A brave golfer tees up for a round of snow golf at the Wayzata Chilly Open Frozen Golf Tournament.
Josh Hyway of Dynamic Photowerks
Whether you’re a pro golfer or putt-putt is more your speed, the winter can be a major setback for any type of green. Then again, we Minnesotans are known for not letting the weather come between us and our passions.
Even on the chilliest, iciest days, Minnesota golfers are putting, driving and chipping to their hearts’ content. How? Read on for a list of indoor driving ranges, mini golf, virtual golf, and, yes, even snow golf.
Golf simulator
Bunker Indoor Golf
Located in Shorewood, Bunker Indoor Golf will take the pro golf fan to the best golf courses in the nation. From Pebble Beach to Torrey Pines, the 12 widescreen, full swing simulators will have golfers driving away on some of the nation’s finest greens. Tee times and parties can be scheduled in advance for a unique snow day golf outing.
Burnsville Indoor Golf
Take a swing at Burnsville’s indoor virtual golf course. Burnsville Indoor Golf has five HD indoor golf simulators, which can be used on your own, with friends or on one of the course’s seasonal leagues. Need more incentive? There’s a sports grill onsite, which means when you’re done swinging, there’s a burger and pitcher of beer with your name on it.
Inside Edge Golf
Eden Prairie’s Inside Edge Golf is so close to the Twin Cities, it’s the perfect spot to blow off steam and bond with coworkers after a long day at work. With PGA tour golf simulators, Inside Edge Golf is exactly what every golf lover is dreaming of on these cold, bitter winter days. Join a league, stop in with friends, or bring the kids for free intro lessons. Food and drinks are available for purchase, so no golfer will go hungry.
Life Time Golf Club
Life Time Athletic Club has been helping St. Louis Park residents stay in shape year-round, but it isn’t just for members anymore. Life Time Golf Club is located within the athletic club and has several golf simulators and lounge spaces. With lessons, team challenges, and leagues, Life Time Golf Club will surely feed your golf cravings.
Indoor golf
Braemer Golf Dome
Located in Edina, the Braemer Golf Dome is a great spot to bring large groups of friends and family members. The dome offers a unique golf experience that is reminiscent of summer evenings out on the driving range… except you’re indoors (thankfully). For just $10 per bucket of balls, you can putt away until summer.
Chip & Putt Center
Stop by the Chip & Putt Center in Golden Valley for open practice, lessons or even a party. While you’re perfecting your putt, you might even catch one of the University of Minnesota golf teams practicing. Rest in one of the comfortable lounge areas, and feel free to bring your own food to enjoy before hitting the green.
Topgolf
Topgolf might be new to Minnesota, but it has quickly become a staple for every Bold North golfer. Located in Brooklyn Center, Topgolf delivers Minnesotans lessons, classes, memberships, open golf, a “kidzone,” and even food and drinks. Winter leagues are open from Jan. 28 through March 26, but if you’re more of a casual golfer, round up some friends and stop in for a night of golf, drinks, and fun!
Victory Links Golf Dojo
Whether you want to warm up your favorite clubs or you’re interested in purchasing some new ones, Victory Links Golf Dojo has everything you’ll need. Located in Blaine, the golf dojo is located directly above Victory Links Pro Shop, so feel free to shop around and discover what’s new in the world of golf before heading upstairs for a nine-hole course. Group and private lessons are available for youth, high school/junior high school, adults, and parent-child.
Mini golf
Can Can Wonderland
If anyone knows how to do fun, it’s Can Can Wonderland. Known for its playgrounds for all ages (seriously, come after 9 p.m. and it’s 21+), St. Paul’s Can Can Wonderland knows how to keep Minnesotans entertained even in the dreariest winter months. Stop in for a round of mini golf on an 18-hole course inspired by artists. With an arcade, food and drinks, and a boatload of other entertainment, Can Can Wonderland will give you your golf fix and much, much more.
Glow in One
Mini golf is cool and all, but have you done it in the dark? Well, now’s your chance. Come out to Blaine for a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Glow in One. With an 18-hole course, music from all decades, and very uniquely themed holes (you’ll have to see it for yourself), Glow in One is great for a night out with friends or a big birthday party.
Snow golf
St. Paul Winter Carnival Snow Golf
Prove how thick your Minnesotan skin is in a round of snow golf at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Slightly different from your average game on the green, snow golf involves frozen tennis balls, golf clubs, and sometimes even hockey sticks. Nine holes of Lester Prairie’s Shadowbrooke Golf Course are recreated in snow on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and games are black-lit at night.
Wayzata Chilly Open Frozen Golf Tournament
From Feb. 8 through 9, Wayzata will be celebrating its 34thannual Chilly Open Frozen Golf Tournament. Three nine-hole golf courses around Lake Minnetonka will be plowed off for more than 1,700 golfers. Participants hit tennis balls with golf clubs or hockey sticks, but golf isn’t the only activity on the docket. Snowga (snow yoga), snow kiting, dogsled rides, and a chili cook-off are perfect for those whose favorite part of golf is the drinks.
