The winter was long and the snow was deep in this part of the state. It’s no small economic thing when the snow fly’s and the skiers begin to pour into this stretch of the Sawtooth Mountains along Minnesota’s North Shore. You wouldn’t immediately think it, but all of that snow was also a good thing for the golfing community. Superior National Head Pro – Heath Akstrom says he hasn’t seen things this healthy, this early, for many years.  Thanks to the early winter conditions and pace of the spring thaw, Superior National Golf at Lutsen has come to life in 2023 with great fairway conditions and silky-smooth putting surfaces. This resort-style golf embedded in the rugged Superior National Forest has an abundance of stunning built-in views from the tee boxes to the greens and fairways…always a plus when hitting the links.   

Following a $4.6 million dollar renovation in 2018 by renowned golf course architect Jeffrey Brauer, the on-course changes from that project are now paying dividends where the results have come into full bloom.  Originally opened in 1991, both the River and Canyon courses on this 27-hole layout have been reworked and enhanced with newly built white sand bunkers, five new sets of tee boxes (more playability for all levels), widened fairways (more playability), larger greens (again, more playability) and some infrastructure improvements designed to enhance hydro efficiencies.  This renovated 18-hole ‘premier’ combination has been attracting a steady stream of state-wide golfers since its opening 5 years ago.  Plans are on the table for a rebuild on the resorts third nine-hole course in the near future. The ‘Mountain’ course will join the overall renovation to combine all 3 nine-hole tracks into an exciting play rotation for day visitors and overnighters vacationing along the North Shore. 

Throughout the extensive redo, the management team never lost sight of its prestigious certification status as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course, recognition only few courses qualify for in Minnesota.  It’s in keeping with the abundance of wildlife that also call this stretch of the Superior National Forest home. You are almost guaranteed to see deer crossing your fairway at some point during the round, even fox, timber wolf, bald eagles, owls and the occasional moose have been spotted while traversing the courses many ravines and tree-lined fairways.

For all of this talk about wilderness there is also a refined level of resort amenities awaiting those who come to play and vacay.  From a generous selection of curated craft beers to some of the best hamburgers in the northlands. The clubhouse grill is spacious and provides a comfortable setting to unwind after the round with friends and family while settling up those golfing bets.

As a golfing destination, Superior National has smartly paired up with a handful of lodging options within close proximity where some of those lodgings offer golf-related discounts. A short list of resorts and hotels in the area includes: Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountain and assorted other Lutsen properties, Bluefin Bay, AmericInn, Cascade Lodge and Thomsonite Inn.  It’s easy enough to get online and do a little homework around pricing and availability.  Be sure to ask about ‘stay and play’ packages when booking reservations.

One of the most scenic series of golf holes I’ve ever encountered happens at holes 14, 15, 16 and 17 on the Canyon nine.  With the Poplar River cascading through the design, you are asked to hit a surgical window into a short par 4 on the testy 14^th and then turn-around and face the daunting river again on the dramatically elevated par 3 number 15 with its stunning views of the green below.  Keep your cameras handy through here, this is truly one-of-kind golfing landscape.  On 16 you will tee off with all of this mountain scape scenery as a backdrop and then roll into 17 where Lake Superior will become your background for another par 3 challenge.

There are a generous handful of lake-view holes throughout the 27-hole layout that will make you pause and take it all in.  The River course #6 plays downhill into a large green with the expanse of Gitchee Gumee in the background.  The broad expanse of the world’s largest freshwater lake comes into view again on the Canyon course # 17, which is another elevation challenged par 3.  It will remind you there is nothing more fun than hitting downhill into a scenic green.

When considering a golf trip this year it becomes a matter of asking yourself a few questions.  What does the course offer from a playing standpoint?  What other activities are available in and around the course? How unique and inspiring is the landscape?  And most importantly, how much fun is there to be had? This is where Superior National Golf becomes a ‘superior’ choice.  This part of the state has so much to offer within close driving proximity – the quaint fishing, visitor-ready town of Grand Marias, cascading river ravines that empty into the big lake, state parks, luxurious resorts, stretches of quiet shoreline for rock hunting and contemplation. 

It’s hard to imagine a location that offers more.  Top it off with the breath-taking scenery, a stunner of a Championship golf course and the choice is easy…time to head north to Superior National.