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20 Best Golf Courses in Minnesota (Latest Updates)
Sep
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Minnesota is a golfer’s paradise, home to some of the best golf courses in Minnesota and beyond. From lush fairways set against breathtaking backdrops to challenging layouts designed by renowned architects, these 20 best golf courses in Minnesota offer an unforgettable golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has something for every golfer.
20. Midland Hills Country Club
Address: 2001 Fulham St, Roseville, MN 55113
Midland Hills Country Club has earned its prestigious reputation among the best golf courses in Minnesota, and its journey to this esteemed status is a captivating tale. With origins dating back to the early 1920s, the course’s architectural history was shrouded in mystery until a remarkable discovery in 2018. Superintendent Mike Manthey stumbled upon a hidden treasure—an irrigation map from 1921 detailing Seth Raynor’s original vision for the course. This revelation was a game-changer, enabling designer Jim Urbina to breathe new life into the old templates, including iconic holes like the Biarritz, Road, and Eden. These improvements catapulted Midland Hills into Minnesota’s Best in State rankings for the first time, making it an absolute must-visit for avid golfers.
19. Olympic Hills Golf Club
Address: 10625 Mt Curve Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Olympic Hills Golf Club stands as a testament to imagination and challenge, captivating golfers since its inception in 1969. The founders’ vision birthed a golf course that was not just any golf course but an imaginative and demanding one. Today, Olympic Hills exemplifies those early dreams, offering its members a beautifully designed golf course and a welcoming clubhouse. The club also boasts expansive practice facilities, including a full-length driving range, a separate wedge range, and greens for chipping and putting, making it an ideal destination for golfers seeking to elevate their game while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
18. Minnesota Valley Country Club
Address: 6300 Auto Club Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
With its rich history dating back to 1924, Minnesota Valley Country Club is a cherished gem among the best golf courses in Minnesota. This course, designed by Seth Raynor, is a testament to classic golf architecture. The fairways adorned with bluegrass and the meticulously maintained greens provide golfers with an authentic golfing experience. Its private status adds to its allure, making it an exclusive destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and challenge.
17. Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course
Address: 9348 Arnold Palmer Dr, Breezy Point, MN 56472
Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature course, is a visual masterpiece that sets it apart among the best golf courses in Minnesota. This scenic course winds through woodlands and around pristine lakes, offering golfers a captivating and challenging experience. The undulating fairways, occasional forced carries over native grasses, and rustic bunkering add to its charm and reputation as one of Minnesota’s finest.
16. Woodhill Country Club
Address: 200 Woodhill Rd, Wayzata, MN 55391
Woodhill Country Club, founded in 1917, remains one of the most exclusive and sought-after golfing destinations among the best golf courses in Minnesota. Accessible primarily to members and their guests, Woodhill Country Club maintains impeccable course conditions and offers a challenging layout. It’s often considered a privilege to secure an invitation to play here. The course’s design and its pristine state ensure that every round played at Woodhill is a memorable experience, with golfers navigating through its demanding yet rewarding fairways and greens.
15. Rochester Golf & Country Club
Address: 3100 Country Club Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Nestled among rolling hills and boasting a legacy dating back to 1925, Rochester Golf & Country Club is a timeless gem in the realm of the best golf courses in Minnesota. Designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, this course showcases his mastery of golf architecture. Golfers are treated to a blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge as they tackle the course’s intriguing layout. With every swing, players can appreciate the course’s historical significance and the thoughtful design that has made it a cherished destination for golfers of all levels.
14. Golden Valley Country Club
Address: 7001 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Golden Valley Country Club’s golf course, designed by A.W. Tillinghast, is a testament to classic golf architecture and a standout among the best golf courses in Minnesota. The course presents golfers with a strategic test, offering both risk and reward scenarios on tee shots and approach shots. This dynamic approach adds layers of excitement to the game and fosters a deep appreciation for Tillinghast’s design philosophy. With its rich history, picturesque beauty, and challenging layout, Golden Valley Country Club consistently ranks as a highly desirable golfing destination.
13. StoneRidge Golf Club
Address: 13600 N Hudson Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082
StoneRidge Golf Club, recognized as the #1 public access golf course in the Twin Cities by GolfWeek Magazine, immerses golfers in a links-style golfing experience. Opened on Independence Day in 2000, this course designed by Bobby Weed provides a unique and captivating golf adventure. Golfers find themselves navigating rolling bentgrass fairways framed by native fescue grass. The large, undulating greens and rustic bunkering contribute to the feeling of playing golf on the other side of the Atlantic. With pristine conditions and a layout that encourages creative shot-making, StoneRidge offers a memorable round every time.
12. Madden’s on Gull Lake: The Classic at Madden’s
Address: 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401
The Classic at Madden’s, a perennial favorite among Minnesota’s best golf courses, consistently earns recognition as one of America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. Awarded a 5-star rating by Golf Digest, this course designed by Scott Hoffmann, Madden’s superintendent, promises a tour-quality golfing experience. Surrounded by majestic oak trees and the natural beauty of northern Minnesota, The Classic offers golfers an array of exciting and unique holes that cater to players of all levels. Its stunning vistas, coupled with the challenges it presents, make it a must-play course among the offerings in the Brainerd golfing landscape.
11. The Wilderness At Fortune Bay
Address: 1450 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN 55790
Positioned on the picturesque Lake Vermilion, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay reigns as Minnesota’s premier resort golf destination. This course is consistently ranked among the best in the state and the nation by renowned golf publications. Golfweek has even rated it the #2 public golf course in Minnesota for 2020. Furthermore, it was recognized as the #7 Best Casino Course in the nation. A round at The Wilderness offers golfers an unparalleled lakeside and resort course experience.
10. Somerset Country Club
Address: 1416 Dodd Rd, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Somerset Country Club, designed by Seth Raynor in 1920, epitomizes timeless golf architecture. Featuring classic Raynor template holes, such as the double-plateau, redan, Biarritz, short, eden, and cape holes, this course stands as one of the best golf courses in Minnesota. Recent enhancements, including tree placement adjustments, further enhance the course’s allure. Somerset Country Club offers golfers a classic and challenging golfing experience that remains timeless.
9. The Quarry at Giants Ridge
Address: 5893 Giants Ridge Rd, Biwabik, MN 55708
Giants Ridge, located in Biwabik, Minnesota, has consistently been hailed as one of the best golf vacation destinations in the state. It boasts not one but two highly acclaimed golf courses – The Legend and The Quarry. What makes Giants Ridge truly unique is its ability to maintain both of these courses at a remarkably high standard, earning them spots in Golf Digest’s “Top 100” list. The Quarry, in particular, has garnered widespread attention for its breathtaking layout and challenging play. Carved out of an old sand quarry, it offers golfers an unforgettable experience that complements the more traditional feel of The Legend course.
8. Spring Hill Golf Club
Address: 725 County Rd 6, Wayzata, MN 55391
Nestled in Wayzata, Minnesota, the Spring Hill Golf Club is a testament to golfing excellence. This course, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, opened its fairways in 1999 and quickly gained a reputation for its stunning beauty and challenging layout. Each hole is like a work of art, thoughtfully separated to provide golfers with an extraordinary experience. The course is meticulously maintained, ensuring pristine conditions. Adding to the experience are the professional and helpful caddies who contribute to making a round at Spring Hill a memorable one.
7. Windsong Farm Golf Club
Address: 18 Golf Walk, Maple Plain, MN 55359
Located in Independence, Minnesota, Windsong Farm Golf Club is a gem among the state’s best golf courses. Its design, masterminded by John Fought, offers golfers a unique and challenging experience. Each hole is crafted with a focus on providing something special for all skill levels. The course features spectacular views, lightning-fast greens, and the ever-changing winds of Minnesota. These elements set Windsong Farm apart and make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
6. Minneapolis Golf Club
Address: 2001 Flag Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Minneapolis Golf Club, situated in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has a rich golfing heritage dating back to its opening in 1916. Designed by two esteemed architects, Willie Park, Jr. and Donald Ross, this club boasts a legacy that has left an indelible mark on golf history. Hosting the U.S. Amateur in 1950 and the PGA Championship in 1959, won by Bob Rosburg, Minneapolis Golf Club has witnessed the triumphs of legendary golfers on its storied fairways. With two acclaimed designers contributing to its layout, the club showcases the best of both worlds, offering golfers a blend of Scottish tradition and timeless excellence.
5. Hazeltine National Golf Club
Address: 1900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Chaska, Minnesota, is home to Hazeltine National Golf Club, a revered private golfing institution. Designed by the eminent architect Robert Trent Jones, this course first opened its greens in 1962. Hazeltine is renowned for its challenging layout, characterized by hilly terrain, narrow fairways, and small greens. Nine of its holes feature water hazards, adding to the test of skill. The par-four sixteenth stands out as the signature hole, where golfers must launch a precise 220-yard carry over Hazeltine Lake. With its rich history and demanding design, Hazeltine National Golf Club ranks among the most respected golf courses in Minnesota.
4. The Minikahda Club
Address: 3205 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Located in southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Minikahda Club is an esteemed private country club that enjoys the distinction of being the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1898, this club overlooks the scenic Bde Maka Ska and offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including the Minneapolis skyline. What sets The Minikahda Club apart is its golf course, which has earned a spot in Golfweek’s top 100 classic golf courses in the United States. It has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the U.S. Open in 1916, the U.S. Amateur in 1927, and the Walker Cup in 1957.
3. Northland Country Club
Address: 3901 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804
Situated in Duluth, Minnesota, Northland Country Club has been a private golfing haven since its inception in 1899. This club underwent a transformation in 1927 when golf course architect Donald J. Ross undertook its renovation. Featuring bent grass fairways and greens, Northland Country Club is celebrated for its impeccable course conditions. Its reputation extends beyond its exceptional course, as it consistently ranks among the top 100 classic golf courses in the United States, reflecting its commitment to providing a world-class golfing experience.
2. White Bear Yacht Club
Address: 56 Dellwood Ave #1401, Dellwood, MN 55110
White Bear Yacht Club, situated near White Bear Lake, Minnesota, holds a unique distinction as the only Minnesota golf course listed among the world’s top 150 golf courses. Its historical significance is deeply rooted in the contributions of golf course architect William Watson, who crafted the initial nine holes in 1912. Donald Ross, a legendary figure in golf course design, is believed to have later added nine holes and revamped the course. The rugged and undulating landscape of White Bear Yacht Club is its defining feature, offering golfers a challenge unlike any other. With meticulous enhancements supervised by Jim Urbina, the course’s surroundings now complement its massive undulations, reaffirming its status as a global golfing treasure.
1. Interlachen Country Club
Address: 6200 Interlachen Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55436
Edina, Minnesota, boasts the prestigious Interlachen Country Club, a private club with a storied history of hosting significant golf tournaments. Notable among these events is the 1930 U.S. Open, where the legendary Bobby Jones clinched a victory on his way to achieving the Grand Slam. Interlachen also hosted the 2002 Solheim Cup, a riveting event that saw the United States reclaiming the cup with a narrow win. In addition to its tournament history, the club has hosted numerous other golfing competitions. As a hub for golfing excellence, Interlachen Country Club is set to further elevate its status with a major restoration project led by golf architect Andrew Green in 2023.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s golfing gems are just waiting to be explored, offering not only exceptional play but also natural beauty that will leave you in awe. But the golfing adventure doesn’t end here; there are countless more beautiful courses across the United States waiting for you to discover. To continue your journey through the world of golf, be sure to explore GolfBiz’s blogs, where we uncover more of the nation’s stunning courses and share insider tips for an unparalleled golfing experience.
