Mississippi National Golf Links – A Two For One

There aren’t many courses that can claim two very different playing experiences under one clubhouse. If you throw in the fact that these courses are surrounded by beautiful river bluffs, meandering creeks and old growth forests then you really have something unique. But there’s more… all of this scenic golf is happening less than an hour from the Twin Cities just outside of an historic river town that begs you to linger, explore and possibly spend the night. That is Mississippi National Golf Links in a nutshell. Two very different courses, 36 holes of championship golf with a resort feel in a classic setting.

There must be something magic in the air, because there certainly is on the ground. Mississippi National produced a pair of Minnesota State High School Golf Champions last year. I haven’t done my exhaustive homework on this but I’m betting that puts the course in rare company. As a junior, Sofia Yoemans was the 2017 AAA Minnesota Medalist as a member of the Red Wing High School team. She is considered the top girls player in the state going into the weather delayed 2018 season. On the boys side, the 2017 AA State Champion, Cecil Belisle took home the gold. The Red Wing High School player shot a 1-under 71 on Day 2, winning the individual medal with his two-day total of 139. Those type of results speak to the challenges, conditions and championship layout that awaits you at these courses. The boys Red Wing High School coach also happens to be Mississippi National’s PGA Head Golf Professional, Nate Gale.

Nate and his staff oversee 36 holes of rolling, tree-filled, vertical, horizontal and everything in-between topography. The clubs two distinct courses are called The Highlands and The Lowlands. Not surprisingly The Highlands tends to see a few more rounds given the dramatic vistas and some free-fall, elevated tee-boxes. The Lowlands is characterized by sweeping tee shots, park-style, tree-lined fairways and plenty of sneaky creeks. This makes for a true, two-for-one golfing experience. If there is a course where going 36 holes in a day makes sense, this is it and they are ready for you. In fact, they have a 36 hole rate that encourages just that. The 2018 season will introduce several other great deals including Best Deal Day which will be offered Monday through Wednesday with an all-in rate of $32 for cart and green fee’s. Another great deal kicks in after 12:00 on Fridays on The Lowlands course under a clever promo called ‘Cart Fee Fridays.’ That’s right, you pay only for the cart, all those swings and misses are free.

Let’s look at each course starting with The Lowlands. This tract is a challenging test but plays fair at a distance of 6,489 from the back tees and 6,196 from the whites. At a par 71 it will present plenty of arching fairways to fade or draw around. Considered a traditional layout it winds through the Hiawatha Valley providing an opportunity to use every club in the bag. This well balanced design has been recognized as such, hosting all levels of competition including high school, collegiate and PGA Section events. It is walkable. The signature hole is probably the short but tough par 4 #7, which has a creek crossing in front of the green, this creates a very picturesque approach to the flag. The par 3’s as a group have plenty of length which should give good ball strikers an edge. There is wind above that tree-line, but the overall vibe is gentle and tucked into a valley which gives a consistent playing feel across the 18 holes.

The Highlands is a notch different with handful a dramatic elevation changes and a cart path that feels like a run through the Himalaya’s at times. I mean that in a good way. It sits above The Lowlands course and has the reputation in golf circles as one of the most scenic courses in the state. It offers spectacular views from the top of the bluffs out over the Hiawatha Valley. The Highlands is par 71 and is a little shorter than the Lowlands at 6,282 yards from the back tees and 5,931 from the whites. With views to the river and the bluff along the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River you may find yourself distracted from your game, it’s understandable and even encouraged, it’s one of those courses. There are a number of holes that could be considered signature, but its most dramatic hole is the 170 yard, par 3, No. 17. This takes the prize with its 150-foot drop from tee to green. That is unless you are a distance junkie, than your favorite will be the 656 yard par 5 #10. I’ll say it again in case you missed it… 656 yards! Not too many courses require you to hit a three wood twice on the same hole, assuming you don’t hit too far. Very cool hole and it speaks to the type of fun and variety you’ll find winding through The Highlands course.

A good approach to this twofer club is an overnight in Red Wing with a round on the day you arrive and another round on the day you leave. Explore the Play and Stay options. Get a room in historic Red Wing, go out for a nice dinner, get up in the morning and do it all over again on a different course at the same place. Mississippi National Golf Links has all that to offer and more.