StoneRidge Golf Club – Stillwater, MN

Course Details

• Architect: Bobby Weed (2000)
• Course Type: Public
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 7,013
• Rating: 74.1
• Slope: 139

Course Accolades

• Golf Magazine: #6 in Minnesota
• Golf Week: #10 in Minnesota
• Top100Courses: #17 in Minnesota
• Zagat: America’s Top Golf Courses (2012)

Course Score

• Course Conditions: 9
• Green Complexes: 8
• Amenities: 8
• Practice Facilities: 7
• Service: 7
• Course Design: 9
• Value: 8

Total Score: 8.06

Course Review

The Good: StoneRidge can best be described as the golf design equivalent of “Back to the Future”, with a rustic, old school bunkering look that pays homage to Donald Ross and a modern minimalist usage of width and strategy utilized by the greater designers of today. A Bobby Weed triumph on an otherwise fairly boring piece of property, StoneRidge has a “Poor Man’s Shinnecock” feel when you walk the grounds. Primarily a heathland setting, the front nine is more exposed to wind and the inward half weavers through more woodlands. Incredible course conditions overall and some of the most fun, unique green complexes I’ve played in the Midwest. The Par-4 variety is some of the strongest of any public course I’ve played and several Par 5’s have significant elevation change for the area. Nice clubhouse and excellent patio dining setting makes you feel like you’re at a resort. Superb pace of play and accommodating staff. One of the best values in the Midwest at under $100 during peak season.

The Bad: If I’m forced to nitpick, the Par 3’s aren’t as interesting as the longer holes. The practice facility is serviceable but there are improvements to the short game area that could be useful. No GPS on the carts, however well-marked.

The Verdict: StoneRidge was one of the most pleasant golfing surprises I’ve had in a long time. As well-conditioned and fun of a public facility under $100 that you can find.  Highly recommended!

Best Hole: While the Par 4’s on the front are extremely interesting, nothing beats the long Par-4 12th, which requires a long drive through a shoot and then an approach to a plateau green with a huge run-off on both sides if you hit an errant approach. Just a bear of a hole!