Comprehensive guide to Minnesota's 400+ golf courses, from championship venues to lakeside resort golf
Minnesota boasts over 400 golf courses across the state, offering more golf opportunities per capita than nearly any other state in the nation. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Minnesota features stunning water views and challenging water hazards on most courses. Despite a short season (May through October), Minnesota's passionate golf culture has produced world-class championship venues including Hazeltine National Golf Club and Interlachen Country Club.
The state's golf landscape ranges from championship courses that have hosted major PGA tournaments to scenic resort golf in the Brainerd Lakes area, municipal courses in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and challenging northwoods layouts. With 90% of courses open to the public and green fees ranging from $25 to $150+, Minnesota offers exceptional golf experiences for players of all skill levels.
Minnesota has hosted some of golf's most prestigious tournaments at world-renowned championship venues.
📍 Chaska (Minneapolis Metro)
Hazeltine National Golf Club stands as Minnesota's premier championship venue. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1962, Hazeltine has hosted more major championships than nearly any course in America.
Major Championships Hosted:
Notable Moments: 2016 Ryder Cup (U.S. victory 17-11, first since 2008); 2009 PGA Championship (Y.E. Yang's victory, first Asian-born major winner); 2002 PGA Championship (Rich Beem defeats Tiger Woods)
📍 Edina (Minneapolis Metro)
Historic Interlachen Country Club hosted the 1930 U.S. Open, where Bobby Jones won his fourth U.S. Open title en route to completing golf's only Grand Slam. The course has been ranked among Minnesota's finest for over a century.
Championship History:
The Famous "Lily Pad Shot": During the 1930 U.S. Open, Bobby Jones hit one of golf's most legendary shots when his ball skipped off a lily pad in the lake on the 9th hole and onto the far bank, allowing him to save birdie. Jones went on to win by two strokes and later completed the Grand Slam.
📍 Blaine
TPC Twin Cities, designed by Arnold Palmer with consultation from Minnesota native Tom Lehman, hosts the PGA Tour's 3M Open annually since 2019. The par-72, 7,468-yard championship course was built in 2000 on 235 acres of rolling terrain.
Course Features: Bentgrass tees, fairways and greens; 27 bodies of water; native prairie grasses; strategic wetlands. The course blends seamlessly with natural rolling terrain on the site of a former sod farm 15 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Tournament: PGA Tour 3M Open (since 2019); Champions Tour 3M Championship (previous years)
Minnesota's best public golf courses consistently rank among the finest in the United States.
📍 Biwabik (Iron Range)
Ranked #1 public course in Minnesota by Golf Digest and #20 in the nation. Built on an old sand, gravel, and iron ore mining site, The Quarry features dramatic elevation changes, bold strategic bunkers, and breathtaking visuals. Designed by Jeffrey D. Brauer.
Opened: 2003 | Designer: Jeffrey D. Brauer, ASGCA
📍 Biwabik (Iron Range)
Opened in 1997 and set the standard for Northwoods golf. The Legend winds through towering pines, lakes, and rugged terrain for a traditional but equally scenic round. Consistently ranked among Minnesota's top public courses.
Opened: 1997 | Designer: Jeffrey D. Brauer, ASGCA
📍 Breezy Point Resort
Arnold Palmer signature design named after his father "Deacon." This par-72 championship course features 18 holes on 500 acres of forest, wetlands, and lakes. Included in Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses."
Designer: Arnold Palmer | Greens: Bentgrass tees, fairways, greens
📍 Stillwater
#1 public access golf course in the Twin Cities according to Golfweek Magazine. This quarry-style championship course opened July 4, 2000 and is consistently rated top 10 in Minnesota.
Opened: 2000 | Style: Quarry-style championship layout
📍 Maple Grove (Twin Cities Metro)
Ranked in the Top 10 of Golfweek's "Best Courses You Can Play" state rankings. One of the finest public courses in the Minneapolis area with exceptional course conditions and layout variety.
Location: Northwest Twin Cities | Rating: Top 10 Golfweek
📍 Prior Lake (Twin Cities Metro)
Consistently ranked among Minnesota's top 10 public courses. Part of the Prior Lake golf complex that includes Legends Golf Club and The Meadows at Mystic Lake.
Location: Southwest Twin Cities | Type: Public championship course
📍 Tower (Northwoods)
Spectacular northwoods course featuring dramatic elevation changes and pristine natural beauty. Consistently ranked among Minnesota's finest public courses.
📍 Madden's on Gull Lake (Brainerd)
Rated #3 Best New Upscale Public Course in North America. Part of the premier Madden's resort golf experience on Gull Lake.
📍 Byron (Rochester area)
Top-rated public course in southeastern Minnesota, offering championship golf near Rochester with excellent course conditions and layout.
📍 Independence
Designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman on 243 acres of rolling pastureland. Features challenging layout with native prairie elements.
📍 Morton (Southern Minnesota)
Rees Jones design featuring native fescue grasses and exposed to prairie winds. Authentic links-style experience in Minnesota.
📍 Ramsey (Twin Cities Metro)
Scottish links-style course in the north metro. Known for challenging conditions and excellent value.
📍 Woodbury (Twin Cities Metro)
Upscale public course in the east metro featuring well-maintained conditions and strategic layout design.
📍 Chaska (Twin Cities Metro)
Excellent public course in close proximity to Hazeltine National. Quality golf at affordable rates.
📍 Bloomington
Ranked #5 in Minnesota. Semi-private course offering quality golf experience in the south metro.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area boasts over 175 golf courses, including 65 public courses within 20 miles of downtown Minneapolis and 40 municipal tracks. Minnesota claims more golfers per capita than any other state.
The Brainerd Lakes area is Minnesota's premier golf destination, ranked "One of the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the World" by Golf Digest. The Brainerd Golf Trail offers over 180 holes of golf at world-class resorts, all within 45 minutes of each other.
📍 Breezy Point
Deacon's Lodge Top 100
Arnold Palmer signature design on 500 acres. Par 72 championship course with bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways flowing through forest, wetlands, and lakes. Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses."
Whitebirch
The first championship golf course layout in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Traditional parkland design with mature trees and water features.
The Traditional
Known as "the great equalizer," challenging golfers since 1920 with demanding fairways and undulating greens. Lakes area favorite.
📍 Brainerd (Gull Lake)
Lehman 18 Signature
Tom Lehman's signature 7,400-yard championship course through 1,000-acre wooded sanctuary. Features stacked sod bunkers and Stephens Lake. Redesigned by PGA TOUR professional Tom Lehman.
Dutch 27
Three 9-hole layouts totaling 7,001 yards, Par 70. White sand bunkers, generous fairways, and large green complexes. Classic resort golf experience.
📍 Brainerd (Gull Lake)
The Classic at Madden's - Rated #3 Best New Upscale Public Course in North America. Championship layout with exceptional conditioning and service.
Premier golf and family resort offering comprehensive golf packages and lakeside accommodations.
📍 Deerwood
Traditional Brainerd golf resort featuring championship course and comprehensive golf packages. Family-friendly resort with excellent golf facilities and lakeside location.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is Minnesota's golf epicenter with over 175 courses, from championship venues to affordable municipal courses.
North Metro: Rush Creek, Links at Northfork, TPC Twin Cities (Blaine)
South Metro: The Wilds, Legends, Minnesota National, Chaska Town Course
East Metro: StoneRidge (Stillwater), Prestwick (Woodbury)
West Metro: Hazeltine (Chaska), Windsong Farm, Interlachen (Edina)
Minneapolis: Hiawatha, Columbia, Gross Golf Course
St. Paul: Keller, Highland Park National, Como Golf Course
Minnesota's #1 golf destination featuring world-class resort golf ranked among the Top 50 in the world.
Home to Giant's Ridge, Minnesota's #1 public course, and spectacular northwoods golf.
Spectacular golf with Lake Superior views and challenging northern terrain.
Quality public golf in Minnesota's third-largest city and surrounding southeastern region.
Prairie and river valley golf with rolling terrain and scenic landscapes.
Prairie golf with open vistas and wind challenges.
Lake-studded region between the Twin Cities and northern resorts.
True to Minnesota's nickname, most courses feature stunning lake views, water hazards, and waterside holes. Many of the state's most memorable golf experiences involve strategic water play.
Minnesota's 40+ municipal courses offer exceptional value, with many charging $30-45 for 18 holes while maintaining high-quality conditions. The Twin Cities alone features numerous municipal tracks.
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board offers Players Card for $89 (including tax) providing discounts at all city courses.
Minnesota golf course rates vary by course quality, location, and day of week:
Discount Programs: Minneapolis Players Card ($89 for 20% off all city courses); Minnesota Golf Card (various discounts statewide); Twilight rates typically available after 4 PM
Typical Season: Early April through early November (7-8 months)
Extended 2024 Season: The 2024 season saw increased rounds due to favorable weather extending the season beyond typical dates. Some courses remained open into mid-November.
Minnesota courses generally maintain good pace of play:
For public courses: The Quarry at Giant's Ridge in Biwabik is ranked #1 public course in Minnesota by Golf Digest and #20 in the nation. Built on an old mining site, it features dramatic elevation changes and bold strategic design. Other top public courses include The Legend at Giant's Ridge, Deacon's Lodge at Breezy Point (Arnold Palmer design), and StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater (#1 in Twin Cities).
For private courses: Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska stands as Minnesota's premier championship venue, having hosted 3 PGA Championships, 2 U.S. Opens, 2 Ryder Cups, and multiple other major championships. Interlachen Country Club (1930 U.S. Open, Bobby Jones Grand Slam) and Town & Country Club are also consistently ranked among Minnesota's finest private clubs.
The golf season in Minnesota typically runs from early April through early November, lasting approximately 7-8 months. Most public courses open in the first part of April, while higher-end and private courses may open mid to late April. Courses generally close by early November once snow sticks and everything freezes solid.
Peak season runs May through September, with the best weather conditions from June through August featuring warm temperatures (70s-80s°F) and long daylight hours. Fall golf in September and October offers beautiful fall colors and less crowded courses, though frost delays become more common starting in mid-October.
The 2024 season saw extended play into mid-November due to favorable weather conditions, demonstrating that Minnesota's season can occasionally extend beyond typical dates.
Frost delays occur when ice crystals form inside grass plants overnight, making them brittle. Walking or driving on frost-covered turf can rupture plant cells, causing permanent damage that takes more than a month to recover. Courses hold golfers off until the frost melts to protect the turf.
When frost delays happen: Most common in early spring (April through May) and fall (October through November). Morning tee times may be delayed 1-2 hours after sunrise until frost melts. Once you start seeing frost delays regularly in fall, it signals the season is nearing its end.
Planning around frost delays: If booking early morning tee times in spring or fall, call ahead to check conditions. Afternoon tee times avoid frost delay issues. Most courses will notify golfers of delays and adjust tee times accordingly.
Minnesota golf course green fees vary widely based on course quality, location, and day of week:
Ways to save: Minneapolis Players Card ($89 for 20% off all city courses), Minnesota Golf Card (statewide discounts), twilight rates after 4 PM (often 30-40% off), weekday rates (typically $5-15 less than weekends), and junior/senior discounts at many courses.
Municipal courses in Minneapolis and St. Paul offer the best value, with quality 18-hole rounds available for $30-45 on weekdays.
The Brainerd Golf Trail is Minnesota's premier golf destination, ranked "One of the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the World" by Golf Digest. Located in the Brainerd Lakes area about 2-2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities, it offers over 180 holes of championship golf at world-class resorts.
Featured resorts include:
The Brainerd Golf Trail is the #1 Stay and Play golf destination in Minnesota. All courses are within 45 minutes of each other, making it ideal for multi-day golf trips. Resorts offer packages combining hotel or cabin accommodations with multiple rounds of golf and resort amenities.
Hazeltine National Golf Club is a private club, so public access is extremely limited. The course is not open for daily fee play.
Ways to play Hazeltine:
Alternatives: For championship-caliber public golf in Minnesota, consider Giant's Ridge (The Quarry), Deacon's Lodge at Breezy Point, StoneRidge Golf Club, or TPC Twin Cities during public access periods. Chaska Town Course, located near Hazeltine, offers excellent public golf in the same area.
The Twin Cities metro area offers over 175 courses with excellent options for visiting golfers:
Premium Public Courses:
Best Value Municipal Courses:
Most Twin Cities courses are within 30-45 minutes of downtown. For the best experience, book tee times 7-14 days in advance, especially for weekend mornings.
Absolutely yes. Giant's Ridge is widely considered Minnesota's finest public golf experience and is ranked #20 among all public courses in the nation. Located near Biwabik on the Iron Range, it's about 3.5 hours north of the Twin Cities.
Why Giant's Ridge is worth it:
Planning your visit: Make it a 2-3 day trip to play both courses. Book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for summer weekends. Green fees typically $80-120 depending on season. The drive through Minnesota's northwoods is scenic, and the golf experience rivals courses anywhere in the country.
Most Minnesota golf courses offer multiple ways to book tee times:
Online Booking:
By Phone: Call courses directly for tee times. Useful for special requests or group bookings.
Advance Booking Windows:
Best practices: Book weekend tee times (especially 7am-11am) as early as possible. Weekday tee times and twilight slots are easier to book last-minute. For resort golf (Brainerd area, Giant's Ridge), book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak summer dates. Many courses offer online discounts through GolfNow or TeeOff.
Minnesota has a rich golf history dating back over a century, with the state hosting some of golf's most memorable moments:
Historic Championships:
Minnesota's Championship Legacy: Hazeltine National Golf Club has hosted more major championships than nearly any course in America: 3 PGA Championships, 2 U.S. Opens, 2 Ryder Cups, 2 U.S. Women's Opens, 1 U.S. Senior Open, 2 KPMG Women's PGA Championships, and 1 U.S. Amateur.
Notable Minnesota Golfers: Tom Lehman (PGA Tour winner, Ryder Cup player), Patty Berg (founding member of LPGA), and numerous other PGA and LPGA professionals have called Minnesota home.
Golf Culture: Minnesota claims more golfers per capita than nearly any other state. Despite the short season, the state's passionate golf culture has produced over 400 courses and exceptional municipal golf programs making the game accessible to all.
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Last updated on November 24, 2025