Best Golf Courses in Minnesota

Best Golf Courses in Minnesota. Dubbed the “Land of 10,000 lakes,” Minnesota borders Canada and some of America’s Greatest Lakes. Bearing the most golfers per capita of any US state, the North Star state boasts a thriving golf culture and community. In earlier blogs of Inland Grove, we’ve explored some of the best golf courses in Minnesota’s neighboring states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Now, let’s tee off on a journey to discover the best golf courses Minnesota has to offer.

What’s Golfing Like in Minnesota?

The first golf course in Minnesota was a 9-hole set at Town and Country in Saint Paul that, albeit updated, is still playable today. Around the time of its creation, a popular golf publication noted about the course, “nature had laid out the ideal course. 

The North Star state’s enchanting backdrop provides a magical touch that can be found in hundreds of courses scattered across it. Even the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who has designed exceptional courses in Minnesota, referred to the state as becoming a “golf mecca.” In 2024, it’s plain to see that destiny has come to fruition.

Besides, Minnesota is home to the Minnesota Golf Association, a non-profit organization that stokes the passion for golf in the state by educating the public on rules and etiquette. They’re active in making golf accessible to players of all skill levels and capabilities. Therefore, their work is crucial in keeping golf relevant and attracting new enthusiasts.

Can You Golf Year-Round in Minnesota?

Despite the potent culture, Minnesota golf courses are known for having short seasons. That means there’s a small window of roughly 5 months where conditions are optimal for a round or two. After all, Minnesota is neighbors with the oft-frigid Canada.

Commonly, in late fall, early spring, and winter, the temperatures drop to below freezing and the courses are protected and unplayable. However, the late spring, early fall, and summer seasons offer an optimal environment to tee off with friends and family.

It’s worth noting that Palmer once claimed Minnesotans can squeeze out 2 extra months for a 7-month season, but that depends on whether it’s a particularly warm year or not.

How Many Golf Courses Are There in Minnesota? 

With such a staggering number of golfers per capita, it’s no surprise that Minnesota is home to 529 golf courses. The highest percentage of those courses are in public clubs that anyone can join for a game or two on the weekend. The rest are private, or semi-private courses that offer higher-end amenities for the perfect touch on a golf getaway. Moreover, the state boasts 32 resort courses for those looking for a luxurious stay and play, complemented with world-class dining. With that out of the way, let’s tune into the best golf courses in Minnesota that you must play.

The 5 Best Courses in Minnesota

Giants Ridge Resort: The Quarry

Although both of Giants Ridge’s courses, ‘The Quarry’ and ‘The Legend,’ are frequent features on lists of top destinations, ‘The Quarry’ surpasses its brother as Minnesota’s top golf course.

Amidst the remnants of a sand/gravel and iron operation is a course known for being the resort’s more modern offering. ‘The Quarry’ is an 18-hole, 7,000-yard course built on an old mining site in Biwabik.

Golfers looking to experience Giants Ridge, which doubles as a ski resort in the off-season, can play a game for around $115-$130 or less depending on time of year. The course even provides on-site lodging and other outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Interlachen Country Club 

Located in Edina, Interlachen provides some of Minnesota’s best golf…if you can get in. This club is invitation-only. While membership is hard to come by, if you do manage to get in, you’ll have the pride of playing on a green with rich history.

In 1930, Edina had the privilege of hosting the 34th US open at Interlachen when the club played a pivotal role in Bobby Jones’ famous “grand slam.” That year, Jones won his second consecutive US open. Interlachen golf course was designed by William “Willie” Watson, a highly respected Scotting golf architect, who designed numerous courses in his lifetime. Many of which have hosted champions like Jones.

Spring Hill Golf Club

This Wayzata club has earned a place alongside Interlachen on Golf Digest’s list of 200 best courses in the world.

Spring Hill has its own character, though, as it targets a niche subset of golfers looking to play a game with an old-school feel. Members and guests are expected to follow a set of guidelines designed to enhance the experience of all players.

Don’t count on making a quick call home while indulging in some putting. All phones must be on silent mode and may only be used for quiet communication such as texting. On top of that, there’s a dress code:

Traditional golf attire must be worn on the course. Golfers are permitted to change into a nice pair of jeans while in the clubhouse itself but must remove any hats. If you’re not afraid of a little restriction, you can seek membership yourself or tag along as a guest with a regular member to get the Spring Hill experience.

White Bear Yacht Club

Located on the shores of its namesake in Dellwood is a Willie Watson-designed golf course with a redesign by Donald Ross. This one is a little controversial as White Bear Yacht Club’s golf course is considered by some to be the state’s best.  Nevertheless, any player eager for a meditative, lakeside game should consider White Bear for their next golf session.

If you’re the only golfer in your family, you don’t have to feel guilty making Dellwood your next vacation spot. White Bear club has ample fun for the whole family with sailing, tennis, pickleball, and of course, White Bear Lake. By a longshot, membership here is more attainable than for the other top Minnesota golf courses. There are four different types including one tailored specially to golfers from out-of-state.

Hazeltine National

Hazeltine was born on the lofty vision of being a perfect championship site, and that dream continues to bear fruit year after year. It’s set to host the 2024 US amateur Championship and the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Even more prestigious, the Ryder Cup will take place at Hazeltine for a second time in 2029.

Enthusiasts who want to walk the fairway “where champions walk” (a tagline Hazeltine wears with pride on their website) can get a membership that includes food and beverage on the course. The only requirement is that you know someone who is already a member and can sponsor you. Which isn’t such a tough box to tick in the social media age. 

Furthermore, before seeking membership, potential visitors can take a tour of Hazeltine’s 18-hole course.

America’s Golf Mecca 

Ultimately, golf is a social sport. So if you’re planning your next pilgrimage, consider a game with the over 700,000 Minnesotans who call themselves golfers. You’ll be guaranteed to make friends you’ll want to play season after season with. Subscribe to Inland Grove’s blog for more on the best courses all across the United States, golf fashion, etiquette, and must-knows.