Known as a top U.S. golf destination, Minnesota offers 450+ courses characterized by beautiful natural settings, excellent conditions and affordability. The overall “Quality” of golf in MN cannot be matched. The listing of golf courses included in the roster of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance constitutes a hall of fame of National and Regional “Award-Winning” courses from such publications as Golf Digest, Golf Week, Golf News, Business Week, Sports Illustrated, National Golf Course Owners Association, Midwest Golf Course Owners Association etc. etc. – hundreds of awards.
| # | PAR | SCORE | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JOBS | Minnesota golf industry is responsible for nearly 35,000 jobs, generating over $1.2 billion in wage income each year. | + |
| 2 | COURSES | Minnesota has over 470 golf courses, including 49 off-course facilities. Golf here is highlighted by variety, quality, and value. | + |
| 3 | ACCESS | 90% of all Minnesota golf courses are open to the public — among the highest rates in the U.S. | + |
| 4 | PARTICIPATION | 577,700 Minnesotans play golf, logging 7.96 million resident rounds and 870,000 visitor rounds in 2023 (8.83 million total). Minnesota consistently ranks top in the nation for golfers per capita. | + |
| 5 | COMPETITIONS | Minnesota is the only state to have hosted all 13 USGA championships plus the Solheim Cup, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup. | + |
| 6 | TOURISM IMPACT | Golf tourism brings 1.1 million visiting golfers who spent $669.6 million in 2023. The direct golf economy is $1.9 billion, contributing to a total industry impact of $3+ billion. | + |
| 7 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | An average 18-hole round of golf equals more than 10,000 steps — promoting physical activity and wellbeing. | + |
| 8 | ENVIRONMENT | Golf courses provide 44,600 acres of green space in Minnesota. With only 67% of acreage irrigated and 44% performing irrigation audits, the industry saves ~7% in water use. | + |
| 9 | ECONOMIC IMPACT | Golf in Minnesota drives over $3 billion annually in total economic impact, contributing $311 million in state and local taxes. | + |
Minnesota offers an exceptional golf experience that goes beyond price—it’s about value at every level. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a championship-caliber round, the courses and resorts of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance deliver top-tier quality, diverse layouts, and unforgettable play. Here, your dollar goes further, and the experience is second to none.