THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is the premier golf dome in the Chicago area. So come enjoy golf on Toptracer, get lessons or club fittings. But while you are there, bring your taste buds and have them ready for food and beverage in McWethy’s Sports Bar. To book your hitting bay go online to MistwoodGolfDome.com or call (630)-739-7600.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Rory on the Quarry at Giants Ridge in Minnesota.
GIANTS RIDGE is a full year round resort in Northern Minnesota.
Golf in the summer, and if you enjoy skiing or other outdoor winter sports, it’s the place to go in the winter.
But for you golfers Giants Ridge has two outstanding golf courses. The Quarry the #1 public course in Minnesota, and the Legend that sits in the Top 10 list, of public courses in Minnesota.
Welcome to Giants Ridge in Biwabik Minnesota.
Both courses were designed by golf architect Jeff Brauer, who hit two home runs in designing these 36 holes.
The golf courses have a practice area, that sits on near the first tee of the Quarry Course. But this large range is not only great for golf practice, but to see wildlife that could drop by to watch you hit range balls.
A group of golfers this past summer had a large deer come out of the trees, run down the center of the driving range, and stopped up by the tee box to welcome all the golfers to Giants Ridge.
The Par 4, 13th hole on the Quarry Course, offers strategic challenges off the tee box, and into the green.
The Quarry Course is #1 public in Minnesota, and it’s easy to see why.
Starting right off the first tee is a good par 4 opening hole. Because it provides enough challenge, without being very difficult.
But the second hole called St. James is a 575 yard par 5, that creates a challenge off the tee. Because if you don’t hit your tee shot with some right-to-left, the second shot requires some real carry over a waste area, to where the fairway comes back into play.
The 18th fairway on the Quarry, with the clubhouse in the rear behind the green.
The Quarry like the Legends has some great elevation change. So if you enjoy golf where you get a little bump off the tee box, you will love both courses at Giants Ridge.
Water and ravines come into play on a few holes over the two courses. But they create very scenic holes, and ones that leave you pumped when you hit a good tee shot.
One of the more unique par 5’s you will ever play, is the par 5, third hole on the Legends Course. So can you crush over Big Foot’s foot print. Because if you can, this par 5 can be a makeable birdie.
The par 3 17th on the Legend Course requires a carry over water, to this table top green.
The Legend Course has an amazing set of par 3 holes, that one doesn’t often find.
Brauer made excellent use of the land to mix in challenges on the tee shots.
Whether you are just carrying bunkers, a ravine, or the water. Legend’s par 3 holes will test your game, and when you hit it good the rewards are great.
Another thing that is great is the Wacootah Grille. Because if you enjoy dining inside or outside in the summer months, the Wacootah Grille has several great options. You can’t miss with the Omelet’s, French Toast or breakfast sandwiches in the morning. The burgers or sandwiches for lunch. Steaks and ribs for dinner. But if pizza is your choice, head just a few minutes into Biwabik, and try Vi’s Pizza and TNT Bar.
Lodging is very comfortable in the villa’s that have multiple levels and do spread out. But if your skier, head to Giants Ridge now. But if your not, think ahead to this summer and book your golf travel at GiantsRidge.com or call (800)-688-7669.
See more photos on Facebook Rory Spears page, or on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.