A Pure Game At StoneRidge Golf Club
By Rhett Arens
When the term ‘pure golf’ gets tossed around I tend to raise my eyebrows with a little skepticism. I’ve had the good fortune to make my way through a high number of public golf courses in the great golfing state of Minnesota and without hesitation I would call-out StoneRidge as a purist’s course. The course requires the use of a full-spectrum of golf shots while at the same time giving ample opportunities to score well with proper course management and execution. That is a proper course design in a nutshell.
StoneRidge Golf Club ownership and PGA Head Golf Professional Mark Hetland take great pride in offering up a player’s course. The typical foursome at StoneRidge is on the course to compete, they are focused and willing to challenge themselves. Never mind that the average members’ handicap hovers somewhere below a 10, which speaks volumes about the type of game the course has to offer. Designed in a distinct links style there is fescue in all directions, expansive bunkers stretching along the beautifully manicured, bent-grass fairways, there are berms and rolling catch areas and those large, impeccable greens. Most of the first timers who walk-off the course are amazed at the green quality and putting surfaces. Those private club conditions combined with Mark’s well-trained staff make for a truly exceptional golf outing.
The course conditions can be attributed to the expertise of Superintendent Jeff Girard and his small army of grounds keepers. Unsolicited comments from both members and first-timers are unanimously positive about how good the playing surfaces are, especially the greens that roll super-smooth and quite fast – a great combination.
The round kicks off with a downhill, feel-good par 4 – short and workable. This works perfectly as you will need that lumbar nice and loose for the par 5, #2. At 507 yards from the blues, you will need to stick a tabletop style green to score birdie here. The run continues on the front with a series of rolling, angular, zigzagging par 4’s and 5’s. Prevailing winds out of the west will typically dictate which holes to go hunting on and which to play it safe. With that westerly wind… holes #4, #6 and #8 will give you some distance relief. Golf purists love the challenge of the natural element… a day-to-day change that creates strategic choices. When you reach the 8th green, stop for a moment, look west, squint a little bit and if there is a breeze and a hint of mist in the air you might feel a bit of the Scottish coastline calling out.
The back nine opens with a wonderful 413-yard par 4 utilizing a blind, right-to-left arcing fairway that is a bit deceptive from the tee box. Don’t cut the corner too much. That is followed up with the par 5 #11 which is referred to as the iconic ‘barn hole.’ This hole is a fantastic blend of carry shots, target shots, slight elevation calculations, risk-reward decisions, and a set of bunkers that seem to have their own gravitational forces pulling you in – an absolute stunner of golf hole design. The par 4 #13 is set-up to be drivable on the right day. Wind direction will have a lot to say about that. At 310 yards from the blues you will need to carry roughly 275 for that eagle putt. However the green doesn’t give you a flat look, again, what a fun hole! The par 5 #17 fairway turns one direction then the next as it makes its way towards the slight elevated green. The green is protected by several perfectly placed, substantial bunkers. More great design challenge. The round closes with a long par 4 (444 yards from the blues). You could be lulled into an overswing here.
The upscale StoneRidge Clubhouse is home to one of the best restaurants and one of the not-so-best-kept-secrets in the St. Croix Valley, Danny’s. Danny’s reputation has grown tremendously in the last several years as Manager Nick Truskowlowski and his staff continue to deliver award-winning cuisine in an atmosphere that allows for casual as well as intimate fine dining. Not sure how they found that balance but they did and the people have taken notice. The welcoming outdoor patio is typically full on summer weekends, in fact there is a very steady business year-round as loyal patrons wine and dine while the snow covers the course.
The event and wedding calendar is also in high gear as the stunning views and award winning Chef Ron’s culinary team and wedding consultants work hard to pair customized meal plans with flawless service, ensuring your reception is everything you imagined. Assistance with planning a theme, décor and entertainment are all part of the package.
For golf players who take pride in their game, who like to push the limits of their game and who appreciate a course that provides world-class conditions (no exaggeration) and a layout that embraces the elements, StoneRidge is the course for you. Make the journey to the eastern Twin Cities and get those clubs ready to play.
