Ann Arbor Country Club stuck to its long-time tradition and opened its facilities today.

The golf course was open to members willing to walk today instead of using carts and the clubhouse’s dining room was ready for the 120 reservations booked for St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

“This has been our opening day for a long time,” said manager Tony Bonino.

The club faced questions about its future over recent months as lender Citizens Bank notified its board that the outstanding $1.7 million mortgage was in default and the bank planned on selling it at a discount.

A buyer for the note emerged - reportedly an entity called A2C2, based in the Ann Arbor area - and the board announced early this month that it planned to operate as usual, in addition to trying to meet with the new mortgage holder.

Another goal was to increase revenue through memberships and dining sales.

As part of that, residents of the Loch Alpine neighborhood, which surrounds the club, were encouraged to try the club’s new menu and consider it as a dining option since the dining room is open to non-members.

Reached Wednesday afternoon, Bonino was supervising his dining staff of 10 as they prepared for their first dinner rush of the season. On Wednesday’s menu: Corned beef, cabbage and green beer.

The menu, designed by Bonino, chef Jason Turner and member Don McDevitt, owner of the Ann Arbor Mancino’s, featured classic American fare, Bonino said.

“Prices have come down a little bit, and drink prices have come down a little bit,” Bonino said.

Membership prices for the 2010 will be posted April 1, he added, and he described them as aggressive.

In the meantime, Bonino said, activity levels were high for opening day.

"I think the weather has a little bit to do with it," he said.