Lives
Minnesota
Handicap
0-4
Age
55-64
Gender
Male
Skill
Advanced
Plays
Once a week

About

Played all over country. Critical of course design and service and experience.

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.5
4.5
Total 20 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

20 Reviews
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Recommended Courses
18
Not Recommended Courses
2
Helpful Votes Count
5
Not Helpful Votes Count
2
First Review
02/07/2015
Last Review
05/18/2023

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.5
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Course Difficulty
First time playing this course
Recommended
Review has
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

UP Gem

If you enjoy a scenic, challenging layout, this is for you. Every hole seems to be cut out of the forest and offers a very good test of your game. The greens are very undulated and if you short side your approach, it will be a tough up and down. The visuals from the tee boxes are fantastic, and offer reasonably accepting fairways to hit. The 9th and 18th hole share a green and both of these holes are fantastic. The conditions of the course were great, and the greens very good in spite of just opening for the season. I strongly recommend this track, and for $79 with cart (you have to walk due to distance) is frankly a steal. This course near a big metro area would command a $150-$200 price point. Hope to be back soon !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Northfield Golf Club

Played On 10/11/2020
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Golf Course

I have played Northfield GC for many years and have yet to have a bad experience or witness the course in poor shape. Over the years they have tweaked a few holes and a couple of the new ones don't seem to match the original layout in design or feel. That being said, NGC has fast, great greens, tree lined fairways, and you feel as if you are playing in northern MN. The public is able to play in off hours I believe and if you can, its a must play. The only knock is that there is no driving range and the first tee shot is a bit daunting.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Eau Claire Golf & Country Club

Played On 09/26/2020
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Wet weather
Used cart

Beautiful Chippewa Valley Layout

Beautiful property with a difficult layout with a great variety of terrain. The course was in immaculate condition and the greens were as good as anywhere I have played this year. If this course where in a major metropolitan market, it would be in the upper tier of private clubs. Amenities were top notch as well although I only played golf. The 18th hole, par five uphill back to the clubhouse was a fantastic finish. Must play if you can join a member for a round.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Challenging Gem

What a treat in the middle of Wisconsin not far from Sand Valley. The Lakes course was very difficult and in great shape. The greens were very fast, undulated and very well bunkered. If you short side yourself you are in for a difficult up and down. The tee shots require accuracy as almost every hole is tree lined with little bail out. Bunkers all down the fairways as well. In a nutshell, this is a very well conditioned, very challenging course. I do recommend it, with the caveat that this is a stiff test of golf.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Braemar Golf Course - Executive

Played On 09/15/2020
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Redesigned Braemar

Braemar has been renovated once again to 18 holes form the 27 holes it was, from the original 18 it used to be. The good news is the new design is a big improvement over the new 9 which were terrible holes. The new Braemar is an adaptation of primarily the original 18 with some enhancements. The greens have been redone and roll great, with mainly flat design. Their is a links feel to some holes , with a parkland flavor to the others. I would assess the layout as decent, not great. The location is great for people in Edina, etc. Tee times are very hard to get due the demand based on location. This is a good but not great layout.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate

The Wilderness At Fortune Bay

Played On 06/28/2020
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Must Play In Northern Minnesota

Having played this a few times, thought yesterday’s experience deserved comment. This is one of the best public golf courses in the Upper Midwest. Course layout will test top amateurs, and the forward tees will offer opportunities as well for the less skilled player. Course conditions are excellent. Greens are enormous and offer various strategies depending on pin placements. Greens rolled true, but were not too fast which is needed due to dry conditions in the area and the difficulty and severity of slopes - well thought out. Back nine gets a bit tighter off the tee, but most holes offer ample room off the tee. The par threes are really interesting and challenging. The staff is top notch, pricing is very fair for experience. Very remote location and quiet part of the state....if you get this far north, might as well tag on both courses at Giants Ridge as well as they compliment this great course. This is a must play for golfers......

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent

The Wilds Golf Club

Played On 06/20/2020
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great Layout

In fairness....this is where I play a lot of golf. So I may be biased. First the opportunities for improvement. While getting better, there is still some apathy and indifference within the bar, restaurant area with a couple employees who have been there forever. Also, at peak rate, this is a high price point at times and there is a lot of competition in the immediate area for your golf dollars. I’m amazed how much great golf there is in the this part of the south metro. Now the good ....fantastic layout which if located in a rural setting would garner better reviews. This course does wind around some neighborhoods which can at times detract from the true architecture of Tom Weiskopf’s only Minnesota designed layout. The greens are very good and undulating and offer great players plenty of challenge. Many, many bunkers which have been improved of late with conditioning. The fairways are very ample and offer less skilled players a chance to get the ball in play. The course is very fun to play and never gets fatiguing due to large greens and different tee boxes. The bent grass fairways are as good as anywhere as long as divots are replaced. The staff in the pro shop is fantastic and very accommodating. Twilight rates and weekend afternoons offer a great price point. This is a really fun course to play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Unforgettable

Hard to believe this course is located here as I drove miles through rural Wisconsin. Once you arrive, the facility and experience are 1st class. Driving range, practice area, putting green, second to none. Staff both on and off the course really make you feel like it’s all about you today. Now on to the course......18 fantastic holes, one after another. Fairways are extremely forgiving, and grass appears to be a fescue which is different than the bent grass most commonly seen in this part of the country. With all the sand, you get a thumping sensation when you hit the ground at times. Chipping around the greens can be tricky as the lies are tight. I recommend running the ball on as much as possible. Greens don’t check as much as others, so allow for one club less as ball rolls out. The greens are ENORMOUS, and offer great options for pins and tactics to play. Yes, there is a lot of sand, but the course is playable for the average player. The vistas from many tees is breathtaking, and the expansive area for each hole can offer a lot of solitude in a peaceful way. I won’t go into hole descriptions, but they are really fun, with the par 3’s being the most interesting. May rate of $155 was a very reasonable price. This is a walking only course, with caddies available. If you live in the Upper Midwest, it’s a bucket list course !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Interesting......

Haven’t played a course like this before. I believe it is somewhat a replica of St. Andrews at times. Enormous fairways that at times leave little idea where you might be best to aim for. Most greeens are double greens, white and yellow flags denoting front and back nine. There is not any help on scorecard or on tee boxes as to where to aim for, how far out the multiple pot bunkers lay etc. Having said the aforementioned, I did enjoy the experience as it was completely different than any course I have played. Many of the greens are very interesting with little margin for error. Course conditions were fantastic, greens in particular quick. There are countless, punishing bunkers that you must avoid to score. Also be aware of a wandering water hazard on theee or four holes in front of greens. Staff was top notch along with practice facility. Worth playing once.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Memorable

Having played many top courses in the country both public and private, I can without hesitation state that this course is a real gem. This is a Nicklaus design, so you will have the challenging bunkering and elevated greens at times. This course is not for the faint of heart. You will be tested with forced carries and difficult bunkering and greens. If you play the appropriate tees, that would be helpful. The vistas, course condition and difficulty make this an experience to remember if you are lucky enough to have a member invite you.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Fantastic

Great layout, in pristine condition. Course is very well designed and the holes are very interesting and challenging. Other than paying rack rate in January, I can’t think of a single thing item that I would improve on. Practice facility is off the charts. They have a nice sound system by putting green which was neat as I heard some mellow Pink Floyd that put me in a mood to drop some putts. Must play course if in the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
b244d63d-5448-5767-a6a2-fcaab64826e0
Commented on 02/14/2019

Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent round with us. Glad to hear the course conditions met and exceeded your expectations. The course design and facilities are really top notch so glad you enjoyed them. The sound system always puts me in a great mood for the round, so glad you felt the same. Really appreciate the review and glad to know you saw the value.

Kind Regards,

Steve Outlaw, PGA
Head Golf Professional

I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Very nice old muni

Played in February, 18 holes with cart on a Friday for under $60 in San Diego - what a surprise. I play frequently and am somewhat critical in my review of courses. Balboa was a wonderful shortish course with beautiful vistas of San Diego. Front nine was very tight, while back nine a bit more open. While only 6300 yards, it is no pushover, due to tiny, very quick greens. Greens were similar to private clubs I have played. Rest of course was in adequate shape - great greens make up for most all other defects. I would highly recommend course to all who like the price point and quick ride to airport. Practice range is not good, and operational set up to pay confirms the county is involved. In summary, neat course at great price.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Le Sueur Country Club

Played On 09/13/2015
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Gem

Fantastic semi private course about an hour from Minneapolis. Small, undulated, very quick greens, coupled with some elevation changes, make for an enjoyable round. Course condition is country club material, and staff is second to none. If course was located in the Twin Cities, it would command a reasonable fee or dues commiserate with mid level private clubs in the area. Public can play on certain days and times.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Gem

Was intrigued by replica holes, actually think the other holes are better. Back nine very strong holes. Replica hole of 17 at Sawgrass (#9), was very realistic as I have played the original. Really neat layout, with variety, and accommodating fairways. My only critique would be fairways are a bit longer than one might be accustomed to at this price point. Course may play longer due to not as much roll in fairways. Would play again with enthusiasm if I am back in the area. Very nice bar for 19th hole recap.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Links at Lawsonia Golf Course

Played On 08/16/2015
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Interesting, very fun course

A really unique, fun layout. Bunkering is at steroid levels, yet fair and visually appealing. Massive, deep bunkers, and elevated greens make for a unique, fun day. Greens are tiered in many cases as well. Back nine seemed better, and more links like. There was plenty of room off the tee for tee shots. Par threes were all fantastic. Course in great shape. Will be back !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fantastic

Fantastic, scenic, championship course. Course in great condition. Worth $100 all day long. Ranks as one of the top public courses I have played. Elevation changes, strategic bunkering, several different tee boxes to choose from. If you enjoy a great, challlenging layout, you will not be disappointed. Will require good shotmaking.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Angeles National Golf Club

Played On 02/06/2015
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent - Would go back in a heartbeat

From staff to course, this is a fantastic golf experience. Not from area, so read reviews and played based on those. Course is very challenging, yet very fun. Greens were lightning !!! Course is in fantastic shape. If in doubt, play tee box one up as it is tough. Back nine plays much shorter in the event front nine goes bad. Reminded me of golf in Arizona or Nevada.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging

Stonebrooke Golf Club

Played On 08/03/2014
1.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Odd Design

Played here several times over the years. This is near my house and some friends drag me over on occasion. There are many better options within 25 minutes of this layout. Nearly every hole is poor from tee to green in design. Staff is arrogant and thinks they are running Pebble Beach. If you are from out of town or have other options, I would stay away.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate

Heritage Links Golf Club

Played On 07/13/2014
1.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Walked

Wrecked Farmland

This may be the worst designed course in MN. Blind shots over hills, up hills etc. There are bad holes, and then really bad holes. Suppose a good course for folks who just want to hit a ball around. If you value a good experience with memorable holes, drive 20 minutes in any direction for a better course.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate

The Harvester Golf Club

Played On 04/11/2014
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Walked

Unbelievable

In the middle of nowhere arises one of the top public courses in the Midwest. Great buddies trip from MPLS etc. The entire course is one great hole after another. Lodging on site..............there are no humans anywhere to be found. You are literally in the middle of nowhere - there are hardly any golfers. Only open a few days a week. Bring your own food, lodging on site is top notch. This course will separate the men and ladies from the boys and girls. Ranked #1 course in Iowa I believe.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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