Joel Goldstrand

Far from a household name even among die-hard golf course architecture buffs, Joel Goldstrand nevertheless contributed to the enjoyment of countless golfers the Upper Midwest of the United States. He would lay out and work on more than 100 golf courses - the vast majority in his home state of Minnesota - including several popular and affordable layouts beloved of locals and vacationers alike. Among Goldstrand's design achievements was the reversible  Sisseton and Wahpeton layouts at the Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel an hour south of Fargo.


Goldstrand, who pased away in November 2022 at the age of 83, grew up in the town of Worthington, Minnesota, three hours southwest of Minneapolis and an hour east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He played his college golf at the University of Houston and was a part of two NCAA Championship triumphs there. His professional playing career saw him finish 12th at the 1970 U.S. Open, held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in his home state.

During his time in the competitive game, he also established the PGA Tour's first Bible Study group - which continues to this day - before serving as the head golf professional at Minneapolis Golf Club until 1989, when he established his golf design practice.