7 Best Golf Courses in Rochester, MN: Where to Tee Off & Enjoy the Game

Nestled amidst the scenic expanse of Southeast Minnesota lies the city of Rochester, a haven for golf enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance of natural beauty and challenging fairways. This guide explores the best golf courses in and around the city, where golfers can indulge in their passion while experiencing the region's beauty. From meticulously designed championship courses to hidden gems tucked away in the rolling hills, Rochester—located just over 80 miles southeast of downtown St. Paul—offers a range of options for those seeking an exceptional golfing experience. Discover the allure of these great courses, each offering a unique blend of elegance, tranquility, and world-class play.

Eastwood Golf Club

The Eastwood Golf Club sits in the southeastern part of Rochester, on both sides of Towne Club Parkway. This is an 18-hole public course that winds through mature maple, pine, and oak trees. The course has some serious elevation changes and rolling hills to follow, so it can take at least 4 hours to play all 18 holes comfortably. Four sets of tees offer a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Eastwood is one of four municipal golf courses in Rochester. If a person purchases a Season Pass from the city, they can play all four courses throughout the typical golf season (early April through late October) with 25 percent off all green fees. The course is located just east of the Slatterly Park neighborhood.

Northern Hills Golf Course

Northern Hills Golf Course is another public 18-hole municipal course in Rochester. This course is in the northwest part of the city, between the Golfview community and the Lincolnshire neighborhood. Both areas are lovely communities of golf course homes and luxury homes. Northern Hills has rolling terrain and features several hazards to play through. The course is par 72, with the longest tees measuring 6,271 yards, and Northern Nineteen is a diner-style restaurant located in the clubhouse.

Soldiers Memorial Field Golf Course

Soldiers Memorial Field Golf Course is located in Downtown Rochester, near homes in the Historic Southwest neighborhood. Of all the 18-hole municipal courses in Rochester, this one has the most finely kept greens and fairways. The course is a par 70, measuring 5,769 yards from the longest tees. Tee times can be reserved up to five days in advance. This course was developed in the 1920s and requires some challenging shots across the South Fork Zumbro River. Soldiers Memorial has fantastic greens and fairways because of the maintenance routine employed here. Four times per month, the grass is trimmed (using a process called "verticutting") to a length of 129/1,000 to 140/1,000 of an inch. The grass is also top-dressed with fine sand two or three times yearly, and hydraulic rollers regularly smooth out the greens.

Oak Summit Golf Course

Oak Summit Golf Course is 5 miles south of Downtown Rochester, in a rural area next to the Rochester International Airport. This family-owned public course opened in 1992 when Leon Cook decided to turn his farmland into a challenging golf course for everyone to enjoy. To this day, the course hosts Minnesota Golf Association-sanctioned tournaments and hosts large and small events. This is an 18-hole, par 70 course through rolling hills and mature trees. While it is a public course, they also sell unrestricted annual memberships to the club. Membership includes perks like reduced cart fees, a complimentary Oak Summit polo shirt or hat, and the ability to book tee times up to seven days in advance.

Maple Valley Golf and Country Club

The Maple Valley Golf and Country Club is located about 20 minutes southeast of Downtown Rochester, near the Simpson area. This family-owned public course first opened for play in 1963. Maple Valley is widely considered one of the most beautiful public courses in Southeast Minnesota. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs on three sides and encircled by the Root River. Water hazards surround the 15th hole. Nine of the holes at Maple Valley have natural water hazards. Many wildlife species frequent this course, including deer, turkeys, beavers, muskrats, eagles, coyotes, and squirrels. Memberships include discounted carts and green fees, and morning tee times. Long-term membership reduces all fees by 3% per year, which can add up to considerable savings for loyal players.

Rochester Golf & Country Club

The Rochester Golf & Country Club is located on the west side of Rochester. The beautiful homes in Foxcroft, a neighborhood in Rochester, are directly adjacent to the southern edge of the course. The 18-hole course plays to a par of 70 and measures 6,560 yards from the longest tees. There are resident and non-resident memberships, junior memberships, and social memberships, each with various perks and amenities. Speaking of amenities, this country club has a full fitness and aquatic center for members, a Kid's Club, and a private venue space for weddings, charity events, and parties. The club has a huge driving range for golfers to practice their swing. Short game facilities include a 12,000-square-foot putting green and a separate chipping and putting green. The club's indoor simulators allow golfers to practice year-round.

Willow Creek Golf Course

The Willow Creek Golf Course has an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole course. The shorter course is called the Little Willow, the only Executive course in Rochester. There is also a 9-hole footgolf course. Willow Creek is located next to the Southern Woods neighborhood, with many newer golf course homes. The Little Willow course is a par 29, measuring 1,434 yards. It's perfect for a quick round of golf or for those still learning the sport. The main Willow Creek course is a par 70, measuring 6,053 yards from the longest tees. Willow Creek membership prices are reasonable and are an excellent option for those who want to play a lot of golf during the season in Rochester.

Great Golf Awaits in Rochester, MN

As the sun sets over Rochester, the allure of its remarkable area golf courses continues to captivate avid golfers. Whether a first-timer or seasoned pro who has exhausted all of the best golf courses near Minneapolis, these courses embody golfing excellence. From teeing off amidst the undulating hills to navigating challenging water hazards, the golfers who grace these courses are rewarded with an unmatched experience. With an array of top-tier courses, Rochester proves to be a destination where golf enthusiasts can find their own corner of golfing paradise, leaving lasting memories with each swing of the club. #hw-pillar-cta-bottom-rochester#