You’re driving through the rolling, marshy countryside of Medina, just west of the Twin Cities, and suddenly the trees open up to reveal Baker National Golf Course. It’s not just another muni. Honestly, if you’ve lived in Minnesota long enough, you know the "public course" label can be a bit of a gamble. Some are flat, boring strips of grass that feel like playing in a parking lot. Baker is different. It’s rugged. It’s hilly. It’s a Three Rivers Park District gem that manages to feel like a high-end destination without the $150 green fee.
Most people call it Baker. Some call it "The National." Whatever you call it, you’re usually saying it with a bit of a grimace because the back nine is notorious for swallowing golf balls.
The course sits inside the Baker Park Reserve, which means you aren’t looking at backyard patios or dodging lawnmowers while you tee off. You’re looking at 210 acres of restored prairie, oak savanna, and wetlands. It’s quiet. Well, except for the sound of your ball splashing into one of the many, many ponds.
The Reality of Playing Baker National Golf Course
Look, let’s be real for a second. Baker National Golf Course is hard. It’s a par 72 that plays about 6,700 yards from the tips, but the yardage is a total lie. Because of the elevation changes and the wind whipping across the open prairie sections, it plays much longer. If you’re a high handicapper, you might want to bring an extra sleeve of balls. Or three.
The layout was designed by Michael Morley and Joel Goldstrand. If you know Minnesota golf, you know Goldstrand’s name. He’s the guy who basically shaped the modern landscape of golf in this state. He has a knack for using the natural "knick-knack" of the land—those weird bumps and kettle holes left by glaciers—and Baker is a prime example of that.
What makes the layout unique?
The course is split into two very different vibes. The front nine is relatively open. It feels like a links-style course where you can see for miles, but the tall prairie grass is waiting to eat anything that isn't in the fairway. Then you hit the back nine.
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The back nine is a different beast entirely. It’s wooded. It’s tight. Holes 12 through 15 are a gauntlet of "don't hit it there" moments. By the time you reach the 18th hole—a long par 4 that requires a precise approach over water to a green sitting right under the clubhouse—you’re either feeling like a hero or you’re ready to sell your clubs in the parking lot.
The Practice Facilities are Actually Good
Most public courses have a depressing driving range with mats that feel like hitting off concrete. Baker doesn't. They have a massive grass tee range and a dedicated short-game area.
But the real secret? The Evergreen Course.
While the "National" is the big 18-hole championship course, the Evergreen is a 9-hole executive course. It’s perfect. If you have kids or you’re just trying to work on your wedges without the stress of a 500-yard par 5, this is where you go. It’s one of the best "learning" environments in the metro area. They also have a synthetic turf practice green that stays open later into the fall than almost anywhere else.
Lessons and Community
Three Rivers Park District puts a lot of money into their golf programs. They have legitimate PGA professionals on staff. If you’ve ever looked into the "Golf Academy" at Baker, you’ll see it’s packed every summer. They do a lot for junior golf, which is probably why you see so many high school teams practicing out there. It keeps the atmosphere grounded. It’s not stuffy. You’ll see guys in hoodies playing alongside retirees in ironed polos.
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Logistics: Getting a Tee Time and Saving Cash
Booking a round at Baker National Golf Course used to be a "show up and hope" situation decades ago, but now it’s all digital through the Three Rivers site.
- The Patron Card: If you live in the Twin Cities and plan on playing more than three times, just buy the Patron Card. It’s basically a discount pass that pays for itself almost immediately.
- The Carts: They have a modern fleet with GPS, which you need. This isn't a flat walk. If you decide to carry your bag at Baker, God bless you. The hills between the 10th green and 11th tee alone are enough to make a mountain climber sweat.
- The Food: The clubhouse isn't a five-star steakhouse, but the grill is solid. The patio overlooks the 18th green, and it’s arguably one of the best spots in Medina to grab a beer and watch people chunk their approach shots into the pond.
Why People Get Frustrated (The Downsides)
It wouldn't be an honest review without mentioning the gripes. Because Baker is part of a park reserve, they have strict environmental rules. Sometimes the rough is... punishing. If the "no-mow" areas get too long, you aren't finding your ball. Period.
Also, the pace of play. On a beautiful Saturday in June, expect a five-hour round. It’s a popular spot and the difficulty of the course means people spend a lot of time looking for balls in the weeds. If you want a quick round, go out at 7:00 AM on a Tuesday or try to catch a twilight slot.
Turf Conditions
For a public track, the greens are usually in fantastic shape. They are fast. Faster than you'd expect for the price point. However, because the course is built on a lot of clay and wetlands, it can hold water. If we’ve had a week of heavy Minnesota rain, expect "Cart Path Only" signs. The drainage has improved over the years, but nature still wins out here.
Comparing Baker to Other Metro Courses
How does it stack up? If you compare it to something like Braemar in Edina or Chaska Town Course, Baker feels more "wild." Braemar is polished and manicured. Chaska is a beast built for championships. Baker feels like a hike through the woods with some golf holes scattered in between. It’s more scenic in a "National Park" kind of way.
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It’s also significantly more affordable than the high-end daily fee courses like StoneRidge or The Wilds. You’re getting 90% of the quality for 60% of the price.
What to Bring to Your Round
Don't just show up with your clubs.
- Bug Spray: You are in a park reserve. The mosquitoes here don't play around, especially near the 14th hole.
- Rangefinder: The elevation changes make club selection a nightmare. A rangefinder with slope is a lifesaver.
- Water: There are water stations, but on a hot July day, the stretch from holes 4 through 8 is a long way from the clubhouse.
Final Thoughts on the Baker Experience
Baker National is a "bucket list" muni for a reason. It challenges you without being unfair, provided you pick the right tees. Don't be a hero. If you’re a 15-handicap, play the white tees. You’ll have way more fun.
The course represents the best of Minnesota public golf: accessible, beautiful, and slightly rugged. It’s the kind of place where you remember the views of Lake Spurzem as much as you remember your score.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to tackle Baker National this season, start by downloading the Three Rivers Park District app to monitor tee time releases—they go fast for weekend mornings. Before your first round, spend 20 minutes at the chipping green near the Evergreen course; the greens at Baker have subtle undulations that require a soft touch you won't find at a standard practice range. Finally, if you're looking to save money, aim for the "Twilight" rates which typically kick in after 4:00 PM, giving you enough sunlight to finish 18 during the peak of summer while keeping twenty bucks in your pocket for the 19th hole.