So, before the snow starts to fly, I just wanted to let you all know that many of the courses within the Iron Range region are offering some fantastic fall golf packages.  Here are a couple that I came across online today (if there are more out there, please feel free to let me know):

The Legend and The Quarry at Giants Ridge
Fall Golf Special
Play Monday thru Thursday, September 7-closing FOR ONLY $52!  Book your tee times and play at The Legend or The Quarry.  (Remember to register in the Giants Ridge Golf Shop upon check-in for complimentary Troon Rewards Program to be eligible for this special rate. )

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
End of Season Play and Stay Special
October 1st - 11th
One nights lodging and one round for $78.86 per person
Golf Rate: $45 - Standard Room Rate: $67.73 based on double occupancy

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Eveleth Municipal Golf Course –

My favorite holes are # 7 – a par three with a bank behind and in front of the green – the hole plays from 125 yards to 140 yards – hit your tee shot short and the ball will role down the bank – making for a tough second shot to get close to the hole – hit your tee shot long and it might role down near the hole. Watch out if the hole is in the front of the green and your tee shot is in the back – your putt might just roll off the green. # 9 is also a favorite of mine – it is only 300 to 315 yards long but big hitters have no where to land their tee shot – the green is elevated and invisible if your drive is hit long. Play a lay-up with a fairway wood or long iron to see the hole. This green is very tough and fast – one could easily 3 or 4 putt.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay – Same designer – Jeff Brauer designed The Wilderness, The Legend and The Quarry at Giants Ridge.

Spectacular clubhouse, outside patio, driving range and putting green – all with a view of both the ninth and eighteenth greens and the tenth tee-off. My favorite holes –  they all are - but hole number one is spectacular – you drive up and can barely see the number one green – the hole plays from 480 yards to 600 yards. To reach the green in regulation – you have to hit a long drive and follow it up with a long fairway wood shot. Depending on where the hole is – you could still be faced with a 50 foot putt. The scenery is awesome – you are in the northwoods. Hole number 13 showcases Lake Vermilion and can be played in a number of ways. The hole plays from 300 to 325 yards – but that is only if you cut off the dogleg on your drive. Most people have to lay up or they will end up in the water or hazard. Like I said – it is hard to pick out a favorite hole – break 80 a you have shot well - this course is truly spectacular and you can always try your luck at the Casino after your round.

The Legend at Giants Ridge® - the first course designed by Brauer to open.  I advise every golfer to hit a few practice shots on the range before your round. Hole number one and number 10 are side by side and require a t-shot over the marsh of 160 to 200 yards. My favorite holes on this course are many also. But, the 4 holes grouped on the far northside of the course #13, 14, 15 and 16 are my favorite ones to play. Hole # 14 is a par 5 that plays from 470 to 510 yards – on the tee - the hole layout is full of sand traps – once you get to the green and look back towards the tee – and the sand traps have disappeared – that is why I call this hole the mirage hole. The next hole – # 15 is a long par 4 that plays 409 – 452 yards  - you must hit your tee shot long and straight and you still have a long approach over a marsh to reach the green.  My other favorite is hole number 17 – a par three is a hole like no other – it can play from 150 to 230 yards long and it is all carry over Sabin Lake. Par on this hole and you will talk about it with your group on the nineteenth hole.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge® is built on an old Quarry and has a lot of elevated tees. The Wacootah clubhouse has great food. My favorite holes are # 2 – a spectacular par 5. You can hit your t-shot long and the ball flies forever – depending on where you hit it – you then have to decide to lay-up on the dog-leg fairway or go for the green over the quarry tall grass. Hole number 4 is a par 3 that can play from 269 yards from the back tees – one of the longest par threes in the Country. Hole number 13 plays from 275 yards to 323 yards – big hitters can actually drive this green because of the elevated t-shot. Once on the green – you will be amazed at how big the green is - one of the largest you will ever play – you could actually have a putt of over 100 feet. All of the par threes are beautiful and very hard on this course – number 17 is another par three where you have to carry you tee shot over water at least 150 yards.

Virginia Municipal Golf Course – This is my home course – it is a very good “MUNI” course as far as the layout of the holes. Lots of trees and water hazards. If ever anyone is interested in a Best ball nassau game – no handicap – show up around 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning – and there will be 20 golfers to wager with. My favorite holes are number 7 – a par 5 that is reachable if you stay out of the fairway bunker on your t-shot and your second shot clears the green traps. Once on this is the largest green – so hit it close or you might 3 putt. Mt other favorite hole is number 16 – a really nice par 3 with an out of bounds on your right. “Michaels on the Course” has terrific food – from sandwiches to steaks. Try the walleye or the Sunday morning brunch buffet. The view is great from the patio for your after round cocktail.

Do you have a favorite hole of golf on the Iron Range?  If so, I’d love to hear about it!

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LADIES NIGHT at Giants Ridge
One-hour clinics held every Wednesday at 5 p.m., featuring putting, chipping, pitching, full-swing irons and full-swing woods followed by nine holes of golf. Drink, food, and merchandise discount coupons will be included. Please call the golf shop for availability and registration.  Reservations required.  Please call 218-865-3001 or e-mail.

Wilderness Golf Clinic
Clinic is open to all golfers and skill levels
Clinic starts Tuesday, June 9th and runs every other week.
Cost is $30.00 per weekly clinic and includes one hour of instruction and golf available afterward.

Ladies Golf Clinic
Clinic is available to all women golfers and skill levels
Clinic is designed specifically for the female golfer in a fun, relaxing, social environment
Clinic starts Wednesday, June 3rd and runs each week throughout the summer.
Cost is $30.00 per weekly clinic and includes one hour of instruction, golf available afterward.

Each clinic will focus on a specific area of the game from putting, bunker play, to the full swing and course management.  Clinics will be conducted by PGA Head Golf Professional, Ryan Peterson, and with over 10 years experience teaching a wide variety of skill levels and ages you are sure to improve your game and most importantly have fun.

Individual and group instruction also available. For more info. or to sign up please call 218-753-8917

SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, June 26th - Couples Night Out

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Be sure to call ‘em up now and check tee time availability for the long weekend!
Eveleth Municipal Golf Course
218-744-7558

Hibbing Municipal Golf Course
218-263-4720

Hoyt Lakes Golf Course
218-225-2841

Mesaba Country Club
218-262-2851

The Legend at Giants Ridge
800-688-7669

The Quarry at Giants Ridge
800-688-7669

Virginia Golf Course
218-748-7530

Wolfridge Golf Course
877-666-0218

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
800-992-4680

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The Legend at Giants Ridge opens tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6.  In fact, here’s one heck of a sweet spring special at Giants Ridge.  Play 18 holes at The Quarry and/or The Legend for ONLY $52 (per round, plus tax) or 36 holes for ONLY $90 (plus tax).  Price includes green fee, golf car and range balls, through Sunday, May 10.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is offering a Play & Stay special which includes: one night and one round of golf for only $78.75 per player through May 14th (based on double occupancy; must mention this promotion when booking).

Other local municipal courses are open as well. Visit the Eveleth Municipal golf course, Virginia, Hibbing Municipal, Mesaba Country Club and Wolfridge for fabulous pre-season golf specials.

Still working on “The Greatest Holes of Iron Range Golf.”  Yeah, it’s gonna be that good!

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So far, courses in Eveleth and Virginia are open.

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay opens on Friday, May 1.   Check out this great Spring Play & Stay special at The Wilderness.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge opens Sunday, May 3. There’s one heck of a special for those who play May 3-6 & another discount offer for those who choose to register for the Troon Rewards program. The opening date of The Legend at Giants Ridge is still to be determined.  They’re hoping to open it as soon a possible, but no “set-in-stone” date quite yet.

Wolfridge golf course, north of Virginia is expected to open Friday, May 1, as well.

Be sure to check back for my take on “The Greatest Holes of Golf on the Iron Range.”  I’m working on the project now and hope to have it out within the next couple of weeks!

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With the help of some friends at the Iron Range Tourism Bureau, I’ve managed to put together a little video explaining how I can get out on the golf courses on the Iron Range soon.  Check it out and share it with your friends.  Better yet, throw some Iron Range “golf snow” at your friends and family and help us get rid of the snow so we can start playing golf!  If anyone else has a better idea, send me a note and let me know!

And, don’t forget to register for the FREE Golf Getaway!

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In the mean time, here’s an Iron Range golf getaway giveaway that’s worth signing up for.

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Even though I work at Giants Ridge and we still have A LOT of snow (the slopes and trails are in fine shape, I might add),  in all honesty, I’m so ready for spring and summer!  I cannot get the thought of a beautiful spring or summer day out of my head.  I long to be on the links soon!

With that in mind (and in light of the current economic crisis facing this great nation), I came up with some undeniable reasons why the Iron Range is the perfect location for your golf getaway this summer.  Rather than heading to the trendy, upscale courses down south (and having to pay out your nose), save your money now for an unforgettable (not to mention, affordable) golf vacation here in northeastern Minnesota.  Trust me, the Iron Range has THE best deals in golf.

Less travel time = more play time!
The Iron Range is a short three hour drive from the Mpls/St. Paul metro area.   Four-lane highway leads to the Iron Range, making travel time minimal and more time for golf.

Numerous, accessible courses
One could fill an entire week with golf alone, here on the Iron Range.  From world-class championship courses like The Legend and The Quarry at Giants Ridge and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay to pristine municipal courses, the Iron Range is one of Minnesota’s hottest places to play golf.   (Plus, each of the courses are within driving distance of each other, making the Iron Range a convenient golf getaway.)

More golf for your dollar
Though the Iron Range is home to some of the most extraordinary golf in the state (heck, even the United States), that doesn’t mean the green fees are far-fetched, too.  Here, you’ll find the absolute best deals in golf.  Take advantage of pre and post-season specials offered at several Iron Range golf courses.  No matter what time of season you choose to play, you’ll get more golf for your money here.

Abundant, affordable lodging
With dozens of comfortable and convenient accommodations to choose from, many of the lodging properties across the Iron Range offer Play & Stay packages for golfers (and other specials) throughout the season.  Several also provide direct access to the courses found here.

Recreation options galore
If you’re looking for something to do after a day on the links, you’ve found the perfect destination. Guests have enjoyed the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation activities on the Iron Range for years.  From fishing and hunting to canoeing, kayaking, hiking or biking, it’s all right here.

Leave your worries behind
Once you’re here, your worries disappear. Many who have vacationed here on the Iron Range say that it’s a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world.  Prepare to kick back, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty and splendor of the Iron Range.  You’ll hear the sounds of rushing streams, the call of loons and wildlife (as opposed to traffic) and the only worry you’ll have is where you’re going to play your next round.

Free Golf
And, the #1 reason the Iron Range makes a recession proof golf getaway…..you can register to win a golf getaway at Giants Ridge here, complete with four rounds of golf and a two night stay at The Lodge at Giants Ridge.  It doesn’t get much more recession-proof than that!

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Register for your FREE Iron Range Golf Getaway!

The lucky winner receives four (4) rounds of golf from Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort and a two (2) night’s stay at the Lodge at Giants Ridge.  Drawing will be held Friday, May 1, 2009.

Be sure to tell your friends and family!

Here’s a link to a video I made with some of my friends which will show you why the Iron Range is MY FAVORITE GOLF GETAWAY.

FREE GOLF GETAWAY GIVEAWAY

Here’s the link to register to win a FREE Golf Getaway on the Iron Range.

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