MN Private Courses

Joe85 · June 14, 2014

Which have you played? Which do you like the best, and which do you dream of playing?

I've played (and in a couple cases caddied at):

Minikahda Club

Stillwater Country Club

Hillcrest

Indian Hills

Mississippi Dunes

Midland Hills

Hudson Country Club (Western WI)

Dellwood Hills

White Bear Yacht Club

I've played another one or two that are escaping me right now (the one in Minneapolis that held the US Amateur I played).

Hands down my favorite course of all time is the Donald Ross designed White Bear Yacht Club, and all the others on my list are surely great and fun courses. But there are numerous public courses I like better than them. The one course in the state I would really like to play is obviously the PGA-holder Hazeltine, and then Interlachen. I've heard Michael Jordan is a member at the most expensive private in the state (Interlachen maybe?).

KevCarter · June 14, 2014

[quote name='Joe85' timestamp='1402757771' post='9494481']
Which have you played? Which do you like the best, and which do you dream of playing?

I've played (and in a couple cases caddied at):

Minikahda Club
Stillwater Country Club
Hillcrest
Indian Hills
Mississippi Dunes
Midland Hills
Hudson Country Club (Western WI)
Dellwood Hills
White Bear Yacht Club

I've played another one or two that are escaping me right now (the one in Minneapolis that held the US Amateur I played).

Hands down my favorite course of all time is the Donald Ross designed White Bear Yacht Club, and all the others on my list are surely great and fun courses. But there are numerous public courses I like better than them. The one course in the state I would really like to play is obviously the PGA-holder Hazeltine, and then Interlachen. I've heard Michael Jordan is a member at the most expensive private in the state (Interlachen maybe?).
[/quote]

I love WBYC as well, my favorite course anywhere. Minikahda is a very close second, but I haven't had the pleasure of playing the re-design, which I understand was wonderfully done.

If you like the WBYC, Woodhill, Somerset, Interlachen and Rochester Golf & Country Club have to be at the top of your lists.

Two not often mentioned older gems, Golden Valley CC, and Oak Ridge are also wonderful courses.

I grew up caddying at Hazeltine. Awesome test of golf, but too hard for this old man... :-)

Jordan is a member at Spring Hill, one of the few I haven't played...

Cheers!

Kevin

GC70 · June 14, 2014

Hillcrest
Indian Hills
TPC if that counts

I'm with you Joe I need to play Hazeltine.

I've played more in Florida then here.

mr_divots · June 15, 2014

Not many.

Medina CC (thank you, KevCarter!)
Hillcrest (Dad had a corporate there back in the 90's.)
Southview (hey, that was one nice muni!)

I'm such a muni kid....

winn0040 · June 15, 2014

Minneapolis Golf Club: one of my favorites in the metro. A true test of golf and always in superb condition.
Woodhill: classic country club design. A couple of hokey holes, but overall a great course
Southview: didn't care for this one. Goofy and not at all interesting in my opinion
Hillcrest: not a fan of the layout. Was in good condition at least.
Indian Hills: nice layout and a very fair course. Has been in great shape every time I've been out there.
Dellwood Hills: built on a swamp and several very strange holes. Is this one even still open? Heard they were tearing it apart and building homes on it.

mr_divots · June 15, 2014

[quote name='winn0040' timestamp='1402850949' post='9499913']
Minneapolis Golf Club: one of my favorites in the metro. A true test of golf and always in superb condition.
Woodhill: classic country club design. A couple of hokey holes, but overall a great course
Southview: didn't care for this one. Goofy and not at all interesting in my opinion
Hillcrest: not a fan of the layout. Was in good condition at least.
Indian Hills: nice layout and a very fair course. Has been in great shape every time I've been out there.
[b]Dellwood Hills: built on a swamp and several very strange holes. Is this one even still open? Heard they were tearing it apart and building homes on it.[/b]
[/quote]
That was one memorabale pseudo round, as I fogot all about it! Ha!
Played with a Dellwood member who was at Tanners this spring. They actually just re-did all the bunkers with new white sand and added a few bunkers he said. Spent $4 million improving the course he said. I sure hope that was all AFTER we played it last year! Very [i]unimpressed[/i] with that course. Surprised me.

mnplayer · June 15, 2014

Hillcrest
Somerset
Minikahda
Hazeltine
Indian Hills
Stillwater CC

I played all of them through high school golf except for two. Caddied at Minikahda and a friend is a member at Hazeltine. High school golf can get you in just about anywhere.

NRJyzr · June 17, 2014

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1402848841' post='9499793']
Not many.

Medina CC (thank you, KevCarter!)
Hillcrest (Dad had a corporate there back in the 90's.)
Southview (hey, that was one nice muni!)

I'm such a muni kid....
[/quote]

My list is even shorter than yours.

Bearpath

That's it, as far as Minnesota goes; I've played a couple out of state, including Avenel back when the Booz Allen was still on the PGA Tour schedule.

The interesting thing about our day at Bearpath, the greens were a bit slower than our group were accustomed to playing at Pheasant Acres. No idea if we got typical or atypical greens.

TheDominator273 · June 17, 2014

Somerset is not a super nice course to play, its more about being a member for prestige than for the golf course.

Mendakota is always in superb condition and has a decent layout.

Southview is a great track and probably my favorite that I've played.

Hillcrest is a nice facility. Has a great short game area, but the course itself is short and lackluster.

WBYC was disappointing. For a Donald Ross design it had some stupid holes that I wasn't expecting it to have.

Dellwood was I great shape when I played it and I wouldn't mind playing it again since the renovations that were made.

KevCarter · June 17, 2014

[quote name='lbj273' timestamp='1403055139' post='9519665']

Somerset is not a super nice course to play, its more about being a member for prestige than for the golf course.

WBYC was disappointing. For a Donald Ross design it had some stupid holes that I wasn't expecting it to have.
[/quote]

Raynor and Ross treasures I feel very fortunate to have played.

Gripit_Swiftit · June 18, 2014

I feel like a ****** posting my list but I grew up in the right neighborhood so I've had the pleasure of playing almost any private club I wanted to.

1. Hazeltine- get to play several times a year, playing in their member guest tournament this weekend
2. Interlachen- been a couple years but played several times. Probably my favorite in MN
3. The Minikahda Club- Not a fan of HAVING to take a caddie if you don't want one but an awesome course.
4. Spring Hill- Wonderful, tough course with an almost up north feel.
5. Windsong Farm- Played a ton, just played in their member guest last weekend. Wonderful course, lightning fast greens that are elevated and punishing if you're not in the right spot. Really open otherwise.
6. Woodhill- Played more than I can count, lovely old school course that is always in perfect shape
7. Stillwater CC- Really cool course and layout. Didn't have a traditional CC feel but I liked that
8. Olympic Hills- Played several times, currently being renovated and considering joining after that is complete
9. Bearpath- Played a couple times, not a fan of all of the houses
10. Edina CC- Have not played since it was completely redone. Used to be a wonderful course, I imagine it still is
11. WBYC- One of my favorite courses in the Midwest. Wonderful test of golf
12. Minneapolis GC- Played many times. If they had a good range it would probably be a top 3 club in the state
13. Golden Valley G & CC- Awesome course, really tough if you can't elevate the ball into the greens
14. Minnesota Valley- Played a few times. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing to write home about
15. Wayzata CC- Fantastic greens, goofy layout, always wet. Absolutely awesome complete country club though.
16. Northland- Duluths finest. It is a wonderful course and if it was in the metro they could charge whatever they wanted.
17. Rolling Green/ Medina CC- Played in high school as Rolling Green, played as an adult and it's called Medina CC now. Some really tight, tough holes with good greens.
18. Lafayette CC's 9 hole if that counts, Ha.
19. Oak Ridge- Old school short, tight holes. Predominately Jewish club but that does not affect anyone from playing.
20. Burl Oaks- Tons of rounds. They redid their course recently and they are now taking members for $0 down and $350/ month I think. Actually a really nice course with a nice layout and good greens.
21. Minnetonka CC- Old school, super short, super sloped greens that are trouble if you're on the wrong side. Always really soft and soggy.
22. Town & Country- Awesome course, really cool set up. Really enjoyed every time I have played there.

Didn't include any semi-private courses but have played a lot of those as well.

There are probably a couple more that i'm not thinking of right now. Like I said, I feel like a ******.

If anyone wants any info on any of them i'd be happy to share everything I know about them.

GC70 · June 18, 2014

[quote name='Gripit_Swiftit' timestamp='1403117396' post='9525965']
I feel like a ****** posting my list but I grew up in the right neighborhood so I've had the pleasure of playing almost any private club I wanted to.

1. Hazeltine- get to play several times a year, playing in their member guest tournament this weekend
2. Interlachen- been a couple years but played several times. Probably my favorite in MN
3. The Minikahda Club- Not a fan of HAVING to take a caddie if you don't want one but an awesome course.
4. Spring Hill- Wonderful, tough course with an almost up north feel.
5. Windsong Farm- Played a ton, just played in their member guest last weekend. Wonderful course, lightning fast greens that are elevated and punishing if you're not in the right spot. Really open otherwise.
6. Woodhill- Played more than I can count, lovely old school course that is always in perfect shape
7. Stillwater CC- Really cool course and layout. Didn't have a traditional CC feel but I liked that
8. Olympic Hills- Played several times, currently being renovated and considering joining after that is complete
9. Bearpath- Played a couple times, not a fan of all of the houses
10. Edina CC- Have not played since it was completely redone. Used to be a wonderful course, I imagine it still is
11. WBYC- One of my favorite courses in the Midwest. Wonderful test of golf
12. Minneapolis GC- Played many times. If they had a good range it would probably be a top 3 club in the state
13. Golden Valley G & CC- Awesome course, really tough if you can't elevate the ball into the greens
14. Minnesota Valley- Played a few times. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing to write home about
15. Wayzata CC- Fantastic greens, goofy layout, always wet. Absolutely awesome complete country club though.
16. Northland- Duluths finest. It is a wonderful course and if it was in the metro they could charge whatever they wanted.
17. Rolling Green/ Medina CC- Played in high school as Rolling Green, played as an adult and it's called Medina CC now. Some really tight, tough holes with good greens.
18. Lafayette CC's 9 hole if that counts, Ha.
19. Oak Ridge- Old school short, tight holes. Predominately Jewish club but that does not affect anyone from playing.
20. Burl Oaks- Tons of rounds. They redid their course recently and they are now taking members for $0 down and $350/ month I think. Actually a really nice course with a nice layout and good greens.
21. Minnetonka CC- Old school, super short, super sloped greens that are trouble if you're on the wrong side. Always really soft and soggy.
22. Town & Country- Awesome course, really cool set up. Really enjoyed every time I have played there.

Didn't include any semi-private courses but have played a lot of those as well.

There are probably a couple more that i'm not thinking of right now. Like I said, I feel like a ******.

If anyone wants any info on any of them i'd be happy to share everything I know about them.
[/quote]
Yeah your an a******! I wish I was an A******! Oh wait I am but not as lucky.

Joe85 · June 21, 2014

[quote name='Gripit_Swiftit' timestamp='1403117396' post='9525965']
I feel like a ****** posting my list but I grew up in the right neighborhood so I've had the pleasure of playing almost any private club I wanted to.

1. Hazeltine- get to play several times a year, playing in their member guest tournament this weekend
2. Interlachen- been a couple years but played several times. Probably my favorite in MN
3. The Minikahda Club- Not a fan of HAVING to take a caddie if you don't want one but an awesome course.
4. Spring Hill- Wonderful, tough course with an almost up north feel.
5. Windsong Farm- Played a ton, just played in their member guest last weekend. Wonderful course, lightning fast greens that are elevated and punishing if you're not in the right spot. Really open otherwise.
6. Woodhill- Played more than I can count, lovely old school course that is always in perfect shape
7. Stillwater CC- Really cool course and layout. Didn't have a traditional CC feel but I liked that
8. Olympic Hills- Played several times, currently being renovated and considering joining after that is complete
9. Bearpath- Played a couple times, not a fan of all of the houses
10. Edina CC- Have not played since it was completely redone. Used to be a wonderful course, I imagine it still is
11. WBYC- One of my favorite courses in the Midwest. Wonderful test of golf
12. Minneapolis GC- Played many times. If they had a good range it would probably be a top 3 club in the state
13. Golden Valley G & CC- Awesome course, really tough if you can't elevate the ball into the greens
14. Minnesota Valley- Played a few times. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing to write home about
15. Wayzata CC- Fantastic greens, goofy layout, always wet. Absolutely awesome complete country club though.
16. Northland- Duluths finest. It is a wonderful course and if it was in the metro they could charge whatever they wanted.
17. Rolling Green/ Medina CC- Played in high school as Rolling Green, played as an adult and it's called Medina CC now. Some really tight, tough holes with good greens.
18. Lafayette CC's 9 hole if that counts, Ha.
19. Oak Ridge- Old school short, tight holes. Predominately Jewish club but that does not affect anyone from playing.
20. Burl Oaks- Tons of rounds. They redid their course recently and they are now taking members for $0 down and $350/ month I think. Actually a really nice course with a nice layout and good greens.
21. Minnetonka CC- Old school, super short, super sloped greens that are trouble if you're on the wrong side. Always really soft and soggy.
22. Town & Country- Awesome course, really cool set up. Really enjoyed every time I have played there.

Didn't include any semi-private courses but have played a lot of those as well.

There are probably a couple more that i'm not thinking of right now. Like I said, I feel like a ******.

If anyone wants any info on any of them i'd be happy to share everything I know about them.
[/quote]

Wow man. That's some list.

CurtisKurtzhals · February 21, 2017

Anyone wants to take me along to a private course, I will gladly play!

Jokes · April 14, 2020

Does anyone have a list of which country clubs have indoor simulators? Im moving to the twin cities and would like to become a member at one which has it included so Im able to practice during the winter without paying a ton for an external facility.

prov1kanobi · April 15, 2020

Minikhada is such a gem! I miss MN, moved away in 2006. Had a buddy who was a member at Indian. It’s a unique course for sure. Gets a little goofy in spots. Mini just feels like you found a secret golf course in the middle of the city.

Jokes · April 15, 2020

I have seen great things about Minikhada however I think it is slightly out of my price range at the moment. What are some of the best deals in the twin cities for young executives? I emailed TPC twin cities, windsong, and olympic hills recently but have yet to hear back with everything happening. I saw some prices for olympic and windsong in another thread but was wondering if they have changed since it is currently over 5 years old.