Edinburgh USA – Design and Distinction

There are several very enticing elements in play at Edinburgh USA Golf Course. First there is the design by world renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones II. This is a shot maker’s course, rarely does course design come into play to this degree; a real treat for golfers who appreciate and welcome that challenge. The emphasis at Edinburgh is on the strategic placement of each and every shot. The course is known as a “thinking person’s course” in player circles. You can expect to use every club in the bag as you make your way around this 18-hole championship track. Second is Don Berry, Director of Golf, PGA Professional, and perhaps the most decorated Minnesota golfer of all-time. Don is a Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame inductee and 16-time Minnesota Section PGA Player of the Year who has played in the U.S. Open and four PGA Championships. Pedigree? Edinburgh has it in spades both on the course and in the clubhouse.

With an emphasis on the playability of the design and maintaining premium conditions, the original Robert Trent Jones staff returned four years ago for an extensive renovation. In 2014, the company installed all new bunkers, added more fairway grass in the landing areas, expanded elbow space around the greens, installed three new greens and four new tee boxes. Keeping the original 1987 design intentions and challenges in place, the course now offers Twin Cities golfers the best of both worlds – a world class playing experience worthy of its Scottish namesake and access to a world-class practice facility (maybe the best in the Twin Cities) overseen by Don and his staff of award winning instructors led by PGA Golf Professional Adam Guili.

If you haven’t visited Edinburgh in Brooklyn Center, and happened to stumble upon it accidently you may think you’ve crossed the Atlantic and found your way into the Scottish countryside. The magnificent clubhouse sits at the end of an elegant drive and spreads out to overlook the beautiful championship golf course. Styled in classical Scottish manor architecture, it’s a great place to enjoy a casual dinner at Girvan Grille, host an elegant wedding reception, host a special event, conduct corporate meetings or organize a golf outing for business or pleasure. The event center is managed by Lancer Hospitality, which makes the most of the magnificent space and it’s Scottish manor features including vaulted ceilings, wrap-around windows, and classic décor, all providing the perfect atmosphere for that once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The folks at Lancer will assist in your planning needs, whether you choose an elegant plated dinner or custom hors d’oeuvres. The choices are yours… excellence is guaranteed.

Out on the course, things get interesting right off the first tee with a 492 yard par 5 which places strategic fairway bunkers along the undulated fairway and narrows down between trees as you approach. Make sure that second shot is on line. The par 4 third is another tester with water running up the right side. Keep the spin to a minimum or you will be dropping a ball and hitting three on your second shot. This is typical of Edinburgh, where most shots require strategic placement, especially off the tees. The front nine continues in a more links style layout with open look holes. The front finishes out on one of the world’s largest putting surfaces and a truly unique golfing experience, a 40,000 square foot green that combines the 9^th and 18^th holes with the practice green. Be sure you know which flag you are gunning for when you’re coming in and be sure to have a look around to take it all in.

The back nine is a more traditional, park-style layout in the classical Minnesota sense with plenty of trees. The par 5 twelfth will test your will with water along the right side until it tightens to a narrow and then continues. The par 3 sixteenth is a great design with bunkers front and right and a large, mature tree offset to the left. Club selection is key pending wind direction. The signature hole is the 374 yard, par 4 seventeenth, which incorporates an island fairway and a difficult second shot over water with almost full carry. This hole is listed on the Minnesota Dream 18. Considered to be one of the top 18 public holes in the state as nominated by golfers around the state. I’m guessing that 17^th hole has put a dent in some good rounds coming into the finish. The par 4, 18^th finishes on that aforementioned monster green. It’s definitely a par hole so don’t be shy, if you’re a first timer be sure you are going after the correct flag (I know this one from experience).

At a cost/value pricing structure that over-delivers on value and course conditions, a location that provides easy access and a staff of professionals with a capital ‘P’, Edinburgh USA Golf Course is a must play. Whether you’re a shot maker or enjoy golf’s strategic aspects, the course offers an incredible playing experience for all levels. Don and his staff would like to share their slice of Scotland with you.