Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course is the granddad of Rochester, Minnesota munis
By View large image | More photos |
| The 177-yard fifth at Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course offers a tee shot over the Zumbro River and a great view of the Rochester, Minn. skyline from the green. (Kiel Christianson/WorldGolf.com) |
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The mid-1920s brought a sort of pre-Depression golf boom to Rochester, Minn. Most notably, the dean of American golf course design, A.W. Tillinghast, traveled west from his usual northeastern stomping grounds to lay out and oversee construction of Rochester Golf & Country Club, which opened in 1925.
During that same period, the city of Rochester was planning its first municipal golf course, to be named after the nearby memorial to local soldiers who had died in what everyone at the time believed to be the war to end all wars, World War I.
In 1927, Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course opened, ushering in an era of accessible, affordable public golf for the residents of this small but thriving center of medical research and treatment. Although there is no evidence that the great Tillinghast had any input into the far more modest municipal's design, if you look closely at the greens at Soldiers Field, you'll certainly see influences.
Rochester, Minnesota 55901
Olmsted County
( no ratings )
How Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course plays
Soldiers Field's 5,823-yard "city" design is appealing to golfers of all ages and skill levels, especially older players. According to Head Golf Professional Dave Richardson, 50 percent of play here consists of seniors.
"It's the only flat, really walkable one of the city's courses," says Richardson. "And if you drive it straight and have good short irons, you'll score well. The par 3s are the holes that will get you, though. There are no gimmes there."
The appeal of Soldiers Field to players of all ages is one of the hallmarks of a thriving muni. And the family atmosphere extends to the waterpark just behind the first tee, which is also part of the park. It is perfect for families visiting the area for a vacation or for medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic: Non-golfers can swim while the golfers hit the links.
I had the good fortune of golfing in a foursome composed of Richardson and two long-time residents and course members, Gordy Grosenick and Rodney Dretsch. These three experts were generous with their local knowledge of the course.
"It's the easiest of all the city golf courses," said Grosenick, "but people who have trouble with trees don't think so." Indeed, the 81-year-old track contains plenty of huge, mature trees that must be avoided at all costs.
"Because it is an old course," explained Dretsch, "it's set up to run the ball up onto the greens."
This leads us to the topic of those greens, which, all three of my playing partners agreed, are the best-conditioned and hardest to read in all the city.
What makes them so hard to read? In short, there appear to be countless small breaks hidden in each putting surface. After a morning round in which I hadn't even come close to three-putting, I proceeded to miss a three-foot par putt on the innocuous 328-yard first hole, as well as the 8-inch comebacker.
Considering that these greens haven't been touched in 80+ years, and they are still in fabulous condition and continue to fool even locally experienced golfers, it is hard not to speculate that someone on the city planning board didn't enlist some advice from Tillinghast, creator of the timeless greens at Winged Foot Golf Club and Balustrol Golf Club, and builder of arguably the greatest municipal course in America, Black at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.
Richardson was right, in that the par 3s are not only the ones that will jump up and bite you but also the ones that you'll best remember.
The 177-yard fifth presents players with a tee shot over the Zumbro River to a green guarded on the right side by the same waterway and featuring a nice view of the Rochester skyline as a backdrop. Grosenick listed the fifth as his favorite on the course, because, he said rather sheepishly, "I just think it's a pretty hole."
The 220-yard eighth, according to Richardson, is often listed by locals as their favorite hole. It's long and testing but uncannily serene. The green is perched on the bank of the ancient, now grass-covered river channel that meanders between the tee and green.
Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course's 147-yard 14th is picturesque, despite a highway close on the left side. The small green is surrounded by trees and backed by wetlands. The green itself is a semi-saddleback and steeply canted from back to front. Without the highway, you could mistake this hole for some of the postcard-worthy par 3s in Northern Michigan.
The verdict on Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course
For visitors who are seeking escape from the sterile confines of the Mayo Clinic, Soldiers Memorial Field is arguably the best choice of the city courses. Aside from the excellent greens, pace of play is the course's most appealing attribute, as it's the fastest of all the city's municipal courses. Our foursome finished in 3 hours and 10 minutes despite my incessant note-taking, picture-snapping, interviewing and adventurous routes to some of the greens.
Soldiers Field is a wonderful course for the entire family. Length is not an issue, even from the back tees, but your short game will be sternly tested. The excellent greens are old-school and - dare we say it? - even Tillinghast-esque.
Accommodation and dining
Soldiers Field, and all of the municipal and public golf courses in Rochester, are only a few minutes drive from the city's growing downtown. The Rochester Marriott (507-280-6000) is linked to the Mayo Clinic and other downtown hotels via an underground shopping mall. It is also right next door to the Peace Plaza, a lovely pedestrian mall running through blocks of restaurants and shops, many of which feature outdoor seating in the warm summer months.
Twig's at the Best Western Soldier's Field (507-288-2677) is a newly opened, completely remodeled casual restaurant. Its lake cabin-chic interior and eclectic menu are quite happy surprises compared to the drab exterior. The restaurant's signature dishes are prepared by diners themselves at their tables on special rocks heated to 650 degrees.
More photos
«
September 26, 2008
Kiel Christianson has lived, worked, traveled and golfed extensively on three continents. As senior writer and equipment editor for WorldGolf.com, he has reviewed courses, resorts, and golf academies from California to Ireland. Read his golf blog here.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.
Ko'Olina Golf Club in Hawaii: A fun Oahu favorite
At Ko'Olina Golf Club, there's no pretense that this is anything more than an enjoyable, well conditioned, Hawaiian golf course. Although this Oahu favorite has hosted the LPGA and Champions Tour, the right mix of challenge and opportunity means even average players can enjoy a few thrills during a relaxing day of play. Great scenery, plenty of water, and all the amenities of resort golf make "the ladybug" one of Hawaii's can't-miss courses.
... full article »- In Mexico, Club Campestre San Jose still delivers good golf, views away from the beach
- The Golf Club at Ravenna near Denver offers red rocks and serious golf
Northern Hills Golf Course in Rochester, Minnesota narrows the gaps between golfers
In the best of all possible golf worlds, it is at the "muny" where low handicappers and weekend hacks can come together, and, with the help of the handicap syst [...]
Photo Gallery: Northern Hills Golf Course in Rochester, Minnesota
Photo Gallery: Eastwood Golf Club in Rochester, Minnesota
Eastwood Golf Club: The newly expanded centerpiece of Rochester's muni golf courses
Soldiers Field Memorial Golf Course is the granddad of Rochester, Minnesota munis
