Thinking about golfing in Minnesota might bring to mind short seasons and snow delays, but the truth is, the state is a hidden gem for golfers. From stunning north woods resort courses to major championship venues, Minnesota offers a surprisingly diverse and high-quality golf experience. This guide will walk you through exactly when, where, and how to make the most of golfing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Minnesota golf is a tale of four distinct seasons, but only three of them involve playing outdoors. Knowing what to expect during each part of the year is the first step to planning a great round.
As the snow melts, antsy golfers start refreshing course websites. The first courses, typically in the southern half of the state, often aim for an early-to-mid April opening. This early season is characterized by a few things:
Early spring golf is for the dedicated. It’s a chance to knock the rust off, but don't expect pristine, mid-summer conditions. Always call the pro shop before heading out.
This is it. This is why you golf in Minnesota. By Memorial Day, courses are typically in fantastic shape. The daylight hours are incredibly long, especially in June around the summer solstice, where you can easily tee off after 6 PM and finish a full 18 holes. Conditions are lush, greens roll true, and the golf community is out in full force. The trade-off is that this is also the busiest and most expensive time to play. Tee times at popular courses, especially on weekends, can be difficult to get, so booking in advance is a smart move.
For many Minnesota golfers, fall is the best season of all. The summer crowds begin to fade, kids are back in school, and the courses are often still in peak condition. The temperatures are cooler and more comfortable, and the backdrop of brilliant red, orange, and yellow foliage is spectacular, especially on courses up north or near the St. Croix and Mississippi River valleys. The only downside is that the days get shorter, and frost delays become common in the mornings, especially in October. Play usually continues until the first significant, lasting snowfall, which can be anywhere from late October to late November.
When the ground freezes and the snow flies, outdoor golf is over. This is when Minnesota golfers retreat indoors. The state has a booming industry of indoor golf simulators and domes, allowing players to keep their swings grooved all winter long. It’s the perfect time to work on technical changes with a coach or just have fun with friends without battling the elements.
Yes, the season is shorter than in the Sun Belt, but the quality and accessibility of the golf you can play here for about six months is top-notch. Here’s why Minnesota is a legitimate golf destination.
Minnesota hangs its hat on spectacular public-access golf. While the state has its share of exclusive private clubs like Hazeltine National and Interlachen (which have hosted a slew of majors), the real story is the depth of its daily-fee courses. You don't need a membership to play nationally-ranked layouts. Courses like Giants Ridge (Quarry), Chaska Town Course, and StoneRidge regularly appear on "Best Public Courses in America" lists, and they represent just the tip of the iceberg.
The stereotype of Minnesota as a flat prairie is quickly dispelled when you see its golf courses. The state offers a landscape for every type of golfer:
Deciding where to play can be the toughest part. Here’s a regional breakdown to get you started.
If you're making a trip out of it, this is where you go. The area around Biwabik and Lake Vermilion is home to some of the state's best.
This is Minnesota's classic "up north" vacation spot, and it's loaded with great golf resorts perfect for a buddies' trip.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area boasts an incredibly deep roster of excellent daily-fee courses that would be crown jewels in other cities.
As a coach, I know that playing well here means adapting. It's not just about surviving the cold, it's about playing smart. Here are my top tips for tackling Minnesota golf.
A round that starts at 50 degrees can easily finish at 75, or vice-versa. Proper layering allows you to adjust. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer and a good golf polo. Add a quarter-zip pullover or a vest for a warmth layer. Finally, always keep a high-quality wind and waterproof jacket in your bag. Being able to add or remove a layer can make a huge difference in your comfort and your ability to make a good swing.
This is a big one. The ball simply does not fly as far in cool, dense air as it does in warm, humid air. A common mistake is not taking enough club. A good rule of thumb is to take one extra club for every 20-degree drop in temperature from your ideal 75-80 degree benchmark. So, if it's 55 degrees out, that 150-yard 7-iron from your summer rounds is probably a 6-iron. Trust the new number and make a smooth swing.
In wet conditions, your primary goal is clean contact. The last thing you want is a steep swing that digs a huge chunk of mud out before the ball. Instead, focus on a shallower angle of attack, feeling like you're sweeping the ball off the turf. Around the greens, using a club with more bounce, like your sand wedge, can be a great choice for chipping, as it helps the club glide over the turf instead of digging in.
Many Minnesota courses are open and exposed to the wind. The golden rule is: "When it's breezy, swing easy." Trying to swing harder actually generates more backspin, which causes the ball to balloon up into the wind and go nowhere. A better approach is to club up (take a 6-iron instead of a 7-iron), grip down an inch on the club, and make a smooth, controlled, three-quarter swing. This will produce a lower, more penetrating ball flight that cuts through the wind effectively.
So, can you golf in Minnesota? The answer is a resounding yes. The state offers a rewarding and world-class golf experience within a vibrant season that stretches from the first thaw of spring to the stunning beauty of fall. Understanding the seasonal quirks and knowing where to find the incredible variety of courses is all you need to unlock some of the best public golf this country has to offer.
Knowing how to adjust for Minnesota’s unique challenges, like a stiff wind off the lake or a sudden drop in temperature, is what separates a frustrating round from a great one. Learning course strategy on the fly can be intimidating, which is why having an expert in your pocket helps. We designed Caddie AI to be that on-demand guide. Ask it for a club recommendation in the cool fall air, get a smart strategy for playing an unfamiliar hole at a North Woods resort, or even snap a photo of a tricky lie in the rough to get immediate advice on how to play it. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of the game so you can play with more confidence, no matter the conditions.
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