Grandview or Giants Ridge?

[lc4jlc4j]

I'm planning a golf trip with 8 guys this summer, and we're trying to decided between Grandview and Giants Ridge. If you had to pick one based solely on the quality of the golf course (exclude cost, location, other amenities), which one would you choose and more importantly, why?

 

Everyone has different tastes in golf courses - some people like blind shots, some people hate them. Some love bunkers in the middle of fairways and modern Pete Dyeish coursers, others don't. So if you can characterize each course rather than just say "I would go to grandview", that'd be most appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Lee

[rlheiman]

I would do Giants Ridge. The courses simply rate higher and are about as good as it gets in MN. You can also make the 1/2 hour trip to the wilderness which is even better yet. I've only played a few of the Brainard courses, so I can't comment on all of them, but I have played Giant's Ridge a number of times and just love going back everytime.

[PGA_AllTheWay]

giants ridge the quarry course is awesome, plus try to play the classic at madden's resort....only five star course in minnesota

[jshel]

I would go to Giants Ridge and also play at least one round at The Wilderness (about 30 minutes away).

GR/Wilderness is the best place in Minnesota to go for a guy's weekend. If you were going with your wife or girlfriend, I would say Brainerd. But if golf is all that matters, GR is the place to go.

[JCG!!!!!!]

I golfed at Giants Ridge two summers ago. I thought it was great..

[AltusBeliever]

Giants Ridge is an amazing place. The Quarry is a tremendous course and Legends pretty good (it was great until Quarry came along). Be sure to drive to Tower to play the Wilderness. I like the course better than Quarry, but it is a matter of opinion. I will say that the Wilderness had the best fairways I have ever played in MN. Some of the green complexes are a little over the top IMO but wonderful place. Wilderness also has gambling!
When you catch the weather right NOWHERE is nicer than the Iron Range. 80 degrees with low humidity. Ball go far. Plenty of local bars to enjoy. Go to Biwabik and get a Vi's Pizza. Unfortunately the most famous restaurant, The Whistling Bird, went out of business. Also, food at Quarry clubhouse first rate.

[Fatsack540]

Can't go wrong with either one, But if I had to pick just based off a trip to just go golfing it would be giants ridge for sure, Grandview is a great place but imo it is more of a family vacation spot. Giants ridge is for sure the best place in MN for a guys trip +1.

[golffreak92]

Played both courses and really enjoyed them, only course i've liked more is chambers bay in washington.

[jlg214]

I agree with the others that Giants Ridge might be a better option. You'll get great golf at both courses there and a just up the road is the wilderness. I haven't been to Grandview but, if it resembles the scene at Craguns your going to get a lot more families.

[BC7]

I would suggest Giant's Ridge. Better courses and place for a guys weekend in my opinion. Grandview wasn't too challenging and too resort-ish.

[cjamesb1]

Without question Giants Ridge. Two of the best courses I've ever played and I am desperately waiting to get back up there again myself. Also, while you're up there, look into the Wilderness at Fortune Bay. It's about 30 miles from Biwabik, and is designed by the same guy. Supposed to be as goo dif not better than GR.

Have fun!

[Texsport]

Giants Ridge is clearly the best public golf in Minnesota.

Golf Digest just rated it as one of the top 5 golf resort bargains in the U.S.

Of course The Quarry@Giants Ridge is ranked as #20 and The legend@Giants Ridge is #72 in Golf Digest's Top 100 Public U.S. courses.

The only course in Brainard, but not at Grandview, is The Classic@Maddens ranked #40/100.

If you've got the game, play the Quarry from the tips. It's a whole different game from back there. #13 on the Quarry course is one of the greatest short par 4s in the world.

The Legend course sports one of the most photographed holes in MN, the 17th.

The Villas is the place to stay at Giants Ridge.Private condos on the lake with rental boats.

Wilderness@Fortune Bay is built by Jeff Brauer, the designer of both Giants Ridge courses. He had to force things a little to differentiate this course from the more famous and higher rated courses at Giants Ridge. If you like casinos and more night life, stay there. Only about 15 miles from Giants Ridge.

Brainard's best are Deacon's Lodge and The Classic. The 2 original Grandview courses are not in the same class as Giants Ridge courses, but the ladies can use the spa.

Texsport

[simp21]

Giants Ridge is really nice. I take a trip up there every year, well worth the drive from the cities.

[Stuge]

I wish in the interest of full disclosure that Texsport would have mentioned that he is in fact the proud father of the wonderful head pro at Giants Ridge, but his sentiments are accurate. The Whistling Bird was truly a great experience in the last place you'd expect to find it, but frankly, I find Vi's Pizza to be incredibly overrated. I've never had a bad meal, breakfast included, at The Lodge. I also don't want to encourage any elicit behavior, but if you're going to do any drunken driving, the Iron Range is a far better place to do so compared to the more heavily popular Brainerd area (just watch out for the wildlife). I second anyone who also recommends The Wilderness and the casino offers something to do other than golf in an area with fewer options (at least for a guys weekend).

[OhTiger]

[quote name='simp21' date='18 July 2010 - 04:01 PM' timestamp='1279490519' post='2584176']
Giants Ridge is really nice. I take a trip up there every year, well worth the drive from the cities.
[/quote]

really Todd?