HPR’s 9-hole Golf Scramble
Team HPR set out to find the best golf courses in the area. By exploring our own turf as well as the surrounding areas, we’ve come up with what we believe to be the highlights of golf courses in the area. In the spirit of golf, we present you with a 9-hole scramble of these various courses. We’ve selected one premier hole from each course to discuss in detail, complete with an informative description of the overall courses as well.
Rose Creek (1500 Rose Creek Pkwy S, Fargo)
18 holes of glorious game play, scenery and wildlife, Rose Creek is an oasis of outdoor enjoyment in our own backyard (quite literally for some South Fargo residents). One does not have to venture far for professional-grade action. Managed by PGA Golf Pro Matt Cook, the course is well kept and in a perpetual state of pristine condition. It has gorgeous landscaping complete with the most amazing display of wildlife we’ve seen on our series of golf course pilgrimages. Rose Creek is home to geese, ducks, turtles, koi, and even deer and minks (we have minks in Fargo?). Their signature hole is number 12 and for good reason. This par 5 is a bit of a doozy. The fairway is encompassed by water hazards on either side, leaving little margin for error and one hell of a challenge for golfers of any skill level. Should you make it through, the satisfaction is quite rewarding.
Seasons, the course’s club restaurant, also serves up some fine dining to match the quality of the course.
Osgood (4400 Clubhouse Dr S, Fargo)
Osgood, a 9-hole course in South Fargo, is unique in that it is modeled after a traditional links course. Quick terminology lesson: the links course originates in Scotland, and typically hosts high winds, thick rough and pot bunkers. While they do have water hazards at Osgood, the seas of prairie grass that surround the fairways are more abundant and equally threatening. Should you slice or cut into the forbidden tall grass zones, it might as well be under water because you’re likely to spend a great deal of time trying to find your ball. In addition, the open fields that comprise the course are mostly absent of trees, making our forceful prairie winds a formidable element to overcome - reminiscent of traditional links mainland courses.
Hole 2 is their premier hole, rated the number 1 handicap hole. You must flirt with sand traps on the right to lineup the perfect follow-up shot. For the more daring player, you can try for a shorter follow-up shot to the left, but there a water hazard and more sand await.
Justy’s BBQ, an offshoot of Justy’s in Hawley, MN, also happens to have amazing brisket, pulled pork and all kinds of BBQ eats.
Edgewood (19 Golf Course Ave N, Fargo)
Edgewood in North Fargo is a piece of Fargo history, and a beautiful one at that. The trees are ancient and magnificent…if these tree limbs could talk, they would probably have a thing or two to say about improving your golf game. Their signature hole is number 8. A pond skirts all the away down the left side of the fairway, and the wise old trees have a cruel sense of humor as they devour your ball on the right. To get on the green you have to have almost sniper-like aiming and skill to avoid the additional pond and sand trap that surround it. And even then, a well placed shot on the green can quickly turn disastrous when subjected to its high-angle slanting. Any golfer has reason to fear number 8. It is truly a gauntlet of golf.
Edgewood’s restaurant, Divots, has a very clean and relaxing atmosphere and good food to boot.
Meadows (401 34th St S Moorhead)
Like the Wildflower resort, Meadows was also designed by the reputable Joel Goldstrand. This clever layout has three holes that return to the clubhouse, making frequent breaks no problem. It is also a links course, with wind coming heavily into play. They even boast the saying, “If you’re not playing in the wind, you’re not playing golf.” Depending on the day and time of year you place this course, your entire golf experience may be different depending on which direction the wind is flowing.
Hole 18 is by far the most challenging. With two massive water hazards to the left and a sand trap and thick woods to your right, one must opt for precision over power in the initial drive, lest your ball go amiss.
Their clubhouse eats are in what’s called Lockwood’s Tavern and Grill with a fine pub-style menu.
Hawley Golf Course (301 Highway 10, Hawley)
The nice thing about Hawley’s golf course is that it takes on more of what we think of as Minnesota landscape. One doesn’t have to travel far into Minnesota before noticing that transformation. It first opened in 1923, and almost 90 years later it is still impeccably well groomed and remains both a good competitive and leisurely course depending on your skill level.
Their signature hole is number 2 for its impressive hilltop scenery. While there may be more taxing holes on the course, the view is simply breathtaking, and that alone makes it really stand out. It’s an 18-hole course, so it’s well worth the commute from Fargo. Their restaurant may not be as high caliber as some of the aforementioned ones, but it’s intended to be more of a snack bar really, offering burgers, chicken drummies, nachos, beer, mixed drinks and the like. Fully functional, and delicious.
Ironman (20664 County Highway 21, Detroit Lakes)
For the family golf outing with younger kids, Ironman is perfect. They are heavily child-oriented - they host all kinds of golf lessons for kids as well as kids’ tournaments. They host the largest junior tournament in the area.
All holes are par 3s, making it a perfect training course for the young or the beginner, and also for the casual adult game. The course plays quickly and the short holes really allow you focus on your short game.
Hole number 2 is the premier hole with a great view, water hazard and a precise angle of approach to be obtained.
We would be remiss if we did not mention the unique architecture of the clubhouse as well. You don’t see a clubhouse inside a geodesic dome very often.
Not to mention that they are fully comfortable with a BYOB policy, so don’t forget to pack a cooler full of delicious beverages at your own leisurely enjoyment
DLCC Country Club (24591 County Highway 22, Detroit Lakes)
The Detroit Lakes Country Club is home to two 18-hole courses. The Pine to Palm Course opened in 1916, and is the oldest course in Detroit Lakes. It makes one wonder how the groundskeeper was able to mow the whole course prior to the invention of motorized lawn mowers - a full time job to be sure.
The Lakeview course, opened in 1980, can be quite a challenge. There are traps bordering all 18 holes, so you had better work on your chip shot if you want to do well here. Hole 7 is the premier here, where you can overlook both courses from the tee area. Another magnificent spectacle of Minnesota beauty.
The clubhouse restaurant is a satellite of Fargo’s own Speak Easy, called Little Easy on the Green. Here we found the best food on our scramble. The quality of cocktails, service and atmosphere were equally impressive.
Wildflower (19790 County Highway 20, Detroit Lakes)
Wildflower has much to boast about. They were given 4 1/2 stars in Golf Digest and were also picked as one of Golf Digest’s Best 201 Places to Play in 2000. Home to many championships, the landscaping here is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You can’t help but be almost overwhelmed by the sense of vastness, with a skyline that envelopes you. It was designed by Joel Goldstrand, who is a man of reputation in the world of golf course design.
For whatever reason, hole number 2 is often the most difficult in our premier golf courses, and Wildflower continues that trend. Their second hole has been called the most difficult in the area.
Forest Hills (22931 185th St, Detroit Lakes)
The Forest Hills and its RV Resort make it finally possible to extend your golf excursion through the entire weekend without having to book a hotel. The RV lots have water, sewer, electricity and telephone hookups. An indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center are just a few of the additional amenities that come along with RVing at the Rolling Hills.
Forest Hills is an 18-hole championship course that’s as beautiful as any of the Minnesota courses mentioned, if not in the upper echelon of said picturesque courses. It boasts a skill level that can both challenge and train - a healthy medium for a family outing.
The 18th hole is perhaps the most challenging, but oh so beautiful if you can make it over the water hazard. Like Rose Creek in Fargo, Forest Hill’s water hazards are home to fantastic wildlife like deer, geese, ducks, etc. It’s an all-around amazing experience.
Izzos Sports Bar and Grill, the course restaurant, has fantastic food to offer. Their buffalo-style potato wedges (cleverly named buffalo chips) are a particular point of interest.
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