Lives
Woodbury, Mn
Handicap
10-14
Age
45-54
Gender
Male
Skill
Intermediate
Plays
Once a month

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.1
4.1
Total 18 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

18 Reviews
5 Stars
7
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Recommended Courses
17
Not Recommended Courses
1
Helpful Votes Count
3
Not Helpful Votes Count
2
First Review
07/23/2014
Last Review
11/08/2023

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.1
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First time playing this course
Recommended
Review has

Island Pointe Golf Club

Played On 10/27/2023
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

Fall golf

It was a late fall day, light wind and 75 degrees. The course was in above average fall shape and the greens were rolling well. We played the white tees at 6200 yds ish and I felt the fairways were fair and reachable at my 230 ish avg. The course winds down to a river and it is pretty. The par 3 with the forced carry over the river is awesome. If you are in the area, it is a good place to play, challenging but fair. I played with my Air Force buddy so that made it even better….

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

Sanctuary Golf Club

Played On 11/26/2022
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
Previously Played

Late Fall Golf

As a northerner, it was a blessing to play a round, in shorts on Nov 26. The course was in great shape, tee boxes 8.5, fairways 9.0, bunkers 8.5 and the greens were easily the best I’ve seen so far in this area at 9.5. I played the white tees at just over 6000 yds. With the slight breeze and heavy air, I was still left with 5 and 6 irons into the par 4s. I average maybe 225-235 of the tees for a reference. The greens were pure for putting and very receptive for pitches and chips. It had been several years since I played this course. I was told it was purchased and revamped by the same group that owns another course in the area. Years ago I would have rated this course at 6.5. In its new state, it is easily an 8.5. I am happy to shoot mid 80s, an 86 was a grind at this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

RTJ Grand National Lake Course

As a MN native, I have seen billboards as far north as MN advertising the RTJ trail. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to play the Grand National. It was warm, humid and very peaceful. I played as a single and took my time to enjoy the smells, views and staff members that would visit during my round. The tees, fairways and rough were perfect. The greens were a bit sandy from recent aeration. This course is very pleasing to the eyes. It is rolling and tree lined. It is not tight but there are some strategic landing areas you need to be cognizant of. Barber poles are there to assist you with aiming. No gps or yardage books that I could find. But, at least each tee box had an official distance marker so you could use the math to determine club selection off the tee. The greens are split into 3 pin locations. As big as the greens are, look at your pin guide. A was a club to club and a half short on several pins. Long putts are not fun with the greens sloping. At about the 8th hole, I started adjusting distances to the pin making putts more tolerable. I played at 3pm for $46. This was ridiculous, I felt like s stole something. I hope to play more of the RTJ courses in the years to come. Enjoy my photos. I loved the staff too, the pro shop, bag drop guys and the Marshall were very pleasant and made my experience memorable.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
d184b637-9e39-516d-b298-c2dcbdea3c79
Commented on 11/08/2019

Thanks for the reviews, I'm badging you a Local Golf Advisor. Keep it up!

West at Bull Creek Golf Course

Played On 08/17/2019
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

West Side

What are you looking for in a course? I like scenery, fairness, condition, and in your face decision making. At $41 dollars with a cart I felt like I stole something. There are two 18 hole courses, east and west. I asked two staff members which was the one of the two is the best to play if I could only play once, they agreed the west. The west starts at the house and only returns at the 18th green, so beware if you’re a drink or food guy at the turn, there is no turn. The conditions were as expected this deep into the summer months. The boxes were burnt but not dirt. The fairways were running and a bit hard, but grass covered. The greens were dry but well maintained and mark free. The layout was my favorite thing. I wouldn’t say it was hilly, more or less rolling. No huge uphill/downhill approaches. I played from the whites as a 250/260 driver of the ball. This is my 1 of 2 complaints. The decision making was made easy by a barber pole in the fairway at the 150 yd mark. There were no yardage books or gps on the cart. Using simple math, I would -150 from the total distance of the hole length to estimate distance from the tee to the marker. That was difficult because the card and tee box head stones differed in distanced. Card would read 368 from wht and the head stone would read 379. So, I would look for an official pga marker on the tee and couldn’t find them. Normally not a big deal but there are doglegs to consider and driving through fairways with shots over hit by as little as 10 yds. I do not have a range finder, that would be advised. I had minimal phone power so I did not try to gps by way off apps. Biggest complaint is as much my fault as theirs. I’m a northern guy and It was hot. I bought 1 Powerade and was assured there were Marshall’s finding me every 2 or 3 holes with water coolers on board to fill my bottle. Well, after the 3rd hole, I never saw the Marshall to get water. There is one fountain with warm water around 9 and as you recall, there is no turn on the West side. I was struggling and caught myself feeling woozy. I had to stop at 17 and ride into the clubhouse to hydrate. Not so much the courses fault, just as much my fault. All in all, a must play if you are in the area. At $41 on a Saturday, well priced. I checked all of my boxes, scenery, fairness, conditions and in your face decision making. Expect trees, fair bunkering, good putting greens.

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

Pheasant Hills Golf Course

Played On 07/13/2016
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

Fair and Fun

This is rural golf at its best. In this area, you have overpriced White Eagle and Troy Burne. Both good courses if I wasn't so cheap. Well I am cheap. I look for deals and I found two great ones in this area. New Richmond Country Club and now Pheasant Hills. Like my last review, I considered this a small town course. I was amazed at the shape this place was in. Listen, there are little to know amenities in what they call a pro shop/bar. But wow, what they saved there is spent on the up keep on the course. Tee boxes, 8.5, fairways, 9.0, greens, 9.0, layout 8.5, challenge, 8.75 and distance, 9.5 from the blues. I played in a 13-15 mile wind that made a few holes tough. Any east siders can get to this course in about 30-45 minutes, worth the trip. I want to play it without the wind. Must play over Kilcarney, river falls, Bristol ridge, spring valley, Clifton highlands. I have yet to play St Croix but it has a bad rep for Mickey Mouse holes. This course was in your face....

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

Wow

Well, I have wanted to play this course for quite sometime. Golf.now has great deals here so for 19 bucks, it was time. I knew this was going to be in direct competition with the following small scale local courses, Bellwood, Hidden Greens, Spring Valley, Clifton Highlands, Bristol Ridge and Stillwater Oaks, Killkarney and River Falls. Hands down this track beats all of these courses. I was fortunate enough to play with an awesome couple that guided me through where to hit the ball. It was also wise to use an app to guide me as well, there are a few hidden bunkers and creeks. This course had real character. I played from the whites which wasn't much shorter than the blues. The tees were immaculate, fairways were well maintained and the greens were true. The 1st tee leaves the pro shop and you don't see it again until the 13th green, that was an odd feature. There are trees lining fairways, I found my share. Take your medicine and play out, not through. I hit 240-260 off the tee and didn't feel cheated, I had to use all of my clubs. This course has a feel of the Coastal GA and SC courses I have played. The green side bunkers can be used to hide the flags too, beware. I took a heavy dose of middle of the green approaches. This course has no Mickey Mouse holes, straight up. What you see, is what you get, very fair but challenging. I will be back and quite often I hope. For those familiar with the area courses, I would rival this course with White Eagle, Eagle Valley and Prestwick. The price is way better too.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good

StoneRidge Golf Club

Played On 06/22/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
Previously Played

The Ridge

This is on the eastern side of the Twin Cities just before crossing into Hudson, WI. The land is rolling and very pleasing visually with native grasses and mature woods. This course is a modern design with character. There is plenty of sand and waste areas to be found. The pace was a bit slow, 330 pm on a weekday. It wasn't a particular group, just normal I guess. I am a 84-88 ish player and lost ball strokes caught up to me. From tee to green, one of my favorite courses in the twin cities. The greens were like putting on an ice rink though. Fast, fast and really fast. This course has a natural rival across in WI, Troy Burne. In my opinion, this course is better. Both are wonderful tracks though. If this course has a knock, it's the price. I am not independently wealthy so I pinch a penny where I can. I have never found a deal on this course, maybe I am looking in the right place.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good

Newport Country Club

Played On 05/24/2015
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Walked

Old School

It has been a challenge to find an above average course in VT that is affordable. There are resorts, sure. The average golfer, and cheapster like me, looks for quality and affordability in a course. I played in May, at 1130 am on a Sunday, walked and paid $26. My first impression of the course took me back to the 1960s with the bag drop area, pro shop and bar. That was a good era of golf. I grew up in Northern CA and this course reminded me of this area. Wind swept, riding the ridge of the hills and mature pines. I could tell the course was in good shape the tees. They were an 8 out of 10. Mowed, manicured and kept clean of tees. The course has 14-18 straight forward holes. The course is very pleasing to the eyes. There are about 4 holes that are target types. You cannot see the greens on those holes. They are some checkered flags that are aiming points to give you an idea of where to shoot. The greens are the best I have seen in this area, I drove 2 hrs from Burlington to find them. The greens were receptive and true. The fairways were mowed and dry. Mother nature supplied a stiff wind for a bit of excitement. This course is from a different era, 1920s to be exact. It is a true test of parkland style golf. The length is fair and there are no secrets. I walked behind a foursome who was riding in front of me. They played quickly and kept me at a good pace. They asked me to play through them but I really wanted a slow paced round. I told them I didn't want to pressure them by playing on their behinds and I would slow down. I really wanted to enjoy the views and course. I also was playing well and wanted to keep a smooth pace. It worked. They kept ahead of me and slowed me down just enough for me to think my shots and putts through. If you are within a 2 hr drive, Burlington, St Johnsburry, Stowe, Montpelier, this is worth the drive. At $26 dollars, not sure I will beat this.

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

Kwiniaska Golf Club

Played On 05/16/2015
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Long

It was a Saturday afternoon, no groups had played for about 30 minutes. I was a single but they didn't want me to go alone until 2pm. So, another single local fella heard the conversation and said he would pair up with me in order to get us out before 2pm. Brandon was his name and it was helpful to have some local knowledge about the course, hiking trails and beer. The course is pretty straight forward, long and fair. No picture post card holes but a fun place to play. In the local area, it ranks up there with the Williston Golf Course, without the eye pleasing views. Nice practice facility too, range, putting green and a huge chipping/pitching green.

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

West Bolton Golf Club

Played On 05/16/2015
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Last Minute Choice

Originally I set out to ride the ferry over to Peru, NY and play a different course. The ferry was closed. Then I headed interior to Barre to play the Country Club, it was closed due to a tournament. As I sat in the parking lot at Barre, I googled mapped courses within an hour of my location. The options were limited. I decided to play this course from aerial photos. The area is beautiful. It is in a bowl below Mt Mansfield. It has a share of flat and hilly holes. Small greens that were not receptive, early in the season. The biggest knock I had was with the group of older fellas that felt it was their right to snub the group of teenage walkers who were playing behind them. These older fellas would not let the teenagers play through. It was an age thing I suppose. The teenagers let me play through them in an effort to put pressure on them. After about three holes of riding their coat tails, they allowed me to play through. They were ticked though. Once I played through them, I caught up to a twosome of older fellas who were really upset when I caught up to them. They were on a green and I laid up about 30 yds short on a par 5. As I drove up, they stopped putting and asked me where I came from. I suppose they thought I started on back nine and jumped groups. The old fella was really ticked when I answered I came from the tee. Once they got to the tee, I drove up and they asked me if I was on a time crunch. Well, it was Saturday at 6p, 2 hrs of light left and know one in front of them. I said no, but asked if I could play through in order to finish the course. Reluctantly, they allowed it. So, if you have old local fellas in front of you, beware. They think they own the course and don't want you on their butt. The course is worth the drive and the views. Not a top quality course but if you are in the area, it is playable.

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

Essex Country Club

Played On 05/15/2015
2.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Ugh....

So, I tried to find a course that was public and rural. This course was one I found from Google Maps. It isn't far from the city of Burlington. I played it early in the season so the conditions were not the best. Which is the biggest knock I have. Several greens were wrecked, I mean wrecked. I cannot imagine they are repairable. Tee to fairway was pleasing to look at but fairway to green was blah. Small greens that were not holding shots at all. This is a course for guys to go out and drink and have a good time. This is not a course for perfecting your game. If you are looking for a better course in the area, very limited options. Williston Golf Course is the best local public course. Williston is not a must play, but worth playing. This course is not a must play, and avoid the drive.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Williston Golf Club

Played On 05/08/2015
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Walked

OK

I was fortunate enough to come to VT for 45 days of work. I was so excited to golf New England. As I did more research, golf isn't as big as I thought in this area. This course, as far as the Burlington area, is the best public course I played. It is a fair challenge. The greens are very little and were rock hard, early season. Out of the 5 or so courses in the Burlington area, this is the one to play. Will it leave a lasting impression, no. Some nice views of Mt Mansfield and Camels Hump.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Georgia on my mind

I have played two of the three courses on this site. The Oleander was years ago and I fell in love with it. I just recently playe the Pine Lakes course. If you saw the movie Bagger Vance, this course resembles it. The moss hanging from the trees and the thick woods that line the fairways. Throw in some tall majestic pines and white sand bunkers and you have a very rustic southern course. It is flat, to be expected. The course is fair from the tees and the greens are decent sized. Everything I wanted in a coastal Georgia course was found here. I saw deer, racoons and a gator. This is a must play if you are in the area.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On 09/21/2014
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Dissapointed

I was excited to be able to play this Couples/Love design. I was expecting it to be a postcard type of place. The first 6 holes were plain, easy and not difficult. The last 6 holes were more like I expected to see on an intercoastal layout. I am being critical but the conditions were pretty poor considering the names that made this place. I know I had played after some good rains but the tee boxes were even junk. The greens had some bare dirt spots that were unplayable. I only paid 24 dollars so that was a good thing. There was no water to drink out on the course and not even a drink cart. If you are looking for a moderately priced easy course, this fits the bill.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

The Rock

This is a eye pleasing course that offers some challenge from tee to green. I used the GPS to find the ideal yardage to spots in the fairways I wanted to play from. The harder issue was finding the good spot on the green to be. The pins were tucked behind the littleist pot bunkers I have seen. I do not know if they were setting it up for a tournament or if I just had the unlucky pins to shoot at. In addition to the tight pin placements, there are tiered greens to consider. Some are rather severe. I played at 2pm on a Aug afternoon. It was rather quiet and only $60 for riding. The only issue I had was not against the course or staff. It was against the thressome that was terribly slow two groups ahead of me. I literally had to wait at every shot from the 3rd hole through 18.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

Wild rock

I am going to be harsh compared to the recent comments. If you are looking for a top notch, eye pleasing course, this is it. It is a post card course. I average 250 from the tee and usually shoot 87 ish. I shot an 88 and drove accordingly. I played the Black tees called shale. If your game is similar to mine these tees will test it. I was actually playing better than my score but had some lost ball strokes. This course has the ability to swallow balls up, even if you think you know where it went. Native areas come into play way more than trees. I only found one bunker and it was fluffy nice sand. The whispy grass growing around the bunkers gives it a classic feel. I do not agree with the tired greens. This place is tough enough with distance and accuracy from the tee. In addition to the tired greens, I seemed to be in line with the small pot bunkers that guard some of the pin placements. While it looks awesome, it really straps the average golfer. The tee boxes were just worked on but in decent shape. The fairways were a 8 out of 10, perfect in spots but divots and grass all over. The greens weren't marked up too bad and held pretty good. The roll was great too. At 2 pm I payed 60 with a cart and gps. Almost a steal really. Play it if you are given the chance. I will complain about the pace of play. There was a group of 3 and 2 ahead of me. As best I could tell, that was it. The group of 3 played slow, the group of 2 sprayed the ball all over, loosing a ball on every hole, but still looking for it while grinding me to a halt. It wasn't terribly rude but aggravating to wait at every tee and approach shot. Not the staffs fault, just the luck of the draw. If you are in the tee and see the group ahead of you spraying the ball, buckle up, this course will eat a group up slowing everything down.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good

Chaska Town Course

Played On 07/17/2014
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

Town and Country

If you want to treat yourself to a tour quality course, this is it. Even though I suspect it gets a ton of play, the staff keeps it in great condition. Close to Hazeltine and you can see some similarities.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good

Troy Burne Golf Club

Played On 05/30/2014
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Minnesota Advisor
First Time Playing

Troy Burne

This course I believe is overpriced. It is more or less a 60 dollar course not an 80 dollar course. Play it during non peak times. I average 240-260 as a recreational driver of the ball. There seems to be a bunker at that distance on most holes.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
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