There are golf courses, and then there are great golf courses—the ones that make you feel you are part of something special from the moment you see them rise in the distance. It takes more than just a beautiful green to earn a spot on the list of best golf courses in America. Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota takes it one step further, rating as one of the finest golf courses anywhere in the world.

Just what is it that makes this legendary course so special? It goes beyond the obvious, so join us as we enter on the road to discovering Interlachen's deepest secrets.

Quick Facts

Interlachen's current design remains timeless, thanks to the efforts of four architects, most notably Donald Ross. Interlachen ranks as the top course in Minnesota.

It is a par 72 and is approximately 6,900 yards long. Golf carts are a common sight throughout the grounds. Six holes involve water, and the signature hole is the ninth, a 530-yard par 5.

There is a short game area, a driving range, and a practice putting green to visit before heading out onto the course proper.

History

To become iconic, there must be elements people cannot forget, things that get talked about even decades later. Interlachen's rich history of prestige fits the bill perfectly.

A group of members of the Bryn Mawr Golf Club was looking to create something more—a course with prestige that would stand the test of time. Three tracts of farmland purchased in November 1909 became the site of the new nine-hole Interlachen Country Club.

The official opening date was July 29, 1911. The head professional for several years was George Sargent, eventual president of the PGA of America and winner of the U.S. Open in 1909.

In 1919, the club decided renovations and redesign were in order. The club reopened as an 18-hole course in 1921 after a redesign by Donald Ross. Two further alterations made over the years by Robert Trent Jones in 1963 and Geoffrey Cornish in 1986 fine-tuned Interlachen into the icon it is today.

Amenities

There is more to Interlachen Country Club than just golf. Located near downtown Minneapolis, you can view the city and the stunning course sitting in the 50,000-square foot clubhouse. Grab a quick casual bite after a round, or return for formal dining.

The Pro Shop offers all the latest merchandise, accessories, and golf clubs you can hope to find. The knowledgeable, professional staff is friendly and ready to assist with purchase questions or information on private lessons and various programs.

Along with a full-service tennis shop, there are nine courts on the grounds of Interlachen. Two of them are Lay-Kold hard surface, and seven are Har-Tru clay.

The wellness center provides members the opportunity to make it a full day out at the club. The gym contains the newest fitness equipment available for any level of experience. Finish off the new you with a visit to the barbershop or the spa, where you can relax with a massage, manicure, and pedicure, or an invigorating facial.

The modern pool is 25 yards and includes a 12-foot diving well. A variety of program offerings, such as swimming lessons and a swim team, is perfect for family involvement.

The fun at Interlachen does not stop when the snow flies. The rolling hills are home to numerous trails for snowshoe or ski enthusiasts. There are also two pleasure ice rinks and one hockey rink.

Famous Competitions

Interlachen has hosted numerous famous competitions over its history. 1914's Western Open was the first major tournament held on the grounds.

The U.S. Open was played at the club in July of 1930. After wins at the British Open and the British Amateur that year, Bobby Jones took the trophy at Interlachen by two strokes. Later that same year, his win at the U.S. Amateur completed his unprecedented Grand Slam, forever entering both Jones and Interlachen into the annals of history books.

Several other major competitions held at Interlachen include:

1. 1914 Western Open

2. 1916 Trans-Mississippi Amateur

3. 1935 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship

4. 1986 USGA Senior Amateur Championship

5. 1993 Walker Cup

6. 2002 Solheim Cup

7. 2008 U.S. Women's Open

8. 2016 Junior Ryder Cup

Interlachen was set to be the site of the 1942 U.S. Open, but the outbreak of World War II caused cancellation of the event.

The Course

No discussion about a golf course would be complete without a glance at what you want to know—so here it is—the official scorecard from Interlachen Country Club!

Scorecard

Final Thoughts

If you are ever in Minnesota, no self-respecting golfer could drive by Interlachen without stopping by. The view alone is worth it.

The only downside is that the club is members only. Even if you are lucky enough to know someone who is one of the elite, wheedling an invitation may be harder than you think.

Those who have the good fortune to challenge the course find it an experience they will never forget!