Minnesota, known for its beautiful lakes and picturesque landscapes, offers a wide variety of top-notch golf courses for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The state is home to some of the most prestigious and well-designed courses in the country, providing golfers with challenging and enjoyable experiences.
Among the many exceptional courses found throughout the state, a few stand out for their impressive design, exceptional maintenance, and stunning scenery. The Interlachen Golf Course in Edina, the Spring Hill Golf Course in Wayzata, and the White Bear Yacht Club lead the pack, consistently receiving high praise from golfers and critics alike.
These premier courses, along with many others found throughout Minnesota, provide the perfect setting for avid golfers and leisurely players to enjoy the sport. So, whether it’s a casual round with friends or a more competitive game, the golf courses in Minnesota promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Best of the Best: Top Golf Courses in Minnesota
Minnesota, also known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, boasts some of the most stunning and challenging golf courses in the country. In this section, we’ll be exploring four of the state’s best golf courses, as rated by golfers and various course rankings.
Hazeltine National
Hazeltine National, located in Chaska, is known for its picturesque landscape and pristine grounds. This course has hosted numerous high-profile golf events such as the Ryder Cup, making it a notable course for ambitious golfers. With its diverse layout and challenging fairways, Hazeltine National offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
Interlachen Country Club
Located in Edina, Interlachen Country Club offers a rich history dating back to 1911. This top-ranked course has been continuously updated over the years, maintaining its prestige among Minnesota golfers. Designed by Willie Watson, the course features rolling hills and large greens, providing a challenging yet beautiful golfing experience.
The Minikahda Club
The Minikahda Club, nestled in Minneapolis, stands as one of the oldest golf clubs in the state. Boasting an impeccable 18-hole course, Minikahda Club offers stunning views of the Minneapolis cityscape and challenging terrain. With water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, golfers at The Minikahda Club can expect a thrilling game on this renowned course.
White Bear Yacht Club
Last but certainly not least, the White Bear Yacht Club, located in White Bear Lake, is a gem in the Minnesota golf scene. Considered the top course in the state, the White Bear Yacht Club provides a challenging experience with its undulating terrain and fast greens. The course’s superb maintenance and elevation changes create a unique golfing adventure that is not to be missed.
Each of these golf courses offers an exceptional experience for golfers visiting or residing in Minnesota. Whether you’re seeking a historical venue like the Interlachen Country Club or the challenge of a championship-tested course like Hazeltine National, these four golf courses exemplify the best that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer.
Highly Recommended Golf Courses
The Quarry at Giants Ridge
The Quarry at Giants Ridge is a must-play golf course in Minnesota. Located in Biwabik, this stunning course is set on rugged quarry land, offering a unique playing experience. With challenging elevation changes and breathtaking views, The Quarry is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Public access to the course allows golfers of all skill levels to enjoy a tee time at this magnificent facility.
The Classic at Breezy Point Resort
Another highly recommended golf course in Minnesota is The Classic at Breezy Point Resort. Nestled in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this resort boasts a top-rated golf course that offers both beauty and challenge. The Classic stands out for its well-maintained greens and thoughtfully designed layout. Golfers can expect a memorable experience on this picturesque course surrounded by natural beauty.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is another exceptional golf course in Minnesota worth playing. Situated in the beautiful Northwoods, this public access course delivers an enjoyable and challenging round for golfers of all skill levels. The Wilderness proudly features pristine fairways, exciting elevation changes, and scenic views, making it a top choice among avid golfers.
All in all, these highly recommended golf courses provide golfers with the opportunity to experience some of the best golfing in Minnesota. Whether you’re enjoying the stunning landscape at The Quarry at Giants Ridge, taking in the natural beauty of The Classic at Breezy Point Resort, or tackling the challenging fairways at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, these courses are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Notable Designers of Minnesota Courses
Donald Ross
Donald Ross, a prominent golf course architect, has left his mark on several Minnesota courses. Born in Scotland, Ross had a significant impact on American golf course design during the early 20th century. His design philosophy focused on creating courses that blended seamlessly with their natural surroundings, resulting in challenging yet enjoyable experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
One of Ross’ most recognizable designs in Minnesota is the Interlachen Country Club in Edina. Ranked as the top golf course in the state, Interlachen is known for its sloping greens and strategic bunker placements, which are signature elements of Ross’ designs.
Another example of Ross’ work in Minnesota is the Woodhill Country Club in Wayzata. This course showcases Ross’ ability to skillfully utilize the natural landscape in his designs, with large oak trees and hilly terrain providing both beauty and challenges for golfers.
Willie Watson
Willie Watson, another renowned golf course architect, brought his talents to Minnesota as well. Watson, like Ross, was born in Scotland and contributed to the growth of golf in America during the early 1900s. He designed courses characterized by strategic hole layouts, undulating greens, and visually appealing landscapes.
One of Watson’s most famous designs in Minnesota is the White Bear Yacht Club, ranked as the state’s top golf course according to GOLF Magazine’s raters. Watson’s design expertise is evident in the course’s subtle changes in elevation and well-placed bunkers, providing golfers with a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, both Donald Ross and Willie Watson played essential roles in shaping the landscape of Minnesota golf. Their contributions to the state’s courses have not only stood the test of time but have also cemented their legacies among the top designers in the history of golf course architecture.
Challenges and Memorable Features
Minnesota golf courses offer a fantastic experience for avid golfers. Throughout the state, golfers will find unique course designs, impressive landscapes, and exciting challenges. In this section, we’ll highlight the water hazards and signature holes that make Minnesota golf courses truly unforgettable.
Water Hazards
While playing golf in Minnesota, golfers will likely encounter a variety of natural water hazards. One notable example is Northland in Duluth, where the course is situated high above Lake Superior. The majestic lake not only adds to the stunning scenery but also serves as an exciting water hazard that golfers must navigate.
Many courses in Minnesota also incorporate ponds, creeks, and marshes as part of their design. These water features not only enhance the natural beauty of the course but also challenge golfers to strategically plan their shots to avoid any water-related penalties.
Signature Holes
Some of the best golf courses in Minnesota are known for their unforgettable signature holes. For instance, the Quarry at Giants Ridge in Biwabik features wide fairways, severe hazards, and significant elevation changes, making it one of the top public and private courses in Minnesota.
Another example is Interlachen Golf Club in Edina, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses in Minnesota. It boasts a rich history and a variety of challenging and memorable holes that test golfers’ skills.
In conclusion, the challenges and memorable features of Minnesota golf courses attract golfers of all skill levels. From picturesque water hazards like Lake Superior to exciting signature holes on courses such as the Quarry at Giants Ridge and Interlachen Golf Club, golfers will have a truly unique and enjoyable experience while playing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Golf Resorts and Destinations
Minnesota is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, including some of the best golf courses in the country. In this section, we will go over some of the top golf resorts and destinations in the state, including Giants Ridge, Breezy Point Resort, and Fortune Bay.
Giants Ridge
Located in Biwabik, Giants Ridge is a premier golf resort in Minnesota. The resort offers two stunning courses – The Quarry and The Legend. Both courses boast spectacular scenery and challenging layouts, making them popular among avid golfers. Some of the amenities available at Giants Ridge include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Multiple dining options
- Public access to the courses
- Pro shop
- Golf lessons and clinics
Guests can also enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing during their stay at this picturesque resort.
Breezy Point Resort
Situated in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area, Breezy Point Resort is a perfect golf destination. The resort is home to three exceptional courses – The Traditional, Whitebirch, and Deacon’s Lodge. These courses offer a variety of challenges and beautiful landscapes that will satisfy any golfer’s appetite. Some highlights of Breezy Point Resort include:
- Comfortable lodging options
- Lakeside dining and entertainment
- Public access to all three courses
- Golf packages and specials
In addition to golf, guests can partake in activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming on the beautiful Pelican Lake.
Fortune Bay
Fortune Bay, located near Lake Vermilion, is known for its amazing The Wilderness golf course. The course, designed by Jeff Brauer, offers a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience. Golfers can expect stunning lake views, rolling terrain, and perfectly manicured greens all set in a pristine Northwoods setting. A few standout features of Fortune Bay resort include:
- Luxury hotel accommodations
- Casino gaming and entertainment
- Marina and boat rentals
- Public access to The Wilderness course
- Golf packages and stay-and-play options
Visitors to Fortune Bay can also indulge in activities such as fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling in the surrounding area. With its breathtaking scenery and top-notch golf offerings, it is no wonder that Giants Ridge, Breezy Point Resort, and Fortune Bay are considered some of the best golf resorts in Minnesota.
