Okay, I had a chance to play Territory Golf Club a couple weeks ago and the course is fabulous. The nine’s are very different, one playing in the prairie, the other in the woods. It’s a forgiving, yet challenging golf course with rolling fairways and undulating greens. For those of you not familiar with Territory, it is owned by Tradition Golf which also owns stellar properties like Legends Club in Prior Lake, MN and Willinger’s in Northfield.

If you haven’t checked out Territory, now is a great time. Leave early for the cabin next time you head up north and carve out a few hours to play Territory, you’ll love it.

The Minnesota Golf Card offers discounts worth more than $15,000 at 150 participating Minnesota-area golf courses and centers. For more information, or to purchase see: minnesotagolfcard.com.

CENTRAL

Brainerd: Madden’s Pine Beach West for just $34 (includes a cart); The Classic twilight rate, just $80!

Crosslake: Crosswoods Golf Course events:
Maucierie’s Three-person Scramble, Tuesday, July 14 @ 5:00 p.m. 9 holes of golf & prime rib dinner at Maucierie’s Restaurant.  Make your own team. $50/person includes golf, cart, dinner and entry in skins game.

Couple’s Night, Sunday, July 12 @ 5:00 p.m. 9 holes, game of the day, dinner/drink specials. $34/couple includes green fee and cart.

Dalton: Stalker Lake Golf Course Print and bring this in for two-for-one golf Monday through Thursday. Buy a round of golf at full price and the second player plays free (does not include cart rental). Not valid with any other offer. Good until August 31, 2009.

 CENTRAL REGION LODGING/GOLF SPECIALS

 Brainerd: Cragun’s Resort offers a star-studded line up of championship golf on six award-winning Brainerd Golf Trail courses: Dutch Legacy, Bobby’s Legacy and choice of Deacon’s Lodge, The Pines, The Preserve and Golden Eagle (Sunday-Thursday):
2 Nights and 3 Rounds starting @ $380 per person, dbl. occ
3 Nights and 4 Rounds starting @ $580 per person, dbl. occ

Enjoy lakeside accommodations and all the resort amenities at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. Rates include breakfast, dinner, unlimited range balls, half-price golf clinics, daily housekeeping and cart fees with GPS.

Call 1-877-UGOLF-18 (1-877-846-5318) to book your package or complete the form on-line: craguns.com/golf/golf-information-form.html.

McGregor:  Buy one round of golf at The Legend or The Quarry at Giants Ridge  and receive one round FREE at Minnesota National Golf Course, or vice versa. Call giantsridge.com at 800.688.7669, or National at 218.426.4444. You must mention this offer at time of reservation.

 Limited time; based upon availability. Paid and free rounds may be played any day with advance tee time, except twilight rounds. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Pequot Lakes: Breezy Point Resort Traditional Golf Course offers an all-inclusive golf package. Unlimited golf with cart, deluxe lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks on course and in the lounge, meals include dry-aged steaks, and daily features from the resort menu. Beer, wine and cocktails included.

3day/2night pkg. $319 mid-week, $399 Friday and Saturday.
4day/3night pkg. $389 mid-week, $489 weekends.

St. Cloud: “Free Golf” at AmericInn of St. Cloud! Receive a free 18-hole-round of golf at Eagle Trace Golf Club when you reserve a room at the AmericInn of St. Cloud at the “AmericInn Best Rate.” Room includes complimentary AmericInn Perk Breakfast and free wireless internet.  Learn more. Offers good through 9/30/2009.

METRO

Anoka:
Green Haven Golf Course has a recession-buster promotion of 18-holes with a riding cart for $35.91. This special is good Monday through Friday anytime and Saturday and Sunday after noon through the end of July, 2009.

Brooklyn Park: Edinburgh USA has a weekly special every Tuesday: 18 holes of golf with cart for only $49! For details, call (763)315-8550, or visit edinburghusa.org.

Lino Lakes: Chomonix Golf Course has Twilight (Friday, Saturday & Sunday beginning at 4:30 pm): $25 to walk or $29.50 to ride as many as you can play before Sunset; Sunset (7 days a week after 6 pm): $16 to walk or $20.50 to ride as many holes as you can play before Sunset; and Senior Specials (all day Thursday): $29.50 for 18 holes and a cart. Call 651-482-8484 for more information. Tee times can be made at teemaster.com. 

New Prague: New Prague Golf Club offers: Golf all day every Wednesday for $65 with cart; 18 holes for $20 Saturdays & Sundays after 2:00 pm; kids under age 16 play FREE with each paid $20 adult fee on Sundays after 2:00 pm.

Roseville: Roseville Cedarholm Golf Course’s WW(n)W#2 - Women, Wine & (no) Whiffs, Friday, July 31, 2009 - 6:45 pm. Enjoy nine holes (scramble format, shotgun start) and on-course contests, then relax in the clubhouse with wine sampling (non-alcoholic beverages will also be available), a chocolate fountain, wellness and more!

Open to females over 18. (Must be 21 for wine sampling. All golfers must bring ID.) Limited to 48 golfers. Pre-registration & payment is required. $20 per golfer. Contact the clubhouse manager at golf@ci.roseville.mn.us, or call 651-792-7154 for additional information.

Shakopee: Stonebrook Golf Course Family Golf Fun Night Sundays after 5 pm families can play golf for $15.00 per person. Play as many holes as you can. Children ages 10-15. Immediate family only; one parent must be in group (Maximum of 4 players per group). All children golfers will receive gift for playing. Make reservations online at stonebrooke.com or call 952-496-3171.

OTHER METRO REGION GOLF COURSES OFFERING PROMOTIONS AND SPECIALS:

Edina: Braemar Golf Course 

METRO REGION LODGING/GOLF SPECIALS

 The 91st PGA Championship is coming to Hazeltine National Golf Club August 10-16, 2009. Check out special hotel rates for PGA in Bloomington.

NORTHEAST

Biwabik:  Buy one round of golf at The Legend or The Quarry at Giants Ridge and receive one round FREE at Minnesota National Golf Course, or vice versa. Call giantsridge.com at 800.688.7669, or National at 218.426.4444. You must mention this offer at time of reservation.

 Limited time; based upon availability. Paid and free rounds may be played any day with advance tee time, except twilight rounds. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Lancaster: Lancaster Riverside Golf  two-person triple event, Saturday, July 18th:  $80 per team, tee off at 9:00, registration 8:30, lunch provided.

Lutsen: At Superior National at Lutsen  juniors play free with a paid adult between1:00 & 2:30 pm everyday. Free 18 holes on your birthday. Register at superiornational.com “fore” online Specials. Free range balls to all of our guests.

Family Fun Night - Every night after 5pm, except Mondays. 9 Holes of Fun. Tee Times 1-888-564-6543 or Online at superiornational.com.

NORTHWEST

Detroit Lakes: Fair Hills Resort & Wildflower Golf Course offers specials throughout the week: Monday Seniors and Ladies Day; Tuesday Men’s Day: Wednesday Junior Day:  Thursdays:  foursomes receive ½ off green fees & carts - ALL DAY; Friday Couples Night; Sunday Family Night.

Nisswa: Birch Bay Resort & Golf Course offers free beginner lessons, a half-price special for juniors (age 16 and under), and a senior special (age 55+). Call 1-800-450-4481 or go to: birchbaygolfresort.com for more info.

SOUTHERN

Marshall: the Marshall Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a new Web site for golf in the region featuring eight courses in Southwestern Minnesota. The site has video hole-by-hole with copy written by pros.  Check it out at swmngolf.com.

Rochester: Golf packages available now through October 31, 2009. All packages include lodging and golf. Choose to golf at Soldiers Field (no driving range), Northern Hills, Eastwood, or Hadley Creek (9 holes). For more information, contact Rochester Park and Rec, 507-328-2525, or see VisitRochesterMN.com.

Eighty percent of the tickets have been sold, so act quickly to take advantage of Bloomington’s lodging/ticket package And remember that adult ticketholders may bring two juniors to the tourney for free!

If playing golf is on your mind, find a metro course at www.mngolf.org. Coming early or extending your stay after the championship? Check out video of some of our best golf resorts www.exploreminnesotagolf.com.

For information on activities and community events, or to request the Explore Minnesota Golf Guide, go to www.exploreminnesota.com.

Minnesota Regions:
Central
Metro
Northeast
Northwest
Southern

CENTRAL

Brainerd: Cragun’s Legacy “Ninth Annual University of Minnesota Golf Event,” July 10, 2009. Tim Brewster, head Men’s Football Coach for the University of Minnesota, will return in 2009 as the featured speaker. Enjoy a day of golfing Cragun’s Legacy Courses with other Gopher Supporters. Proceeds fund athletic scholarships at the U of M. Call 1-877-UGOLF18 (1-877-846-5318) for more information or complete your registration online.

Fifty Lakes: Golden Eagle Golf Club Ladies 9-Hole League, Mondays @ 5:00 p.m., sign up at least one day ahead.

Moonlite Bay League, Tuesdays @ 5:15 p.m., twosome event every week through Sept. 8, 2009. Cash prizes.

Mens League, 18 holes, Wednesday mornings @ 8:30 a.m., sign up in advance. Call Golf Shop for more details. 218-763-4653 ext.3.

Dalton: Stalker Lake Golf Course  Print and bring this in for two-for-one golf Monday through Thursday. Buy a round of golf at full price and the second player plays free (does not include cart rental). Not valid with any other offer. Good until August 31, 2009.

 St. Cloud: Territory Golf Club  “Ten Day Celebration of July Fourth,” June 29-July 8, 2009. $29.95, includes cart. Call 320-258-GOLF (4653).

CENTRAL REGION LODGING/GOLF SPECIALS

Pequot Lakes: Breezy Point Resort Traditional Golf Course All-inclusive golf package. Unlimited golf with cart, deluxe lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks on course and in the lounge, meals include dry-aged steaks, and daily features from the resort menu. Beer, wine and cocktails included.
3day/2night pkg. $319 mid-week, $399 Friday and Saturday.
4day/3night pkg. $389 mid-week, $489 weekends.

 St. Cloud: “Free Golf” at AmericInn of St. Cloud! Receive a free 18-hole-round of golf at Eagle Trace Golf Club when you reserve a room at the AmericInn of St. Cloud at the “AmericInn Best Rate.” Room includes complimentary AmericInn Perk Breakfast and free wireless internet. ) Learn more. Offers good through 9/30/2009.

OTHER CENTRAL REGION GOLF COURSES OFFERING PROMOTIONS AND SPECIALS:

Brainerd: Madden’s
Crosslake: Crosswoods Golf Course 

METRO

The 91st PGA Championship is coming to Hazeltine National Golf Club August 10-16, 2009. Check out special hotel rates for PGA in Bloomington.

Edina: Braemar Golf Course is offering Sunday afternoon family day this summer. Come over for nine holes and refreshments on the deck. This is social golf, without a hint of competitive scoring. (We might throw in a long-putt or closest-to-the-pin prize, but the main goal is simple: to have fun.) Feel free to bring a neighbor kid or two. Call the Pro Shop at 952-826-6799. Great prices for this family-themed program.

Prior Lake: Legends Golf Club “Fifth Annual Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation Golf Tournament” July 15, 2009. Registration is now open and sponsorships are available.  Contact Lori Rebers to register your foursome at lrebers@bloomingtonmn.org. Contact Sherri Mullery for sponsorship opportunities at smullery@bloomingtonmn.org. Space is limited.

Legends Club “Celebration of July 4th Week” July 1-8, 2009, $52.00 (Cart $15 additional) ACCEPTING BOOKINGS NOW! 952-226-4777, or www.legendsgc.com.

Victoria: Deer Run Golf Club “TwinCitiesGolf.com Day,” June 30. 2-Person Scramble format. Noon-1:00 pm teetimes. $57 (+ tx) per person includes golf, cart, range, a 3-sleeve of ProV1’s and a Callaway golf hat. Sign up as a two-some, four-some or if you’re a single we’ll pair you up. Team placement and skins prize pools. For more info and to sign up, visit www.twincitiesgolf.com/events.htm

OTHER METRO REGION GOLF COURSES OFFERING PROMOTIONS AND SPECIALS:

Anoka: Green Haven Golf Course and Chomonix Golf Course - tee times can be made at www.teemaster.com
Brooklyn Park: Edinburgh USA
New Prague: New Prague Golf Club
Roseville: Roseville Cedarholm Golf Course
Shakopee: Stonebrook Golf Course

NORTHEAST

Biwabik: Giants Ridge “37-hole special:” 36 holes of golf with lunch ONLY $125 weekdays; $140 weekends! (All rounds must be played on the same day. Tee times required.) Every Day in July PLUS Great Lodging Specials! Call  800-688-7669 ext. 3400.

Lancaster: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course Four-person Scramble, Sunday, June 28th $120 per team, tee off at 10:00; registration 9:30, lunch will be provided. And, Friday, July 3rd. Steak & Shrimp Supper: Serving 5:30-8:00

Lutsen: Superior National at Lutsen  Juniors play free with a paid adult between1:00 & 2:30 pm everyday. Free 18 holes on your birthday. Just register at www.superiornational.com “fore” online Specials. Free range balls to all of our guest.

Family Fun Night - Every Night after 5 Except Mondays 9 Holes of  Fun. Tee Times 1-888-564-6543 or Online at www.superiornational.com

Tower: The Wilderness at Fortune Bay $20 Special. For every regular paid round, Monday - Thursday, until July 9, customers will receive a $20 voucher for The Wilderness Pro Shop or Grill. Valid on regular and Play and Stay rates but cannot be applied to purchased round of golf.

NORTHWEST

Detroit Lakes: Fair Hills Resort & Wildflower Golf Course Specials throughout the week:
Monday Seniors and Ladies Day; Tuesday Men’s Day: Wednesday Junior Day:  Thursdays:  foursomes receive ½ off green fees & carts - ALL DAY; Friday Couples Night; Sunday Family Night.

SOUTHERN

Adams: Cedar River Golf Course. Two greens fees, motor cart and two hot dogs, $46.95. Print this out and bring it in! Call 507-582-3595 for more information.

Northfield: Willingers Golf Club “A fireworks of savings: Seven Day Celebration of July 4^th,” June 29-July 5, 2009. $45.00 includes greens and cart fee - 30% savings! Tee Time Reservations: 952-652-2500 ext 2. Plus, free Titeist PRO-V1 golf balls each Monday in July with full paid regular green fee and cart.

Rochester: Golf packages available now through October 31, 2009. All packages include lodging and golf. Choose to golf at Soldiers Field (no driving range), Northern Hills, Eastwood, or Hadley Creek (9 holes). For more information, contact Rochester Park and Rec, 507-328-2525, or see www.VisitRochesterMN.com.

In so doing, Teiken brings viewers (there is a link to the program on this page) on hilarious ventures to the driving range and even a local barbershop and burger joint.

Local production company 612im provides weekly episodes at www.thecraigshow.com and Teiken adds his personal philosophy, "The game of golf has become very stuffy. The Craig Show is about bringing honesty, integrity and fun into the game."

Especially fun. Check it out: laughs assured.

With apologies to LateNight, here are the top ten reasons to visit Minnesota in June for the U. S. Women’s Open Championship:

10. Annika Sorenstam, who just announced her retirement, will presumably be playing in her final U.S. Open Championship. This is an opportunity to see the winner of 72 LPGA tournaments, and the winner of ten majors, play at Interlachen Country Club;

9. Lorena Ochoa, heir apparent to Sorenstam’s domination of the LPGA tour, will be here to challenge the field;

8. Minnesotan Hilary Lunke, 2003 U.S. Open winner, will be playing in her hometown and sleeping in her own bed;

7. 2007 Champion Cristie Kerr will defend her title;

6. Golf legend Bobby Jones won the 1930 U.S. Men’s Open Championship at Interlachen-his aura lingers;

5. Kids get in free with a paid adult. Better yet, the front rows in every gallery are reserved for kids and their chaperones.

4. Paula Creamer, (The Pink Panther), ’05 LPGA Player of the Year and two time winner on tour, will be seeking her first major;

3. The old course has been tweaked and is showing more teeth than it ever has;

2. While in the Twin Cities for the Open, opportunities to play golf, dine and shop abound (and there’s no sales tax on clothing);

And, the number one reason to attend the U.S. Women’s Open Championsip June 23-29 at Interlachen CC in Edina, Minnesota…..

1. According to the Open’s executive director, “There are still a few tickets left.” www.2008uswomensopen.com

Note: Golffellow will be playing Interlachen soon and will report back about the degree of difficulty for an 18 handicapper.

On the cusp of the new golf season, last week the Minnesota Golf Association unveiled its recently-commissioned, “The Minnesota Golf Economy 2008,” which asserts the economic impact of golf in Minnesota.  http://www.mngolf.org/press_release.cfm?id=1617

Needless to say $1.2 billion is a hefty figure, and so is the golf tourism component, coming in at $360.5 million.

While pondering the economic value of the golf industry, beyond just dollars and cents, I had some vagrant thoughts:

• Several Minnesota courses are “Audobon Signature Sanctuaries,” because they do the right ‘green’ things when maintaining their courses. But with more than 500 courses in Minnesota, fathom the sheer acreage that is being held in safe harbor as golf courses, and the extent to which this land is nurtured and sustained;
• The value of this sport to individuals. Much has been written and spoken of the camaraderie of hunting and fishing camps, opening the seasons with favorite companions year after year, and golf has similar inherent traditions;
• The value of golf to families.  Drive by any golf course on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon and you will see many moms, dads and kids playing together.  In a world chock full of ‘new media,’ that four hours on the golf course is valuable family time;
• And the game is also about anticipation. Whether sharpening fish hooks and readying rods with just the right line for the fishing opener; sighting in a rifle for the opening of deer season; tempering a bow; or cleaning your golf shoes and clubs for the first round of 2008.

The season has begun, many courses are already open and they are listed at http://www.mngolf.org/courses-open.cfm and to make your early season golf plans, go to http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/outdoors/golf/index.aspx 

Major golf events are important to Minnesota because surveys show that this type of visitor stays longer and plays more golf while here.

Minnesota’s rich tradition of hosting major golf championships includes U.S. Opens in 1930, 1970 and 1991, when the late Payne Stewart won at Hazeltine National. The PGA Championship selected Minnesota in 1932, 1954, 1959 and 2002, and returns to Hazeltine in August, 2009. Hazeltine www.hngc.com will also host the Ryder Cup in 2016.

The U.S. Women’s Open Championship www.uswomensopen.com was played here in 1956, 1966 and 1977, and it returns to Minnesota June 23-29 at Interlachen Country Club in Edina. The Champions tour’s 3M Championship, is set for July 14-20 at the TPC of the Twin Cities, its 16th year here.. www.3Mchampionship.com

Considered by many as the heyday of Minnesota golf were the years when the PGA’s St. Paul Open was played at Keller Golf Course www.ramseycountygolf.com from 1930-1968, with the final held in 1969 at Braemar www.braemargolf.com under the name Minnesota Classic.

And the St. Paul Ladies Open (1973, 1974) became the Patty Berg Golf Classic and had a run at Keller from 1975 to 1980, and the LPGA also had Minnesota tour stops in 1990, 1991, 1997 and 1998 and hosted the Samsung World Match Play Championship in 1999.

Minnesota’s golf pedigree has evolved well beyond the hosting of major events, though. The state has more than 500 golf courses, golf tourism is a $360+ million business, Minnesota has emerged as a popular golf travel destination, and has more golfers per capita than any other state.

The major golf events are selecting Minnesota for good reasons.