Pebble Creek Golf Club – Something For Everyone

By Steve Manthis

We’ve all got our wish lists when it comes to courses we’d like to play. I’ve been lucky enough to play some great courses, but there are many others where I haven’t had the chance to tee it up yet, like Augusta National (no chance), or Pebble Beach (pricey, but a possibility… someday). Besides that list, you should also have another one, the I-really-should-go-there-more-often courses. I apologize if this one is already in your current rotation, but of the courses on the northwestern side of the Cities, Pebble Creek Golf Club is exactly that kind of place. With all they have to offer, it’s a no-brainer to get up there right away.

Pebble Creek is located in Becker, MN just a mile or so east of Highway 10. It’s actually not as far away as you might think. After Anoka and Elk River, it’s just a little farther down the road. Once you get there, you’ve got some options. Most prominent is the 18-hole championship golf course. The Red and White nines make up the original 18 holes, while the Blue nine (also known as The Local), across the street is the newest. As for the Red and White, however, it’s a great layout and a fun course to play. There are a wide variety of holes and tees to challenge every golfer.

It had been a long time since I played there, so I was lucky enough to be paired with Nick, an employee from Pebble Creek, for the first nine holes (the White). Most holes are pretty straightforward, but Nick proved useful on the short par four 3rd (big hitters should use a 3 wood or hybrid off the tee) and the sharp dogleg 8th. This nine is the tightest and demands the straightest drives. I was on my own for the second nine (The Red); fortunately, I remembered these holes much better. It’s a little more open that the White nine, but there are still plenty of places to get into trouble. The short par four 2nd hole, a dogleg left, requires a well-placed tee shot, and the par four 4th hole has several places where your ball can find the water just like #5, which runs along the other side of the same lake.

When I was there, the course was in wonderful shape. The greens were lush, smooth and deceptively fast; any errant putts were my fault and not the course’s. Troy Malo, Director of Golf at Pebble Creek, agrees. “It’s in great shape,” says Malo. “Our course superintendent is in his second year here and he’s really gotten to know the course and has done a nice job.” Bunkers on the White nine have been renovated and Malo says they’ll next tackle the bunkers on the Red nine to make them consistent with the rest of the course.

I didn’t play the Blue nine, or The Local, when I was there, but I have played it before. (True story: I once made 5 birdies on that nine… and shot 39!) But since it has been a while, I didn’t know about all they have going on over there. They have FootGolf, Fling Golf (kind of like golf with a lacrosse stick), and multiple cup sizes. You can pick which hole to go for, or simply opt for the one that’s closest. All that fun comes at a very good price, too. 9 holes on The Local will cost you $11 or $5 if you’re a junior, and a season pass will only set you back $250! Pebble Creek has men’s, women’s and junior leagues and lots of events to keep all levels of golfers interested. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to keep apprised of the many events.

Besides the plentiful opportunities for golf, Pebble Creek has a great banquet facility too. With seating up to 250 people, Pebble Creek can accommodate your event, big or small. See their website (pebblecreekgolf.com) for additional information and pricing. If you’re hungry or thirsty, don’t worry – The Grill at Pebble Creek is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and offers standard food and beverages to fit your desires.

Of the many ways to be entertained there, one highlight that’s coming up soon is the Second Annual Concert at the Creek. On August 5th, they’ll close the driving range and offer three acts with the music starting at 6:00 (gates open at 5:00). Playing this year will be Outside Recess, Chris Hawkey and the Tim Mahoney Band. Tickets are only $10! As beer is being served, this is a 21+ event, so don’t forget your ID. There’ll be plenty of food options to choose from too. Whatever your reason, standard golf, FootGolf, FlingGolf, music or banquet, Pebble Creek has it all!