Minnesota National Golf Course – A Minnesota Must Play

C. Murphy: “An absolutely fantastic course that is in perfect condition. This course is a hidden gem and I recommend playing it.”

Minnesota National Golf Course is truly a destination course. The original developer built a wonderful golf course in a beautiful Northern Minnesota location. Minnesota National is located just six miles North of McGregor off of Highway 65, half way between Brainerd and Duluth, near Big Sandy Lake in the heart of the McGregor lakes area.

Back in the glory days of golf course development, Joel Goldstrand designed numerous golf courses in Minnesota and this is one of his very best. He was given a pristine piece of virgin wilderness and an almost unlimited budget. The result is a newer championship golf course that keeps getting better and better. Over the years the golf course has matured and the maintenance crew has concentrated on making the course perfect.

Very few golfers who have followed their GPS to McGregor and found Minnesota National have left disappointed. See for yourself. Go online the top ratings are in the reviews.

Kevin Unterreiner, Founder of Twin Cities Golf: “Just brought our first group of golfers here for a weekend trip and was blown away. We have been to every golf resort in Minnesota. Minnesota National is hard to beat. Bottom line, try it. You’ll probably add it to your ‘top five favorite courses’ list… we have.”

So really, why are golfers so surprised on their first trip to Minnesota National? Answer: Golfers do not expect to find a golf course with the raw beauty, immaculate maintenance and friendly courteous service. James Carlson, PGA Professional says, “We have to try harder. We know that we will likely get only one chance to make a customer out of first time players.”

In a recent visit with Carlson, Tee Times learned that ownership is committed to constant improvement, on the golf course and in the clubhouse. Carlson says, “We have hired a new kitchen manager who has made a commitment to serving really good food on a consistent basis. We have also expanded and rebranded our bar and dining room. We now call it Shillelagh’s Tap & Grill (pronounced she-la-lee). A shillelagh is an Irish word meaning a large stick made of buckthorn or oak used as a walking stick, a defense weapon and eventually as the first golf club. When you plan a round at Minnesota National save time to experience Shillelagh’s Tap & Grill.

Even though the premier golf course is located about two hours from the Twin Cities directly up Highway 65, many golfers will want to take advantage of the excellent Play & Stay packages. There are several on course lodging options available at Minnesota National. From townhomes that sleep up to 8 golfers, to the amazing executive log home that sleeps 12+, these modern accommodations are a perfect fit for the traveling golfer.

The championship course features five sets of tees so every golfer will have a length to fit his ability level. With bent grass fairways, golfers expect to have a perfect lie for every shot. But the most unexpected aspect of Minnesota National for first time players are the bunkers with pure white sand imported from Ohio. Imagine importing all that sand all the way from Ohio just to give golfers a perfect lie in a sand bunker. They do try harder!

In addition to the championship course Minnesota National has a (more than an executive nine), the Savanna Nine. This par 33 course plays at 2,500 yards and is a real treat for new golfers and seniors who have lost some length off the tee. This shorter, but still challenging, course is perfect for families who want to get their kids into golf. The Savanna Nine has bluegrass tees and fairways and is maintained to the same high standards as the championship course.

So don’t take this writer’s word for the experience at Minnesota National let golfers like you give you their insight.

B. Stearns: “Epic golf course. Beautiful layout. Perfect condition. Amazing experience.”

C. Erickson: “Really a nice golf course… great condition!! Challenging on several holes, you will play better the next time you come. GPS was a plus. Recommended!!