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Course Report
Deacon’s Lodge was Arnold Palmer’s last course design project in Minnesota, named after his father, ‘Deek’. It regularly appears in national rankings, including Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses.
About
Designed by Arnold Palmer and named after his father, Deacon’s Lodge is an 18-hole, par 72 course. It stretches across 500 acres of Minnesota lakes, wetlands, and mixed forest, offering a championship layout with impeccably maintained Bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways. This acclaimed track is a must-play in the Upper Midwest, revered for both challenge and playability.
Caddie Tip
Pay close attention to pin positions; the greens can be very quick and undulating, demanding cautious approaches and thoughtful lag putting. Manage your misses—deep bunkers and waste areas can penalize risky play. Take note of wind direction, which frequently changes and can affect club selection, especially on the back nine.
The Main Challenge
The toughest aspect of Deacon’s Lodge is its combination of length and strategically placed waste bunkers. Many holes present forced carries over wetlands or sand, demanding accuracy off the tee and precise iron play into undulating, fast Bentgrass greens. The doglegs and elevation changes require solid decision-making, especially under windier conditions.
The Good
Golfers rave about the stunning north-country scenery—majestic trees, clear lakes, and impressive bunker complexes that provide a sense of tranquility and seclusion. The course seamlessly blends challenging holes with peaceful natural beauty, making the experience memorable for both aesthetics and shot-making variety.
The Not So Good
Some players comment about slow pace of play during peak season and occasional bottlenecks on the back nine. The course does not allow walking due to distance and wetland crossings, and certain areas can become soggy after heavy rain. Improvement in course pace management and drainage is often suggested.
Signature Hole:
#
17
The 17th hole at Deacon’s Lodge is a striking par 3 that plays over water to a well-bunkered green surrounded by lush forest and Minnesota lake views. Its picturesque setting and risk/reward challenge have made it the course’s most photographed and memorable hole, testing players’ nerves toward the round’s finish.
Clubhouse
The lodge-style clubhouse is crafted from hand-hewn cedar timbers and includes a pro shop, restaurant, meeting rooms, and club storage. The clubhouse overlooks the finishing holes and provides a cozy spot for food and drinks, with attentive staff and a selection of local brews and fare.
Practice Facilities
Deacon’s Lodge features a well-maintained practice range, chipping area, and a large putting green. Players have access to rental clubs, teaching professionals, and clinics during the peak season. The full-service clubhouse offers a pro shop, locker rooms, and comfortable lounge spaces ideal for relaxation after a round.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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