Course Tour
Designed by Top 100 Golf Course Architect & Champions Tour Player, Graham Marsh in 2000, this 18-hole championship design features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens. With many holes winding through beautiful wooded areas, rolling terrain, and natural wetlands, this par 71 is enjoyable for all skill levels across 6 sets of tees (Gold and Blue/White Combo NEW in 2023). The course measures from 4,664 yards from the forward tees, to 6,504 yards from the championship tees.
Castle on a Hill - “The Clubhouse”
At the top of a winding driveway, our clubhouse overlooks two lakes and the stunning stretch of holes from 7 to 9. The split-level clubhouse can comfortably host weddings, banquets, meetings, events and parties with up to 128 guests. The banquet room was completely updated in 2022 and the bar/patio in 2023.
With Tee Times Magazine stating we have “One of the Best Dining Views in the Midwest,” rest assured we are about way more than First-Class Golf out here.
Hole 1 - “Blind Squirrel” - Par 4
Your first swing of the day is an uphill “blind” one, with the design arching left over the summit of said hill. There’s more room out there than you think, but aim for the 150-yard marker to set up a gentle downhill approach. Don’t over-club in your descent to avoid a bad kick into the marsh, and beware the front-right, green-guarding bunker. This hole can easily be tamed, or it can kick you in the … umm … teeth.
Hole 2 - “Marsh Madness” - Par 4
A relatively easy hole if you can avoid the marsh fronting the back tees and all down the right side. The 150-yard marker is again a great aiming point from the back, and from the forward tees you can see the long, skinny green, so just aim for that (or a little left of it) and hope for a good lie.
Hole 3 - “Doghouse” - Par 4
As much bite as it has (tree) bark, go “yard” if you can, over the left corner of the natural tree fence guarding the right side of this dogleg right hole. Then again, the more you cut off over the trees, the worse your lie (in the doghouse) and approach angle could be to a tricky, steeply-sloped, multi-tiered green.
Hole 4 - “Corner Pocket - Par 3
The southwest corner of the property is also one of the highest points, with one of the shortest, easiest holes (if not “THE” easiest). No trick shots required, with few external elements to distract, beyond the late-evening summer sun and the occasional turkey call. Middle of the green is ideal, and don’t putt straight, as everyone knows straight putts don’t go in.
Hole 5 - “Cart Path Only” - Par 4
Just assume it is Cart Path Only. A steep downhill drop turns into a sharp dogleg-left fairway running between two sets of towering trees. Ignore all negative swing thoughts on the tee and remember proper position is key, ideally on the distant side of the visible fairway. I’d tell you that front, right, greenside bunker is no threat to you, but I’d be lying. Maybe you’ll get a good lie in it.
Hole 6 - “Foxy” - Par 4/3
One Good Looking Hole, with a Popular Fox Den to the Left, This is the first of a 4-hole Mink Lake stretch that rivals any Minnesota 4-hole stretch in beauty, and many a player’s favorite hole on the course. On the other hand, a strong breeze in your face could kneecap your tee shot, making the 100-yard carry seem like a mile. Hooks and slices both end up gone and the front entry to the green is steeper than it appears.
Hole 7 - “Pebble Beast” - Par 5
This wraparound lakeside beauty is Graham’s tribute to 18 at California’s Pebble Beach, and offers not one but two chances for you to duckhook a long shot into the water. Birds on the lake are quite common, but birdies from the lake are quite rare. This hole has “scorecard wrecker” written all over it. Half the time the wind is against you on this hole. The other half the time it’s not helping you.
Hole 8 - “The Island” - Par 3
The “relief” to hole 7’s “stress,” this short hole was listed as “One of Minnesota’s 10 Prettiest Par 3’s” by Tee Times Magazine, is Wild Marsh’s “Most Aced Hole” and marks the beautiful intersection of Mink and Buffalo Lakes. In other words, it’s right on the water.
Hole 9 - “Panorama” - Par 4
Don’t Go Left. Don’t look left, think left or even breathe left. (And yell “FORE” if you hit right!) The only “Road Hole” on the course requires a short carry off the tee and any long tee shot (iron or driver) down the middle sets you up for a relatively easy birdie opportunity. The upper level of the 9th hole gives you the most scenic panoramic view of the course and Mink Lake.
Hole 10 - “Perfect” - Par 4
Not too long. Not too short. Just right. Swing away freely but please avoid the houses to the left and respect the private properties. The green is perched on a hill and guarded by a shelf-like false front, making a good score tougher than it appears.
Hole 11 - “The Badlands” - Par 4
This is the first hole of our 3-hole stretch dubbed “The Badlands.” While not an “easy” tee shot from any box, with trouble left and OB right, it IS possible to navigate your way to the green with two decent, straight shots. (Please don’t play a ball from any of the neighbors yards, and don’t forget a courtesy wave to the upper windows of the house right of the green.)
Hole 12 - “Trouble” - Par 4
Buckle up! The middle hole of The Badlands, this is the most difficult hole on the back 9 according to many years of shot differential statistics. Don’t choke, accept triple bogey with grace if need be, bow to the golf gods, and head to the lucky 13th tee. And remember, 98.7% of short putts don’t go in.
Hole 13 - “Snap Hook” - Par 3
The last hole of “The Badlands,” it’s a Par 3 (yay) but a really hard one (boo). Trouble left. Trouble Right. Trouble Short. And hard to go long. Don’t bet on hitting this green with your tee shot. Then again, it IS possible to ace this hole, if you make it in the cup on your first shot.
Hole 14 - “Fenced In” - Par 4
Your ONE goal on this hole is to avoid hooking your tee shot into the left trees. Just as on hole 9, don’t even let “Left” enter your mind. Focus on the right side of the fairway…even the right rough. You can easily record a par on this hole if you can just get past that wooden left corner.
Hole 15 - “Holy Hill” - Par 4
Another hole simplified by a right-side tee shot, this one is also another left dogleg (6th of the round). Launching out of a forested chute, the left side of the hole yanks you towards the ditch and wetlands. Should you manage to avoid those wetlands, you’ll face a steeply sloped green where downhill puts can roll all the way off the putting surface and never be seen again.
Hole 16 - “Cow Belle” - Par 3
Professionally rated the easiest hole on the course (even though 4 is easier), this colorful, mounded 3-par tucked back into the southeast corner of the course is loaded with potential for both wildlife viewers and for ace-seekers. Think positive, make a good swing, dodge the crater bunker, then hope for a lucky bounce. Who knows…maybe today is your lucky day. But probably not.
Hole 17 - “Buffalo Run” - Par 5
Back-to-back Par 5’s close out the round, neither one all that hard if you can it the ball remotely long and straight. This 5-Par is all downhill—you really just have to get the ball started and forward momentum will carry you down the speed slot to the green. That said, be careful on the steep downhill approach as too far long is often too far gone.
Hole 18 - “Bye Buddy” - Par 5
(NOTE: Per Official 2024 Rules, the 10th Fairway is OB off the 18th Tee. Playing it otherwise is not playing the course correctly.) As you conclude your round you’ll pass Buddy the Buffalo, overlooking his beautiful home. For good luck make sure you always say “Hi” and “Bye” to Buddy. Hope You Found Your Fun! (And Thank you for the taking the Wild Marsh Course Tour!)