Above And Beyond At Mount Frontenac Golf Course

By Rhett Arens

 

 

There is no golf course on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River with the vista’s and panoramic views quite like Mount Frontenac. It’s their calling card so to speak. Playing on these fairways and greens can provide sheer drop-offs with Instagram and Facebook ready backgrounds which, by the way, is a sure way to create a little jealousy among friends. The limestone bluffs rise out of the river valley above Lake Pepin to provide those stunning views, in a word “breathtaking.” You should probably fight the temptation to launch a driver shot into the sky at one of the scenic stops along the course, you’ll never get to see or hear it land anyway. Just soak in views and enjoy one of the state’s most scenic golf courses.

Winding up the road towards the clubhouse is a bit like that ultra-cool chairlift ride that deposits you at the top of Vail. You simply can’t wait to get going and see what the topography has in store for you. Dan Diggins who has been the General Manager at Mount Frontenac for years is excited to see the course awaken from its winter slumber and get rolling. To insure course conditions are in step with all this scenic beauty Dan has brought in new Superintendent, Justin Finley. It’s great to know that the turf conditions and elements within the course design will be held to the same high standards as the magnificent scenery. Some off-season work cleaning up the deadfall and brush is an investment in what makes Mount Frontenac so unique, those vistas.

Creating an exciting Stay and Play package has become a simple matter these days. Mount Frontenac and Treasure Island Casino have arranged several options for you to choose from which allows a choice on the level of room amenities and extras as well as a side trip to Mount Frontenac for a round of spectacular golf. With both weekday and unlimited play options they will also cater to your golfing preferences. This gives couples or small groups the opportunity to customize the perfect day. Hit the links at Mount Frontenac for a round of exhilarating golf and then head back to Treasure Island Resort & Casino for an action-packed night of gaming fun, gourmet dining and a stay in one of those luxurious hotel rooms.

With all this natural built-in scenery at their fingertips you can imagine that Mount Frontenac has an amazing set-up for banquets and weddings. The clubhouse and surrounding outdoor areas create a perfect setting for any type of celebration. Whether you are hosting a birthday party, an anniversary dinner, full-on class reunions, corporate outings or planning a wedding ceremony and/or reception, the Mount Frontenac staff is at your disposal to help you insure your event is exceptional in every way. They offer a wide array of menu choices, a full beverage service and custom room arrangements. The clubhouse banquet hall can accommodate up to 240 guests inside with additional seating available outside during the summer months. The outdoor set-ups are perfect for wedding ceremonies within all that natural beauty.

From the longest tees Mount Frontenac plays at 6,226 yards at par 71. Opened in 1985 the course was designed by Gordon Emerson who managed to carve, curve and creatively layout 18 holes that play with a solid, challenging consistency. Many of the holes are designed to keep you on the fairways and they can be tight, but with well-placed tee shots those second shots into the greens are much easier. All of the par 3’s play longer than 160 yards so you will need to have your long irons tuned in. Several of the shorter par 4’s will tempt you to swing for the fences, but there are some strategically placed bunkers as well as narrow fairway landing spots that will make an easy up and down or eagle putt a real challenge. You’ve been warned. The challenging elements at Mount Frontenac are a good thing, the course rewards good golf shots and does not give too much emphasis to the long driver. Excellent work Mr. Emerson.

Dan and the team are offering several specials to entice Twin Cities’ residents into making the drive for a day or an unforgettable overnight stay and play. On Mondays through Fridays they offer a $30 with cart round that includes lunch! That great deal switches over to $41 on weekends, with an incredible unlimited play rate of $49. Those are numbers that add up. Given the one-of-a kind scenery golf and the ability to bundle that with world-class accommodations and a night of fun at Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Mount Frontenac is a great destination for your next stay and play.