Let’s have a quick show of hands – who has played all the courses strewn across the South Metro area along the I35 corridor? Keep in mind this golf mecca starts somewhere near Richfield and ends at its most southern point near Elko New Market? I would venture to guess that number is pretty small. Dedicated roamers who check the box on new courses regularly within these regional circuits are a rare breed. I’m happy to add Heritage Links to your radar (or in most cases your Google Maps memory). With so many choices, I would strongly encourage some exploration in the Lakeville area. Heritage Links is a real beauty, situated in a peaceful stretch of rolling terrain, it stretches out to a healthy 6,672 yards from the tips. The Joel Goldstrad design has been around since opening in 1997 offering it’s faithful following a split personality where the front nine plays wide open with some water trouble and the back nine brings in plenty of timber with tree-lined challenges. No wonder its reputation for delivering playable, affordable championship golf is on the rise.

Lying just three miles west of I35 on County Road 70 access to the course is easy-peasy. Head Golf Professional Brett Martinson and his team both on-course and in the clubhouse are ready to over-deliver a seamless, challenging round of golf. With nearly 45 bunkers and water hazards on 16 of the 18 holes, you will find plenty of strategic shot points whether playing from the tips at 6,672 yards or the front tees at 5,145 yards. With four sets of tees, I guarantee there is a distance for your skill level.

Heritage Links has incorporated a full practice range with exceptional conditions and a large practice putting green that will help you dial in your slope and speed before your round – something I highly recommend. As an added bonus, HLGC has installed two HD Golf Simulators that produce a life-like immersive golfing experience giving you the feeling like you are actually playing Pebble Beach or Royal Liverpool or Torrey Pines. The end result is plenty of fun playing world-famous golf courses that not only look real – they play real. An 18-hole round played by two people typically takes two hours with an hourly rate of $40 ($30 for seniors). All the better for keeping the lumbar loose and smooth for the real-thing swings.

The Goldstrad layout starts with a sweeping right hand par 4 that typically plays into the wind at 354 yards from the gold tees (6,320 yards total). It’s setup for a gentle fade and offers a quick par opportunity at the front end of the round.  That ‘open’ feeling on the front nine continues with the par 5 second that climbs slightly and then drops with a second shot look towards the green. A watery marsh sits on your right side as you approach so beware to favor the left side as you come in and at 555 yards from the gold tees it is likely a three shot GIR. These cattail filled water spots will pop-up at many points during the round, they look innocent enough but trust me, they are built into the landing zones with smart design. The 6^th is a prime example of a beautiful, challenging, water-inspired design. The green is wrapped on three sides with a natural marsh. The play is to stay left on the drive and give yourself some roll-out room on the green for the second shot. Maybe my favorite hole on the course. 

As you start the back nine, you will begin to feel that ‘openness’ start to close down. The short (305 yards from the gold tees) par 4 tenth offers a window through the trees, over the creek ravine if you hit your target off the tee somewhere between 170-190 yards. It’s a very fun hole, especially when you pull it off. The par 4 12^th has a similar challenge but now it’s time to drive that ball long. This will give a look into the green which sits across the water and through an opening in the approaching trees. More precision, more golf shots required.  The short par 3 #14 is gettable. Measure the wind, pick your wedge and let your swing flow freely. At 133 yards it’s yours to take… oh, by the way, stay short and right. The round closes with a challenging par 4 towards the clubhouse that pinches down to a narrow landing zone and then requires a carry over water and uphill into a generous green. Things can go bad on this hole so hopefully your shot making abilities are still in tack.  

The clubhouse is an excellent venue for tournaments and events of all sizes and shapes. Brett and the team will roll out the red-carpet offering registration tables, personalized cart signs, professional scoring including personalized score cards, field events, beverage cart attendants and service from a PGA Professional. It’s all here, tucked off I35 in Lakeville. Check the box and come play this playable, affordable course, it’s a rewarding day on the Links.