Minnesota Golf: Windsong Farm or Olympic Hills

[lorenson21]

Hello, a buddy and i are looking for a private course to join next year, we are both 32. We have previewed Olympic Hills in Eden Prairie and Windsong Farm in Independence. Wondering if anyone that is a member or has been a member at either can help us out. The costs are pretty similar. Windsong is $15k initiation paid over 10 years with dues at 50%($3800/yr) of $7600 until 35 and 75% ($5700/yr) until 40. There is no monthly min or other charges.

 

Olympic is $10k initiation paid $5000 year one and then $2500 the next two years. Dues are $4260/yr until 40 and have a $600 yearly fee for locker, range, etc, and a $100/month food beverage min.

 

I have played Olympic twice and really liked the course. One downside on Olympic is that it sounds like they will be closing the course for over a year for improvements with new ownership wanting to make the course "one of the best in the midwest". I have not played Windsong but the GM gave us a tour of the course and it looks great.

 

Any opinions would be appreciated.

[PatCCraig]

If it's between the two, I would join Windsong.

[ihatecats18]

I'm a bit confused on why these two golf clubs. Only for the fact that they are about 20 miles apart from each other?
There are a lot of very nice courses in the west metro. I have only played a handful, but my favorite course in that area is Chaska Town Course, great dirt and similar to Hazeltine by proximity.

[lorenson21]

[quote name='ihatecats18' timestamp='1376447620' post='7672392']
I'm a bit confused on why these two golf clubs. Only for the fact that they are about 20 miles apart from each other?
There are a lot of very nice courses in the west metro. I have only played a handful, but my favorite course in that area is Chaska Town Course, great dirt and similar to Hazeltine by proximity.
[/quote]

We are looking for a private club. My friend lives in Minnetrista and I live in Eden Prairie. That is why we are deciding between the two. We are currently members at The Wilds but are looking for a top tier private course.

[Thenewguy]

I would suggest Windsong farms. I am 16 and have plenty of friends who are members here. Most of the employees in the bag room or pros how know everybody like most private courses. It is every kid friendly and I great course depending on the wind that day.

[venand]

It looks like you have most of the facts based on your original post. One more reason to look at Windsong is receprocity. Last I heard you get some descent receprocity with Minneapolis Golf Club. Could be a nice added perk. I really liked Minneapolis GC the last two times I got the invite to play. I would choose Windsong personally if you are willing to make the drive out there. (take that with a grain of salt as I haven't played Olympic)

Windsong was in great shape when I played and the greens rolled VERY true. I like the landcape out there with a mix of link(ish) and trees. It would take a lot of rounds to get sick of that course. Hope that helps. I think you need to get in at least one round out there before thinking about it any further. That might be tough seeing as it is a -40 degree windchill out there today.

[skilikeme]

Curious to hear more about OHGC. I worked there for 10 years, middle school through high school, and the course was wonderful. The members were mostly nice, but there are always jerks. The inside staff (early 2000s) was NOT awesome. Would be interesting to see how it is today as I'm thinking of joining a club in the next few years as well.

[jshel]

I haven't played Olympic in quite a while, but play Windsong once or twice a year.

Windsong is very good. I think it is probably more fun than Olympic. There's a bit more variety of holes. I think Olympic is one of those places that is harder than it is fun. If you believe that hard equals good, then you'll love it. I believe that interesting holes and variety is what equals good.

Windsong is pretty much a pure golf experience. Olympic is much more of a country club.

Both are really good options. I think it comes down to what is most important to you.

[mr_divots]

Not sure what the "culture" is like at Windsong since the ownership change, but have heard some had issues with some of their policies under the previous ownership like no cell phones ANYWHERE but the parking lot. Never played it, but just relaying tales of yore.

[paparoy43]

Used to work as a pro at OHGC.

Never tired of the course or the people. The new owners are sinking a lot of money in to upgrading the course. The clubhouse is beautiful and has a top rate shop.

There are plenty of good golfers and all different levels.

It was great before, I can only imagine that they will do an outstanding job on the new course.

[poledous]

Anyone want to expand on their Windsong experience? Course in good shape? Worth the drive to be a member? Membership makeup?

Thanks!