HAMMOND | Barring any unforeseen delays, the new Lost Marsh Golf Course clubhouse is now projected to open sometime in late May or early June, Hammond Port Authority Director Milan Kruszynski said on the cusp of golf season kicking off.

The two-story clubhouse with its three-sided wraparound balcony has some finishing touches remaining, both indoors and out, because of manufacturing delays and some unseasonable weather. Most significant is completion of the exterior stonework, also some concrete pouring and paving the parking lot.

"We're at the mercy of Mother Nature," Kruszynski said.

The final product, however, promises to be worth waiting for, he said.

"It's built to Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style inside and out, which fits extremely well on this golf course," Kruszynski said.

The identity of the clubhouse's restaurateur, which may be determined at the Port Authority's meeting April 14, has piqued community curiosity because of interest in reserving the facility for upcoming holidays and other events.

"We have people calling up to make their Christmas reservations," Kruszynski said.

What's been little understood about the clubhouse is that it is open to the community at large, not just golfers.

"We're making this a place the whole community can be proud of," Kruszynski said. The facility can be booked for events, but also for a casual lunch or dinner.

Meanwhile, with golf season about to kick off, the youth academy building continues to remain available to golfers.

The golf course officially will open Wednesday because of the prediction of poor weather, Kruszynski said.