Wedgewood Cove Golf Club – South Central Minnesota’s Can’t Miss

If you’re like me (an avid golfer), you plot out your Minnesota golf season months before it actually begins. You dream about golf getaways to Aruba, Jamaica and New Zealand, and sub in short trips to somewhat less tropical places like south and central Iowa (instead) to get ready. When April hits and The Masters ends we want go get going, and we should – Get Going! We have a short golf window compared to many states, so we need to maximize our golfing opportunities. We can’t afford to waste a day, a round, not even nine holes. We want to play all our favorites, every year and (hopefully) find some hidden gems to add to “the rotation.” Enter Wedgewood Cove.

Wedgewood Cove in Albert Lea likely checks the box of “Favorite” for many of you. It’s a short, straight interstate drive down from the Twin Cities (only 90 miles), over from La Crosse or Sioux Falls, and up from Des Moines. It’s an intersection of fan bases, an easily accessible opportunity that also falls into the “hidden gem” category just because many of you don’t even know about it. Southern Minnesota doesn’t get the golf love it deserves. You can’t blame the surrounding metros for that – they have their own great golf – but everyone should educate themselves on the opportunities just beyond their urban doors. Everyone should Google “Wedgewood Cove Albert Lea” and Sharpie (not pencil) it onto their 2018 Golf Calendars.

Head Golf Pro Donnie Teeter is no longer surprised when people walk in (post round) and say things like, “Wow, that was really awesome!” as if they weren’t expecting that much fun. He’s not surprised by people asking him “When did this place open?” as if Wedgewood Cove were brand new. He’s been there long enough to both appreciate his own daily opportunity and deftly underscore the golden opportunity is for other golfers. “This is a high-quality links-style course with plenty of other great elements. The two nines are very different in design, but very similar in creative brilliance. It’s 3.75 hours of beauty and fun, and would cost a lot more to play in the Twin Cities,” Teeter says.

Beauty. Wedgewood Cove uses diverse methods to weave it into both nines. To some, beauty is a wide, open fairway, with firm and forgiving paths to fast-rolling greens. Plenty of those fairways here. To others it’s golf holes like the second that make you work your way around (or through) obstacles to get to a final goal. Or maybe beauty is water to you, and/or elevation changes. Wedgewood Cove has plenty of both. WC plays around ponds and alongside numerous wetlands. The forced carries and scenic hazards provide plenty of drama in many of the approaches and shot-making intrigue you’d be remiss to shortchange. The transition between the nines is subtle, as nine runs adjacent to ten, but the back is more of the same greatness, taking you to more lakes and ponds with only a little less topographical variety. Both sides have signature holes – with two of the best being the Par 3’s on the back. One (#14) is a dramatic drop to a green on the shores of Pickerel Lake. The other (#17) is a daunting pond carry to a tricky green, that can either capitalize on your clutch factor or crush your scorecard. (Let’s just say I’ve felt Sergio Garcia’s pain.)

Wedgewood Cove isn’t just known for its golf. Given its picturesque and panoramic perch on Pickerel Lake, the property is also popular for weddings, banquets and large group events (many of those golf related). They have a popular dining room – The Wedgewood – that draws discerning diners in from all over for the chef-prepared selections and gorgeous lake views, and that great kitchen staff also supplies the food for the golf side – The Cove Bar & Grill (open for both lunch and dinner) – with its full bar and big screen TVs.

All of the amenities and quality at Wedgewood Cove are that much more compelling when you factor in the value. It’s true a similar experience would cost so much more in the Twin Cities (and other urban golf hubs) – all the more reason to make the trip. The club offers all day play for only $75, and peak rounds (with cart and range balls) for under $60. You’re surrounded by a master-built community, but seldom notice it, thanks to all the natural beauty.

It bears repeating that if you’re looking for a fast, fun, links-style round of golf that isn’t “metro-packed” every day, Wedgewood Cove should be on your radar. I’ve missed living so close to it, and there’s a good chance you’ve missed playing it yourself (one way or the other). There’s an easy fix for that problem.