Tom Lehman's Bucket List of Minnesota Golf Courses
Tom Lehman's Bucket List of Minnesota Golf Courses
By Tom Lehman
Born in Austin, Minnesota and raised in Alexandria, Tom Lehman played golf at the University of Minnesota and went on to become a pro golfer. He won The Open Championship in 1996 and is the only golfer in history to be named Player of the Year on all three PGA Tours.
In my many years of golfing around the world, I know my home state of Minnesota has some of the best courses anywhere. With fantastic places to play in every corner of the state, golfing in Minnesota has variety, with diverse terrain that makes every course feel fresh and exciting.
I have played many unique courses in Minnesota, but I still have a few on my golf “bucket list” that I would love to take a swing at.
Fall golfing at The Quarry at Giants Ridge / Stephanie Wagner
The "giant's footprint" fairway on hole #3 at The Legend at Giants Ridge / Brian Oar
The Quarry at Giants Ridge / Peter Wong
The Legend at Giants Ridge / Peter Wong
Cragun's Legacy Courses, Brainerd
In the Brainerd Lakes Area, Cragun’s Resort is home to two Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Legacy courses, Dutch and Bobby’s.
Built in and around existing wetlands, the 18-hole Dutch Legacy masterfully incorporates natural hazards to provide a challenging and environmentally sustainable experience.
Bobby’s is a challenging, 18-hole par 73 that many consider Cragun’s signature course. Known for its split fairways, elevation changes and dramatic lake vistas, Bobby’s is as beautiful as it is challenging.
Cragun's also has a 9-hole par 3 course and footgolf.
Giants Ridge, Biwabik
I’ve heard the best things about the courses at Giants Ridge on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Giants Ridge is known for its great courses set amidst beautiful scenery. Both courses, The Legend and The Quarry, are ranked among the best in the state, and The Quarry is ranked among the top courses nationally!
Designed by pro golfer Hale Irwin, The Jewel Golf Club is a true gem
The Jewel Golf Club, Lake City
Fellow pro golfer Hale Irwin designed The Jewel, and I’ve heard it’s earned the name. The Jewel was designed for different levels of play, so anybody can test their skills, and it’s located within the beautiful Mississippi River bluff country.
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club Worthington
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club Worthington has well-manicured greens, gorgeous views and is known for its high-quality golfing experience. Many talented golfers have played here, and I would like to experience it and know I have played on the same hallowed grounds as them.
The vast prairies and skylines at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club make for fun fairways
Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, Morton
The State Amateur was held at Dacotah Ridge in Morton a few years back, and I would absolutely love to try out the course. It features vast prairies and skylines, and the great golf conditions are well known around the area.
Austin Country Club
I was born in Austin before being raised in Alexandria, and have yet to play a round at the revered Austin Country Club. I’ve heard it has challenging holes and is one of the best courses in southern Minnesota. The club is private, but a nearby public course that's worthy of a stop (and easy on the wallet) is Meadows Green Golf Course. I’m definitely ready to make a trip back.
More Information
What Minnesota golf courses are on your bucket list? Find more Minnesota golf trip ideas. I hope to see you out on the links!