Pebble Creek is an easy 30-mile cruise up I94 from the NW Twin Cities. The cluster caused by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s inability to understand how stoplights on interstates mess up traffic keeps a lot of afternoon players from discovering the golf greatness in Becker. That’s never bothered the morning or weekend golfer (or the St. Cloud golfer… with equally easy access and less traffic), but it should bother you, because if you haven’t yet played Pebble Creek due to the commute, you’re missing out. (Time to write your state representatives.)

Pebble Creek has 27 holes of golf – the Championship 18 and the Local 9 – tucked up into the beautiful countryside just northwest of Big Lake and Monticello. A municipal course (and one of the best in the state at that), Pebble Creek is kept in impressive condition throughout the season, and packed daily by regulars that know a trip from anywhere within an hour or so is worth it.

Bordered by Elk River (the actual river, not the city) and Elk Forest (or a ton of trees) to the west, and remarkably free of housing distractions, the Championship 18 is a pleasant and serene romp… one you appreciate more with each successive round. I’ll walk you through the highlights. The front nine (“White”) features a collection of signature holes, like the lengthy Par 5, 2^nd hole lined by a hazard, the intimidating Par 3, 4^th hole guarded by water and the downhill Par 3, 6^th hole, (my favorite on this nine) also with water. You’ll notice and likely appreciate the many great scoring opportunities throughout the front – a great way to put a low number in that “Out” box before facing the “In.”

That inward nine (“Red”) demands more concentration and precision…and right away, at that. The Red #1 is a favorite – a lengthy Par 4 made difficult by the pond protecting the front of the green. Red 4 and 5 have more water in play, as they wrap around several ponds, and as much as I love the Par 5, 5^th hole on Red, I should warn you it’s intended to be a three-shot hole. Going for it in two can easily put you in (yep) more water. Realistically, from this point, the only trouble down the stretch are trees, and they’re really only in the way if you’re really wayward.

As much fun as the Championship 18 is, a day at Pebble Creek is far from complete without playing the Local 9. These fun holes, across the road, are no step down from the others – they’d be a great nine on any championship routing. The easy opener lets you get a few bad swings out of the way, then you need to buckle down to cruise between and around more ponds (on every pursuant hole). The Local 9 has a terrific 5^th Hole – a Par 5 with so much sand and water you might think you’re at California’s Pebble Beach instead. And then, like #7 at Pebble Beach (in CA), #7 at Pebble Creek is arguably the best hole on the property – a short and sweet Par 3 with plenty of sand and water (again), but also a green that has produced more aces than any other golf hole in Becker. The Local 9 isn’t done dishing out goodness until the last hole, finishing up with another great Par 5.

As you can see, each nine has at least a trio of signatures, and coming over for just 18 is going to make you wonder what great shots you missed on the other nine (perhaps even that ace). Plus, beyond the golf there’s a great practice facility, a well-stocked golf shop, The Grill with all its burgers and beverages AND if you enjoy Adventure Golf, the Local 9 doubles (and triples) as a FootGolf and FlingGolf Course (two alternative golf options you really should try).

Municipal golf should be about getting everyone out to play, with great rates, great social and practice areas, and entertaining options for every age and ability. Few golf facilities in Minnesota provide more diverse and family-oriented golf options than Pebble Creek. One of these decades MN DOT will get their act together, but don’t wait around for them. There are back roads, side roads and plenty of non-rush-hour roads to Becker and ALL roads to Pebble Creek lead to fun.

NOTE: Pebble Creek will be hosting its Third Annual “Concert at the Creek” on August 4^th. Those 21+ can come see GB Leighton and Outdoor Recess put on a show and enjoy the brats, burgers, pulled pork, chicken and tacos throughout.