RSS 2.0 FeedSummer 1.0, Featured Articles
Minnesota, Land of 500 Golf Courses
Minnesota has more than 500 golf courses and has more golfers per capita than any other state.The natural beauty and diversity of the terrain in the Midwest has provided the perfect landscape for many top designers to build spectacular golf courses in all parts of the state. One of the most influential and most celebrated features is the number of lakes in the region. Heck, Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Minnesota has more than 500 golf courses and has more golfers per capita than any other state.The natural beauty and diversity of the terrain in the Midwest has provided the perfect landscape for many top designers to build spectacular golf courses in all parts of the state. One of the most influential and most celebrated features is the number of lakes in the region. Heck, Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
What makes a good golf course?
According to Curt Walker, Executive Director of the Midwest Chapter of the Golf Course Owner's Association, its location, playability, condition, courtesy and pricing. "You're more likely to play a course that is within 15-20 minutes of your home than is two hours away," Walker said. "The frequency of play is proportional to location. But, in some cases, there are courses you will drive hours away to play that you enjoy enough to play a couple of times a month." Walker believes that lakes and golf enjoy a happy marriage. "Since vacationing and lakes and leisure go hand in hand, it stands to reason that golf courses nearby lakes and leisure areas are going to enjoy more patronage," he said. "The lakes help draw the customers to golf." Stonebrooke Golf Course in Shakopee, Minnesota, exemplifies and embodies what a lake-style course is. Nestled into O'Dowd Lake, Stonebrooke captures the essence of Minnesota; lakes, woods, and wildlife. For the golfer, you'll find breathtaking views that provide the perfect setting for a round of golf. "The lake setting provides a challenge to the golfer," Einar Odland, General Manager and Director of Golf at Stonebrooke, said. "I think both the golf course and nature can exist in happy harmony. Before Stonebrooke was created, nature was creating Stonebrooke."
No matter what your level of play, this championship course offers the perfect Minnesota golf experience. Stonebrooke, designed by Tom Haugen, has 13 water holes, lending great views of O'Dowd Lake. "We want the general public to have the private club experience at a public facility," Odland said. "It's very well manicured and very well maintained. "The lake is probably one of the top features of the golf course. O'Dowd Lake is extremely important." One of the course's most famous holes is the 340-yard par-4 eighth hole, where Stonebrooke offers an opportunity no one else can. Standing on the tee, you look out at sparkling O'Dowd Lake. Just over 260 yards across the bay lies the fairway. It's one of the most exhilarating shots you'll ever make. On the ferry boat ride to your second shot, you realize it's just one of the numerous water features on this breathtaking course. No matter what level of golf you play, Stonebrooke, which will host the State Farm Collegiate Division I College Tour in June and a MGA Players' and Senior Players' Qualifying round in May, offers one of the most satisfying public courses you'll find in Minnesota. Perfectly-groomed fairways and manicured greens present both natural beauty and strategic opportunity for the novice as well as the seasoned pro. Opened in 1987, this superbly-crafted course makes your pursuit of the perfect game an experience you won't soon forget.
 |
Stonebrooke Golf Club Course Type: Public Holes: 18, Region: Metro, Par: 71 2693 S. Co. Rd. 79, Shakopee, MN 55379 Email: eopga@stonebrooke.com Club Phone: 952-496-3171 Golf Shop: 952-496-3171 Superintendent: Duane Slaughter Manager: Einar Odland Professional: Barrett Boe www.stonebrooke.com Weekday 18 Holes: $46 Weekend 18 Holes: $52 Cart: $31 Pull Cart: $3.50 Directions: 35W to Hwy. 13 W, take 169 Mankato Bypass, S on Marshall Rd., R on Co. Rd. 78, L on Co. Rd. 79. |
A listing of other lake-style courses in Minnesota and Wisconsin:
| Deacon’s Lodge Course Type: Resort Holes: 18, Region: Northwest, Par: 72 23521 Nokomis Avenue Nisswa, MN 56468 Email: markn@grandviewlodge.com Club Phone: 218-562-6262 Golf Shop: 218-562-6262 Superintendent: Scott Schunter Professional: Mark Neva www.grandviewlodge.com Weekday 18 Holes: $97 Weekend 18 Holes: $107 Includes cart and range. Juniors play for half price with adult. Twilight and seasonal rates available. Directions: Hwy. 371 to Pequot Lakes, E on Hwy. 11, 5 miles to gates of Breezy Pt. Resort. L (N) on Hwy. 11 0.7 miles, E on Weaver Pt. Rd. 1/3 mile, L at Arnold Palmer Dr. Madden’s on Gull Lake – Izatys Resort – Sanctuary |
he Wilderness Legends Club Alexandria Golf Club Waseca Lakeside Club |
Breezy Point Resort –
Como Golf Course
Whistling Straits Trout Lake Golf |
More Featured Articles
A travelers first aid kit
When packing a first aid kit for travel, use a durable, waterproof container and keep it simple.
Fashion Trends - Fun in the Summer Sun
This year, even if you’re not quite ready to be on the lake, who says you can’t look good trying?
A Fresh Summer’s Evening
When a friend comes home from a two-year stay in Japan and has a 50th birthday you simply have to celebrate! With the help of Marla’s husband, her friends and I began to put together a night that would reflect her recent life changes (living in Japan) and also celebrate her special day.