Being scolded was the not the welcome we expected as we walked through the door at Stalker Lake Golf Course. Only kidding, Sheri! Of course we deserved it, as we’d left the door open to let the dive-bombing bees invade the clubhouse. Now that we had done damage to the clubhouse, it was time to see what type of adversity we would encounter on the course.
The tee box at Hole #1 is adjacent to the front door of the clubhouse and the view is superb. This number one handicap hole is a par 5 that starts to the left and then curves back to the right, and has plenty of trouble for any shots that are either wide to the left or right. Nothing like starting your round with the hardest hole on the course. Hole #2 is a fantastic risk/reward hole. This par 4 has a 90 degree dogleg to the right and it is guarded by a pond and large trees. So how much do you try to cut off? Or even go over the trees? Good luck at the second hardest hole on the course! Love the opening two holes!
Hole #3 is a par 3 of 216 yards from the white tees. There is trouble to the left and water issues behind the green. The putting surface is large, however any long shot may roll off the back edge and into the pond. Just for the record, this is the 3rd hardest hole. The par 4 fourth hole is a dogleg left with a blind tee shot that needs to carry the hill and miss the trees to the left for any chance of reaching (or seeing) the green. This is the second time in four holes that I will mention – risk/reward.
It’s finally time for a little relief at Hole #5. This Par 3 is “only” 160 yards and is relatively hazard free. Hole #6 sweeps to the right and the perfect path for Woody’s high majestic slicing tee shot. This par 4 is only 285 yards, but there are plenty of mature trees that will be problematic to any wayward shots. The fairway is a good choice to land your tee shot at the par 4 seventh hole. The hole curves to the left and any big slice is well…fuhgeddaboutit. If you try to beat the dogleg, the large trees and native grasses may bring the same result…fuhgeddaboutit. Another good risk/reward hole for the daredevil in our group – DC (Driver Crushed) Dave.
…and now for something completely different for this course – a straight par 4 at Hole #8. A birdie is waiting at this 266 yard hole. These senior golfers decided to increase our birdie chances by moving up to the 225 yard tee box – it didn’t help! If your tee shot can’t find the massive fairway on Hole #9, your first order of business as you finish this hole is not grabbing a beer in the clubhouse, but scheduling a lesson to help with harnessing the direction of your drives. By the way, did I forget to mention the large pond that fronts the green? If your iron approach forgets to carry this pond, think about adding this to the lesson. An excellent finishing hole!
Rating – Ace (55 out of 60): You just never know what to expect as you put together a golf trip in a land far, far, away. We always like to support small family business’ and the Swonger Family has done a fantastic job with this course. I’m so glad Sheri allowed us to stay!
After your round (if lessons are not the first order of business), take a seat on the patio that overlooks the first and ninth holes and enjoy that post-round beer and burger at the Stalker Lake Bar & Grill.
This was an excellent conclusion to the MN, SD, ND, +4: The Final Frontier – 50 in 75 Golfing Adventure.
2025 Update: With the highest rating of all the courses we played in 2025, this is the Always Time for 9 Course of the Year!
15786 Golf Course Rd., Dalton, MN 56324; 218-589-8591; www.golfstalkerlake.com
