If your buddies have discussed the idea of a golf road trip this summer, keep reading for five great reasons to play The Jewel in Lake City, MN. Just over an hour’s drive from St. Paul, The Jewel was recognized by Golf Week in 2011 as the one of the three best public courses to play in Minnesota.

In 2005, the Hale Irwin-designed Jewel opened on 800 acres that were once a nursery. The course is surrounded by the towering Mississippi River bluffs. The Jewel’s environmental ambiance is that of a peaceful golf paradise, and the course sets the bar high when it comes to pristine conditions. The Jewel staff strives to leave golfers feeling a wee bit spoiled and yearning to make Lake City a regular golf holiday.

Half the joy of a Jewel golf trip is getting there. From the Twin Cities, you’ll travel through river towns like Hastings and Red Wing. The trek to Lake City fuels food for thought as to how your trip could be more than just golf.

Here are 5 Great Reasons to Play The Jewel This Summer:
The Tee Boxes, Fairways, and Greens – The first thing you’ll notice about The Jewel is the course’s fabulous condition. Doug Mahal has been The Jewel’s Superintendent since the course opened. Jewel Head Golf Professional Kent Blaschko says it best, “Doug can make grass grow on a sidewalk.” There is no greater evidence of Mahal’s turf mastery than stepping up to the Jewel’s tee boxes for the first time. Tee to green, 18 holes at The Jewel is an opportunity to play in conditions worthy of the big boys and girls.

Golf Lessons – Blaschko is super enthused about Ken Ellsworth, The Jewel’s newest addition. Ellsworth is a teacher extraordinaire, and in 2013 he became The Jewel’s Director of Instruction. Ellsworth, a former PGA TOUR player, brings decades of teaching experience and has a special way of breaking the golf swing down into the simplest of terms. If you’d like to combine your Jewel golf trip with exceptional instruction, contact www.jewelgolfclub.com.

Beautiful Bluffs – The bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley embrace The Jewel on both the front and back nine. Many of the tee boxes, greens, fairways and cart paths share awe-inspiring elevations and panoramic views. The bluffs take you back in time to a quieter era and a golfer can’t help but appreciate his or her surroundings. Each golf hole can surprise and delight with sightings of deer, wild turkeys, Red Wing blackbirds, Wood Ducks, and the sounds of trains humming in the distance.

Exceptional Service – Friendliness is the rule at The Jewel. Attendants are on hand at the bag drop to help orient golfers on their upcoming round. The Jewel team is also at the ready as you finish up on the 18th hole. Count the number of “hellos” and “waves” you receive from Jewel personnel. The Jewel staff prides itself in remembering returning golfer’s names and where you’re from.

Stay and Play – In addition to golf, Lake City is a haven for fishing, boating, and hunting. With Lake Pepin just a three iron from The Jewel, Lake City welcomes visitors with a small town flavor and several great restaurant options. The city where water skiing was born is the perfect venue for combining golf with an overnight outing. Play 18 holes at The Jewel and enjoy the added bonus of a wealth of outdoor diversions offered by the surrounding area. For those inquiring about an overnight stay, The Jewel staff can help you book accommodations at the AmericInn or the Willows on the Rivers.

In our era of rising gas prices, The Jewel’s Blaschko is so sure you’ll be pleased with your golf experience; he’s pledged to cover your gasoline expense. “We call this You’ll Love the Drive. If you bring a foursome to The Jewel, we’ll give you a $25 gas card when you check in at our Pro Shop,” Blaschko said.

History has shown that this incentive is money well spent for Blaschko and the team at The Jewel Golf Club. “Golfers talk. If a golfer plays The Jewel once, they’re hooked. We know if we can get a golfer here, they’ll tell their buddies. Word of mouth is the most powerful element in golf,” Blaschko said.

If you’re itching to take a golf road trip this summer, check out The Jewel in Lake City. The Jewel is a public course with a private feel. Find out why The Jewel is called Hale Irwin’s Minnesota Masterpiece.