Welcome to Minneapolis Golf Club
2001 Flag Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
About Us
Founded in 1916, Minneapolis Golf Club is a singular expression of what a pure golf club can be—a classic layout from the Golden Era of course design that remains elegantly relevant in the modern era.
Located just seven miles west of downtown Minneapolis, our historic crown-jewel course has drawn the admiration of generations of golfers for its eminent playability, imaginative layout and supreme walkability, representing perhaps the finest such experience in the Upper Midwest.
A comprehensive multi-million-dollar enhancement replaced every blade of grass on our classic Willie Park Jr./Donald Ross layout. Completed in 2020, the update added several modern improvements including new bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, a state-of-the-art irrigation system, improved drainage systems on the greens, thicker roughs, larger green complexes and inventive hole locations. This approach carefully balances the original design integrity of the course with the evolving demands of modern players.
The MGC golfing experience also features a picturesque short game practice area, convenient driving range, indoor swing simulator, and perhaps most notably an inclusive, active and family-friendly membership who share a passion for golf and welcome players of all ages and abilities.
MGC Core Values
- Continuous improvement of facilities, amenities and programming
- Delivering an elite golf experience
- A strong social environment and welcoming atmosphere for member families and guests
- Accessibility to golf and leisure facilities
- Being an employer of choice
- Superior service standards
- A diverse, equitable and inclusive culture
- Transparency in communication and governance
History
As one of golf’s favorite places for the past century, our legacy of both amateur and professional golf makes us proud stewards of the game, beginning with our very first tournament, the Minnesota State Open.
Legends of the game including Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Lehman, Payne Stewart, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, and Nancy Lopez have all strolled the fairways of MGC.
The Club was chosen to host its first tournament in 1924, The Minnesota State Open, and hosted the United States Amateur in 1950. The PGA Championship came to Minneapolis Golf Club in 1959—which also marked CBS Television’s first Minnesota golf tournament to be aired nationally.
The Dayton's Challenge was a charity golf event held at MGC from 1996 to 2003. Organized by Tom and Jim Lehman, this annual tournament benefited Children's Cancer Research Fund, the fundraising arm for the Pediatric Oncology Department at the University of Minnesota. The year 1998 was truly memorable for this event as it featured golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as the headliners competing along with many other top players. Dayton’s Challenge winners over the years included David Duval, Phil Mickelson, Payne Stewart, Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw and Nancy Lopez many of whom lavished praise on Minneapolis Golf Club's classic, traditional design.
Golf
The Course
Revered for great routing, strategic merit, and scenic beauty, our effortlessly walkable 18-hole course boasts an incredibly forward thinking classic design featuring a compelling combination of distance, challenge and reward.
MGC's classic 100+ year-old turf was fully replaced in 2020 with pure bent grass on all tees, fairways and greens—providing vastly improved playing surfaces that are more disease-resistant and less susceptible to winter damage.
The recent renovation harmonized the original Willie Park Jr./Donald Ross design with modern enhancements that recapture original green contours, integrate more interesting hole locations and expand many of the fairways to enhance playability. Combine this with a state-of-the-art irrigation system and modern drainage system on the greens and our golf course is now best in class.
Course Layout
Minneapolis Golf Club is consistently rated among the best private clubs in Minnesota. To provide an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels, MGC has four sets of tees on each hole. From forward tees, the course measures 5,419 yards; from the championship black tees, it plays to a very challenging 7,045 yards.
Setting
Our historic St. Louis Park location offers panoramic vistas of tree-lined fairways, vividly lush grass, and a magnificent Minneapolis skyline view. MGC's setting is also unique for what's not here: there are no power lines, no freeway noise, no congestion. This is a remarkable course renowned for its pristine conditions, acclaimed architecture, and consummate playability.
Prestige
Beginning with our very first tournament in 1924, the Minnesota State Open, we've played a significant role in both amateur and professional golf. MGC first reached national prominence as host of the United States Amateur in 1950 and welcomed the PGA Championship in 1959.
MGC also hosted the Ryder Cup Captain's Challenge, the only officially sanctioned Ryder Cup event hosted in conjunction with the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine. We're proud of our continued prominence in the sport, with up-and-coming players discovering us through U.S. Open Local Qualifying tournaments and a variety of Minnesota-focused events. MGC has also hosted qualifying events for both the USGA Senior Open and USGA Senior Amateur.
Practice Facilities
The Club has an exceptional short range with well-manicured bunkers that allows players to practice every shot imaginable from 120 yards and in. For the long game, MGC has a driving range and an expansive 12,000 square-foot putting green and chipping area that allows players to warm up and practice their skills on surfaces maintained to mirror the playing conditions on the course. Our indoor hitting bay features a ForeSight simulator that allows members to work on their game year-round.
Golf Events
Golf Events
Our friendly and inclusive golf culture allows players of all levels to enjoy a variety of social and competitive play, including several club tournaments and ongoing member activities and events. Among the most notable: Opening Stag, Arctic Close, MGC Invitational, Member-Member Tournament, Club Championship, Women's 18-hole and 9-hole Leagues, Men's and Women's Guest Days, Match Play Events, Men's Thursday Game, and Women's Tuesday Fun Night golf clinic.
The Minneapolis Golf Club also has a comprehensive junior golf program for children to learn and enhance their enjoyment of the game.