If you’ve never been to Scotland you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s impossible to explain how different links golf is in “The Kingdom” from links golf in the United States. That said, there are certain golf clubs in America that have adeptly bottled up some of the best elements of Scottish golf and paired them with exceptional service, higher levels of course maintenance and – in the case of Edinburgh USA – amazing new amenities for the public, like the D’Amico & Partners new restaurant – The Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Park has a vibrant and eclectic dining scene – that’s not news to the Twin Cities resident. What is a bit more unusual about The Brooklyn is that it is a “golf course restaurant” – a “19^th Hole” in golf speak – and an unquestionable contender for “Best in the Metro” at that. Open to club members and the public, the new restaurant boasts extensive food and beverage menus, stylish décor in an American-Bistro setting with outdoor dining, lounge seating around fire pits and, of course, great golf course views. The restaurant’s focus on comfort foods with contemporary touches covers the spectrum of tastes and complements the sensational dishes with a sommelier-curated collection of wine, beer and craft cocktails.

D’Amico & Partners co-founder and design principal, Richard D’Amico says, “Guests at The Brooklyn will step into a comfortable clubhouse where they can have a tastefully crafted meal during a night out, gather with friends over lunch, or stop in for a round of drinks straight off the course.” Even the mayor of Brooklyn Park, Jeff Lunde, expressed his excitement over the new addition to their celebrated dining scene, “We are proud to add a top-notch restaurant and event venue to a world class golf venue.”

The highly anticipated announcement comes on the heels of other major investments at Edinburgh USA. Five years ago the Brooklyn Park city council poured $2 million into the golf course, and this year spent another $1.5 million on clubhouse upgrades. The new renovations, completed in 2014 by the Robert Trent Jones II design team, included all new bunkers, enhanced playability in fairways and around the greens, three brand new greens and new tee boxes. It is clear that the city council understands (and values) the significant prestige of the golf club, and wants to make sure it remains first class in every way.

Don’t let these great club enhancements and exciting announcements overshadow the exceptional experience already provided by the course itself. The award-winning Edinburgh USA opened in 1987 (as the “2^nd Best New Public Course in America” according to Golf Digest) designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and has long been the home course of Minnesota legend, Director of Golf, Don Berry.

I’ve had many conversations with the 16-time MN Section PGA Player of the Year and always remain impressed that someone with his resume – who could go anywhere he wanted to – remains steadfast in his place and appreciation of Edinburgh USA. In a recent conversation Don said, “The City of Brooklyn Park has always stood behind this club, always given us and the players everything we need to have a world-class facility and course. You can’t ask for more as a course manager, and you won’t get much better as a player.” Seems the commitment is pretty mutual, and the benefit is almost exclusively to the player. You know a course operated with such professionalism and class is going to give you a round well worth your money.

Let’s talk about the “Star of the Show” – the course. The emphasis of the design is on strategic placement of every shot – a “thinking person’s course.” Edinburgh USA is a Par 72, 18-hole golf course just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Having hosted the LPGA for 7 years, the Minnesota State Open and USGA Public Links, it goes without saying that even the best players can find a challenging game here. And the rest of us will find a course and set of tees that we can all manage, on a course chock full of scenic value, fun shots and intrigue. The best part… you’ll find out where your game is lacking here, and if you need a little help the club offers an assortment of instructional options on a state-of-the-art practice facility (incredible short-game area). In addition to a top-tier course and practice area, the club hangs its hat on being one of the best tournament/event hosts in Minnesota (with a course perfectly suited for scrambles), and their staff takes care of literally everything in setting group outings up.

I could fill two pages with the accolades this club has received over the years and the reasons you should visit, but hopefully you’ve already read enough to know you need to pick up your phone and book your visit.