Minnesota Golf Courses in the City of Rochester

Minnesota golf courses come in a wide variety, from 9-hole mom and pop operations to 54-hole resort complexes and we have been discussing different destinations in this series of articles. Today we will highlight the city of Rochester in the southeastern portion of the state.

Rochester is located approximately 85 miles southeast of the Twin Cities on Hwy. 52. Rochester is known worldwide as the home of the Mayo Clinic. There are plenty of places to stay and other activities to participate in while in Rochester when you are done golfing. A good reference site is www.rochestercvb.org, which is the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau, but we are here to primarily discuss the golf opportunities that Rochester has to offer.

The golf courses in Rochester and telephone numbers are:
÷ Eastwood Golf Club 1-507-281-6173
÷ Maple Valley Golf and Country Club 1-507-285-9100
÷ Meadow Lakes Golf Club 1-507-285-1190
÷ Northern Hills Golf Club 1-507-281-6170
÷ Oak Summit Golf Course 1-507-252-1808
÷ Rochester Golf and Country Club 1-507-282-3170
÷ Soldier's Memorial Field Golf Course 1-507-281-6176
÷ Willow Creek Golf Course 1-507-285-0305
As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to play golf in Rochester. You can either come for a weekend or stay for a week and never have to play the same golf course twice.

Eastwood Golf Club: Eastwood Golf Club is city owned golf course that is located in the southeastern part of the city. This facility is an 18-hole course that plays 6,205 yards from the back tee markers. Par at Eastwood Golf Club is 70. The course rating is 69.6 and the slope index is 121. The green fee for 18-holes is $26.75 and golf cart rentals are available for $24.00 for 18-holes. If you have a group outing planned in the Rochester area you can rent the entire golf course for half or full day. Contact the golf course management staff for more details.

Maple Valley Golf and Country Club: Maple Valley is a par 71, 18-hole golf course. The course plays at 5,916 yards from the back tee markers with a course rating of 68.1 and a slope index of 108. Maple Valley Golf Course is located approximately 15 minutes south of the city of Rochester in the beautiful Root River bluff country. Elevation changes in this area of the state are quite dramatic so don't let the yardage of this course deceive you.
Weekend 18-hole rates are $31.00 plus tax. A power cart can be rented for $14.00 per person plus tax.

Meadow Lakes Golf Club: Meadow Lakes Golf Club is an 18-hole par 71 "links style" course and has water hazards on 15 of the 18 holes. There are two island greens featured at Meadow Lakes. There are four sets of tee markers to choose from to challenge golfers of all abilities. Power carts are also available for rent. After your round of golf, don't forget to stop in the lounge for cold refreshments.

Northern Hills Golf Club: Northern Hills Golf Club is a city owned golf course that is located in the northwestern part of the city. Northern Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole facility that plays 6,335 yards from the back tee markers with a course rating of 70.9 and a slope index of 129. Green fee for 18-holes is $26.75 and golf cart rentals are available for $24.00 for 18-holes. If you have a group outing planned in the Rochester area you can rent the entire golf course for half or full day. Contact the golf course management staff for more details.

Oak Summit Golf Course: Oak Summit Golf Course is located five miles south of the city of Rochester and just •1/4 mile west of the Rochester Municipal Airport. Oak Summit Golf Course is an 18-hole par 70 facility that features 4 sets of tee markers. The course plays 6,434 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 71.0 and a slope index of 118. The cost to play at Oak Summit Golf Course is $25.00 for 18-holes with power cart rental available for $14.00 per person additional.

Rochester Golf and Country Club: Rochester Golf and Country Club is a private members-owned club located on the western edge of the city. You will have to be a guest of a member to play here or if you are moving to the Rochester area you can apply for membership. There are also non-resident memberships available if you live 40 miles away from Rochester. The Rochester Golf and Country Club features four sets of tee markers, the course plays at 6,469 from the back tees with a course rating of 71.4 and a slope index of 131. If you are in the area and have the ability to get in a round, it certainly will be an adventure for you to experience the history of this club that dates back to 1915.

Soldier's Memorial Field Golf Course: Soldier's Memorial Field Golf Course is a city owned course that is located in the center of the city that was built in 1927 and the Zumbro River runs through the course. The course plays just 5,706 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 66.8 and a slope index of 116. Strategy and ball placement are vital to scoring well as the Zumbro River comes into play on several holes. Green fee for 18-holes is $26.75 and golf cart rentals are available for $24.00 for 18-holes. If you have a group outing planned in the Rochester area you can rent the entire golf course for half or full day. Contact the golf course management staff for more details.

Willow Creek Golf Course: Willow Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole par 70 course that plays 6,053 yards from the back tees. There is also Little Willow 9-hole executive course that plays 1,434 located on the property. The weekend rate to play 18-holes is $26.00. There are also power carts for rent at Willow Creek. After your round of golf don't forget to stop by the 19th Hole Lounge for a cold beverage and a sandwich from the daily menu.

The Rochester area is filled with variety, not only in the choices of golf courses but also in accommodations and other points of interest in the area. Whether you decide to stay for a weekend or a week, and choose to stay in a Bed and Breakfast or a luxury hotel, Rochester has something for everyone. When making plans for your summer vacation make it a Minnesota rural golf vacation!

Copyright 2006 Dana Buttenhoff