Best Minnesota Private Course

I’ve played very few private clubs but had the opportunity to play Windsong Farms last summer. It was a blast and quite a stunner of a course. For those lucky few who have played more of the private courses in the area, which are your favorite few? Why?

Windsong is my favorite as well. #1 in my book.

Hazeltine is ok for the history but nothing amazing...

Interlochen is pristine but I still give Windsong the nod.

Have not had a chance to play Spring Hill but heard from everyone who has it’s a treat and a half. Have some connections but I’m not one to ask.

Windsong is prime condition and test of golf. Host of the gopher invitational,and tipping out at 7,800 they are preparing to host the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP.

Don’t sleep on Wayzata Country Club and Edina Country Club either.

Loved my experience and invite to play the WBYC. Probably the best I’ve played in the state. I was a National Member at Northland this year and enjoyed that as well despite the rough winter.

Loved my experience and invite to play the WBYC. Probably the best I've played in the state. I was a National Member at Northland this year and enjoyed that as well despite the rough winter.

I was reading about that deal at Northland. That would be fun! Perhaps once my daughter is done playing fastpitch softball and I'm done coaching her.

I was a member at Windsong when I lived in the Twin Cities, so it’s probably my favorite club. But two others stand out as my favorite courses in the area — White Bear Yacht Club and Minikahda.

I never played Northland, but when I return for a visit, it will be at the very top of my list.

I haven't played them all, but WBYC and Northland are favorites of mine. The views at Northland are incredible and it's a nearly untouched Donald Ross course. WBYC is really unique, the fairways are crazy and the par 3s are fantastic.

Little late to this party, but I give another vote for Windsong. I've had the opportunity to play a few of the private clubs around town and truly Windsong is on another level, if you're into the more modern prairie design. White Bear is a classic, as is Minikahda. I remember Golden Valley's greens being pretty incredible. Haven't played Spring Hill or Interlachen, so can't speak on either of those, but I know both are supposed to be amazing.

Shelman can chime in when he gets time and trust his opinion.

Schley is very kind.

Here are my thoughts on Twin Cities clubs. I tend to put clubs in tiers more than give them a pure ranking. My only caveat here is that I haven't seen the final version of Minnesota Valley. I was out there late in '17 while work was going on. I liked what I saw, but this is a bit of an educated guess. Royal Golf Club isn't on here as I haven't seen it.

All clubs are in alphabetical order within each tier.

Tier 1

Hazeltine

Interlachen

Minikahda

WBYC

Tier 2

Golden Valley

Minneapolis

Oak Ridge

Olympic HIlls

Spring Hill

Somerset

Windsong

Wayzata

Tier 3

Midland Hills

Minnesota Valley

North Oaks

Woodhill

Tier 4

Bearpath

Edina

Mendakota

T&C

Tier 5

Brackett's Crossing

Medina

Southview

Stillwater

TPC Twin Cities

Tier 6

Burl Oaks

Dellwood

Indian Hills

What did I tell you? Shelman broke it into tiers for you even. Great feedback and I'd use it if I was needing a MN recommendation.