8.7

The Minikahda Club

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1898
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10.5
City
Minneapolis

Score

8.7
Design
40%
8.6
Conditions
25%
9.3
Desirability
15%
8.9
Scenery
10%
8.7
Fun
5%
8.3
Uniqueness
5%
6.6

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 143

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10.5

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
0
$
$
0
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Minikahda, named from two Sioux words meaning "by the side of the water," was established in 1898 with an impressive founding membership of 600 individuals. Minikahda Club also hosted the 1916 U.S. Open and 1927 U.S. Amateur.

About

The Minikahda Club is a historic private club established in 1898, positioned on elevated ground with dramatic views over Bde Maka Ska and the Minneapolis skyline. Its storied Donald Ross course, restored by Ron Prichard in 2001, is widely regarded for its classic parkland design, challenging green complexes, and role in American golf history.

Caddie Tip

The Donald Ross greens at Minikahda are notoriously subtle and fast, so focus on precise approach shots below the hole and careful reads. Avoid missing short-side—recovery is tough, and deep bunkers are strategically placed throughout. Manage your club selection carefully on both nines for the best scoring chances.

The Main Challenge

The toughest aspect of playing The Minikahda Club is mastering its classic Donald Ross green complexes, which are fast, multi-tiered, and heavily bunkered. The course demands accuracy both off the tee and on approaches, and poor positioning can lead to challenging up-and-downs or three-putts.

The Good

Members and guests most love the classic Donald Ross design, demanding yet fair layout, and the incredible vistas of Bde Maka Ska and the Minneapolis skyline, especially from the clubhouse terrace. Its rich history and pristine conditioning add to the sense of tradition and exclusivity, making every round feel special.

The Not So Good

Some golfers wish for more accessible guest play or relaxed restrictions on non-member access. In recent years, there have been complaints about the difficulty for higher-handicap players confronting the fast, contoured greens and persistent pace-of-play issues on busy weekends.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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Could not find info

Clubhouse

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The stately Colonial Revival clubhouse features elegant dining rooms, locker rooms, event spaces, tennis courts, a pool complex, and a lakeside terrace. Members enjoy full-service hospitality, social activities, and year-round amenities that extend beyond golf.

Practice Facilities

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Minikahda offers a complete practice area with a well-manicured driving range, short game complex, and putting greens, all within proximity of the first and tenth tees. Instruction from PGA professionals and state-of-the-art technology are available to members.

Dress Code:

Prestigious

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.

Minnesota
U.S.A.