We have golfed along the ocean in Florida and other places. But this is the most beautiful course we have played. The background to each hole is a mountain, the Lake, or other natural features like a river and waterfall. We walked the Canyon course which was a decent workout given the elevation changes hole to hole.
Girls weekend/Golf trip--beautiful and challenging course! A must play if you visit the area in the summer. Clubhouse was pretty basic, but you're there to golf.
It's a well-maintained natural beauty. You have to see it to believe it...gushing mountain streams, flowers, views of Lake Superior and mountain lodges! The staff is very professional and friendly. I struck up a conversation with a member of the grounds staff and he raved about what a great boss he has and how much fun they all have working together...this attitude is evident everywhere!
The rugged and beautiful area make this golf course one of amazing vistas and views. The holes are perfectly customized to flow along with the natural shape of the terrain. Even if you have a bad game, the views alone are well worth the modest greens fees.
We would like to apologize about your experience in the clubhouse after golfing. New management of the course is in effect for the 2015 season, the clubhouse and service to our guests are going to be two things we are focusing on. We are aware of how unacceptable of a job some of our employees have done this past season and will guarantee that it does not happen again. diddleybo, we hope that you can make it back next summer and your first beverage after your round is on us!
Having golfed in more than 40 states and 15 countries, I'd call this one of the best public golf courses in the country. Golf Digest agrees. In 2008-09, it rated this as the #1 muny course in Minnesota. http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-courses/golf-courses/2009-08/bestmunys_in50statesThere are 27 holes. Several play over the rushing Poplar River. Although each "9" features woods and many views of Lake Superior (about 1/2 - 1 mile away from the course, the "Canyon" nine holes are incredible. #5 may be the toughest 295 yard par 4 I've ever seen. You start up about 100 feet below the narrow fairway - river to the right, deep grass and wild flowers to the left, on a severe slant. If you manage to hit your drive into the fairway, you are faced with one of the most severely slanted (to the front) greens I've ever seen. If the pin is on the upper level (which it usually is), it's almost impossible to land a shot on the lower level and have it run up. More likely (and I've had lots of experience with this, even a good shot to the lower level runs to the bottom, front of the green. And a 2 putt from the lower level? Haven't done it yet.This brings you the 6th hole on Canyon - a 133 par three, another 100 foot drop, right over the river. This is not so hard as the previous whole but it is spectacular. Then, the 8th hole on Canyon is another deep drop, hitting directly at Lake Superior. There are many lovely holes, and it is possible to get a discount if you are staying at the Lutsen Lodge. Also, if you reserve on-line you can save $. This is really fun golf. And I've played it at 6;30 OR 7:00 AM, which means that I zoomed through it. Did I mention the fox I saw on the 1st fairway in my most recent round?
Superior National is a great course to play right before fall hits. The views are beautiful, you can see both the 'mountains' and the lake.Some holes on the canyon course you get to play right over a river which is tons of fun. Fingers-crossed you don't lose too many balls to the river-Gods.
This is overall a nice golf course because of the views. We have been here a few times, and the course does not quite seem up to par with quality though. It is expensive, but because of nature and the views, the course is worth the price in my eyes. I have golfed the mountain and the river course. My favorite of the two is the river course.
This is one of the funnest and most spectacular courses around. I am not a huge or professional golfer but just love Lutsen - the holes are not too difficult (but still difficult enough!) and every single one makes you stop to look out over Lake Superior. We also hope for a bear or deer sighting - and are rarely disappointed. What fun!
This course is my favorite course I have ever played. I have played torey pines, and turtle bay in Hawaii both are PGA tournament courses but in my mind superior national has more to see. It has rivers running through the canyon and river course which I would recommend playing while there. If wildlife scares you this course may not be for you as I have seen deer, moose, bear and fox while playing this course.If you are not a great golfer bring lots of golf balls this course has water on 13 of the 18 holes you will play and it eats golf balls that end up in lake superior.This course is also very affordable and worth every dime as I have been playing this course twice a summer for twenty years, and it is a 5 hour drive from my home in the Minneapolis area.