Noonan Golf Co. aims to make the sport more ‘Caddyshack’ and less ‘Augusta’ to match golf’s changing demographics.  Their affordable, limited-run, retro-chic accessories are available online and benefit youth golf organizations serving underrepresented communities.

There is a question I never thought I would be asking myself, “Is it possible to transform a gravel pit into a golf course?” It turns out the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

The sign out on County Road 1 says, “Welcome to Fifty Lakes.” No truer words were ever spoken as you roll into Golden Eagle Golf Club with your expectations high and of a day of pure, iconic northern Minnesota golf lying ahead of you.

The beauty of the north, particularly along Lake Superior’s North Shore was always undeniable, but other than waterfalls and nature trails there was little allure for us stick-swingers. And then… well… Jeff Brauer. And then… well… Giants Ridge.

The beauty of the north, particularly along Lake Superior’s North Shore was always undeniable, but other than waterfalls and nature trails there was little allure for us stick-swingers. And then… well… Jeff Brauer. And then… well… Giants Ridge.

I’ve seen one moose in Minnesota. One. I’ve heard there are many, but I’ve only personally seen one. “You never forget that first moose,” former GM of The Wilderness, Tom Beaudry, told me.

Resorts are so overbooked places like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst are booking two full years out, and the best part for those of us in Minnesota is that a few of our best resorts are being hyper proactive with the development, expansion, and improvement of their facilities… ESPECIALLY at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota.

I host a handful of journalists in Minnesota every year. I take them around to the best courses in the Twin Cities and the state, and the course I’m always most excited to show them is my favorite Arnold Palmer course in the United States – Deacon’s Lodge, in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes, at Breezy Point Resort.

Last month, one of the big golf magazines had an article about what annoys golf course superintendents.
Annoy might be mild … they also used the word “irk” … still pretty mild. I think words like “angry” … “outraged” … “furious” would be more accurate.

The other day while in a local Pro Shop… the staff was talking about the courses on Hilton Head with a local player. Everyone was playing the game of, “who’s played at the coolest place.”