Minneapolis 4 Day Golf Trip

All:

I’m heading up to Minneapolis to visit a college friend for some golf. I’ll fly in on a Friday morning and leave Monday night. 4 solid days of golf. Right off the plane I’ve got JS hooked up at Hazeltine. However, after that, we are looking for a destination to drive to and set up a base. Some options he has suggested are Nisswa or Biwabik. I know the top names, but looking for advise based on current conditions. Likely 36 holes a day. Also would love to have at least a little night life near our home base.

Cost not a big concern, but don’t want to be overboard.

Thanks in advance! I’ve heard it’s a beautiful area.

Was just in Minneapolis for a quick golf trip. I would avoid going too far north as some of the best courses are in rough shape due to the harsh winter. Friend and I played The Wilderness and Giants Ridge and found the greens to be in awful shape. If you are staying in the city you should check out StoneRidge. It’s an awesome links style course on the east side of town. Or if you are in Chaska, Chaska Towne is a solid track as well. Hope this helps

Go to brainerd/Nisswa. I have cabin up there and they have the Maddens resort( classic course, 2 resort course one with a par 6) they have breezy point( Deacons Lodge, Whitebirch and a somewhat avg resort course) then there is craguns( which has 2 course n par 3) last there is Grandview( has 3 course) is rank them Classic, Deacons, Perserve. I haven’t played Craguns

Agree with what was said about Northern MN courses and the winter.

Check out Troy Burne which is about 15 mins further than StoneRidge and a fantastic spot. It’s my home course and in great shape.

If you decided to stay in the metro you have:

Southwest metro: Chaska Town Course, Ridges at Sand Creek, Meadows at Mystic Lake, and The Wilds (which I would pass on)

South metro: Legends, Willinger's, The Summit, Crystal Lake (you might find too short but in good shape)

North metro: Edinburgh

Northwest metro: Rush Creek, Baker National

East: Troy Burne, StoneRidge, Keller, the new Royal Golf Club, White Eagle, Loggers Trail

Googling Brainerd Golf Trail might help if you want to go north. I personally would skip the two Madden's resort courses (you'd be underwhelmed) and play only The Classic. Cragun's two courses, Deacons Lodge, the Preserve, all good options as noted. Not sure how the Pines is doing these days.

Looks like you should have some pretty good weather on tap, too.

Let us know where you end up playing. Sounds like only the far northern courses are still in rough shape given the winter. Everything in the metro that I've seen is very good. Local restaurant, craft beer, sports, music scene is top notch right now.

Was just in Minneapolis for a quick golf trip. I would avoid going too far north as some of the best courses are in rough shape due to the harsh winter. Friend and I played The Wilderness and Giants Ridge and found the greens to be in awful shape. If you are staying in the city you should check out StoneRidge. It’s an awesome links style course on the east side of town. Or if you are in Chaska, Chaska Towne is a solid track as well. Hope this helps

That's a shame to hear, The Wilderness is usually immaculate this time of year. GR seems to be more hit or miss when I've been.

OP: If you're looking for nightlife I'd probably stay pretty close to the Minneapolis area and hit up the Troy Burne, Stoneridge, Chaska, etc.

Wondering if Troy Burne is walkable? I haven't played it in years so I can't remember. Thanks in advance.

Wondering if Troy Burne is walkable? I haven't played it in years so I can't remember. Thanks in advance.

Yes, Troy Burne is an easy walk.

Play Troy Burne and hit up San Pedro Cafe in Hudson for outstanding food.

Wondering if Troy Burne is walkable? I haven't played it in years so I can't remember. Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, Troy Burne is an easy walk.

Yep! Walk it every week with a push cart. No problem.