Have a great

2023 Golf Season!

Look inside for ideas on where
to plan your next golf outing.

Minnesota Newspaper Association’s 2022 Daily Newspaper of the Year

UNLOCK DIGITAL AT POSTBULLETIN.COM/ACTIVATE | ROCHESTER, MINN. | SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023 | $3

2023

FOR SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

2023's
Best Golf Deals
Les Fields: “The Godfather of Scan to put the
Rochester Golf” golf guide at
your fingetips
He shot a 71 (carrying just three clubs). all season long!
Saw Byron Nelson play RG&CC.
And is best known for his jazz band.

It’s your first time golfing this year.

What should you work on?

EAT. DRINK. GOLF.

THAN EAGL
KS! NICE!
Early E!
Birdie SPECIAL!
EVERYDAY 3PM-5PM

BOGO
BEER & COCKTAILS
ALL BEERS & COCKTAILS ARE BUY ONE, GET ONE!

Early
Eagle SPECIAL!
EVERYDAY 7PM-9PM &
SECOND
LOCA
COMINGTION
S
ALL DAY SUNDAY!
EASTWOOD G OON!!
O L F CO U RS E !
50 3505 EASTWOOD ROAD SE
CENT $9.99 BURGER ROCHESTER
BEER BASKET

(507) 516-1050 • TOWNIESUBS.COM • 244 SOLDIERS FIELD DR. SW

Scan for E-Paper

© 2023 Rochester Post Bulletin
7 days a week All rights reserved. W E E K E N D
 2 | GOLF GUIDE | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. POSTBULLETIN.COM

“The Godfather
of Rochester Golf ... Les Fields hits a
ceremonial first tee shot
to start the Hickory Stick

and Jazz”
Centennial Scramble in
2016 at the Rochester
Golf and Country Club.

Les Fields watched Byron Nelson break the RG&CC course record in 1945,
tied that record himself three decades later, and once shot a 70 (carrying
just three clubs).

by Paula LaRochelle

In the summer of 1945, the great golf champion Byron “He didn’t have a caddy or anything, but he used his on, the band continued to perform, sometimes up to 100
Nelson, who was getting treatment at Mayo Clinic, was putter, upside down, for a cane,” Les recalls. With Charlie’s shows in a year. The number of bandmates might change
invited to play an exhibition match at the Rochester Golf encouragement, Les started swinging a club around 1 or 2 depending on the need of the show and the musicians’
and Country Club. Nelson was in the midst of what would years old and began playing a few years later. Around the availability, Les says. Over the years, the group included
become a streak of 11 consecutive PGA tour wins (a record neighborhood, Les recalls, he and the other local kids shot Gordon Denuser, Howard Hunt, Dick Hyland, Larry
that still holds today). A local organization offered Nelson an golf balls into tin cans that they’d sunk into the grass. By Roberge, Denny Robertson, Lowell and his daughter Debbie
additional $100 if he could break the Rochester course record, age 9 or 10, he sometimes spent all day at the golf course in Schreyer, Bob Stroetz, Lloyd Stoddard and Kenny Stock.
which had stood for 12 years at 68. Cresco. “That was our babysitter,” he says. They played classic jazz tunes such as “Oh Lady Be Good”
Sixty miles away, 17-year-old Les Fields heard about the Les also learned to play the cornet at a young age. By the and “Bourbon Street Parade,” with some occasional twists
match and drove up from Cresco, Iowa, with some friends fourth grade, he was invited to join the high school band. to delight the audience: Les rewrote the lyrics of “We’re In
and one of their dads to watch Nelson play. Les volunteered Later at the University of Iowa, Les joined the marching the Money” to “We Are the Turkeys” (with apologies to the
to serve as a gallery marshall, getting an unobstructed view band and the varsity golf team. But both practiced at the original lyricists, he says) and a few “gobbles” thrown in.
of the imagination and precision with which Nelson played same time, and something had to give. He circled the music Between music gigs, Les continued to enter local golf
the game. But when the pro golfer ended the course with a hall three times, debating what to do, before finally turning in tournaments and travel to see the greats play. Les remembers
record-breaking 66, little did Les imagine that he would one his band uniform. meeting Jack Nicklaus Sr., Arnold Palmer and Gary Player
day tie that score on the same green. Les played four years with the golf team in college, where when they were in the Twin Cities for a tournament. He
If you’ve lived around Rochester long enough, you’ve probably he majored in business and enrolled in the ROTC. After shook hands with Palmer. “His hand was twice as big as
heard Les Fields play. The cornet, that is. For more than 50 graduation, he served for two years in the Air Force before mine,” he says.
years, Les has perhaps best been known as the leader of a going into the insurance business. Back home, Les racked up three holes in one at the RG&CC
local jazz group, the Turkey River All-Stars. But if you’re a He moved to Rochester to work with Northwestern Mutual in 1986, ’87, and ’88, once on Hole 14 and twice on Hole 11.
golfer, you might’ve seen him play that game as well. in 1958. At the time, his boss told him that if he hit a certain At one point, sometime in the 1970s, Les shot a lifetime-best
Longtime Rochester radio personality (and Post Bulletin sales number, the company would buy him a membership score of 66 at the Rochester Golf and Country Club, tying
columnist), the late Harley Flathers, once described Fields as at the Rochester Golf and Country Club. Les earned his the course record Byron Nelson had set when Les watched
“The Godfather of Rochester Golf ... and Jazz.” membership to the country club that year, and he played in him play decades earlier.
It’s a few weeks before Les’s 95th birthday when I meet him his first Walter D. Shelden Memorial Invitational Pro-Am “Wouldn’t you know it though, I shot that the day before the
in early March at the home he shares with Barb Virnig, his tournament (now the Member/Guest tournament). Shelden,” Les later told Post-Bulletin reporter Paul Christian.
partner of over 20 years, and their two fluffy cats, Bootsy Les also got involved with the local music scene, joining the “I peaked right then; I didn’t have a very good tournament,”
and Tiger. Long renowned for his story-telling, these days Notochords band and the Rochester Male Chorus. Then in Les said. (And though the course has since been modified,
Les refers to Barb as his “memory expert.” But the golfing 1968, over lunch downtown, he heard that Rochester 1st today’s club course record is just one shot under, at 65.)
trophies and music paraphernalia that decorate the couple’s National Bank was in need of a band for their Christmas Les did win the Shelden Pro-Am tournament in 1966, 1970,
home also tell of the storied lives Les has lived—one in a party. Les said he thought he knew some folks who could and 1973, and he was the RG&CC club champion in 1958,
game known for quiet, the other in a splendor of sound. play. For the band name, Les threw out something he had 1969, and 1973. Barb has counted 51 golf trophies around
used in the past for a one-time impromptu performance: the their house. That number represents a fraction of the times
Turkey River All-Stars, named for the Turkey River, which Les has placed at a tournament—some trophies, like the prize
The golf course “was our babysitter” runs along the golf course in his hometown. ham he once won, don’t keep too well on the shelf.
Les Fields was born in 1928 in Cresco, a small Iowa city 60 The new Turkey River All-Stars made their debut, playing
miles south of Rochester. His grandfather, Charlie, was an without sheet music or rehearsing in advance. As years went
avid golfer who played five days a week. See GODFATHER, Page 3

Unlimited
Scenic views with Golf
great golf await you! with Unlimited
Cart
Golf
Mondays & Wednesdays
with
for $30.00 Cart
(all summer long)
Mondays & Wednesdays
for $30.00
Book your next teesummer
(all time by
long)
visiting www.lakecitygolf.com
Book your next tee time by
or call us at 651-345-3221
visiting www.lakecitygolf.com
or call us at 651-345-3221

Travis, Heitman, General Mananager

Follow us on @golflakecity
Follow us on [email protected]
@golflakecity | 33587 Lakeview Dr. Lake City, MN
 POSTBULLETIN.COM POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | GOLF GUIDE | 3

Godfather
From page 2

“He’s got a really generous heart.”

Other achievements are harder to quantify. Recalling the days
when his grandfather and friends all played the game carrying
their clubs without the use of golf carts, in 1982 Les and a
few friends decided to play a round at the RG&CC with the
fewest number of clubs possible (while also having a decent
game). While the modern golfer might carry around 14
clubs in their bag, for this round Les chose three: a 4-wood,
a 6-iron and his putter. He ended up with a score of 70, one
under par.
In 1983, at age 55, Les retired from his career in insurance
to focus on the band. The following year, the Turkey River
All-Stars were invited to perform at the World’s Fair in New
Orleans. On a whim, the band decided to hold their own
Bourbon Street Parade. They quickly organized a police escort
and then went marching, to whoops and cheers from the
crowds.
“Les was always doing stuff like that,” Barb says, from Upper left: Les Fields (right) of the Turkey River All Stars jazz band performs at the Eagles Cancer Telethon in 2020. Bottom left: Les Fields,
throwing impromptu parades to calling up a friend to play with Rochester American Legion WM. T. McCoy Post 92, plays bugle as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1215 color guard presents the
colors in 2018. Bottom right: Turkey River All Stars 1968 original band members. Front left to right: Bob Stroetz, trombone; Gordon Danuser,
“Happy Birthday” for them over the phone. She estimates
clarinet; Les Fields, trumpet. Back row left to right: Ken Stock, drums; Howard Hunt, tuba; Lloyd Stoddard, piano; Denny Robertson, banjo.
that he’s played Taps at hundreds of military funerals. “He’s
got a really generous heart.”
The band doesn’t do as many shows as they once did, though One of the last tournaments Les appeared at was the
Among the highlights of Les’s career, he mentions playing they’ve still appeared on occasion, performing last summer RG&CC’s Hickory Stick Centennial Scramble, celebrating
in the Lawrence Welk Dixieland Jazz Festival in Branson, in the Winona Dixieland Jazz Festival, St. Charles Gladiolus the 100th anniversary of the club in 2016. Everyone played
Missouri, in 1997. Backstage, Les had along with him a Days and the Lake City Water Ski Days. with wooden shaft clubs and vintage style golf balls, and Les
copy of the late, great musician’s autobiography, “Wunnerful, was invited to open the tournament as the honorary starter.
Wunnerful.” After the show, a number of people in the “Les still has played, but it’s getting harder,” Barb says. “He
used to be the youngest member of the band, now he’s the Though the tournament organizers arranged to have 20 sets
audience came up to Les to congratulate the band on their of clubs shipped in for the event, Les could’ve teed off with
performance. Among them was Lawrence Welk, Jr. and The oldest. When he goes, I don’t think there will be a Turkey
River All-Stars anymore.” a club of his own, from a set his grandfather had carried in
Lennon Sisters, Les says. The well-wishers all scribbled notes Iowa decades ago.
of admiration to Les and the band in his copy of “Wunnerful, In 2005, Les was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall
Wunnerful.” But Les forgot the book when he left that night, of Fame. He regrets that the whole band wasn’t included, he Les keeps the clubs in a corner of his room, next to the
and when he returned the next morning, it was gone. “So says, but they told him that only the band leader was eligible. bedside table where his cornet rests, within arms reach both
somewhere, somebody has all those comments about our And in 2019, Rochester’s Castle Community and Threshold morning and night. Elegant instruments, though worn from
band,” Les says. Arts dedicated the Les Fields Hall in his honor. years of use, still whispering, “Play on.”

Three juniors free

with an adult?
$45 for 18 holes,
cart and lunch?
Top Deals for 2023.
The course: Pine Island Golf Course The course(s): Northern Hills, Soldiers
The special: 3 juniors free with one adult Field, Eastwood
“The best deal for golfing Pine Island remains The special: Two for $65 Special includes
our family day special. Sunday afternoons 18 hole green fees and cart at select times

FAMILY,FRIENDS,&
after 2 pm, up to three junior golfers may daily.
play free with a paying adult. Every Sunday
afternoon, if the course is open for play, we The course: Dodge Country Club

27HOLESOFFUN!
have this special available.”
The special: Burger Basket and Golf
—Mike Adelsman, Head Golf Professional/ Special; on Mon.-Fri. tee off before noon for
GM, Pine Island Golf Course a flat rate of $50, Sat. & Sun. tee off after
2:00 pm for a flat rate of $50.
The course: Willow Creek
The special: $32 for 18 holes and 1/2 cart The course: Mount Frontenac Golf Course
“We use dynamic pricing for booking online The special: 18 holes of golf with cart and
www.willowcreekgolfmn.com, so anytime you lunch for only $45.
book online you will find our best price. We
have a great Monday-Friday morning special
The course: Lake City Golf Club
as well ($32 for 18 holes and 1/2 cart).”
The special: Unlimited golf with cart
—Andy Black, PGA Professional/Owner,
on Mondays and Wednesdays for $30 all
Willow Creek Golf Course
summer long.

The course: Mt. Frontenac Golf Course

The course: The Jewel Golf Club
The special: “Our well-known special is
The special: Weekday 36 holes $118 plus
our famous lunch special. The cost of $45
tax. Book online for daily specials.
includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, lunch
(hamburger, cheeseburger, pulled pork,
chicken sandwich or brat) and tax. We also The course: Riverview Greens
offer an unlimited day of golf for $65.00 The special: Monday-Thursday 8am-noon and
which includes golf, cart, and tax.” weekends after 3 pm: 9 holes for $22 with cart. 18
—Lynn Peterson, Manager, Mt. Frontenac holes for $32 with cart.
Golf Course RM23 RM23

FOURSOME BUY ONE

Full Breakfast SPECIAL GET ONE
120
Happy Hour
Mon-Sat: 7am-11am
Sunday: 7am-Noon
Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
with 34 oz Goliath
$ FREE
Bar opens at 8am
Beers Sat/Sun Buy One Greens Fee,
Lunch 11am-10pm Four Players,
Daily
only $6 Get One Free
18 Holes & Two Carts
Regular Rates Only.
This special is available anytime, any day.

Four players required. Two players required.

Not applicable for league Not applicable for league
play. Coupon required. play. Coupon required.
Expires 10.31.2023. Expires 10.31.2023.

Warm & Friendly Service!

GOLFERS DEAL
Any day. Any time.
Buy 1st Drink, Get your 2nd Drink FREE
with same day paid green fee ticket!
One per customer per day. No coupon needed. 507- 285- 0305 • wi l l owcre ekg o l f mn. co m
ROOSTER’S (North) ROOSTER’S TOO! (South)
507-226-8885 507-206-6799
2280 Superior Drive NW, 4576 Maine Avenue SE,
Looking For A Great Place To Have Your Event?
Near COSTCO on West Circle Drive In Shoppes on Maine Near Lowes
For more information please email us at
Party/Event Room & Patio
[email protected]
Full breakfast & lunch, pool tables & dart boards at both locations.
4 | GOLF GUIDE | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. POSTBULLETIN.COM

LAKE CITY 1900 Clubhouse Dr, Lake City,

THE JEWEL GOLF CLUB https://www.jewelgolfclub.com
course was designed with five sets of tee boxes in
order to accommodate golfers of any ability.

Our favorite hole: Hole 11, Pictured here. 209

yards from the back tee, this par 3 is a forced
carry-over water with beautiful views of the
Mississippi River valley bluffs.

19th hole: Bluffside Grill & Bar is tucked

away in a setting that offers panoramic views of
manicured greens and lush fairways surrounded
Par: 71 Yardage: 4,907-7,050 by the Mississippi River bluffs. Whether it’s a
Green Fees: $62-$103 burger, or one of our signature dinner entrees,
you’ll be delighted by the talents of our culinary
About the course: Nestled in the Mississippi team and warm service of our wait staff.
River valley grand bluffs of Lake City. Designed
by three time US Open Winner, Hale Irwin, the Top 2023 specials: Weekday 36 holes $118 plus

Worth The Drive

course winds throughout 800 acres of the river tax. Book online for daily specials.
valley. Routed through a variety of terrain, the

PINE ISLAND 920 8th St. SE, Pine Island;

PINE ISLAND GOLF COURSE 507-356-8252; pineislandgolf.com
rock hazards. The course is challenging for the
13 COURSES CALLING YOUR NAME advanced, the beginner, the young and the old.
Full driving range and putting practice facilities.

Favorite hole: Hole #14 is a risk-reward par 5

measuring 519 yards. This dogleg left requires a
well-placed tee shot. Longer hitters can try to cut
the corner—over trees and prairie grasses.

19th hole: Enjoy a delicious quarter-pound hot

dog paired with an ice-cold beer.

Par: 71 Yardage: 4,946-6,563 Top 2023 specials: Morning Special: Monday

Green fees: $17-$27 through Friday (no holidays), tee off before
11 am and receive 18 holes and a cart for only
About the course: 18 holes built on 140 acres. $27 (tax included). Twilight Golf: Wednesday
Fairways are wide with multiple tees, greens through Sunday, tee off after 4 pm and get 18
are huge, and there are tree, water, sand, and holes and a cart for only $27 (tax included).

RED WING 1311 W Sixth St., Red Wing;

RED WING GOLF COURSE 651-388-9524; redwinggolfcourse.com
DODGE CENTER 18187 County Rd. 34, Dodge Center; state year in and year out. Terrific assortment of
DODGE COUNTRY CLUB 507-374-2374; dodgecountryclub.com holes with some incredible elevation changes on
often seek but rarely find. A player’s course, the both nines. Come check out our views from the
Dodge Country Club will reward you on good bluffs overlooking our course.
shots and penalize you on those not-so-good
shots. 19th Hole: Nineteen Bar & Grill offers the
public a wonderful dining experience with our
Our favorite hole: Number 18 is the longest top-notch homemade pizza, burgers, salads and
hole (at 501 yards) and the toughest (number sandwiches. Our Friday Night Fish Fry features
one handicap), and a great way to finish a Par: 71. Yardage: 6,206. hand-battered cod, french fries, beans and cole
round. Green fees: 18 Holes with cart: Mon, Tues, slaw. It is served on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each
19th hole: A full-service bar and grill (with Thurs, Fri $34; 18 Holes with cart: Wed, Sat, month. Reservations are appreciated and can be
some of the best burgers and cheese curds Sun $42. made by calling 651-388-9524. Our bar & grill
Par: 72; Yardage: 5,151-6,176; around) greets you before or after your round. features both indoor and outdoor seating.
Green fees: $20-$30; add cart for $15 About our course: Open to the public since
Top 2023 specials: Burger Basket and Golf 2017, this former private course is one fantastic 2023 Special: Present your golf receipt after your
About the course: The Dodge Country Club Special; on Mon.-Fri. tee off before noon for a layout. Superintendent Brent Doerhoefer has round of golf for a complimentary tap beer with
is a fantastic mix of scenic views, challenging flat rate of $50.00, Sat. & Sun. tee off after 2:00 been taking super care of the best greens in the any item off the regular menu. Expires 10/15/23.
holes, and a relaxed atmosphere that golfers pm for a flat rate of $50.00.

FRONTENAC 32420 Ski Rd., Frontenac; 651-388-5826,

MOUNT FRONTENAC GOLF COURSE 800-488-5826; mountfrontenac.com
River Valley, as well as numerous wildlife
sightings. Excellent practice facility, putting
green, fully staffed pro shop, restaurant, and
banquet facility.

Our favorite hole: Hole #7 (a 388-yard par 4)

is beautiful from tee to green. The view is sure
to take your breath away—you can literally see
for miles down the scenic Mississippi River
Valley.

19th hole: Full-service bar and grill features

daily specials and a grill menu full of a great
Par: 71 Yardage: 4,982-6,226 selection of items, and a great variety of tap
Green fees: $17-$45 beer selections and monthly tap beer specials.

About the course: Mount Frontenac Golf Top 2023 specials: 18 holes of golf with cart
Course is a full-service, 18-hole course offering and lunch for only $45.
unforgettable vistas of the beautiful Mississippi FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD BAR AND GRILL WITH A GARAGE THEME

BOGO GOLF SPECIAL

HAYFIELD 73671 170th Ave., Hayfield;
THE OAKS GOLF CLUB 507-477-3233; oaksinhayfield.com
Oaks is known for its scenic, rolling fairways,
meandering creek, friendly staff, and the best golf

BUY ONE GET ONE

values in the area. Just a short drive from Austin,
RECEIVE A FREE

FREE!
Rochester, or Owatonna.
DRINK WITH YOUR
Our favorite hole: Hole #13 (a 374-yard par 4). SAME DAY GREENS
A solid drive down the middle leaves a short to
middle iron into a green, nestled into a stand of
FEE RECEIPT.
oak trees. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER
19th hole: The Oaks Bar & Grille is open daily
and offers a fully stocked bar and a
variety of menu items, with excellent Friday
Par: 72 Yardage: 5,525-6,500
Green Fees: $15-$45
Night Dinner specials.
BURGER OF BEER OF
About the course: Established in 1977, The
Top 2023 specials: Be sure to check out the
website to see the latest golf and food specials!
THE MONTH THE MONTH
LAKE CITY 33587 Lakeview Dr., Lake City;
LAKE CITY GOLF CLUB 651-345-3221; lakecitygolf.com

$
6
of tees to accommodate every ability, from
novice to experienced golfer. The course also
features a driving range to warm up, and a
bar to relax after the game. THE
Our favorite hole: The 18th hole is a NOVA BURGER EACH
demanding par-5, 523 yards long with a creek BURGER PATTY TOPPED WITH
PULLED PORK, HOUSE MAPLE
down the left side and out of bounds on the BBQ & CHEDDAR CHEESE.
right. A straight drive at 180 yards to 240 yards SERVED WITH CHOICE OF SIDE. CORONA PREMIER TALLS
will put you short of the creek and let you hit
Par: 71. Yardage: 5,004-6,410. an iron to a landing area at 130 yards from the
Green fees: $18-$30. green. The 18th hole is a very scenic hole with
an occasional deer crossing or trout swimming
About the course: Lake City Golf Club is in the creek.
a championship, 18-hole golf course, par 71.
A well-groomed, fully watered golf course Top 2023 specials: Unlimited golf with cart on 4325 Maine Ave SE Rochester MN • 507-206-4301
set back in the bluff country of the Mississippi Mondays and Wednesdays for $30 all summer Mon - Thurs: 11 AM - 11 PM Fri - Sat: 11 AM - 12 AM Sun: 11 AM - 10 PM
River valley, LCGC offers four sets long.
 POSTBULLETIN.COM POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | GOLF GUIDE | 5
ROCHESTER 3505 Eastwood Rd. SE, Rochester;
EASTWOOD GOLF COURSE 507-281-6173; rochestermngolf.com
designed by Rochester golf legend Ray Keller.
The old front nine was scrapped in 2007. What
was the back nine became the front nine, and
the new back opened for play in 2008. The new
back nine is longer, but offers multiple tee boxes
so golfers of any level can play to their game.
Eastwood’s challenging and beautiful back nine
is a bargain, playing like a high-end course for
the price of a municipal course (its front nine
isn’t anything to scoff at either).

Our favorite hole: Hole #14 has been called

Par: 71 Yardage: 4,779-6,631 “the toughest par 5 in the area.” This monster It’s your first time golfing for the
dogleg right (607 yards from the black tees)
Green fees: 9 holes: $19/Adult. $17/Senior. $10/
Junior. 18 holes: $32/Adult. $28/Senior. $20/ begins with a challenging tee shot over water to year. What should you work on?
Junior. a fairway lined with brush to the left and woods
to the right. Local golfers, first-time-out tips.
About the course: One course, two personalities.
The original 18-hole layout at Eastwood was Top 2023 Special: Two for $65 Special includes
“According to many of the greatest golfers in the world, the most difficult thing to replicate
18 hole green fees and cart at select times daily.
from day to day is tempo. The most effective way to establish this throughout the season
is to hit some warmup shots at the range before the round. Relaxed muscles that are free
ROCHESTER 2390 Hadley Hills Dr. NE, Rochester; from strain and tension is where the magic of consistency will be found and a steady tempo
HADLEY CREEK GOLF COURSE/ 507-529-4119; rochestermngolf.com established. Good luck to you all and have a great season!”
LEARNING CENTER
--Mike Adelsman, Head Golf Professional/GM,
About the course: Hadley Creek is a 9-hole, Pine Island Golf Course
par 32 layout with multiple practice areas. The
creek flows through the middle of the course,
accompanied by several ponds, and a beautiful, “Chipping and putting... when you take off for an extended period of time (such as the off
natural nine holes at the base of Hawthorne season), you lose your feel with the short game. Practicing your short game right away will
Hills bluffs. help you gain your feel back.”
--Andy Black, PGA Professional/Owner, Willow Creek Golf Course
Our favorite hole: The “critter” hole #7, a 350-
yard, par 4. A tee shot over a pond to a generous
fairway, creek right, bluffs left, with a great “I think the primary focus on the new season would be to work the short game. It seems as
chance to view deer, beaver, turkey, fox, or eagles if the feel of the putting stroke is one of the challenging elements to come back from the off
flying overhead. season. Also, the chipping factor is important. Surprisingly, I think most players can pick up
Par: 32 Yardage: 1,600-2,300 their swing from the off season quicker than the putting stroke and short game.”
Green fees: $13 for 9 holes. Junior 18 & under --Lynn Peterson, Manager, Mt. Frontenac Golf Course
$8 for 9 holes.
“OK. I’m no golf pro, but I’ve reduced my putts-per-round from 36 to 31, without really
ROCHESTER 4721 West Circle Dr. NW, Rochester; getting any better striking the ball. (That’s my average across mostly the city courses). The
NORTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE 507-281-6170; rochestermngolf.com first thing I tell myself the first time out: Relax. That’s what I’ve learned after numerous
play back in the summer of 1976, when it quickly putting videos and lessons: Relax. Then relax some more. Relax your grip, and let the putter
leapt to the top of the city courses. That top-tier just hang like it naturally would from your hands. You can practice this grip by putting one
rating, though, hasn’t changed. Area golf experts handed, which will quickly teach you to rely on your shoulders, and not your hands. When
regularly rank Northern Hills in the top two for you do it right, you’ll feel like the putter is simply rocking back and forth from your shoulder
area courses. Northern Hills has a good mixture movements alone.”
of rolling hills and trees, not to mention an --Kyle K., Rochester golfer
abundance of wildflowers. Its short par 4s make
long hitters question keeping their driver in the
bag on several holes. The sloped greens provide “Have a positive plan for each shot.”
many tough wedge shots and putts. --Ellie Layton, Minnesota Women’s Golf Assoc. President

Par: 72 Yardage: 5,398-6,271 Our favorite hole: Hole #6 (504-yard, par 5

from the championship tees). A par 5 with eagle “Work on your short game. So many golfers spend hours on the range yet spend very little
Green fees: 9 holes: $19/Adult. $17/Senior. $10/
Junior. 18 holes: $32/Adult. $28/Senior. $20/ potential, this is a classic risk-reward hole. Even time working on chipping, putting, and bunker shots. If you are determined to lower your
Junior. after the recent redesign, it’s still one of the score I guarantee that short game practice will get the results you would like. And even better
toughest tee shots in town. yet, take a few lessons from your local pro. You’ll play better golf !”
About the course: A lot has changed in the city --Steve Myhro, former Mayo Girls Golf Coach

Rochester City Golf

of Rochester since Northern Hills opened for Top 2023 special: Two for $65 Special includes
18 hole green fees and cart at select times daily.

ROCHESTER 244 Soldiers Field Dr. SW, Rochester;

THE BEST GOLF VALUE IN SE MINNESOTA!
SOLDIERS FIELD GOLF COURSE 507-281-6176; rochestermngolf.com
About the course: A classic (opened in 1927), 2023 SEASON GOLF PASS
Soldiers Field’s flat, short design makes it great
for beginners, but its top-notch smallish, quick Adult $955
greens and abundance of trees still test the Couple $1,315
experienced player, and golfers of any caliber
Family $1,435
will appreciate the views of the Zumbro River.
Young Adult (age 26 - 30) $650
Two classic threes: They say that par 3s Rochester City Golf
Young Adult Couple $900
define a course, and Soldiers has two classics.
The signature hole—hole #5, the elevated
tee-to-elevated green, 165-yarder—has been
RochesterCity
Rochester CityGolf
BESTAllGOLFGolf
Futures (age 19-25)
THE Junior VALUE
Courses (to ageIN
$420
18)SE MINNESOTA!
$215
redesigned twice since 1960 and your tee shot THEBEST
THE BESTGOLF
Senior ( GOLFVALUE
62 & VALUEIN
over) INSESEMINNESOTA!
MINNESOTA!
$835
Par: 70/71 Yardage: 5,003-5,769 travels over and along the Zumbro. Also, SF’s 2023
Senior SEASON GOLF $1230
Couple PASS
eighth hole may be the city’s toughest par 3. Patron CardSEASON
2023 fees) $90
GOLF
(75% price green PASS
Green fees: 9 holes: $19/Adult. $17/Senior. $10/
Junior. 18 holes: $32/Adult. $28/Senior. $20/
2023
Adult SEASON
Hadley Creek Adult
GOLF PASS
$955
$475
Junior. Top 2023 special: Two for $65 Special includes Couple
Adult Creek Family
Adult
Hadley $1,315
$955
$955
$835
18 hole green fees and cart at select times daily. Family
Couple
Couple $1,435
$1,315
$1,315
Young Adult (age 26 - 30) $650
ROCHESTER 1700 48th St. SW, Rochester;
Family 18 HOLE GREEN FEES:
Family $1,435
$1,435
Young
Young Adult
YoungAdultAdult
Adult$35• Couple
(age
(ageSenior26 -
26 - 30)30)
$31 • Junior
$900
$650
$650
$22
WILLOW CREEK GOLF COURSE 507-285-0305; willowcreekgolfmn.com
regulation course and also a 9-hole executive
Futures
Young (
YoungAdultage 19-25)
AdultCouple
Couple
(includes tax) $420
$900
$900
course. In addition, Willow Creek has four sets Junior
Futures
Futures All Courses
(age
(age 19-25)(to age 18) $420
19-25) $215
$420
of tee boxes to accommodate all ability levels Senior (62
JuniorAll
Junior & over)
AllCourses
Courses(to(toage age18)
18) $215$835
$215
with ease. Senior Couple $1230
Senior(62
Senior (62&&over)
over) $835
$835
Favorite hole: Hole #9 is an amazing par 3 Patron
Senior Card
Couple
Senior Couple (75% price green fees) $90
$1230
$1230
that plays between 150-170 yards. Your tee Hadley
Patron Creek
PatronCard
Card(75%Adult
(75% price
price green
green $475
$90
fees) $90
fees)
shot sails from an elevated tee box, over a valley Hadley Creek Family $835
Par: 70 for Willow Creek to an elevated green with two tiers. HadleyCreek
Hadley CreekAdult
Adult $475
$475
Green Fees: $18-$33 for Willow Creek; HadleyCreek
Hadley CreekFamily
Family $835
$835
$7-$11 for Little Willow Top 2023 specials: Book online for the lowest 18 HOLE GREEN FEES:
golf rates at willowcreekgolfmn.com. Through
About the course: Willow Creek Golf Course the use of Dynamic Pricing, Willow Creek 18HOLE
Adult
18
LEAGUES HOLE
$35•FOR GREEN
Senior
GREEN
WOMEN, FEES:
$31 • Junior
FEES: $22
MEN
opened in 1976 and has been a “gem” in offers a variety of rates that will allow most Adult$35•
Adult $35•(includes
Senior$31
Senior tax)
$31••Junior
Junior$22
$22
Rochester golf ever since. With 27 beautiful every golfer to find a price that works. Kids & SENIORS PLUS JUNIOR GOLF
(includestax)
(includes tax)
holes, Willow Creek offers both an 18-hole play free on Sundays after 2 p.m. on Little PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE
Willow.
AT ALL OUR COURSES.
LEAGUES FOR WOMEN, MEN AND SENIORS
STEWARTVILLE 1800 Clubhouse Dr. NE, Stewartville;
RIVERVIEW GREENS 507-533-9393; riverviewgreens.com PLUS JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE
south of Rochester airport. The course winds
along the Root River as well as meandering
AT ALL OUR
EASTWOOD COURSES.
GOLF COURSE
streams and ponds. Designed to accommodate
Jeff Gorman, PGA Golf Professional, 281-6173
beginner to advanced players. Also specialize in NORTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE
EASTWOOD GOLF COURSE
weddings & receptions in our large ballroom.
LEAGUES
JeffMike FOR
Manahan,
Gorman, PGA Golf WOMEN,
GolfProfessional, MEN
Professional,281-6170
281-6173
Event center: We have the largest clubhouse in LEAGUES
&LEAGUES
SENIORS
SOLDIERS
NORTHERN FOR
FOR
PLUS
FIELD
HILLS WOMEN,
WOMEN,
JUNIOR
GOLF
GOLFCOURSE
COURSE MEN
MEN
GOLF
the area with seating up to 500. We specialize
in group events such as golf tournaments,
Mike
&&SENIORS
SENIORSManahan,
PROGRAMS WW GolfTAKE
PLUS
“Watty”
PLUS Professional,
JUNIOR
Watson,
JUNIOR PLACE281-6170
GOLF
GOLF
Golf Professional, 281-6176
fundraisers, and weddings. SOLDIERS FIELD GOLF COURSE
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
AT ALL
HADLEY
OUR
WWCREEK
“Watty”
TAKE
TAKECOURSES.
Watson,
GOLF
PLACE
PLACE
COURSE
19th hole: Overlooks the 9th and 18th greens,
ponds and fountains. Restaurant and fully
ATATALL
ALL
Golf OUR
OUR COURSES.
COURSES.
Professional,
529-4119 281-6176
stocked bar. HADLEY CREEK GOLF COURSE
Par: 70 Yardage: 5,108 529-4119
Green fees: $19 for 9 holes/$28 for 18 holes
EASTWOOD GOLF COURSE
Top 2023 special: Monday-Thursday 8am-noon
Jeff Gorman, PGA Golf Professional, 281-6173
and weekends after 3 pm 9 holes for $22 with EASTWOOD GOLF COURSE
EASTWOOD GOLF COURSE
About the course: Riverview Greens GC is just cart. 18 holes for $32 with cart.
south of downtown Rochester located two miles
VISIT
JeffUS
Jeff AT ROCHESTERMNGOLF.COM
Gorman,
Gorman,
NORTHERN PGA
PGA Golf
Golf
HILLS Professional,
Professional,
GOLF COURSE 281-6173
281-6173
Mike Manahan, Golf Professional, 281-6170
NORTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE
NORTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE
Mike
Mike Manahan,
Manahan,
SOLDIERS Golf
Golf
FIELD Professional,
Professional,
GOLF COURSE 281-6170
281-6170
6 | GOLF GUIDE | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. POSTBULLETIN.COM

Area golf, by the numbers (2023 edition)

27
Number of 18 hole rounds you’d need to play to break even on the
season pass (though the pass brings other perks, as well).

$1,435
Cost of a family season pass
(for all four city courses).

$21 (AND $14.25)

Cost of an adult 9-hole greens fee at Soldiers Field, Eastwood, and
Northern Hills (and $14.25 at Hadley Creek).

Top city course for rounds played?

Soldiers Field (23,382). Eastwood (22,778) and Northern Hills
(22,450) were close behind. Hadley Creek saw 16,520 rounds in
2021.

17,729
Estimated number of golfers
in Olmsted County.

38.6
Average age of golfers in Rochester.

98K
The estimated number of golf rounds played at the four city-
owned golf courses in 2022, down 13,000 rounds over 2021. 139
Number of golf carts the City of Rochester operates, with 50 at

67 Percent of city rounds played by Eastwood, 40 at Northern Hills, 27 at Soldier Field and 22 at
season pass holders. Hadley Creek.

$955
Cost of an adult season pass
(for all four city courses).
$1.07
Average amount the city’s four pro shops generated for each round
It’s $835 for seniors. of golf in 2021.

EXCEPTIONAL GOLF, EXCEPTIONAL PRICE

MORNING SPECIAL TWILIGHT GOLF
Tee off before 11am & receive Wednesday-Sunday after 4pm,
18 Holes with Cart Rental 18 holes with cart
for ONLY $27 (including tax) for ONLY $27 (including tax)
Monday - Friday (no holidays)

AWESOM
E
4 GOLFERS, 2 CARTS,
18 HOLES
EXCEPTIONAL GOLF,
VALUE $120.00
EXCEPTIONAL PRICE
$44.00 Savings!
Warm, friendly staff and BEST VALUE IN SE MN!
Expires 9/1/2022
Expires 9/1/2023

MORNING SPECIAL
Tee off before 11am & receive
18 Holes
18-hole, 6603with Cart
yard golfRental
course Pine Island Golf Course
spread over 140 acres with wide fairways
for ONLY $27 (including tax) (507) 356-8252 • 920 8th Street SE • Pine Island
with multiple
Monday tees on
- Friday (noevery hole.
holidays) For best pricing and to book tee times
Fun for golfers of all ages and skill level. visit: pineislandgolf.com

TWILIGHT GOLF
 POSTBULLETIN.COM POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. | Saturday, May 13, 2023 | GOLF GUIDE | 7

129/1,000” 14,721
The (estimated) record number of
Typical height of cut for putting greens, during the summer
season at city golf courses. range balls hit at Hadley Creek in
a single day.

1926
3
Year the first organized round of golf is played at the 6-hole Times per week the city maintenance
Soldiers Field Golf Course. crews mow the courses.

510
50¢ Acres of golf maintained by city staff.
Green fees for
Soldiers Field
Golf Course in 1926.
132
Number of “good” golfable days in Rochester in
2020 (compared to 116 in 2019).

3
Number of minutes you can now spend
looking for a lost ball (it was 5).

1977
First reported sighting of Bogey, the reportedly “huge”
40
Number of seconds to make a stroke
Northern Hills snapping turtle, who has been spotted a (and it should be much quicker).
dozen or so times a year for the past four-plus decades.

5th
Last hole you could be on—and still get a 9-hole
raincheck—during a 9-hole round at the Rochester City golf
courses. (It’s the 14th hole for an 18-hole round).

8 miles
The radius for which Rochester City golf courses halt play if
lightning strikes.

A fivesome?
Yes. A fivesome. Fivesomes are allowed at Soldiers Field if
they can play each 9 holes in 2 hours or less.

607
Yards of the longest hole in Rochester
City Golf, the par five 14th hole at
Eastwood GC.

GOLFTHE
THE
For more information on the Rules of Golf,
GOLF please visit usga.org or randa.org.
BLUFFS
BLUFFS
GOLF THE
BLUFFS
Stunning
Stunning greens
greens overlooking
overlooking
The Natural Place to Play since 1915
GOLF THE
thethe Mississippi
Mississippi River
River Valley
Valley
Stunning greens overlooking The Natural Place to Play since 1915
BLUFFS
the Mississippi River ValleyThe Natural Place to Play since 1915

Stunning greens overlooking

the Mississippi River Valley

18 Holes of Golf with a Cart:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - $34
Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays - $42

Present your golf receipt after your round of

WEEKDAY
WEEKDAY GOLF
GOLF SPECIAL
SPECIAL
golf for a complimentary tap beer with any
2023
WEEKDAY
GOLF SPECIAL
GOLF SPECIAL
item off our regular menu. Expires 10/15/23
10/15/22

$ $37.25 for 18 holes of Golf!

$45
37.25for 18
for 18holes
holes of
of Golf!
Follow us for up to date

$ WEEKDAY
37.25 for 18 holes GOLF
of Golf! SPECIAL Present your golf receipt after your
specials round of
all season long

(Includes
(Includes
(Includes cart
$ cart
37.25
cartand
and
for
and lunch)
lunch)
lunch)
18 holes of Golf! Present your golf receipt after
golf for
your
a complimentary tap beer with any
(Includes cart and lunch) item offround of menu. Expires 10/15/22
our regular
Valid
ValidValid during
Sunday-Friday the
Sunday-Friday 2023
during
during the
(Includesgolf
the
2022
cart
Valid Sunday-Friday during the 2022 golf season.
season.
2022
golf
andgolf season.
season.
lunch) golf for a complimentary tap beer with any
Valid Sunday-Friday during the 2022 golf season. item off our regular menu. Expires 10/15/22 Follow us for up to date
specials all season long
Like us on Like
Like us onus on Follow us for up to date
32420
32420
32420 Ski Ski
SkiRoad,Road,
Road, Frontenac,
Frontenac, MN MN
Frontenac, MN
55026
32420 Ski Road,
55026
55026
Frontenac, MN 55026
Like us on
1311allW
specials 6thlong
season Street
|Red Wing, MN
Mountfrontenac.com
Mountfrontenac.com | 1-800-488-5826 |
| 1-800-488-5826 651-388-5826
| 651-388-5826 (651) 388-9524 |redwinggolfcourse.com
Mountfrontenac.com |Mountfrontenac.com
1-800-488-5826 | 651-388-5826
| 1-800-488-5826 | 651-388-5826
8 | GOLF GUIDE | SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023 | POST BULLETIN, ROCHESTER, MINN. POSTBULLETIN.COM

Golff
& Stayy AT THE ISLAND
H O T E L P A C K A G E S & T E E T I M E S N O W AVA I L A B L E

Take on the challenge of Mount Frontenac Golf Course! This stunning 18-hole, par-71 course
is a golfer’s paradise featuring rolling terrain, beautiful scenery and unmatched views of Lake
Pepin and the Mississippi River.
Get back into the swing of golf season and save some green with one of our specials, like
the Golf & Lunch or Twilight Specials.
Or if you’re looking for the ultimate getaway, get your game on with our Golf & Stay hotel
package. You’ll receive a one-night stay at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, 18 holes for two
with a cart at Mount Frontenac, a $50 Treasure Island gift card and $50 FREE slot play. Visit
mountfrontenac.com for more information or call 1-800-488-5826 to reserve your tee time.

TIcasino.com | 1 - 80 0 -222-707 7

© 2023 Treasure Island Resort & Casino