Meadows at Mystic Lake - Minnesota - USA

Sitting adjacent to Minnesota’s largest casino, the Meadows at Mystic Lake is an amusing stroll because of the fun layout and Native American artifacts situated throughout the course. The grass is impeccably maintained, and if not for a few duds this would be a must play in the Gopher State. Count me in the minority, but I don’t like the oddly shaped, punishing par five 18th. That being said, I’ve never been a fan of the final hole being the hardest or most confusing journey on the scorecard, so to each his own. The par five third may be my favorite on the course, a high risk high reward dogleg left that employs a green surrounded by water that no doubt gobbled up many balls. The fourth is a slightly uphill, perhaps reachable par four with danger all around the green. The Meadows is certainly worth a play if you’re in the area and can handle a sea’s worth of water hazards and a stout challenge. It’s a quintessential solid casino golf course.

Golf course is in immaculate shape. The most comfortable golf carts you will ever ride. There are numerous beautifully designed holes. Multiple holes where you have to clear water on your approach shot makes for some fun shots.

Casino course that has wonderful conditions, decent layout with a couple exceptional holes. Strength of the course in the quality of the par threes and par fives. Distinctly different challenges to overcome on each hole.

Number one is disappointing with range balls being a hazard at time. The hole itself is poorly laid out with a semi-hidden green. Bad introduction to the quality of the course overall. 5-9 are all good holes with a need for length and proper placement to stay on the fairway and see the entire green for your approach.

Back nine requires a bit more strategy as the par fours are short doglegs which requires you to be more cognizant of where the fairway ends and your try to hit the 100 or 150 markers to be safe.

This is for me a top 5 public course in Minnesota. Almost every single hole is a signature one. It is one of the best maintained golf courses you will ever play. When you arrive a golf course attendant will arrive with a golf cart and help you bring your clubs to the clubhouse. You will notice multiple statues throughout the course with native American folklore surrounding them. Greens fees are reasonable for a course that is manicured and up kept as well as it is. The only places you will lose a ball is in the water or prairie land type fescue, which mind you are prevalent on nearly every hole. And after you are finished with a round you can head inside to the casino to either gamble or taste one of it's great restaurants. It is a must play for the region.