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The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in Top Shape
Earlier this week, I hit the road and headed to one of the most beautiful parts of Minnesota to check in on the folks at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay. If you've not made the trip to this part of the state, it's worth the drive, but be sure to bring your golf clubs (maybe a boat as well if you fish!) because you will find three of the best golf courses in the upper midwest. The Wilderness, like the courses at Giants Ridge, are consistently ranked in Golf Digest's list of top public courses and the reasons are obvious at the moment you walk on the property.Tower, Minnesota is God's country. True Northwoods and totally breathtaking. Set in the middle of the Iron Range, The Wilderness sits on top of granite ridges. There are spectacular views of Lake Vermilion and dense woods filled with white and red pines, evergreens and rock outcroppings that make some of the most dramatic accents. The golf course, designed by Jeffery Brauer, is thoughtful, fair and plenty long at 7,207 yards.
With 4 sets of tees, there's a distance for everyone. While up there, I played from the white tees, at 6,147 yards. Not real long, but plenty challenging. The course right now is in fabulous condition. Tom Beaudry, the general manager, says June was challenging with quite a bit of rain, but what they endured last month is now paying off with a course that is in top condition. I also spent some time talking to sales and marketing director, Leah Tomasetti, who filled me in on their "Name the Signature Hole" contest that's going on. Here's what she had to say:
There's still plenty of summer left in Minnesota and if you're considering a trip to play in the land of 10,000 lakes, be sure to block of some time to hit The Wilderness at Fortune Bay.
One of Minnesota's Best Par 3's
Posted by Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort
If there's a more scenic par three in the state of Minnesota, heck, if there's a more scenic hole in the state, I'd like to see it. The par 3, 17th hole at the Legend course at Giants Ridge is nothing short of sensational. It's one of those holes that is so beautiful, you hate to wreck it with a lousy tee shot. In a recent trip, I made my attempt.-Ed Heil / EMGA Executive Director
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay - A Word from the Superintendent
Posted by The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Sunny days have made a world of a difference on the golf course over the past few weeks, and from a playability standpoint, the golf course is now truly offering a challenge to all players-particularly when the course is firm and fast. This is much different than most of the month of June, when rainfall and gloomy days made the course soft and slow.Funny how many people say and think that golf courses are easier to manage when rainfall is plentiful. This could not be further from the truth. Wet conditions due to excessive rainfall increase the need for labor inputs such as repairing bunker washouts and mowing with greater frequency. While occasional rainfall is welcome in relief of a long extended dry spell, consistent rainfall on consecutive days only makes us lose control of the playability of the golf course and at times forces the dreaded cart path only ruling. Let us hope that our luck holds with the weather and that summer-like conditions prevail for the rest of the year.
July News from Stonebrooke!
Posted by Stonebrooke GC
July is a busy, exciting month at Stonebrook! Check out all the great deals and offers!New Twilight Hours
Golf twilight rates now start at 1:30 pm EVERYDAY. Take advantage of the great twilight rate of $42.00 plus tax. Super-twilight now starts at 4:00 pm for $39.00 plus tax.
Senior Golf and Lunch Special
On Mondays and Wednesdays, any senior (60 and over) playing golf will receive a complimentary lunch after golf. Pay our already great senior rate of $37.00 plus tax and receive 18 holes, shared cart, and lunch valid on the day you golf.
Upcoming Golf Tournaments
Couples Nine and Dine
Saturday, July 24th 5:30 Shotgun
$70 per couple includes green fees, cart and dinner buffet after golf. Everyone is invited to play in this FUN golf event. After golf enjoy a dinner buffet. Limited to the first 36 couples so sign up today.
Derby Days Tournament
Sunday, August 8th at 2:00pm
Two-Person teams and the format is 6 holes scramble, 6 hole alternate shot and 6 holes best ball. The cost is $100 per team and includes prizes, shared cart and green fees.
Lions Tap Fall 2 Person Showcase
September 18th and 19th
Stonebrooke Golf Club and the Ridges at Sand Creek would like to invite you to the 2010 Lions Tap Fall 2 Person Tournament. This 36 hole event will feature an 18 Hole Best Ball at Stonebrooke Golf Club and an 18 Hole Scramble format at Ridges at Sand Creek.
Golf Lessons with PGA Professional Paul Schubring
Clinics and Cocktails
Thursdays July 22, 29, August 5th and 12th
$110/person
Price includes lessons and first beverage immediately following golf.
For more information and to register for events, visit www.stonebrooke.com. See you at Stonebrooke!
June Winner of the Play & Stay Package
At last we've named and notified our winner of the Explore Minnesota Golf Play & Stay package give away. It's Karen Eslinger from Cadott, Wisconsin. She's won a trip for two at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN with play at the award winning course, The Quarry.Congratulations Karen and we look forward to your visit to Minnesota.
The Best Kept Secret in the Brainerd Lakes Area - Golden Eagle
Posted by Golden Eagle GC
If you love Minnesota golf and you've not been to Golden Eagle in Fifty Lakes, you're missing out. Bruce McIntosh has one of the greatest pieces of land in the state and one of the finest golf courses in the upper Midwest. Check this out, the vistas are fabulous and unmatched in the state.NEW: Active Duty Military Rate!
Posted by Legends Club
In honor of the men and women who serve our country, Legends Golf Club is offering a special Active Duty Military Rate. This rate is available to all active military members, active duty military ID must be shown at check in, Mondays-Thursday prior to 12:00 p.m.Check out Tee Times online at www.legendsgc.com.
Rush Creek in Top Condition as Summer Hits Full Swing
Posted by Rush Creek GC
Has anyone seen June? As I write this looking at the calendar, I can’t believe we are already past the 4th of July. Hopefully everyone has had a chance to play at least a few rounds so far with more scheduled to come. Read MoreSizzling Summer Golf Packages at Grand View Lodge
Posted by Grand View Lodge
As the temps heat up here in Minnesota, so do the deals at Grand View Lodge!Super Sundays (July 11 & 18, August 1 & 15, September 19 & 26): $159
Enjoy deluxe lodging with a breakfast buffet and 18-holes with cart at The Pines and The Preserve!
July Midweek Golf Special (Sunday-Thursday): Starting at $179
Take advantage of a 1-night/ 2 Round or 2-night/ 3 Round golf package including deluxe lodging with breakfast buffet and 18-holes with cart at The Pines, The Preserve and Deacon's Lodge (with 3 Round package).
Ultimate Unlimited Golf (Sunday-Thursday nights only): Starting at $329
Any golfer's dream! Enjoy 1 or 2 nights deluxe lodging with breakfast buffet and unlimited golf with cart at all 72 holes - The Pines, The Preserve, Deacon's Lodge and The Garden!
Call 866.801.2951 for more information on all these great offers!
