Minnesota Golf Trip

[GPoppaPump]

Looking to play Giants Ridge, Wilderness at Fortune Bay, Troy Burne, and capping it off with Hazeltine this coming June. Can anyone speak to the weather, conditions, and what to expect for that timeframe for those courses? Thanks in advance.

[Clark55810]

Interesting selection of courses...

Weather in June can be anywhere between 50s to 70s...the Wilderness and Giants Ridge will be cooler, on average, then Troy Burne or Hazeltine just due to being 200 miles north.

Courses should be in pretty good shape by June. Wilderness and GR will open first part of May, weather permitting.

Not sure how committed you are to the courses.

I play the Wilderness and Giants Ridge several times a year since I live about 70 miles south in Duluth. The three courses are really good. If you only have time for two, play the Quarry at Giants Ridge and the Wilderness. The Legend at Giants Ridge is very nice, but the other two are better.

I haven't played Hazeltine yet (scheduled to play in May), but walked it at the 2009 PGA. Looks to be a long, hard course.

Troy Burne is a very nice course and a fun play. It is the other side of the cities away from Hazeltine. If you can, you may want to find a course closer to Hazeltine. I have heard good things about the Meadows at Mystic Lake. The Wilds and the Legends are also pretty close and are on par with Troy Burne, IMO.

Hopefully you will get good weather,

Clark

[benkodi]

Clark,

I think Troy Burne is far superior to both The Meadows and The Wilds. If you're staying in downtown MSP, it's only about 35 minutes.

Another option for northern MN golf (but saving 2 hours each way) is the Brainerd area. Both The Classic at Madden's and Deacon's Lodge are excellent choices that time of year.

[jshel]

I agree that Troy Burne is much better than Meadows or The Wilds. I think Troy Burne and Stone Ridge are easily the two best public courses in MSP metro.

Quarry and Wilderness are both very good. Hazeltine is hard. Bring your A game and be smart about the tees you choose to play.

Weather should be good. Very comfortable for shorts during the day, but could cool down after dark to the point where you want something with long sleeves. Considering that you are going to Northern MN, just make sure you bring shorts and pants. If you catch the wrong day or it's really windy, you might appreciate having pants as an option.

[GPoppaPump]

Thanks for the input thus far. Kinda locked into the courses at Giants and wilderness as our host is from area. Then hazeltine is our treat that we definitely won't pass up, and our host there recommended Troy Burne on the day we drive back from northern minny to Minneapolis. Had thought about Classic at maddens as well as deacons but was going to give our host the nod.

[Shawn Paul]

Troy Burne is definitely a fun course. Totally different from front to back. The food in the clubhouse is pretty good too and its nice to sit and have a beer on the patio afterward. Giants Ridge is always a good time, lots of wildlife and lots of take in the view moments. The Quarry is really fun but to me seems a little but too Golden Tee like. I personally prefer the Legends course. Maybe I'm more comfortable with that layout, IDK. Either way all those are good choices. You should also check out Red Wing Golf Club and Frontenac if you're looking for something nice but not to expensive. Oh yes, or Superior National.

[skinners03]

Should be a great trip... June often is the best month to visit northern Minnesota, the mosquitos are often not as bad (no promises though). I grew up 8 minutes from Giants Ridge, and the June weather tends to be ideal for golf, just need a windbreaker in the morning. The Legend I often say is the prettier course, less demanding, but still plenty challenging. The quarry is a very good test of golf. Hazeltine will be a terrific experience, a complete country club experience, at a very demanding golf course. Troy Burne is very good, seems always to be windy, and will make you strike it well. Haven't played Wilderness, but the other courses will give you a nice variety. Enjoy your trip

[Buckyb90]

I also recommend the Quarry over the Legends and Wilderness. Also, I agree that you can save yourself a ton of drive time(since I presume you are flying into MSP) by heading to the Brainerd, MN area. Maddens Classic, Craguns Legacy Courses(Dutch and Bobby) Deacon's Lodge, etc. One of my personal favorites which is off the beaten path and is a diamond in the rough is Golden Eagle in Fifty Lakes, MN.

I know a lot of the Brainerd courses will offer a twilight golf package where you can play 18 holes with dinner included for less than $80.

ENJOY!

[Texsport]

A nice change of pace near Giants Ridge is Mesaba CC in Hibbing.

Private, but allow visitors.

Texsport

[GPoppaPump]

I'm also looking for a course I could play a quick 18 close to Minneapolis St Paul airport as my group is filtering in at different times. Any input appreciated.

[jshel]

GPoppa,

Define "close to the airport"

[GPoppaPump]

15-20 minutes

[Tempo tempo]

Highland is a course in St. Paul that is at most 10-15 minutes from the airport.

Usually easy enough to get on.

[jlg214]

I live 2 miles from the AP and without rush hour traffic 15-20 will get you to Highland National, Braemar, Inverwood, Dwan (short executive style course), and Hiawatha (I believe still closed for this season?) to name a few.

[Clark55810]

By the way...wasn't knocking Troy Burne. Actually have shot several of my better rounds there, but was thinking about where they may be staying. The recommendation of Stoneridge is also great...presently my favorite course in the twin cities.

[jshel]

All of those options are OK.

If you're looking for something better and are willing to drive a little further, Google says that it is 25 minutes (w/o traffic) to Legends in Prior Lake.

That is one of the top five or six public options in MSP.

[mlwenzlick]

Rush Creek is one of the better ones in the cities as far as I am concerned. The Wilds gets an immediate downgrade with me because that stupid Mystic Lake Casino next door takes my money every time I go! lol

If you can find someone to get you into it, Spring Hill Golf Club is immaculate, and you might even catch Michael Jordan hitting a round...pretty sure he is still a member.

[mlwenzlick]

Rush Creek is one of the better ones in the cities as far as I am concerned. The Wilds gets an immediate downgrade with me because that stupid Mystic Lake Casino next door takes my money every time I go! lol

If you can find someone to get you into it, Spring Hill Golf Club is immaculate, and you might even catch Michael Jordan hitting a round...pretty sure he is still a member.

[BirdieRoll]

I would look at Legends and StoneRidge for quality of course that is fairly course to the airport. Braemar is another option but isn't in the same league as the former two options. The Wilds and Meadows (Mystic Lake casino course) and Rush Creek are not nearly as close to the airport.

[GPoppaPump]

[quote name='BirdieRoll' timestamp='1429569200' post='11401537']I would look at Legends and StoneRidge for quality of course that is fairly course to the airport. Braemar is another option but isn't in the same league as the former two options. The Wilds and Meadows (Mystic Lake casino course) and Rush Creek are not nearly as close to the airport.[/quote]

Can you recommend one of Legends or Stoneridge over the other? What do both courses play like? I did a good search on them online just curious if you could provide anything that would sway us one way or the other. Does either tend on being more open on a Friday afternoon (ie quicker round)?

[Shawn Paul]

I recently played Prestwick and was mostly unimpressed. Anyone else in MN played it that feel that way?

[2FairwaysOver]

I have played Prestwick before and agree that it is nothing special. Although I have never played Stoneridge, it is very high on my list of "must plays", so I would definitely recommend it. I have not played Legends, but heard good things about it as well. If I had a choice, I would go Stoneridge.

I go on an annual golf trip up to the Wilderness and Giants Ridge. This will be our 10th year doing the trip, so I have played the Wilderness, Quarry, and Legend a LOT. The Quarry is definitely my favorite due to the uniqueness of being built from an old mine quarry. Lots of elevation changes and challenging shot selections. The Wilderness is #2 on the list. Lots of our group actually prefer it to all others, due to its natural beauty. It's a great track! The Legend is also a fun course and is a very picturesque track. It is a lot shorter than the other two, but has some great holes (especially the par 3's over water). All three courses should be in great condition by the time you go.

I walked Hazeltine during the PGA as well. Enjoy your round! Wish I could play it. Rush Creek is a very nice course, but overpriced at full rate in my opinion. Chaska Town Course is a pretty fun and challenging course right by Hazeltine. They played the US Amateur at Hazeltine and Chaska Town Course back in 2006. The Meadows at Mystic Lake is a fun course. Little bit of a drive, but they finally sell drinks on the course now, which helps. The wilds is fun as well, although it's surrounded by Houses. I've heard great things about Troy Burne, but never played.

Overall, I think you've got a great schedule!

[BirdieRoll]

[quote name='GPoppaPump' timestamp='1429810326' post='11426085']
[quote name='BirdieRoll' timestamp='1429569200' post='11401537']I would look at Legends and StoneRidge for quality of course that is fairly course to the airport. Braemar is another option but isn't in the same league as the former two options. The Wilds and Meadows (Mystic Lake casino course) and Rush Creek are not nearly as close to the airport.[/quote]

Can you recommend one of Legends or Stoneridge over the other? What do both courses play like? I did a good search on them online just curious if you could provide anything that would sway us one way or the other. Does either tend on being more open on a Friday afternoon (ie quicker round)?
[/quote]

I like both of them. Both places have good food n drink options and good practice areas. The front 9 at StoneRidge is a little links-style and the course is a bit more susceptible to wind but you can't go wrong with either.

PS - Regarding Hazeltine, do whatever it takes to find the fairway and play from the appropriate tees. This course is not "Minnesota Nice".

[DriveIt"N"3Putt]

[quote name='Shawn Paul' timestamp='1429811753' post='11426295']
I recently played Prestwick and was mostly unimpressed. Anyone else in MN played it that feel that way?
[/quote]
It is very over rated, the cost is too high for what it is. I've played there twice and second time was a father's day tourney several years ago. I lived in Minnesota all my life till last August when I moved to Seattle. I like Troy Burne allot, Stoneridge isn't bad either. I haven't played the wilds, but I've only ever heard good things.

[sths31]

[quote name='benkodi' timestamp='1425837014' post='11102497']
Clark,

I think Troy Burne is far superior to both The Meadows and The Wilds. If you're staying in downtown MSP, it's only about 35 minutes.

Another option for northern MN golf (but saving 2 hours each way) is the Brainerd area. Both The Classic at Madden's and Deacon's Lodge are excellent choices that time of year.
[/quote]

Definitely recommend the Classic and Deacon's Lodge. Also one of my favorites was The Preserve (bring bug spray)

[GPoppaPump]

Can anyone speak to the condition of the following courses? We land in Minneapolis Friday and wanted to know what to expect?

Inver Wood (warmup round)
Quarry at Giants Ridge
Legends at Giants Ridge
Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Classic at Madden's
Troy Burne
Hazeltine National

[Grizz06]

Inverwood is fun and fine for your warmup round. I've only played it once and it was in pretty rough shape; still enjoyed it.

Quarry - is one of my fav courses anywhere. It will be in great shape for a pub

Legend - I love it almost as much as the aforementioned

Wilderness - much like the GR courses; I think this plays a little tougher. It will be in outstanding shape.

Classic - My lowest round ever came on this track. My highest round in recent memory also came here. I personally like Deacon's Lodge a bit more. Either are great and in great shape.

Troy Burne - great course and is usually in good shape. This is a tough course, the tall grass has many brand new v1x's with my name one them.

Hazeltine - It will be in great shape. It's a nightmare from the back tees; it's a nightmare from one up. Frankly, I'm not a huge fan but that may be due to the fact it's really freaking hard. Many privates and pub courses I prefer over H.


Your trip looks freaking great!

IMHO, I think the GR courses and The Wilderness are the 3 best courses in the state (sans Spring Hill) public or private. Other great courses in Minny or near that I love would include: Northland CC (Duluth); The Jewel (Lake City); Somersby (near Rochester); Windsong Farm (near TC); Golden Eagle (mentioned above); New Richmond (near TC).

[GPoppaPump]

All of the courses were in amazing shape and were extremely enjoyable. 126 holes in 4 days. If I could have aligned the courses, I would have played Troy Burne for my first round instead of my last (first round was on Quarry at Giants) due to the large landing areas. Definitely was struggling on final 9 at Troy Burne after doing Hazeltine in the morning on the final day.

[sabram]

Link to photo tours of eight Twin Cities area courses: https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/collections/72157631881715502/

 

Stone Ridge #15 pitch to green

 

Troy Burne #12 from tee K Lieberman pix

 

Braemar GC #12 par 3 - 140 yards

 

The Wilds #6 split fairway from tee

 

Willingers #6 par 5 from tee

 

Chaska Town #6 par 3 187 yards

[FourUnder]

Thanks for the photo albums!