Great Minnesota Golf Courses for Kids and Beginners

Updated July 2023

Some of the keys to golfing with children and beginners who are new to the game is making golf fun and finding novice-friendly courses that are enjoyable to play in a relatively short amount of time. Often, par 3 or executive golf courses are the perfect solution for these beginners. While you can certainly find standalone short courses for both the executive and beginner golfer, some championship courses may offer a 9-hole golf experience. Here in Minnesota, there are plenty of options. Here are a few to consider:

Golf Courses for Kids and Beginners

Braemar Golf Course, Edina, MN

Braemar Golf Course in Edina is known for its expansive practice area and now, its championship golf course. It is also the perfect place for new golfers to get started. With their accommodating driving range and short game area, the novice player can work on fundamentals before taking their skills to the course. At the appropriate time, they can graduate to the Academy 9 – a perfect intermediary step before taking on the full course. The Academy 9 is a manageable par 3 course with forward tees playing between 70 and 126 yards. For an accompanying adult interested in a steeper challenge, the tips range from 114 yards up to 242 yards. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone!

The Loop at Chaska, Chaska, MN

Once known as The Chaska Par 30, The Loop at Chaska is a course designed expressly for the adaptive golfer – a first for the world of golf! The course, which is scheduled to complete in the Fall of 2023, was originally known as the Chaska Par 30 and opened in 1971. Located just down the street from the first tee at Hazeltine National Golf Club, host of the 2016 and 2028 Ryder Cup Matches, the Loop promises to offer a welcoming and fun experience for all golfers!

Water’s Edge Par 30, Shakopee, MN

This Tom Haugen design opened for play in 1989 in Shakopee, MN and is Stonebrooke Golf Club’s 9 hole, par 30 course. For players learning the game there is a wonderful variety of holes that will provide a nice test for the beginner and intermediate golfers. Even a non-golfing parent that simply wants to enjoy a walk with a young golfer can take in an afternoon stroll. With many of the natural features of the full championship course at Stonebrooke, the setting is serene and peaceful. Whether you’re looking for a place to fine tune your game or an ideal place to develop a beginner’s golf skills, Water’s Edge Par 30 is the perfect setting.

Golf Vacation Destinations for Kids and Beginners

Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd, MN

In addition to the highly-rated The Classic at Madden’s, Madden’s is also home to the “Social 9” golf course, which is billed as “a place to have some fun”, and isn’t that what golf is all about? The entire family can enjoy the Social 9 with some challenging holes and others that are perfect for beginners to experience success and develop confidence in the game.

Cragun’s Legacy Par 3, Brainerd, MN

One of Minnesota’s top golf resorts is also home to a reversible par 3 golf course that also offers Foot Golf. Does it get any better than that? Cragun’s Legacy Par 3 course makes up 9 of the 45 holes of golf available at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake – they also may be the most enjoyable holes of golf! With holes that range between 55 and 225 yards, all golfers can enjoy this course. Uniquely reversible, this course was inspired by the classic at St. Andrews in Scotland. The direction of the course changes daily and is ideal for all skill levels and family members. 

This just scratches the surface when it comes to great Minnesota golf courses for kids and beginners. Check them all out and book a tee time or even a family getaway.