The Time Is Now For Playing Willingers
By Tim Cotroneo
Golf Season’s Clock Is Ticking On Playing One Of Minnesota’s Best Courses
Tee Times caught up with two Fridley golfers on Willingers scenic 12th tee box and inquired about their motivation for traveling 50 miles south to play golf. Seconds after the question was asked, two stately Sandhill Cranes strolled from the woods to within 20 feet of the golfers.
The cranes, whose fossil ancestry dates back 10 million years, seemed completely at ease amidst Willingers’ tranquil golf environment. The taller of the Fridley duo pointed at the cranes and said, “Willingers never fails to provide magic moments like this.”
Since 1992, Willingers has drawn golfers seeking an 18-hole layout in which the bustle of city life feels miles away. In addition to Willingers Audobon Certified habitat helping to make wildlife and golfers connect as one, this Gill Miller design delivers dozens of reasons for driving the 45-minute trek from the Twin Cities, Rochester, and beyond.
Willingers Reasons For Summer And Fall Seasons
As the clock is ticking down on summer, the clubhouse patio is a great way to absorb the total Willingers experience. Not only does the clubhouse restaurant include an entire wall of glass devoted to your viewing pleasure, the outdoor patio overlooking the first tee box, and the 18th green provides the perfect summer relaxation escape.
“In the evening and on weekends, our patio is packed. While enjoying a bite or a cool drink, our patio offers an awesome vantage point for taking in the water, the trees, the breeze, and watching golfers. The view from our patio is simply terrific,” Golf Professional Cody Mager said.
It’s hard to argue with Mager’s taste when you discover his name made its way to the Willingers’ menu. “We’re known for our wraps. I kept asking for a pulled pork wrap. Our chef not only added this wrap to our menu, it’s now named “Cody’s Choice,” Mager said with a smile.
Golf Is Tree-mendous
It doesn’t take a detective to determine Willingers roots before the land evolved into a golf course. Gill Miller Golf Architects delighted in shaping a 275-acre tree farm into what you see today. This plethora of oak, birch, evergreen, dogwood, and crab apple trees is especially evident on the back nine.
If you wish to make your own tree-mendous moment, look back after putting out on the Par 4, 370-yard 10th hole. The throng of trees enveloping the fairways wraps like a queen’s runway made from nature.
Summer Specials Abound
If you love a golf bargain, then look no further than Willingers. In 2018, Willingers is extending their Senior pricing to golfing public through the balance of the season. On non-tournament Mondays and Wednesdays, you can play Willingers for just $39 including a cart. Want more?
On Tuesdays, take advantage of Willengers’ Two for Tuesday special. This means that you and a friend play for $39 per individual. Not only is a golf cart included with your round, lunch is on Willingers.
Willingers’ Twilight rate is $40.50 including a cart. The bonus to playing as the sun goes down is kicking back on their patio after your round. Twilight is just right at Willingers.
Journey To Northfield For Your Tourney
For decades Willingers has been known as one of Minnesota’s best venues for a golf tournament. Corporate and charity tournaments can expect banquet seating for up to 150 participants.
Out on the course, Willingers is readied for your every tournament need. A tournament option favorite is setting up their Par 3, 183-yard, 14th hole with a Hole-in-One Camera. Two golfers have already scored aces on the 14th in 2018.
Willingers scenic banquet and dining facilities are also great for weddings, groom’s dinners, anniversaries, and special occasions.
A Slice, Draw, Or A Straight Shot Of Golf Life At Its Best
Like the giant Acurite clock that greets you on the first tee box, there is something timeless about playing golf at Willingers. Whether you’re encountering Sandhill Cranes on the course, indulging in the vibrant scenery from the patio, or savoring a Cody’s Choice Wrap after your round, Willingers has a way of making time stand still.
As you realize that you’re just a couple months from witnessing the leaves change from green to gold, the time is right to play Willingers again. If you’ve yet to take advantage of all this Northfield course has to offer, remember what a wise golfer from Fridley once said. “Willingers never fails to provide magic golf moments.”
