Minneapolis, Minnesota, is famous for its beautiful scenery, parks, and many exciting recreational activities.
Of these, golf is the most popular sport enjoyed not only by the people residing in the nation but also by tourists.
If you are looking for the best golf course in Minneapolis, then you have come to the right place. Are you ready?
Well, check out the comprehensive list and detailed guide to the top 9 best golf courses in Minneapolis and its vicinity below.
List of the Best golf courses near Minneapolis, MN
Here is a brief overview:
- Minikahda Club
- Deer Run Golf Club
- Braemar Golf Course
- Theodore Wirth Golf Course
- Brookview Golf Course and Lawn Bowling
- Gem Lake Hills Public Golf Course
- Legends Club
- Bluff Creek Golf Course
- Hiawatha Golf Course
Detailed Review of the Best golf courses near Minneapolis, MN
1. Minikahda Club
- Location: 3205 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416
- Length: 6,810 yards
- Par: 72
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Willie Watson
- Year Built: 1898
- Championships Hosted: 1957 U.S. Amateur Championship
The Minikahda Club is among Minneapolis’s oldest and most well-known private golf clubs.
Its outstanding history, luxurious appearance, and the density of the grass on the playing field make it unique.
Moreover, the course’s traditional layout and well-maintained condition give it a special appeal as a golfing destination. While focusing on the exclusivity of the Minikahda Club, the view of Lake Calhoun is quite amazing.
Among the many best golf courses in Minneapolis, it has an unmatched combination of hole-theming and undulating fairways.
Notably, green has a fast pace so that all the players can have an interesting round.
Ideally, the best time to play the course at Minikahda Club is in the early morning, especially towards the end of May. Early June is also perfect as the grass is soft, and the weather is just right.
Ultimately, the most memorable is the par 3 16th hole, which has a water hazard that tests the golfer’s accuracy in getting to the green.
2. Deer Run Golf Club
- Location: 8661 Deer Run Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
- Length: 6,569 yards
- Par: 71
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Paul N. Coates
- Year Built: 1989
- Championships Hosted: Minnesota State Amateur Championship
Deer Run Golf Club is blessed with mature trees and beautiful water bodies.
In terms of amenities, the clubhouse is well-designed to ensure that it offers comfort to members after their rounds.
Playing golf here is mostly recommended in the morning or late afternoon in summer, as the course looks its best and the heat is tolerable.
Moving to the club’s background, Deer Run Golf Club is designed to be challenging.
It has a welcoming environment and great customer care, making it popular among residents as well as foreign golfers.
One of the most challenging holes at Deer Run Golf Club that must be mentioned is the 9th hole, a par-5 dogleg.
Essentially, great accuracy is required on the approach shot due to the green’s location and protection.
3. Braemar Golf Course
- Location: 6364 John Harris Dr, Edina, MN 55439
- Length: 6,984 yards
- Par: 72
- Total Holes: 27
- Designer(s): Don Herfort and Kevin Norby
- Year Built: 1964
- Championships Hosted: Minnesota State Open
The Braemar Golf Course is one of the largest public golf facilities in Minneapolis.
It has 27 holes and several difficult teeing options.
Any golfer will enjoy the Braemar Golf Course because of its best maintenance routine and sophisticated practice facilities
Golfers at Braemar Golf Course usually get to experience a diverse range from open fairways to wooden ones. Since it’s situated in a park, that only adds to its serenity.
It’s worthwhile to know that the best time to visit Braemar Golf Course is during spring or fall. That is when the trees lining the course are fully grown and colorful.
Again, remember that the 13th hole of par-4 on the Championship Course is quite impressive. The narrow fairway from the tee demands a good shot to avoid water on the left side.
4. Theodore Wirth Golf Course
- Location: 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
- Length: 6,895 yards
- Par: 73
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Theodore Wirth, redesigned by Garrett Gill
- Year Built: 1916
- Championships Hosted: Minneapolis City Championship
Theodore Wirth Golf Course is a historical course with a tough playing field.
Its integration with the surrounding parkland offers a sense of calm amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
Because of the rolling hills, mature trees, and water bodies, Theodore Wirth Golf Course is considered one of the best golf courses in Minneapolis.
Are you planning to see what Theodore Wirth Golf Course has to offer?
Visit there in late spring and early fall, when the club is most scenic. Additionally, know that the par-4 5th hole is the most memorable one.
That is so because it requires a second shot over water to a green framed by bunkers.
5. Brookview Golf Course and Lawn Bowling
- Location: 316 Brookview Pkwy S, Golden Valley, MN 55426
- Length: 6,265 yards
- Par: 71
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Willie Kidd
- Year Built: 1927
- Championships Hosted: Various local tournaments
This golfing site, which is also the best golf course in Minneapolis, has an 18-hole regulation course, a 9-hole par-3 course, and lawn bowling.
Due to its location, it is highly accessible, especially for those in Minneapolis.
Due to its ability to accommodate any type of player and its welcoming environment for families, Brookview Golf Course is among the best golf courses in Minneapolis.
The best time to play here is during the weekends in spring and summer, as all the facilities within the park, including lawn bowling, are available.
6. Gem Lake Hills Public Golf Course
- Location: 4039 Scheuneman Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
- Length: 3,082 yards
- Par: 58
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Mel Ness
- Year Built: 1955
- Championships Hosted: Various local amateur tournaments
This is an attractive 18-hole executive golf course that can be enjoyed by all levels of players.
Since Gem Lake Hills Public Golf Course consists of par-3 and par-4 holes, it’s perfect if you wish to improve your short game.
In fact, the par-3 7th hole is rather entertaining, with a nice view and quite difficult green.
Notably, the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere enhance the attractiveness of the Gem Lake Hills Public Golf Course.
Overall, the course pays attention to its quality and views. Weekdays in the morning are the best time to play since the course is not crowded, and one can have a quiet round.
7. Legends Club
- Location: 8670 Credit River Blvd, Prior Lake, MN 55372
- Length: 7,046 yards
- Par: 72
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Gill & Gill Design
- Year Built: 2001
- Championships Hosted: Minnesota State High School Championships
It is commonly said that Legends Club is among the cleanest clubs in Minneapolis.
Furthermore, the championship design and wonderful displays of nature make it one of the best golf courses in Minneapolis.
Be sure to play the par-5 18th hole, which is a great finishing hole: a long tee shot over water and a well-protected green.
Characteristically, Legends Club in Minneapolis, MN, has rolling fairways and fast greens.
Also, the course features many ups and downs, so it’s a good test and fun for players.
Generally, it’s advisable to play in the evening, especially during summer, because of the good light from the setting sun. Still, the weather is relatively cool.
8. Bluff Creek Golf Course
- Location: 1025 Creekwood St, Chaska, MN 55318
- Length: 6,359 yards
- Par: 72
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): Gill & Gill Design
- Year Built: 1991
- Championships Hosted: Various regional tournaments
This golf course at Bluff Creek is well-known for its tough playing field and beautiful surroundings.
The place has lots of natural scenery, and the ground is rough. The elevation changes and water and sand hazards challenge all golfing abilities.
Regarding ideal play conditions, autumn is the best time to play at Bluff Creek Golf Course.
In this season, the beauty of the falling leaves enhances the beauty of the course.
Indeed, the most memorable hole here is the 10th, a par-4 hole with a dogleg and a rather tight fairway.
Additionally, it has a tighter green that golfers must navigate.
9. Hiawatha Golf Course
- Location: 4553 Longfellow Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Length: 6,869 yards
- Par: 73
- Total Holes: 18
- Designer(s): William D. Clark
- Year Built: 1934
- Championships Hosted: Minneapolis City Championship
Hiawatha Golf Course is an economical and fun golf course for any golfer.
It has a combination of open and some of the narrow fairways that are bordered by trees to give golfers a good test.
Ideally, the location of the course in a park is quiet and peaceful, and as a result, the course is among the best in Minneapolis.
FAQs
Yes, Minnesota has PGA-level golf courses, such as the Hazeltine National Golf Club.
Over time, the Hazeltine National Golf Course has hosted major championships such as the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
Currently, there are more than a hundred golf courses in and around Minneapolis that suit any standard and preference.
The ‘greens fee,’ which is the amount charged by the golf course to the players, is the highest in the Minneapolis area and is offered at the Hazeltine National Golf Club.
It is a prestigious membership club, so it has high costs.
Minneapolis Golf Club was formed in 1916.
The course has hosted major golf championships, such as the PGA Championship.
The club is laid out in a tough fashion, and the area in which the course is located is stunning.
Conclusion
Minneapolis, Minnesota, has many courses to offer golfers of different levels.
The historic courses include Minikahda Club and Theodore Wirth Golf Course, while the modern and challenging ones include Deer Run Golf Club and Braemar Golf Course.
Every course has its characteristics: beautiful water bodies and rolling fairways, soft and fast greens, and some difficult and tricky holes requiring accuracy and power.
From private club-style courses to public courses, from a championship course to a parkland course, Minneapolis offers it all.
Do the perfect timing of when to play at the best golf course in Minneapolis, knowing the most preferred time is when the weather is pleasant. Specifically, late spring and early fall.
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