…

  • $1,063,413: revenue generated by city courses in 2024, a 40% increase compared to 2023 (via City of Lincoln)

  • 235,000: rounds played in Lincoln’s city courses last year, up 6.7% since 2023 (via City of Lincoln)

  • 2,000: jobs created as a result of golf courses in Nebraska (via IBIS)

What’s Next?.. The first phase of Battle Run would include a maintenance facility, an on-course beverage station, restrooms, and an irrigation pump house. The timeline for construction remains uncertain, but if approved, the course could reshape Lincoln’s private golf scene.

For now, it remains an exclusive dream for a select few, but as Nebraska’s golf reputation continues to rise, who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll get that coveted invite.

WHAT TO DO

Sledding, spoiling your dog, and a Havelock hang

🛷 Sledding: Pick Your Thrill
On Saturday, you’ll go for a new amateur recreational saucer sled land speed record—or at least attempt to. The only question is where. For a classic Lincoln sledding experience, Pioneers Park offers the iconic big hill, perfect for fast runs and nostalgic winter fun. But if you’re looking for something more high-stakes, the dam at Holmes Lake Park provides a steep and borderline reckless ride that’s not for the faint of heart. Either way, expect wipeouts, laughs, and a solid excuse for hot cocoa afterward.

🐶 Apologize to your dog
Alternatively— treat your dog after a week of miserable weather. After a long morning walk (don’t skimp out here, pal), you’ll spend the afternoon letting them…

  • (A) Let them burn off energy at Off Leash Dog Bar while you sip a drink and socialize

  • (B) Splash and splash in the dog pool at Paws 4 Fun (note: you can also wash them off after their time in the pool)

  • (C) Grab a fresh bakery treat for your pup at Long Dog Fat Cat and some toys for their trouble

☕️ Havelock Hang
On Sunday, wake up slow before making your way to Havelock for breakfast and shopping. Start at either Engine House Cafe or 1893 Coffee and Cream for breakfast and coffee. Once you’re properly fueled up, take the gang by Piqued Curiosities to browse their tasteful collection of antiques and vintage finds. Still down for more Havelock time? Stick around for a beer at Arnold’s Tavern or Bob’s Tavern, and wrap up the day with a leaning tower from The Isles Pub & Pizza.

It’s a Sunday, done the right way.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Midcentury passion project ❤️‍🔥

This week, we want a house we can sink our DIY teeth into—something with great bones, plenty of personality, and a full-circle renovation moment that leaves us basking in the afterglow of a job well done. Enter 2929 Bonacum Drive, a 1960s MCM ranch tucked into a classic stretch of Bishop Heights. Designed by architect Dick Moulton, this one found us in the middle of a DIY-influenza fever dream, and frankly, it won’t let us go.

A quick look around shows exactly why we’re hooked: a balanced floor plan (part open, part not), exposed beams, a unique kitchen layout, and a backyard with so much potential, it might just make Martha Stewart blush. This home is primed for a thoughtful refresh—one that preserves its best features while modernizing the spaces that need a little extra love.

Okay, here’s the recipe:

  1. Ditch the wallpaper
    Step one: a fresh start. We’ll call in our favorite wallpaper removal heroes, The Paper Puller (not sponsored), and strip it all back to clean, crisp walls.

  2. Living room built-ins
    The arched built-ins? They had a good run, but we’re swapping them for something more fitting—cleaner, sharper lines that complement the MCM aesthetic.

  3. Color, please!
    The safe move? Warm whites everywhere. But let’s push a little further—maybe a soft limewash paint to bring out the richness of those floors.

  4. Carpet is cool
    While most of the hardwood stays, we’re embracing full carpet mode in the den. Something subtle and plush to ground the space.

  5. Bigger, bolder doors
    The primary entrance is already striking, but we’re leaning in—natural wood doors with large glass panels to set the tone for what’s inside.

  6. Backyardaganza (just add grasses)
    This home is begging for layered native grasses and low flowering bushes to add texture and pops of color to an otherwise neutral exterior.

The Details:

  • 4 beds, 3 baths

  • 2,774 sq/ft

  • Built in 1964

  • A painted arrow that points to somewhere…?

❤️ KEEP:
The beams, the kitchen layout, the backyard and patio area, the bathroom skylight (or faux skylight?), and the older but impeccably kept appliances—they add a touch of nostalgia in the best way.

🗑️ TOSS:
The wallpaper (though we’re open to a fresh print), the front and garage doors which could be doing so much more, and the mystery arrow painting on the garage (we can’t make ends of it 😏).

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

  • Take your car through the wash (it’s finally warm enough that your doors won’t freeze shut)

  • Restock your hand lotion supply 🧴

  • Take 30 minutes and update your electronics software (phone, TV, Sonos, etc.)

  • Shop a few end of season sales for winter gear (gloves, layers, skis)

  • Take your glass recycling to a collection site (here’s where)

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

🐯 Weekly Wildcard:
One headline (or post) we never saw coming.

ABOUT TLL

We created this sliver of the internet to make it easy for no-coasters to keep tabs on what’s happening in Lincoln and to give you new ideas on how to spend your time.