If you take a poll of true Minnesotans and you ask them to name areas of the state that are traditional vacation destinations, the Mille Lacs Lake area is certain to be in the top five locations for the majority of those polled. Taking a trip to Mille Lacs is one that nearly every Minnesotan has made. A trip to Mille Lacs is similar to attending the Minnesota State Fair or going to the State Capitol building on a field trip as a 5th grade student, everybody does it.



Just off of U.S. Highway 169 and an easy 90-minute drive north from the Twin Cities, just six miles south of Garrison, there is a golf course that has been open since 1964. There have been some changes made during the past couple of seasons and more changes that will be taking place in the months and years ahead. Welcome to Mille Lacs Golf Resort and Marina featuring Hardwoods Golf Club. Future plans include a new log design clubhouse and restaurant, a 35,000 square foot indoor water park, a day spa, a 120-unit hotel condo building and many more amenities planned for the future. There is also the option of purchasing or renting single-family homes and townhouses which feature log design.

There are some changes in the future for Hardwoods Golf Club. There are some plans on the drawing board to stretch the 6,309 yard course a bit by adding some length to a couple of the tee boxes and converting one of the longer par-4 holes into a par-5 making the course a par-72. The addition of some strategically placed bunkers is on the drawing board as well. In it's current design Hardwoods Golf Club plays to a par-71 with a course rating of 69.7 and a slope index of 119. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by looking at the yardage on the scorecard and thinking you can overpower this golf course. If you are an accurate ball-striker and an above average putter you can score well, but if you let your guard down this golf course will have you for lunch. All of the greens are small, elevated and have enough undulation to keep you on top of your putting game. The greens at Hardwoods Golf Club have been described as Pinehurst-like, and I would agree with this statement.

General Manager Trent Christenson along with his management staff of, Jim Resch- Head Golf Professional, Justin Heitkamp- Pro Shop Manager and Bob Weston-Golf Course Superintendent, do a fine job of making patrons feel welcome as well as keeping the facility in fine condition.

The weekend rate of $45.00 per person with a cart is quite reasonable for this resort destination. Seniors can golf on any Monday or Wednesday for $25.00 per person with a cart making this an even better value. For tee times call 1-800-435-8720 or visit their website at www.millelacsgolf.com

With the planned additions to the Hardwoods Golf Club as well as the planned expansion to the resort facilities, Mille Lacs Golf Resort and Marina featuring Hardwoods Golf Club is a destination you will want to bring your family to again and again.