Was literally the last thing I checked before opening the Refuge! We’re getting close…
I’m so tired of hitting indoors.
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Hopefully we can avoid a repeat of last year! I feel like April 1 on average has been possible for the first local round of the summer.
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Minneapolis Refugees,
I am coming from Texas for the final four. (Wreck Em Tech) and I have a free day on Sunday April 7th, or could squeeze a round in Monday morning in the area. My questions are:
- Is there still snow on the ground or could I find a place to play?
- If I can play, where should I? I am looking for a public track unless someone is willing to host me at a club. (might have 3 golfers so if you are a single we would make 4). I have not tested the waters whether my buddies would be interested in playing).
Feel free to respond here or dm me either way. Any help is appreciated!
Courses have started to open up and the forecast for Sunday and Monday is looking good, in the 60’s. Where to play is a tough call because most courses are going to be in tough spring shape, there will be multiple options for you to choose from.
Are there any you recommend? Being from West Texas, anything you have open up there is definitely more green than here.
bring a GD jacket. The snow isn’t completely out of my yard yet.
The public courses here have just started opening, I don’t think any privates are open yet. That said, the weather during your stay should be pretty comfortable for MN spring golf. Of the courses I know that are open, I would recommend:
- Loggers Trail - really fun layout, 20 minutes east of St Paul
- Ridges at Sand Creek - fun course with half of the holes routed down through a wooded river valley. ~45 minutes south of Minneapolis.
- Wilds Golf Club - Morrish/Weiskopf design, challenging course but routed through a lot of houses. You “pay the temp” here during the spring. ~30 minutes south of Mpls. Also across the street from a casino if you want to gamble.
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Pioneer Creek is a good option for early spring golf. When I played at Windsong, we had access to Pioneer Creek each spring until our course opened. I always enjoyed playing PC when the grass was still dormant.
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Good call, Pioneer Creek has some really fun holes.
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Here is a list of courses that are open: https://www.twincitiesgolf.com/golf-courses-open-in-minnesota
It updates daily as conditions improve. It’s likely going to be pretty soggy wherever you go, that said typically the courses that open first are the ones that either drain the best…or need the money. I think by this weekend it should be a fairly expanded list.
I might be game for a round on Sunday depending on what the weather looks like. The weekend looks like it’ll be warm but potentially rainy.
What part of town are you staying in?
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Staying around the airport but will have a rental car and willing to drive.
Wow guys thanks for your helpful tips I really appreciate it. Helps me refine my search.
Came across this thread on Golf Club Atlas and found it really interesting.
https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,65664.0.html
For those of you in the Twin Cities, it looks like you are in store for a great restoration of a Raynor at Midland Hills. I know it is private, but it’s always fun to hear about such a special course getting the treatment it deserves. Also good to read about golf architecture in the pioneer press here:
Anyone here played Midland? Sounds like a treat and getting even better.
it’s unbelievable. Played it last fall. Worth it for sure. If/when I leave WBYC, I’d consider joining Midland. Greens complexes are fabulous, the par 3s are really good, and eminently playable.
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I love it, great course. Memberships very reasonably priced too. If they do a full Raynor reno it will be among the best courses in the state.
Why would you leave that wonderful place?
Sounds like that is what they are doing, led by Jim Urbina who will be fantastic. Excited to hear that it’s already great and only going to get better.
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To be honest, 12 years is a long time and I’m looking to try other places.
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Just curious, but is it an equity membership place or would you simply be willing to eat whatever you have into your initiation fee after your 12 years?
Makes sense, after 12 years you probably know every blade of grass on the property.
Midland would be a great place to join, the vibe seems pretty good, not stuffy at all like some other places in the metro and after the reno it could be unreal good.
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