As I walked this course, my thoughts traveled back in time to my father’s WWII service in the Army Air Force and all those brave men and women who served to make this a strong and safe nation. Thank You! And Fort Snelling Golf Course thanks you with their $7 greens fee for veterans.
We let the Armchair Piper have the honor of the first shot at Hole #1 as he is the only veteran of the group, having served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Well done sir, as he ripped one down the middle at this 90 degree dogleg right par 4. If you accidentally happen to “hit one on the screws” and your ball continues to go straight through the fairway, you might end up on a runway at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It is my understanding that once upon a time this hole went straight, but airport expansion required a major redesign for this hole and course. Large trees line both sides of the fairway and there is almost no way to “fly” the grove that guards the bend at the dogleg – but we will surely have one of our group that will try. Gary, the gentleman in the clubhouse, mentioned that this may be the toughest opening hole in the whole county.
Hole #2 is a straight par 4 of 280 yards with those large, mature trees to the left that will cause trouble. The right side of this hole is relatively safe. It’s decision time at the “risk/reward” third hole. Another 90 degree dogleg to the right, but a long, high ball flight might be able to clear the trees on the right. DC (Driver-Crushed) Dave will “tee it high and let it fly”! Hole #4 is a long, tight (200 yard) par 3, but a large green awaits your soft-landing tee shot.
The dogleg left fifth hole has DC Dave salivating again. There is just enough daylight to take on the “risk/reward” tee shot, and of course he does! This is a fun stretch of holes as we make our way around the middle of the course. You will also have a great view of planes taking off from this vantage point. There are only two sets of tees – white and red. Each play about the same distance, except Hole #6. At the only par 5, the white plays from 461 yards and the red is 371 yards. Plenty of tree trouble at this dogleg left hole, and even DC Dave had to throttle back at this number one handicap hole.
It’s Woody’s turn to accept the “risk/reward” challenge at Hole #7. Another 90 degree curve to the right as we circle back to the clubhouse. This design works perfectly for his high towering fade/slice to the right. It’s only 288 yards, but there is a reed-filled pond lurking to the right. I love it! The only straight holes on the course are the par 3’s. How do all the veterans who play this course regularly attack the par 4, 270 yard eighth hole that has a 90 degree detour to the left? The choices are to hit it down the fairway; try to hit a low stinger through the trees; or up and over the trees (and building). I tried to find the fairway, but pulled it through the trees, through the parking lot, and just short of the green. Not ideal, but I escaped with a par.
At Hole #9, you finish with a par 3 with a raised, crowned green that will divert any shot that is short, left, or right.
Rating – Birdie (49 out of 60): I don’t know how much of this course was changed when they lost ground to the airport expansion, but it would have been interesting to be part of the architectural design team. If you like short doglegs that offer many risk/reward shots, this course is for you. They have done an excellent job with the design and routing of this track that has limited space for 9 holes.
The course was in good shape and the clubhouse staff was friendly, helpful, and fun (especially Gary). If you are looking for a quick 9 before leaving town, this wold be an excellent choice. No tee times are accepted. This is a first come; first served city course.
5701 Leavenworth Avenue, Fort Snelling, MN 55111; 612-230-6523; www.minneapolisparks.org
