There is so much that can be said about Golden Eagle Golf Club. We can start with its jaw-dropping northern Minnesota setting on 210 acres and the minor miracle that this 18-hole championship design was carved out of the raw wilderness.  There is the fact that it is recognized state-wide as an upper-tier golf destination in the same league with the well-known heavy hitters closer to Brainerd and that famous pair at Biwabik. The Gold Best Award bestowed by the Star Tribune reader’s poll named Golden Eagle ‘Minnesota’s Best Golf Course’ speaks volumes about its place in the hearts of Minnesota golfers. But perhaps most telling is the gushing reviews and comments that keep pouring into social media sites. It feels like those patrons are on a personal mission to spread the news about this quiet, majestic beauty of a course tucked 9 miles north of Cross Lake in the middle of lake country.  

The picturesque fairways feature broad swatches of native grass, mature tree-lined edges, daunting ravines and primitive wetlands, all worked into some challenging elevations that will have you checking your GPS for landing spots and carries. It makes for a very exciting round of play in this former private nature preserve. At 6,745 from the tips and 5,069 from the forward tees there are challenges for all levels. With 5 sets of tees and a combo play option on the card that comes in at 6,129 yards, you are able to choose your comfort level or push yourself, either way it is bound to be a round you will remember. It wouldn’t hurt to pack a few extra balls in the bag, not all of your wayward shots will find their way back home.

Because this is destination golf territory, Golden Eagle has smartly partnered with a handful of lodges and resorts to create ‘stay and play’ packages that have built-in discounts along with all the comforts of home. Manhattan Beach Lodge, Towering Pines, Sundance Ridge and the Cottages at Golden Eagle are all working with Golden Eagle to bring you multiple options. Speaking of choices, if you happen to live in the area or summer in the greater Cross Lake recreational area, Golden Eagle has a playing pass with your name on it. There is an assortment of levels ranging from singles to couples to youth play and everything in-between. Prices start at $275 for a youth card and stretch all the way to an unlimited couple membership at $2,375. Keep in mind there are gift cards online as well.

The reason I keep coming back to this ‘northern-centric’ layout is the variety of hole designs and how they play end-to-end resulting in a round where fairways snake their way through some stunning scenery. How about starting a round going birdie-birdie? This is the only course I’m aware of that kicks off with back-to-back par 5’s. This immerses you immediately into the tilted fairways and towering tree-lined stretches that will accompany you throughout the round. The large greens welcome you to take a shot coming in but beware of the subtle drop-offs and catch areas that offer some guidance. You’ll benefit from ‘smart golf’ here, as in course management. There are other spots that will require summoning your courage and choosing your carry club carefully. There’s no two ways around it, those moments will need some lift and carry (and maybe a prayer), be sure to put yourself in a position to make that happen. The whole risk/reward dynamic keeps showing itself across most of the par 4’s and par 5’s.

Business at Golden Eagle has been fast and steady the last three to four years with weekend tee sheets logging 500-600 rounds. September is a great time to visit as the fall colors come to life and GM Aaron Johnson is already seeing September tee-times booking up. If you’re planning a fall visit you will want to give the clubhouse a call. This is a perfect example of how when you do things right, repeat business happens. Overseeing details and all aspects of the operation Aaron and his team are up early everyday tweaking, improving, fine-tuning and double-checking… always with the customer’s eye in mind. With the healthy business in place Aaron has been able to invest in new equipment (green rollers, top dressers and more). This brings the quality of the putting surfaces to a new firm, fast, silky level at Golden Eagle. These on-course efforts are something that players don’t forget and deeply appreciate.  Behind the scenes Assistant Superintendent – Bobby Goldstein and Mechanic – Henry Clauson keep the equipment humming and course maintenance dialed into a high-performance zone. The Pro Shop as always is well stocked with top-of-the-line apparel and merchandise emblazed with that stellar Golden Eagle logo, a perfect gift to yourself (wink, wink).

When the original owner/operator Bruce McIntosh realized his dream of converting this stretch of private nature preserve into a stunner of a northern Minnesota golf course he leaned heavily on the talents of golf architect Mike Morley. Between the two of them they brought Bruce’s vision to life. The word is out, and the game is on at Golden Eagle.