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Jun 15, 2023
Golfing in Rochester MN

Summer is an exceptional time to be outdoors enjoying the glorious sunshine in Rochester, Minnesota. If you’re looking for something fun to do while also spending time outdoors and engaging in a little friendly competition, then you might want to check out one of the area’s many excellent golf courses that are open to the public. The lush and scenic landscapes and challenging holes make the golf courses in and around Rochester an appealing option for golfers of all ability levels. Consider teeing off at one of the spots on this list over the summer.

Hadley Creek Golf Course and Learning Center

At Hadley Creek Golf Course and Learning Center, you’ll find a stimulating par-32, nine-hole golf course. You can also take advantage of the 350-yard driving range to practice your swing and perfect your aim. There are a variety of targets to choose from, allowing you to hit objects from various distances and angles. Two large practice putting greens give you an area to tweak your skills until you’re able to get the ball right into the hole every time you get a chance. Use the two short-game greens to really master the game.

Hadley Creek offers lessons during the summer for adults and juniors, so you can play regularly and improve your game. This golf course is also a First Tee facility, which means it strives to make golf affordable and accessible to everyone. Youth golfers have access to special programs that can help with fees and equipment, meaning they can simply enjoy playing golf.

Location: 2390 Hadley Hills Drive NE, Rochester.

Willow Creek Golf & Event Center

Make a reservation to tee off at Willow Creek Golf & Event Center. This 18-hole championship golf course offers some of the best greens in the area. It also has a nine-hole executive golf course that’s ideal if you only have time for a quick round or want a good place to learn how to play. You can gear up at the full-service pro shop, which offers everything you need to help you play your best game. 

The practice facilities give you an opportunity to take your skills up a notch with specific areas where you can improve every aspect of your play. Willow Creek’s incredible scenery makes it a romantic backdrop for a wedding or an enchanting place for an anniversary party. You can also rent the outdoor pavilion for your summer event and enjoy this amazing golf course that’s located right on the outskirts of town.  

Location: 1700 48th St. SW, Rochester.

Northern Hills Golf Course

Start off your day at Northern Hills Golf Course by hitting a few balls at the large driving range. When you’re ready to tee off, you can head to the first hole of the 18-hole, par-72 course. The beautiful green hills and large trees make it a relaxing place to swing your clubs. It’s also a challenging course that appeals to those with some skills in the game, although newer golfers should be able to navigate it as well. 

If you’re feeling hungry after your game, you can check out what’s cooking at the on-site restaurant, Northern Nineteen. This eatery offers a variety of appetizers, including soft pretzel bites and mozzarella sticks, burgers, and sandwiches. If you’re feeling up to it, there’s also a Northern Nightmare Wing Challenge, where you have 20 minutes to eat eight traditional Nightmare wings. You then have to wait five minutes without anything to drink, no dipping sauce to taste, no whining, no bathroom breaks, and no lip balm. If you can do it, the wings are free, and you get $20.

Location: 4721 W. Circle Drive NW, Rochester.

Soldiers Memorial Field

One of the best and most challenging courses in Rochester, Soldiers Memorial Field golf course has what you’re looking for when you want to enjoy a game of golf this summer. It’s located along the Zumbro River and has some of the best-designed greens in the area. Trying to make the shots over the river may prove challenging, but the well-bunkered greens and beautiful tree-lined fairways create a pleasant background while you make your way through each hole. This course is less than 6,000 yards, making where you place your ball and your overall strategy very important to winning.

While Soldiers Memorial Field is open to the public, it also holds tournaments and championships. Make sure to check that it’s available for public use before you load up your golf clubs and drive over to play a round at this course.

Location: 244 Soldiers Field Drive SW, Rochester.

Eastwood Golf Club

Eastwood Golf Club really does have it all, from its challenging terrain and natural beauty to its excellent staff and endless amenities. You’ll find Eastwood on the southeast side of Rochester, so don’t be surprised if you spot some wildlife while you’re putting, such as deer or turkeys. This is an 18-hole course with elevation changes that will challenge you and marshes and ponds that can swallow your ball in the blink of an eye. You’ll appreciate the challenge and beauty as you make your way through the pine, maple, and oak trees that surround the landscape.

Each hole has four sets of tees, making it good for golfers of all ability levels. There’s also a pro shop on-site where you can get anything you need to help you with your game. You can rent clubs and golf carts here as well, so there’s no reason not to go check it out.

Location: 3505 Eastwood Road SE, Rochester.

Zumbro Falls Golf Club

If you go just 15 minutes north of Rochester, you’ll find Zumbro Falls Golf Club. This unique nine-hole course has beautiful rolling hills and several ponds that make it just challenging enough for those looking to play a relaxing game. What makes this course stand out is that it has a vineyard on hole six. This not only adds to the beauty of the area but also makes it a great spot to go for a day of fun when the weather’s warm.

Location: 60146 U.S. Highway 63, Zumbro Falls.

Make Time To Tee Off This Summer

You can’t go wrong with a trip to one of these golf courses when you want to tee off this summer. Drop us a line if you know of any golf courses we missed. We love to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while we perfect our swing.

white golf ball on green grass field by Robert Ruggiero is licensed with Unsplash License