My passion for golf and its playing fields was forged at a young age. I read books about great courses in my teens and even decorated my room with photos cut out from golf magazines of picturesque holes. Through work and knowing the right people I was fortunate to play all of the Twin Cities private clubs in the late 1980s. At the time there was a massive gap between those and the public courses, which were mostly bland layouts with vastly inferior conditioning. That has changed.
- Awareness for the importance of design has increased substantially. No longer is it enough for a municipality to have 18 holes and a range.
- So many courses have been built in the past 30 years, mostly from ~1995 to ~2002 or so. These are usually longer, more challenging, and invoke design characteristics found on top courses around the world.
- Conditioning is WAY better at most courses. Understanding of agronomy is one reason, the other is an overbuilt marketplace has forced courses to raise the bar in order to compete for players.
These factors combine to result in a deep list of wonderful public-access golf courses in the Bold North. No town seems too small to be home to a quality golf course now. Very few can be described as dog tracks, goat ranches, or popcorn farms. Below I’ll post a brief summary of some thoughts after seeing daily fee courses in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. I’m not a photographer, so please visit the individual course websites if you want pics or a drone flyover video.
Information believed to be true but may not be accurate, opinions expressed my own
Course (city & date visited) year, architect
Albion Ridges (Annandale 5/10/2021) 1991, Todd Severud
A fun and enjoyable 27 hole complex, all 3 nines offer ample room off the tee and a great deal of challenge around the greens. Hilly in spots, there are also enough ponds on the property to force you to think twice about lines taken.
Boulder Pointe (Elko 5/4/2021) 2002, Kevin Norby
A very penal housing development course. There’s way too much trouble lurking on the edge of the fairway for my taste. It’s non-stop. Ponds, marshes, O.B. I kept thinking surely there had to be a little room in some spots, but over and over was mistaken. Anyone that can shoot a good number out here has my admiration.
Bristol Ridge (Somerset, WI 6/8/2021) 1994, Kevin Cloonis
Located a few miles across the river from Stillwater, it’s the only course that I know was designed by the superintendent from Stillwater C.C. (a casual private gem in its own right). I love it. The front has wicked tight holes at #2 & #5 and a great deal of length on #6 & #9. On the back you’ll be begging for a flat lie. Some superb holes include the par 3 4th, an impressive green complex at the 7th, the dastardly short 11th, and back-to-back two-shotters that make great use of the terrain on the 14th & 15th.
Bulrush (Rush City 5/3/2021) 200x, Mike Morley
Known to those that haven’t played it as, “that course you see on the way to Duluth,” Bulrush qualifies as an out-of-the-way gem. The poster child for overdevelopment in golf, the real estate development has languished so badly that a temporary clubhouse is still in use 20 years later. That wouldn’t be as significant if it weren’t several holes away from the intended location! (Seriously, the trek from #9 to #10 is close to a mile.) All that aside, the course is great. #4 is a great modern unreachable par 5. The back tightens up through trees. A must play if you are looking to play anywhere North of St. Paul.
CreeksBend (New Prague 6/24/2021) 1995, Joel Goldstrand
People are always surprised when I tell them how much I love CreeksBend. I think the tee shots are visually very interesting, more so than any other course I play regularly. Super hard right out of the gate, it settles down from there. (#1 is a real challenging tee shot from the back tee and trouble fronts the green, #2 is a candidate for hardest par 4 anywhere, and #3 is an uphill one-shotter…the hardest type of par 3.) A nice farmland course for a town that already had a very solid 18 holes.
Crow River (Hutchinson 6/21/2021)
An excellent course in a medium-sized town a little over an hour from Minneapolis. Much longer than average, you must also contend with some very large trees in all the wrong places when you are wild off the tee. Top notch conditions on a very straightforward layout. The only drawback is that there aren’t many interesting holes and one of those – the 1st – is considered a dumb hole by a lot of people because of how claustrophobic the landing area is.
Eagle Valley (Woodbury 6/2/2021) 1998, Joel Goldstrand
Don’t be fooled, this is unlike any other Goldstrand course I’ve seen. 7,000 yards with wide corridors winding through a housing development. Completely different from anything else he’s done. A lot of real good holes, a pleasant surprise seeing it for the first time.
Elk River (Elk River 5/7/2021) 1960, Willie Kidd
Known for its small, elevated greens, I played it during a drought with a great player that recently returned from Pinehurst. “Save your money for a trip to #2,” he said. “Just come here!” Like turtles, the crested greens punish slight miscues. Conditions are excellent. Many holes are enjoyably scenic. A must-play for those who haven’t.
Emerald Greens-Silver (Hastings 4/21/2021) 2000
Longer and considered the better of the two courses by strong players, my impression is that Silver is fun to play but rather choppy in presentation. Small trees have been planted in abundance, a common gaffe from operators that feel the course needs a challenge. I shudder to think what this will look like in 15 years time. All that said, there are some real cool holes including #2 & #18. Both are long par 4s, the former a pronounced dogleg and the later a split-fairway jobbie that skirts a pond ready to gobble up a block or slice. I like the course, but something about it feels unfinished to me.
Gopher Hills (Miesville 6/25/2021) 1995, Dr. Gordon Emerson & Garrett Gill
A wild one on extremely hilly farmland. Most people wouldn’t care to walk it as half of the par 4s play from an elevated tee to a lowered fairway and shoot back up to a severely elevated green. Roller coaster golf. Conditioning an issue. Has some detractors, but I found some of the clever holes rather interesting.
GreyStone (Sauk Centre 6/13/2021) Tom Lehman, Kevin Norby & Don Herfort
Saw this one in a 3-club wind during a drought. Roughs were browning providing a stunning visual. Wide open most of the way, the finisher is a real solid par 4 that provides a stark contrast. A blast to play, saved me a trip to the British Isles for a round of true links golf.
Hayward (Hayward, WI 5/1/2021) 1924, Ken Killian redesign
Impeccably maintained and abundantly enjoyable, the course is a scenic and straightforward northwoods offering. Rather tame compared to modern penal designs, it also is rather flat and as walkable as they come. You’ll definitely enjoy a round here if in the region. Not quite a must play, it won’t disappoint.
Headwaters (Park Rapids 6/14/2021) 1968
There’s been a golf club in these parts since 1923, with the existing course tracing back to 1968. It appears three holes were recently replaced; the new ones blend right in. My take is that this course is OUTSTANDING in every way and a true gem. Had heard it was nice, but that grossly understates its greatness. Views from the road raise concerns about trees, but on course you’ll find generous corridors traversing rolling terrain. A must play.
Heritage Links (Lakeville 4/22/2021) 1997, Joel Goldstrand
Among the most peculiar courses I’ve seen. I can only describe it as wide-open target golf. Most holes provide unlimited room off the tee, but whatever wetlands were on the property have been used to clamp down on the landing area for tee shots. It’s a controversial mix, as I was told by a regular most people dislike the course a lot the first time they see it. My round was on a very windy day in a drought with grass still dormant, so balls rolled out forever making it very hard to control layup distances. Like most Goldstrand courses, a few holes don’t offer enough payoff while also not providing an ample safe route to work as risk-reward options. They just seem like dumb holes.
Highland 9 (St. Paul 6/23/2021) unknown
Sitting across the street from the National, this isn’t an executive course. The basic track is perfect for beginners, juniors, seniors, ladies, or anyone that’s not too serious about golf. A pedestrian layout, #6 is the most interesting hole with a significantly uphill tee shot followed by a sharp dogleg right.
Highland National (St. Paul 4/15/2021) 2005 renovation
An ideal urban municipal course. There’s not much trouble tee to green, but a large hill on half the property and some pesky mature trees provide a challenge for expert players without slowing down the flow of play the way deep fescue, heavy bunkering, or water hazards do. The greens are outstanding, both in terms of the contouring and how they roll. You’ll even see a Snoopy bunker as this is where Charles Schultz first played golf as a St. Paul youngster.
Keller (Maplewood 5/29/2020) 1929/2014, Paul Coates/Richard Mandell
This storied Ramsey county course was a longtime PGA Tour stop and later hosted the LPGA. More recently it was used for the past two State Sr. Opens. A perfect venue for them. Easy to love. One solid hole after another with enough variety and impeccable conditions. Great mix and variety on the one-shotters. Will not disappoint.
Legends (Prior Lake 5/4/2021) 2001, Garrett Gill & Paul Miller
A super solid modern design with back tees stretching over 7,000 yards. Enough to test anyone, which is why it hosted local qualifying for the U.S. Open. One of the best daily-fee courses in the metro, it’s fair to call this a quality CCFAD offering. Great conditions, an excellent layout, and a fancy clubhouse allow them to command a premium rate. I play it every year for a large group event. Everyone likes it and looks forward to going back.
Mississippi National-Highlands (Red Wing 5/31/2021) 1990, Gordon Cunningham
The more scenic of the two, an additional 9 holes were added to give the facility two 18-hole courses. These holes are detached quite a bit, meaning they’re relying on golf cars to cover the gap on an otherwise walkable course. #17 gets all the attention because of a vertical drop that approaches 200 feet. (I think the yardage book says 160.) Bring a camera. One of the prettier courses you’ll find. A couple controversial holes because there isn’t much fairway.
Mississippi National-Lowlands (Red Wing 5/24/2021) 1986, Gordon Cunningham
The better of the two courses, Lowlands compares very favorably in every way to Twin City private clubs like Wayzata and Stillwater. Still quite hilly, the bottom of the property lacks the severity found on higher ground and is better suited for golf. Conditions are outstanding now that the complex is owned by the city.
Montgomery National (Montgomery 5/9/2021) 1993, Joel Goldstrand
Perhaps the best property for golf that Goldstrand worked, it’s no surprise the course is among his best. Holes roll effortlessly across the land and at the end a round you’ll realize it checks all the boxes. Short/long, up/down, left/right, easy/difficult, brawn/guile…you name it. The current owner has made many improvements with a new clubhouse coming late-Summer. He also is running with a cute Beatles theme that includes a guitar bunker, yellow submarine in the parking lot, Strawberry Fields tee markers, and more. Don’t worry, that gimmick in no way infringes on a real good test of golf.
Mount Frontenac (Red Wing 5/24/2021) 1985, Dr. Gordon Emerson
My interest in this course stems from knowing the initial developer, who owned the now-defunct ski hill at the time and pursued golf as a passion project. Atop the slopes is a walkable, playable, enjoyable course. Getting there is a challenge, as it has the most difficult entry road I’ve experienced. Now owned by the casino, the solid layout is only in so-so condition as revenue is light because of a somewhat remote location and extremely competitive market.
New Prague (New Prague 5/21/2021) 1931
An enjoyable small-town municipal, the course is straightforward and relies mainly on a large hill for interest. Tree-lined with ample corridors, there’s a nice variety of distances on the one-shot holes. A great example of an old course – 90 years! – that holds up incredibly well with no modifications.
New Richmond Links (New Richmond, WI 6/6/2021) 1998, Joel Goldstrand
This is one of Joel’s reversible courses. Designed to be played in heavy winds, it definitely draws inspiration from Saint Andrews. Located across the street from its tree-lined, more renowned neighbor. Definitely worth a visit.
Ponds at Battle Creek (Maplewood 6/18/2021) 200x, Garrett Gill
Wowza! Unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s won accolades as the state’s best 9-holer. Only two par 4s, the 1st and last! In between are alternating 3s & 5s with many of them LONG. (#2 is 190 and #4 is 210 over wetlands) The yardage of around 3,000 will fool you because it is par 35 and has the four one-shotters. It is extremely demanding off the tee on several holes. The day we played #5 & #9 were into a stiff wind, so much so we moved up a set of tees for the second nine. My hunch is way too difficult for the clientele. Possibly closing for good, play it before it does.
Rum River Hills (Ramsey 6/4/2021) 1989?, Joel Goldstrand
It’s probably fair to describe this as target golf. A few interesting holes, some head scratchers, and a couple wild greens. Great for anyone that gets amped up to try pulling off some hero tee shots!
Shadowbrooke (Lester Prairie 3/11/2021) 1993, Joel Goldstrand
A solid offering on flat farmland, Shadowbrooke is alternately memorable for its great par 3s or how hard it starts out of the gate. I think #17 is an elite one-shot hole guarded by a bunker left and a small pond to the right. #1 is 570, #5 is 560, and both play over a stream crossing the fairway and run into the prevailing wind. Worth noting that ownership is committed to continual improvements. Good small town golf.
Somerset (Mendota Heights 5/3/2021) 1920, Seth Raynor
Elegant simplicity is the theme here. A brilliant routing makes great use of the enormous hill in the corner of the property. Outstanding template par 3s are on display, including an impressive Biarritz at #15 and memorable Redan on #7. My visit was to watch the Women’s U.S. Open qualifier, and this classy classic was just as I remembered it save a resequencing of holes that moves the unreachable old #2 to new #5. Understated to the max, this golf course would be nationally renowned if the club sought such attention. They don’t, so it isn’t. Which makes it even better if you do get to see it.
Stonebrooke (Shakopee 5/11/2021) 1988, Tom Haugen
Rightly considered an upscale daily-fee course for the metro, most people remember it for the unusual 8th hole that requires a heroic carry and ferry ride to reach the fairway. Preceding it is one of the state’s great short par 3s. An odd design formula has the tee shot on the par 5s being very difficult and 3 shortish par 3s before you get to the 200+ yard 11th. Fun course with a real tough back, mostly because of 14 & 15. These two hard par 4s play along water, the former requiring a layup tee shot and the latter a precise strike to have a good look at the protected green.
Stones Throw (Milaca 4/17/2021) 1955, Jeff McDowell
Originally a 9-holer laid out by a local lady, McDowell was brought in around 2000 to expand to 18 holes. He did a fantastic job. The new holes have been added to both nines and blend in well. I’ve played it four times and find it incredibly difficult to score on because of the small greens and occasionally tight fairways. Deceptively long due to par of 70, this is a great course for a bet with one of your buddies. It looks like a pushover on the card. It’s not.
Tanners Brook (Forest Lake 4/23/2021) 2000
A modern design with ample length across rolling farmland. Room to breathe off the tee for the most part, the challenge comes mainly from length and a few small ponds on the property. It can be difficult to get lined up off the tee because the landing zones are quite nondescript. A great value as it remains very affordable for the quality of the layout. #11 is a great study in how a simple design can provide great challenge.
Timber Creek (Watertown 4/4/2021) 1986, Tim O’Connor
I know TC very well, the result of having a season pass for a couple years back when it opened. Curious to see it for old time’s sake when I moved back to Minnesota, sadly it has not aged well. Badly over-treed, it’s now extremely challenging..but not in a good way. Far too many good drives end up in bad spots because of heavy forestation on both inside and outside of doglegs. On the plus side, the greens were incredible even this early in the season.
U of MN a/k/a Les Bolstad (Falcon Heights 6/16/2021)
I attended the university and played this quite a bit as a student. It has aged well. Conditions are excellent and the tree-lined fairways provide enough of a challenge despite seeming rather short. Tough holes include #2, #8, #12, #15 & #16. There’s enough undulation to keep it interesting, but not too much to spoil a good walk. A joy to play.
Wild Marsh (Buffalo 4/26/2021) 200x, Graham Marsh
An outstanding course with an unusual history. Joel Goldstrand designed a previous course, which I think was named Buffalo Run, on this same property. Ownership changed and Graham Marsh was brought in to redesign. Using most of the same corridors, the result is impressive. I felt like I was playing an upscale Fazio course in North Georgia. Deserves to be considered in the same category as the high-end Twin City daily fees with courses like Legends and StoneRidge.