Minnesota's Fab Four

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, water is always in play

Nearly 120,000 visit Gull Lake in Brainerd during the summer.

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By Matt Ginella

Photos By Jensen Larson

August 2008

Reviewing our list of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, I was surprised to see Minnesota has four in the top 60, and California, with its dramatic coastline and warm weather, has just three. Time for a fact check. I plotted my course in the north-east quadrant of Minnesota so I could play all four.

This trip took me to the Quarry and the Legend at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Nos. 19 and 59, respectively, as well as the Classic at Madden's Resort in Brainerd, No. 42, and Deacon's Lodge in nearby Breezy Point, No. 52.

In 3½ days I drove 400 miles, stayed at three resorts, played 111 holes, caught one bass and one photographer (our lines crossed under the boat). On long, desolate drives, this big-city dweller was charmed to see signs for $2 domestic tap beers, an active drive-in theater and a town hall under the same roof as a U-Save Foods supermarket.

The Classic course at Madden's was my favorite. It was laid out and built by the superintendent, Scott Hoffmann, the only course on his design résumé. He moved almost no dirt, which makes the course feel like it's a natural trip through red oaks and rolling slopes. It's also the only one of the four where walking is a realistic option. I loved the par-5 16th. You'll know why when you reach your drive and look out over the picturesque property.

A close second to the Classic is the Quarry, which sits in the shell of a former sand quarry. Designed by Jeff Brauer, it's a double-diamond track in terms of difficulty. My favorite hole was the 296-yard 13th. You can hit anything from a 6-iron to a driver off the tee, but if you gamble and lose, your score will suffer: I hit driver right of right and deep into some trees, re-teed, hit driver again to 15 feet and just missed the par putt.

Deacon's Lodge, designed by Arnold Palmer and named in honor of his father, has some forced carries and changes in elevation and terrain. As you walk to the tee of the 174-yard 17th hole and take in the view, it's hard to keep the volume down on your inner monologue: "Cool." Loosely surrounded by marshes and a lake, the hole has the feel of playing to an island green.

The 155-yard 17th at the Classic is the shortest hole on the course. If the greens are running fast, don't be above the hole.

The Legend sits at the base of a small ski resort. The 14th through 17th are strong finishing holes, with an emphasis on the 216-yard 17th. You play over a corner of Sabin Lake. Pick a club, trust your swing, and as your ball sails over the water, remind yourself to breathe. The 18th is a generic, short par 4 and gets well-deserved grief.