Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling – Big Picture

I’ve always contended that if I owned a golf course in Minnesota I’d also have to own a bowling alley. I’ve spent the past 22 years of my life watching my father-in-law golf six months and bowl six months a year and those two “seasons” of his life just merge so seamlessly – and now seem so absolutely logical.

I realize that Brookview is golf and LAWN bowling (my preferred form of bowling), but the combination still makes perfect sense to me. And, the best part, is that Brookview is even more than that – a historic round in a metroplex loaded with them. Brookview Golf Course was built in the 1920’s by Archie and T.B. Walker and operated as their private club until 1947. They sold it then and it remained private until the City of Golden Valley bought it in the mid-1960’s. Brookview added a Par 3 course in 1977, then redesigned virtually the entire course in 1984 and 1985 to work around the flood plain. In 2000 those 110-foot nets were erected alongside I-394 to distract longing drivers from the dread and monotony of their long daily commutes (and protect their cars from erratic golfers like me).

It wasn’t until 2014 that bowling officially rolled onto the Brookview scene. Supposedly adults can’t bowl without alcohol, and the Golden Valley City Council was all over that. Just months before the eight-rink lawn bowling facility opened (in August 2014) Brookview acquired its liquor license and (purportedly over a few drinks) changed the name of the club to Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling. Brookview then added winter recreation trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and an expanded range facility to allow drivers and woods. AND… now… it’s an “All New Brookview.” Brookview, as a whole, is so much more than golf – “spectacular in any season.” Families can’t get enough of the Backyard Indoor Playground (unbelievable… for ages 2 to 12), the Three One Six Bar + Grill is always a lively hangout (Happy Hour specials daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM). The facilities can host HUGE events and celebrations and the Entertainment and Recreation calendar is always packed with fun. I realize this article is about the GOLF, but don’t miss the big picture. Brookview is a vibrant “city” of entertainment consciously built for (and close to) EVERYONE of every age.

That said, let’s get back to the GOLF. The Par 3 Course is a fast and fun loop for beginners and those wishing to work on their short game IN the field of play. With plenty of trees and water hazards, it is challenging enough to meet anyone’s game and affordable enough to meet anyone’s budget.

The Championship Course is the Par 3 Course in BIG scale, with more trees, bunkers and water hazards, but affording a great deal more forgiveness on most tee shots and wide open fairways with larger greens. As a commuter who has driven past those 110-foot fences MANY times, I’ve often envied the golfers out there playing those bright green fairways on the sunniest of days. Because this course was built (and diligently redesigned) to accommodate every age and skill level of player, the varied tees range from 5,328 yards to 6,397 yards and produce a great game for everyone. Add that to their incredibly low rates and it’s no wonder many consider Brookview the “best golf value in the Twin Cities.”

City courses are seldom known for having many “signature” holes, but Bassett Creek (in my opinion) sure helps out in that aspect, effectively dissecting five holes and flirting with another. Truthfully, with my game, water is in play on 14 holes – a feature I love, even if it doesn’t always love me back.

The course starts with a trio of “runway” holes, straight shots with little trouble to get you going good. The first “signature” hole in my opinion is the pretty little Par 3, 4^th hole, with Bassett Creek running in front of the green and more water to the left. #9 is another of my favorites, with water both right and left off the tee on this short Par 4. The Par 4, 11^th hole, might be my favorite on the entire course, especially in the fall, with water cutting through the middle of the hole, bookended by two beautiful bridges. I’ve taken photographers to that spot (with the water tower in the background). It’s one of the prettiest places on the entire course. Another memorable hole, again with water on both sides of the tee, is the closer – #18 – a great way to end a fun round.

Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling has the perfect mix of scenery, challenge and additional amenities to make any visit great. The greater news is, there’s always something more to come back for.