Written By: Jonathan Van Den Einde | @CityTourGolf
Golf season is right around the corner and it looks like the new hot spot is Minnesota. 1 in 5 Minnesotans are on the course every year; ranging from the weekend warrior to the serious golfer. To supply the demand of this sport here in Minnesota, the number of courses in the area have boomed. You can’t throw a rock in any direction without hitting a club house. They are everywhere.
The center of this golf foothold lies here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with the inner city and suburbs being home to over 70 golf courses. With golf season roughly around 5 months long, the opportunities are plentiful to enjoy some of the best rounds of golf this country has to offer.
This year in the Twin Cities, Nextgengolf would like to introduce the City Tour. The City Tour provides social golf events for 18-34 years old, with no membership or handicap required. The events are team-based with a scramble and best-ball division. Perfect for weekend golfers, former college golfers, club golfers, and everyone in-between.
We are truly happy and excited for the opportunity to bring this event to the area. We look forward to advancing the planning and preparation to make these tournaments the best that we can for everyone involved. Here's how to find more info on the Twin Cities tournaments this summer on the City Tour.
To kick off the start of the golf season, here's a list of the 5 best golf courses in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area:
Highland National Golf Course
With a good feel for local golf, this muni course is filled with a variety of open shots from the tee, downhill dog legs and island greens bordered by bunkers that is playable for everyone. And one of the best parts is that it won't cost an arm and a leg to play. A big part of our claim to fame here in the Twin Cities is the cartoon “Peanuts," created by Charles Schultz, who was an area native and golf enthusiast. As a dedication to him, the 'Snoopy Bunker' was created. It has been mentioned throughout the golf world for its design and creativity.
Somerset Country Club
Somerset is a semi-private club that has been open since 1919. Everything about its elite status locally holds up. You may have to “pay” to play but it is completely worth it. Every hole looks to be cut out of a magazine. Given its age and layout, the fairways are bents grass with the greens still rolling fast and true. It feels like an old city course that has been improved over the many years.
Windsong Farms Golf Club
PGA star and Minnesota native, Tom Lehman co-designed and helped put together a traditional golf course in the best way possible. Opened in 2004, it has a great combination of links, water and old woods. To add to the character of this course, the club house and other facilities are designed to look like barns. Made to be protected and well-groomed to the clubs liking, it is a private course. Only 40 minutes away from downtown Minneapolis, it is still under the radar in conversations because of its exclusivity. For those who have played here at Windsong, it's well deserved to be considered the best in the state.
Mississippi Dunes Golf Links
If you're up for a challenge, Mississippi Dunes might just be up your alley. Neighboring the Mississippi River, this course provides a beautiful wooded scenery with its share of hazards to keep you on your game. Multiple blind tee shots and additional blind shots advancing to the green only add to this courses charm. Be sure to take your time on this course. With the many blind shots you may run into, avoiding a rushed game is a must here. There isn't too rewarding of a feeling after picking the ball cleanly off the fairway's bent grass and sticking the ball on the elevated greens here. Although challenging, these undulated greens will always give you a great read and true roll on the ball.
I wouldn't say that this course is challenging, but it should definitely be played by someone who knows more than the basics of their golf game. You'll find yourself using different clubs for unconventional shots but still having an exciting time. With all its challenges and its beautiful scenery, this course provides more than your average run at the mill golf course.
Sign-up for the City Tour event at Mississippi Dunes
StoneRidge Golf Club
Rated the #1 public golf course in Minneapolis/St. Paul, StoneRidge is perfect for everyone. Offering rolling fairways into large greens, it plays into everyone’s handicap. It will remain challenging for the low handicapper and stay fun for the high handicapper. With an open course layout, you can be aggressive off the tee and less squeamish shooting darts on the green. The maintenance of this course lets you play all season too. Whether you're a fan of golfing in the early spring or the late fall, this course is kept in great condition year round. It won’t break the bank to play either. 18 holes with a cart is only $59. Or you can play all day for $100. Public courses such as this one is a nice luxury to have for everyone.
