News Summary
Central Minnesota is home to a variety of golf courses catering to both casual players and avid golfers. With over a dozen public and private courses near St. Cloud, the region presents various landscapes and challenges. Key courses include Albany Golf Club, Angushire Golf Course, and Blackberry Ridge, among others. Each course offers unique features, and community engagement through polls helps promote local preferences. Additionally, St. Cloud’s proximity to high-level championship courses in the Twin Cities enhances the golfing experience for enthusiasts.
Central Minnesota Golf Courses Offer a Range of Options for Enthusiasts
Central Minnesota residents and visitors have access to a diverse selection of golf courses within a short drive of St. Cloud, making it a notable destination for both casual players and avid golfers. With over a dozen public courses and two private locations, the region provides a variety of landscapes, challenges, and amenities suitable for players of all skill levels.
Key Golf Courses in the Region
Albany Golf Club
A highly regarded local gem, Albany Golf Club features a recently remodeled clubhouse and pro shop that hosts the Greenside Grille, offering additional amenities for players. The course includes water features such as a creek and retention ponds. Known for its fast greens and a technically challenging back nine, notable holes include the par 3 on hole 11 and hole 17, which requires a drive over a creek to reach the green.
Angushire Golf Course
Angushire Golf Course provides nine holes of golf with flexible play options, as there are no tee times required, making it suitable for last-minute outings. The course opens each spring in March and closes in October, providing a seasonal opportunity for local golfers.
Blackberry Ridge and Boulder Ridge
Blackberry Ridge in Sartell stands out for its length, stretching nearly 7,000 yards. It features a mix of wooded and link-style holes, with four par 5s and challenging par 3s. The facility includes a driving range and the Grill19 dining area.
Boulder Ridge, located north of St. Cloud Tech High School, is designed for quick rounds with few water hazards. It offers a driving range, clubhouse, and a straightforward layout ideal for players seeking a rapid game or practicing their skills.
Kimball and Oak Hill
Kimball Golf Club has evolved from a nine-hole layout to an 18-hole course, featuring mature trees, rolling hills, and an island green on hole 15—a popular challenge for golfers. Meanwhile, Oak Hill is recognized for its well-maintained fairways and economical green fees. It offers four tee options catering to beginners and features a clubhouse with breakfast options.
Pebble Creek and Rich Spring
Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker is known for its challenging layout, suitable for intermediate and advanced players. It hosts several state championships, reflecting its competitive reputation. Rich Spring Golf Course offers a more shaded and tight fairway experience, providing high value for maintenance and a popular venue for local tournaments.
River Oaks and St. Cloud Country Club
River Oaks Golf Course features scenic views overlooking the Sauk River, with multiple water hazards and doglegs on the back nine, creating a picturesque yet challenging environment. St. Cloud Country Club, the area’s oldest course, recently underwent renovations. It offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and requires membership for access.
Other Notable Courses
- Stone Creek Golf Course: Known for open fairways, sand traps, and ponds—plus a bar and grill for post-round relaxation.
- Territory Golf Club: Offers spacious fairways, significant water features, and large greens that challenge players’ short game.
- Three Tees Golf Course: Currently under construction with plans for a new restaurant to enhance community engagement among local players.
- Travelers Golf Course: A private course with nine holes set among houses and trees, providing a relaxed environment for members.
- Veterans Golf Course: City-maintained and primarily featuring par 3 holes, offering affordable access for local golfers.
- Wapicada Golf Course: With scenic water hazards, this course balances challenging and shorter holes and features a large practice green.
Community Engagement and Local Preferences
To encourage community involvement and gather feedback, a poll is available for golfers to vote for their favorite local course. The voting period concludes at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, allowing participants to support their preferred venues and influence the region’s golfing scene.
Region Proximity to Major Courses
While Central Minnesota offers numerous quality golf options, St. Cloud is approximately an hour away from PGA Tour-level championship courses located in the Twin Cities area. This proximity provides local enthusiasts the opportunity to experience high-level competitive courses within a manageable distance.
Summary
Overall, Central Minnesota’s golf scene combines a variety of course types—ranging from public and private to championship and casual—that accommodate diverse preferences and skill levels. The ongoing community input through voting demonstrates an active interest in maintaining and promoting the region’s golf heritage. Whether seeking quick rounds, challenging layouts, or scenic views, players can find suitable options within a half-hour drive of St. Cloud, making the area a notable destination for golf aficionados.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- St. Cloud Times: Voting Poll of the Best Golf Course
- SCSU Huskies: John Berling Memorial Golf Tournament Set for September 27
- St. Cloud Live: Disc Golf in the St. Cloud Community
- Authentic Florida: 10 Best Things to Do in St. Cloud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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