News Summary

Central Minnesota offers golfers a plethora of choices with over a dozen public courses and two private courses near St. Cloud. A poll has opened for locals to vote on their favorite courses, promoting community engagement. Notable courses include Albany Golf Club, Angushire Golf Course, and Blackberry Ridge, each providing unique challenges and amenities. This variety caters to golfers of all skill levels and encourages a vibrant local golfing community.

St. Cloud

Central Minnesota golfers have a wealth of options when it comes to public and private golf courses, as over a dozen public courses and two private courses are available within a convenient half-hour drive of St. Cloud. For those seeking premier golfing experiences, St. Cloud is just over an hour from PGA Tour-level championship courses located in the Twin Cities.

A poll has opened for local golfers to voice their opinions on their favorite courses, allowing residents to cast their votes until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. This initiative encourages participation from the community and highlights the diverse golfing experiences available in the region.

Local Gems and Course Highlights

Among the standout courses in Central Minnesota is the Albany Golf Club, known for its recently remodeled clubhouse and pro shop, which features the Greenside Grille. Albany Golf Club is distinguished by its water features, including a creek and retention ponds, alongside fast greens and a technical back nine. Notable holes include the scenic par 3 hole 11, and hole 17, which presents a challenge with a drive over a creek.

Angushire Golf Course differentiates itself by providing nine holes of golf without the need for tee times, making it an attractive option for those looking for an impromptu round. This course is open from March through October.

Blackberry Ridge located in Sartell is considered one of the longest courses in the area, stretching nearly 7,000 yards. The course offers a mix of wooded and link-style holes, including four long par fives and challenging par 3s, along with a driving range and Grill19 for dining options.

Boulder Ridge, situated north of St. Cloud Tech High School, features few water hazards, making it ideal for quick rounds of golf. The course includes a driving range and a clubhouse for added convenience.

Course Developments and Unique Features

The Kimball Golf Club has expanded from a nine-hole to an 18-hole course, boasting mature trees and rolling hills, with a standout feature being the island green on hole 15. Oak Hill is noted for its well-kept fairways and affordable green fees, offering four tee boxes catering to beginners and a clubhouse menu that includes breakfast options.

Pebble Creek Golf Club located in Becker offers a variety of challenging holes suitable for intermediate to advanced golfers and is routinely used for state championships. Rich Spring Golf Course is recognized for its tight fairways and shaded greens, providing good value and regularly hosting local tournaments.

River Oaks Golf Course features picturesque holes overlooking the Sauk River, combined with multiple water hazards and dogleg challenges on the back nine. The St. Cloud Country Club, the oldest course in the area, has recently undergone renovations and provides stunning views of the Mississippi River; however, it requires a membership to play. Stone Creek Golf Course flaunts open fairways complemented by sand traps and ponds, along with a bar and grill for its guests.

Diverse Offerings and Community Engagement

Territory Golf Club is characterized by spacious fairways punctuated with water features and large, demanding greens that challenge short games. At Three Tees Golf Course, a new restaurant is currently under construction, aimed at enhancing community engagement among local players. Travelers Golf Course presents a laid-back atmosphere with nine private holes nestled among houses and trees, ideal for members seeking relaxation. Veterans Golf Course, maintained by the city, features predominantly par 3 holes, offering affordable access for local golfers. Finally, Wapicada Golf Course excels in scenic views, integrating water hazards with a blend of challenging and shorter holes, as well as a large practice green.

This comprehensive range of courses in Central Minnesota not only caters to golfers of all levels but also fosters a sense of community and engagement within the local golfing scene.

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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