The summer golf season in Central Minnesota is in full swing, and much like other locales across the Northern Plains, our region’s bountiful land offers several local options to hit the links while the weather is cooperative. In no particular order, other than alphabetically, let’s look at some within a short drive of Saint Cloud:
Nestled within the city, but including a few holes running along State Highway 15, this nine-hole course is extremely walkable and well-maintained. The rates are affordable, and Angushire offers a few unique holes where large, well-placed trees can alter your approach shot. Players often remark about the good conditions of its fairways and greens, too.
Situated in suburban Sartell, with a country club feel, Blackberry Ridge has become popular in the two decades since its opening. Most golfers will want to rent a cart due to a myriad of hills throughout the course. Blackberry’s terrain is diverse, with many tight tree-lined holes, especially on the front nine, and more prairie-style offerings on the back. Greens are fast and fairways are well-manicured. For the high-level golfer, you can also make this into a nearly-7,000-yard course.
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These partner courses are nine holes each and sit on the south side of St. Cloud and in Sartell, respectively. Just 10 miles apart, you can easily play both on the same day, as each course usually moves fairly quickly. Both are walkable with a few challenging holes and some long straightaway options. Boulder Ridge closes with back-to-back par threes, a true rarity, while Pine Ridge has several risk/reward holes where creeks come into play.
A half-dozen miles east of downtown, but still in St. Cloud, many will argue that this the area’s best course. The two nines are distinctly dissimilar — links style and wide open, versus tighter and woodsy — which provides a unique experience. Wind and bunkers are often a factor on the front. Large, challenging greens are found throughout the track. You may pay a little more at Territory, but judging by crowds coming from long distances, many will. Having walked this course and ridden a cart, unless the weather is cool, or you’re in great physical shape, you’ll probably want a cart.
An old reliable for the newer golfer, this nine-hole municipal course is easy to walk in under 90 minutes. Your wedges will get action but depending upon skill level, so will your woods. No sand hazards at Veterans, but the area around the greens demands an accurate short game. The prices are fair, and you’re surrounded by the VA and Joe Faber Field, where a baseball game might be occurring around you as you play the final few holes.
Just east of the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids, surrounded by mature trees, many deem Wapicada a hidden gem in the area. The course, which offers a straightforward layout, undulating greens and rolling hills, can be crowded, but is enjoyed by many due to its wide, lush fairways that offer less of a chance to lose balls.
