David Parker
David Parker
David Parker
David Parker
David Parker
David Parker
David Parker
Northland Country Club
Northland Country Club
3901 E Superior St
Duluth, MN 55804-2099
United States
Overview
Northwood sits on an elevated site with arresting views of Lake Superior. Built in 1921, the steep terrain was baffling to route and challenging to build on in the era before most construction jobs used modern earth-moving equipment. Ross solved the puzzle by layering the holes up and down the slopes like switchback roads, forcing him to do things he ordinarily wouldn’t. The third hole climbs some 100 feet from tee to green, while the 10th plays across the pitched hill. Keeping the tee ball in the fairway is, at best, awkward. The greens do not have much interior contour, but the tilted surfaces require expert surveying skills. In recent years, some judicious tree clearing and a change in maintenance have resulted in firm and fast playing surfaces.
About
Awards
RANKING HISTORY:
100 Greatest: The course was part of Golf Digest's original 200 Toughest Courses list from 1966-'68.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 5, 1985-2001. Ranked inside the top 10 in 2005 and from 2009-'24. Ranked 12th, 2025-'26.
Previous ranking: 9th.
2025-'26 ranking: 12th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Northland Country Club, located in Duluth, Minnesota, presents a 1927 Donald Ross layout. Northland is a unique course which presents a wide range of scores in our categories. In some categories, I would rate Northland a Top 100 course. However, average (or less) scores in other categories weigh down the overall score. Northland offers average to below-average strategic choices, with few true risk/reward opportunities and restricted aggressive angles, especially on certain holes where terrain limits ground game options. The par 5 11th notably restricts the use of driver off the tee. Greens generally tilt back to front, reducing shot variety. Northland is not long or overly penal off the tee, with playable missed fairways due to less dense rough. The main difficulty lies in the complex greens, which have severe false fronts and greens that are extremely fast in summer conditions and present with strong frain (unusual for the midwest) and subtle breaks. The course lacks varied hole shapes, with mostly straight par 4s and 5s and only one true dogleg. However, the layout features significant elevation changes, playing both up and down a large ridgeline, and a traditional out-and-in routing that efficiently uses the property's S-shaped layout. Generally, leftward tee shots are penalized throughout the layout while rightward bailouts are easier. Where Northland excels is in its visual appeal, offering commanding views of Lake Superior on numerous holes, beautiful pine trees, ridgeline rock outcroppings, and some appealing native fescue. Ongoing tree removal over the last several years has enhanced sightlines dramatically. The par 4 13th offers a dramatic "infinity pool" like backdrop on the approach shot, and the elevated tee shot on the short, downhill 15th offers a view that can be considered a poor man's Pebble Beach view. The distictive character of Northland is another area in which the course stands out. The course has a unique personality shaped by its property and water adjacency. Its layout includes six holes on a lower level with undulation and twelve holes traversing a large ridgeline, with narrow uphill and downhill transitions. This distinctive routing creates a memorable and satisfying walking experience. Unfortunately, the far north location and short growing season presents subpar playing conditions. While turf is generally dry and firm during peak seasons, patchy and unhealthy fairway turf affects play -- and aesthetics -- in some areas."
Read More2025
Review
“Another fantastic Ross routing set on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. The infinity green on #13 is really unique. Good conditioning of greens which were very challenging without having nutty sloped. Course might get into the Top 200 with major improvements to the condition of fairways, bunkers and wild areas. Fairways were inconsistent with good growth bordered by dead patches. Some bunkers were OK while sand depth on others was very inconsistent. Wild areas could use some cleanup with removal of unsightly weeds."
Read More2025
Review
“Ross classic on Lake Superior Excellent - only knock is the course conditions are not where they need to be on this classic"
Read More2024
Review
“This course is a blast. Played nice and firm when I was here and you really had to think about your landing spots. I never get tired of this course and am excited every time I get to play it."
Read More2021
Review
“Great Donald Ross course. At the time of play very firm fairways, with greens that were receptive. A fun course to play."
Read More2020
