Five Memorable Water Holes in Minnesota

Water on golf courses provides plenty of beauty. The calming ripples of a crystal blue lake or the rushing sound of an active stream give golfers pause to remember they are in the beautiful outdoors of Minnesota. Then they have to pull a club, and all serenity flows away like a raging river. Beautiful and challenging – such is the fate that awaits golfers at five of Minnesota’s most memorable water holes.

Minnesota is famous for its 10,000 lakes, but together with ponds, streams and rivers there are all kinds of water hazards to swallow your golf ball. While many like to joke that Minnesota is the land of 10,000 water hazards, not all of them were created equal.

The Legend at Giants Ridge—Hole No. 17—Par 3, 127-236 yards

The term “beauty and the beast” comes to mind when you are peering across Lake Sabin from the tees toward the 17^th green of The Legend at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. While the tees are a gorgeous locale for wedding proposals, engagement dinners and the local wildlife, they also provide a long forced carry over water to the ample-sized but tough-to-hit green. There is a bailout back and right, but coming up short can sink your round at this tough and photogenic hole.

Legends Club—Hole No. 17—Par 3, 136-196 yards

There are two tough par 3s over water at the Legends Club in Prior Lake that will have you thinking about them long after your round. The first, No. 13, requires a shorter forced carry to a big green, and if the water gets to you mentally, you will be kicking yourself for an opportunity missed. But Hole 17 will demand a player’s full attention. The long carry is to a large and wide green (with forgiveness back and to either side), which will entice the golfer to fire at the pin. But hit an extra club to make sure you get there.

Edinburgh U.S.A.—Hole No. 17—Par 4, 317-394 yards

There is plenty of water to deal with at Edinburgh U.S.A. in Brooklyn Park, but nothing more daunting than the 17^th hole, known as the “island hole.” This manageable par four is complicated by a landing area completely surrounded by water (save for an entry pathway) and a peninsula green bordered by water on three sides. The hole may not necessitate a driver off the tee, but it certainly requires accuracy on both the drive and the approach. The green is heavily cantered toward the water, so par is well protected at this unique water hole.

Willingers Golf Club—Hole No. 18—Par 5, 440-556 yards

This fun final hole requires a golfer to focus on every shot in order finish strong at this great Northfield track. A downhill draw off the tee favoring the right side (for best angle of approach) might tempt longer hitters to try getting home in two. But a large bunker front left of the green and water along left of the bunker (the side that fairway slopes toward) may have you considering a more conservative approach. A watery grave could finish off your round, but a calculated shot to the right could have you whistling like a “birdie” as you head to the 19^th hole.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay—Hole No. 3—Par 4, 133-220 yards

If the view from the tee box wasn’t so spectacular, the tee shot on the par 3, 3^rd hole at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay could make a golfer tremble in fear. You’ll want to be sure to play this hole from the proper set of tees because clearing the water is only the first challenge. The real fun begins when you reach the tiered green. Be sure to hit your shot to the proper location or prepare to add strokes as you buckle up for the roller coaster ride to the cup.