Minnesota may have cold and snowy winters but summer and autumn are perfect for golfing. From the Twin Cities, to charming farm country, the state has a lot to offer visitors. The 2016 Ryder Cup was held at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota which brought the golf spotlight once again to the state's resorts and public courses. Even if you don't have connections to get onto Hazeltine or a number of other top-rated private courses, there are plenty of worthy public and resort courses. Whether you are packing or renting your clubs, here are out top 5 picks for the North Star State.
Located west of the Twin Cities, Chaska Town Course is considered one of the best munis in the area. Designed by renowned course architect Arthur Hills, this course is laid out over 285 acres of prairie, marshland and oak groves and, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "has the feel of a Hazeltine spill-over course."
3000 Town Course Drive
Chaska, Minnesota 55318
(952) 443-3748
Green Fees: $36 - $71
Here you will find one of the best values for golf in the state. The Hale Irwin design is nestled in the Mississippi River valley and winds through 800 acres of varying terrain. With five sets of tee boxes, golfers of any level can challenge themselves while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty, giving a memorable and unique experience.
1900 Clubhouse Drive
Lake City, MN 55041
(800) 738-7714
Green Fees: $39 - $89
Offering some of the most scenic views in the Midwest, this gorgeous resort course was carved from the landscape and surrounding shores of Lake Vermilion. This designated Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary has six tee choices for golfers of all skill levels to be challenged. Though it is located only hours from the Twin Cities it will feel like an escape. Bonus: The Wilderness Grill is said to serve spectacular food!
1450 Bois Forte Road
Tower, MN 55790
(218) 753-8917, (800) 992-4680
Green Fees: $60 - $84
Both courses at Giants Ridge have earned a spot within Golf Digest's top 15 public courses in the state and each course has its own character. The Legend is carved from Superior National Forest with beautiful scenics while The Quarry is made from a re-purposed industrial site--a fitting tribute to the region's mining history.
6325 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, Minnesota 55708
(800) 688-7669, (218) 865-8035
Green Fees: $70 - $97
With a waterpark, multiple swimming pools, fine food, spa and golf, this resort in Northern Minnesota is perfect escape for families. There are four amazing layouts to chose from including a championship course, The Classic. It was designed to give every player a unique, tour-quality experience and works flawlessly with its tranquil, natural surroundings. Bonus: Stay and play to get cheaper rates or chose from one of their many golf packages!
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
(800) 233-2934
Green Fees: $24 - $101
