MN Golfers - Public Memberships

Wbassett · January 23, 2014

So I'm a young professional with a serious passion for golf. Each season I spend lots of cash on my rounds at various courses. I'm looking to get a membership at a public course this season. This way I can play as much a possible at a reasonable price. I live in the west metro (Minnetonka) currently. I've done some research and so far I dont see a whole lot of clubs offering memberships for unlimited golf. Currently considering Crystal lake, in Lakeville, at a rate of $1350 I believe. Or Stonebrooke, in Shakopee, at just under $3k. I like Stonebrooks cousre better but, of course, the cost is higher. Crystal lake is well maintained and a fun course at a great price. They are about an equal commute for me also. Anyone have other options for me to explore? Other courses with membership options at a good price? Thanks!

crussogolf · January 25, 2014

Kind of depends on how far you are willing to drive. IMO Wild Marsh in Buffalo is a better course than Crystal Lake and Stonebrooke, and the young adult rate is $550. Willingers is also very solid for around 1500. Stoneridge under 35 rate is about 2K I believe. I'm a firm believer that convincing a few of your golfing buddies to join the same club as you will enhance the value, as you will more likely have a default group to play with every weekend.

Wbassett · January 28, 2014

I really enjoy Willingers but would like to stay a little closer. Looked at Bunker Hills also. Any thoughts on that track? Joining with buddies would be great except my job is not your typical 9 to 5. I manage multiple retail locations for Samsung, so I'm almost always working weekends and my hours can be mid afternoon to late evening some days. I would like to be close enough to go play in the morning on days when I start work later. Most of my golfing will be done on my days off, which are typically mid week.

Bitz22 · January 28, 2014

Northfork. Great Men's league on Wednesday. Usually not very busy in the mornings mid-week.

play36 · February 6, 2014

If I was joining a club I would want to join somewhere close to home so you could just run out and play a few holes or hit the range. You might look at a private club like Minnetonka Country Club. Very low initiation (if any) and a decent tight course with super fast greens. Only downside is the driving range uses limited flight balls although they have a nice short game area. You might also look at Rush Creek which has a $4k membership.

kdchouse · February 11, 2014

I like the course at Deer Run, haven't been there a lot but it is good. A membership looks to be around $2000. Also have the option to get a 40 round package for under $1500 if you will be golfing during weekdays, leave you some spending money to hit up other courses still. Should be a pretty quick drive for you as well.

altess27 · March 4, 2014

Bunker Hills is a great course. That's where the Minnesota State High school Tournament is every year. It's got 27 holes so you don't have to play the same 18 holes every time. And Rock Chalk Jayhawk my friend! I'm feeling good about the tourney this year.

OnTheRocks · March 6, 2014

I am in the same boat looking for a membership this year. A couple more worth considering would be Island View and Bent Creek. Island View started an under 35 deal now...

Crystal Lake is a great deal, I just don't know if I could play that course all the time.

redlabel · March 15, 2014

I am looking into the same area as I plan to retire and move to the west suburb area in the next 12 months to be near family. Three year old twin grandchildren the biggest reason.

If I was looking on the northern end I would pick Bunker Hill easily. I had a season pass there from 1975 - 1979. Make sure I play it over a couple of weekends every summer.

This summer I plan to try out Baker National and Bent Creek as the grandchildren live in Eden Prairie.

Any thoughts from anyone on Baker National?

dk77fo18 · March 15, 2014

Bunker hills is great, but you should check out edinburgh usa. This course is probably the one i would get membership from.

whysguy · March 15, 2014

For private, I believe Burl Oaks, Bent Creek and Brackets Crossing are looking pretty hard for members.
Olympic Hills was last year, but I did hear that they may be closed this year for renovation.?
Oak Ridge is also still recovering from the Madoff intrusion and could really use younger members. My Brother in Law is member and I play it frequently. Its superbly maintained.
Those are all within your driving area pretty comfortably.
For public, The mens club at Links of Northfork is great. Last year they were also reciprocal with The Refuge and a couple other courses that offer some variety.
I have no knowledge of the mens club at Baker, but prob best track and best price in your vacinty.
I love the guys at Deer Run. Tom Abts is top notch.
Another to maybe consider, Island View in Waconia. Its a very nice track and the have a very definite private feel.
KInda depends on which end of Minnetonka you are too for all of this.

SuaSponteMn · March 17, 2014

[quote name='dk77fo18' timestamp='1394886169' post='8876307']
Bunker hills is great, but you should check out edinburgh usa. This course is probably the one i would get membership from.
[/quote]

Agreed completely. I play regularly at TPC with a member friend, I think the layout at Edinburg is better than TPC, and probably better than most others in the metro area. FANTASTIC practice facility as well

ZINC68 · March 17, 2014

[quote name='whysguy' timestamp='1394923422' post='8878911']
For private, I believe Burl Oaks, Bent Creek and Brackets Crossing are looking pretty hard for members.
Olympic Hills was last year, but I did hear that they may be closed this year for renovation.?
Oak Ridge is also still recovering from the Madoff intrusion and could really use younger members. My Brother in Law is member and I play it frequently. Its superbly maintained.
Those are all within your driving area pretty comfortably.
For public, The mens club at Links of Northfork is great. Last year they were also reciprocal with The Refuge and a couple other courses that offer some variety.
I have no knowledge of the mens club at Baker, but prob best track and best price in your vacinty.
I love the guys at Deer Run. Tom Abts is top notch.
Another to maybe consider, Island View in Waconia. Its a very nice track and the have a very definite private feel.
KInda depends on which end of Minnetonka you are too for all of this.
[/quote]Not so sure about Brackets Crossing looking hard for new members. I happened to just recently enquire about a membership and was told their initiation fee was 10k. Nooooo thanks.

dk77fo18 · March 18, 2014

10k initiation fee aside from annual, that is tough to swallow. unless your a top 10 persent in pay.

Vintage1976 · March 20, 2014

You might look into with the Minneapolis Parks season pass (Snelling 9, Hiawatha, Colombia, Gross, Meadowbrook, Wirth 9/Wirth). Wirth and Meadowbrook might be the nicest courses and they are probably the closest to you anyway but having a bunch to choose from can be fun. The website has it at $1260 for unlimited golf if you buy before the end of April. I don't think that price included the Mens Club events though.