Just a short drive from the Twin Cities, and just over the St. Croix River lies what GolfDigest called one of America’s top 100 public golf courses, Troy Burne Golf Club.

You can tell the moment you turn onto the property, something special awaits. The drive to the clubhouse is framed by several of the picturesque front-nine holes. At the end of the drive, you are greeted by a magnificent clubhouse and friendly staff members waiting to help you with your clubs. The warm and inviting golf shop sets the relaxed mood for the rest of the day.

Opened in 1999, this prairie style course designed by Tom Lehman, in collaboration with acclaimed course designers Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, boasts some of the area’s most pristine playing conditions.

The name itself tells a great deal about what you can expect as burne is the Scottish term for creek. Water comes into play on eight of the eighteen holes. The fairways are generous, but the greens are heavily guarded with not only the aforementioned water, but also numerous bunkers. Greens that consistently stimp around 11 also make Troy Burne a test for any golfer, even professionals. The course twice hosted the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour).

Several holes stand out as “signature” according to General Manager and PGA Head Golf Professional Dave Tentis.

“Number two on the front side and numbers eleven and fourteen on the back. Fourteen is an amazing hole, beautifully framed by the water. Really a fun hole to play. Number 11 is a close second. Many people believe that is our signature hole.”

A downhill par three, number 11 plays 97 yards from the forward tee and 176 yards from the Lehman (back) tees. The beauty of the rock-filled creek on the right and the tall pine trees to the left and behind the green, along with the relatively short hole, give the illusion that it is an easy hole.

Be careful. Don’t miss this green. Missing the green here is more than likely going to result in a bogie or worse.  Pick the right club for sure.

“Go for the middle of the green out here,” advises Tentis. “You miss the greens out here and you’re going to have a hard time getting up and down.” Tentis also has great advice on how to have a more enjoyable round. “Play the right set of tees.  We have suggestions on the scorecard based on handicaps but playing a shorter course can really be a good thing for most people.”

Dave knows what he is talking about. A native of White Bear Lake and somewhat of a local golf hero, he spent a number of years playing professionally at the highest level. He played collegiately at the University of Houston, made the 1983 U.S. Walker Cup Team, and participated in The Masters as an amateur. Tentis also competed on the Canadian (now McKenzie Tour), Nationwide (now Korn Ferry Tour), PGA TOUR, U.S. Opens and several PGA Championships. Dave even made an appearance at the 3M Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions.

But there is more than just a great golf course at Troy Burne. After the round, take the time to visit the grill and bar. One look at the grill menu shows this is not your typical hot dog and beer type place.

Tempura shrimp, steak alfredo flatbread and a grilled salmon burger are just some of the amazing options that await the hungry golfer. Smashed burgers, steak and cheese hoagies and homemade pizzas are also available. On the weekends, the grill converts into a “superb dining experience” with expanded dinner and drink options like prosciutto tortellini and pan-fried walleye. Reservations are recommended on weekend evenings.

Along with the restaurant, owner Bill Holst built a massive event center attached to the clubhouse called The Aisling at Troy Burne. This grand room utilizes large windows to set the beautiful landscape of the property as an amazing backdrop for any event or wedding. Since its inception, The Aisling has become a premier wedding destination with over 50 weddings in 2024.

The total experience at Troy Burne is one not to be missed. No matter if you are looking for a great test of golf, a date night dinner or the most important day of your life, Troy Burne has everything you want.