Make Like the Pros: Golf in Minnesota

(RELEASE) - The legendary Ryder Cup match is back on U.S. soil this year – specifically, Minnesotan soil. In September, Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska will proudly host several top-ranked American and European men golfers, each country’s team vying for the highly coveted trophy.

Among them, will be golf legend – and Minnesota native – Tom Lehman. As this year’s American team Vice Captain, Lehman is eager to share why his home state is the perfect destination for a golf getaway: "It's the beautiful north woods and 10,000 lakes. It's campfires and northern lights. It's the very big Mall of America and countless cultural experiences that make Minnesota a must-visit destination."

Take it from Tom; golfers can satisfy their fix by choosing Minnesota for their next golf trip. As the locals know, it's a great place to play, with more than 500 course options.

Travel to any corner of the state – from the 5-star Classic at Madden’s in the state’s center, to the southwestern prairies of Morton’s Dacotah Ridge, and up to the Golf Trilogy of Giants Ridge’s Legend and The Quarry and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in the northeast – you will find a test for your game and an experience for your senses.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area boasts courses loaded with history: the before-mentioned Hazeltine National, home to the 2016 Ryder Cup; Interlachen Country Club, home to the third leg (the U.S. Open) in Bobby Jones’ 1930 Grand Slam; and the Minikahda Club, which hosted the 1916 U.S. Open.

Lesser known, yet no less unique and visually stimulating, are the bevy of award-winning public facilities. From east to west, north to south, you will find memorable golf experiences across the Twin Cities: Rush Creek in the northwest; StoneRidge just miles from the Wisconsin state line; Edinburgh USA to the north, which has hosted LPGA and USGA events in its history; and Legends Club to the south.

For more information on lodging opportunities during your golf getaway, visit exploreminnesota.com or follow along via social media, using #OnlyinMN.