Golfers in Minnesota are in for a treat! With its lush green landscapes and picturesque views, the state is home to some of the best golf courses around. Whether you’re looking for championship-level play or just want to hit a few balls with friends, there’s something here for everyone. To help narrow down your options, we have compiled our list of 17 Best Golf Courses in Minnesota: Our Top Picks for 2023. Here you will find detailed information on each course, including their location, features, and more, so that you can decide where to go and book your next golf getaway!
1. Giants Ridge Recreation Area
Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Giants Ridge Recreation Area is a year-round family vacation destination that offers guests a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. Designed by Jeff Brauer, Giants Ridge features two championship golf courses, The Legend and The Quarry, that have earned a reputation for being among the best in the world. Boasting dramatic tumbling topography, elevated tee positions, forced carries, blind approaches, trench bunkers, and fairways that wind their way around wetlands, woolen, and old mining spoils, Giants Ridge offers a golfing experience unlike any other.
If golf isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Giants Ridge. Take some time to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty with a hike, bike ride, or paddle on one of the nearby lakes. During the winter months, guests can hit the slopes at the nearby ski resort or enjoy a day of snowmobiling on the many trails that wind their way through the surrounding wilderness. Whatever your interests, Giants Ridge Recreation Area offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Location: 6329 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, MN 55708
2. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, located on the scenic Lake Vermilion in Minnesota, offers premier resort-style golfing and amenities. Its 18-hole golf course has been highly rated by national golf publications, earning it a reputation as one of Minnesota’s best golf destinations. The course is in perfect shape, ensuring that golf enthusiasts will have a top-notch experience during their visit.
In addition to offering a beautiful golf course, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay also has an expansive practice area, an on-site restaurant and bar, lodging and a casino for guests to enjoy. The staff at this resort are friendly, helpful and professional, ensuring that each guest has a comfortable and enjoyable time. Furthermore, the restaurant offers outstanding walleye for those looking for delicious dining options. All of these amenities are offered at a reasonable rate, making The Wilderness at Fortune Bay an ideal choice for a golfing getaway or a vacation with family and friends.
Location: 14238 Fortune Bay Dr, Tower, MN 55790
3. Hazeltine National Golf Club
Hazeltine National Golf Club, a private club designed by Robert Trent Jones for former USGA president Totten Heffelfinger, is known for hosting many famous tournaments, including the 2009 PGA and 2016 Ryder Cup. Hazeltine is a 7,674-yard course, tough and in great condition, but only after it was improved by straightening doglegs, relocating holes, and rebuilding greens. The extremely thick and long rough, deep and ever-present sand bunkers and lightning-fast greens will challenge any player who takes on this course.
The club’s rich history also includes hosting the 1966 U.S. Women’s Open and 1970 U.S. Open, but its distinction is that it’s the only club in the country that has been selected twice to host the Ryder Cup. Over the years, the course has undergone an incredible transformation from an immature layout to one of the most controversial championship courses of the modern era. Hazeltine has proven to be a true test of skill for golfers of all levels and remains a must-play for golf enthusiasts around the world.
Location: 1900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
4. The Jewel Golf Club
The Jewel Golf Club lies within 800 scenic acres of river valley terrain, featuring a routed 18-hole course of impressive standards. The semi-private course has a par of 71, with a length of 7050 yards and a slope of 133. It is designed with attention to detail and flexibility for golfers of any ability level, offering five sets of tee boxes.
The experience of playing at The Jewel Golf Club is one like no other, with its fantastic fairway and greens, excellent course conditions, and awe-inspiring views. The variety of holes and shots are nicely balanced, providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers. The club’s staff is friendly, making it a perfect stop for those seeking an upscale golfing experience.
Location: 1900 Clubhouse Dr, Lake City, MN 55041.
5. Windsong Farm Golf Club
Windsong Farm Golf Club is a pure golf course with no pool or tennis court, offering an unparalleled casual atmosphere for an optimal golfing experience. The course, set on the 248-acre rolling terrain of a former horse farm, presents numerous challenges and enjoyment to golfers of all skill levels with six tee boxes. The most memorable part of the game is the third and 18th holes, which require a strategic approach to maneuver the shots.
If you are looking for comfortable accommodation, the Murphy House, with its two floors and eight individual beds, is the perfect place to stay. The beautiful house, set in the natural surroundings of the golf course, offers breathtaking views of the landscape. With convenient access to the golf course, guests can enjoy a delightful golfing experience during their stay.
Location: 18 Golf Walk, Maple Plain, MN 55359
6. Northland Country Club
Northland Country Club, with its 18-hole golf course and famously challenging greens, is recognized as one of the top 5 courses in Minnesota. At 6,825 yards from the longest tees, it offers plenty of opportunities for both amateur and experienced golfers to test their skills. The course features bent grass fairways and greens that provide exceptional playing conditions, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
The club also offers event-hosting services as well as a country club dining experience that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether it’s a wedding reception or a corporate function, the Northland Country Club is the perfect venue for any occasion. For visitors interested in exploring the course before playing, a golf course tour is available, providing an insight into the technicalities of the course and the challenges that await players. Northland Country Club is indeed a remarkable destination for golf lovers who want to experience the best of what Minnesota has to offer.
Location: 3901 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804
7. The Classic at Madden’s Golf Course
The Classic at Madden’s Golf Course is an award-winning course that caters to golfers of all skill levels. With a range of tees available, players can choose from 4,883 to 7,109 yards. However, despite the various options, the course is renowned for its toughness, earning it a rating of 76. The greens, in particular, are challenged with slope and plateau issues, keeping even the most experienced players on their toes.
In addition to the course itself, The Classic at Madden’s Golf Course offers some of the best facilities in the area. The course is immaculate, ensuring an unforgettable experience for golfers. Notably, the short par four No.11 is among the most photographed holes.
Location: 11672 Co Hwy 18 SW, Brainerd, MN 56401
8. The Minikahda Club
The Minikahda Club is a private country club located in southwest Minneapolis. Established in 1898, it proudly stands as the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River. The club is renowned for its distinguished facilities that feature an eighteen-hole golf course spanning across 6,815 yards and having a par of 72. The course is known for its challenging slope rating of 143, which has made it the host of several prestigious national golf tournaments.
Location: 3205 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
9. Deacon’s Lodge
Deacon’s Lodge, a par 72 championship course, has been ranked among the top ten new public courses by Golf Magazine. The course, stretching over 500 acres of Minnesota lake country, passes through wetlands and forests. It features challenging, hilly terrain and impeccably maintained Bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways. Moreover, the course showcases a great creative layout. A full-service clubhouse, replete with an attractive lodge-style design, as well as a pro shop, is available on the premises. Catering services are also available at this premier golf destination.
Location: 9348 Arnold Palmer Dr, Breezy Point, MN 56472
10. Dacotah Ridge Golf Club
Dacotah Ridge Golf Club is a sprawling 240-acre premier golfing destination designed by the renowned Rees Jones. This beautiful golf club is situated amidst rolling countryside and boasts natural wetlands, the meandering beauty of Wabasha Creek, and a serene 14-acre lake that perfectly complements the golfing experience. The 18-hole course is an impressive 7000 yards—perfect for all ability types with regular tees. It features an array of wooded and water holes that provide a challenging experience with plentiful water hazards, sand traps, and elevation changes. Finally, the clubhouse at Dacotah Ridge offers an unforgettable experience with its friendly staff, fully loaded bar and grill facilities, and breathtaking views of the ninth and tenth holes.
Location: 31042 County Rd 2, Morton, MN 56270
11. Golden Valley Country Club
Golden Valley Country Club is a championship golf course situated near downtown Minneapolis. It boasts 18 holes and has played host to both professional and amateur tournaments throughout the years. The course is designed with a risk-reward approach to tee shots and approach shots. Well-executed shots are rewarded with ample scoring opportunities, while wayward shots can find trouble necessitating a variety of rescue shots to recover. Expect a challenge for your swing and ball placement with a par 73.
The course is characterized by severely sloped fairways lined with century-old trees. It offers a variety of tee boxes and can be played at distances ranging from 5,400 to 7,002 yards. With world-class amenities, premier social amenities, exceptional dining, outstanding tennis and swimming facilities, and a great venue for weddings and receptions, and social and corporate events, the Golden Valley Country Club is an award-winning location for anyone who appreciates the game of golf.
Location: 7001 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427.
12. Superior National at Lutsen-Golf Course
Superior National at Lutsen-Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience designed by architect Jeffrey Brauer. The resort course boasts 27 holes that have recently been updated to provide excellent play from tee to green on the River and Canyon premier 18 holes. While playing on this fantastic course, golfers may spot a variety of wildlife, including Whitetail Deer, Fox, Timber Wolves, or even an occasional Moose. If you have less time to spare but still want to enjoy the course, the Mountain 9-holes are an excellent option. Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy playing the challenging yet fair River & Canyon 18-holes.
Location: 5700 W Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612.
13. Rush Creek Golf Club
Rush Creek Golf Club, founded in 1996 by W. Duncan MacMillan, is a public course located just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis! Its scenic 18-hole layout played host to an LPGA Tour event in the late 1990s and was even the site of Ryan Moore’s second U.S. Amateur Public Links title in 2004. With a course rating of 72 par, a yardage of 7306, and a slope of 149, golfers will face deep bunkers and well-placed hazards on this stunning course. Additional amenities include a covered driving range, indoor teaching facility, and restaurant and banquet facilities.
Location: 7801 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311.
14. Interlachen
Interlachen Country Club is a notable member-only club known for hosting numerous national golf tournaments, including the renowned 1930 U.S. Open. With a challenging 18-hole course spanning 6981 yards with a 141 slope from the black tees, Interlachen offers a fantastic playing experience on its rolling terrain, featuring towering old trees and spacious playing corridors. Among professionals who have enjoyed playing here, the great Jones found the course especially challenging.
Location: 6200 Interlachen Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55436
15. Somerset
Somerset Golf Course has a rich history, originating from Seth Rayor’s design in 1919. The front nine presents a challenging uphill “Cape” while the back nine features an “Alps” at the par four 10th hole, an “Eden” at the short par three 11th, and a formidable downhill “Biarritz” at the long par three 15th, which measures up to 230 yards.
Location: 1416 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
16. Spring Hill
Spring Hill golf course is a classic 18-hole course that spans 7042 yards. The course is designed to challenge even the most seasoned golfers who relish the sport. It has a timeless community of golfers who enjoy the unassuming clubhouse facilities and are captivated by the isolated holes. The holes are surrounded by a thick forest of evergreens, marshland, and acres of maple trees that make the play more thrilling. Spring Hill’s design is one of the most challenging works by Fazio, promising a delightful experience to anyone who decides to play it.
Location: 725 County Rd 6, Wayzata, MN 55391
17. Minneapolis GC
Consider Minneapolis Golf Club (MGC), a premier golfing destination boasting a classic 18-hole course. The course features pure bent grass on tees, fairways, and greens, and modern updates were made to recapture the original green contours, integrate more interesting hole locations, and expand many fairways. Additionally, a state-of-the-art irrigation and drainage system has been installed for maintenance. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the course with four sets of tees on each hole. The course totals 5,419 yards from the forward tees, while more skilled players can experience a challenging 7,045 yards from the championship black tees.
Location: 2001 Flag Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Conclusion
From the award-winning Golden Valley Country Club to the challenging layout of Minneapolis Golf Course, Minnesota offers some of the best golf courses in the country. With stunning views and unique challenges at every turn, each course is sure to provide a memorable experience for all levels of players. Whether you are looking for an exciting game on a championship-level course or something more casual with friends, this beautiful state has no shortage of options. For those who love exploring nature while enjoying their favorite sport, these top 17 picks will undoubtedly be your go-to destination in 2023 and beyond!
