If you’re driving down Highway 169 through the Minnesota River Valley, you might think Jordan is just about the giant candy store or the zip lines. But for those of us who carry a bag of clubs in the trunk, the real draw is hidden just behind the trees. Honestly, when people look for golf courses in Jordan MN, they usually expect a list. They want options.
The reality? Jordan basically has one major heavy hitter.
But man, what a hitter it is. We’re talking about Ridges at Sand Creek. It isn't just a local muni where you hack around on flat grass. It’s a Joel Goldstrand masterpiece that feels like two completely different courses got smashed together in the best way possible. You've got these wide-open, links-style holes on the top of the ridge, and then—boom—you’re plunging into the woods and wetlands.
The Ridges at Sand Creek: Jordan’s Crown Jewel
Most people get it wrong when they assume "public" means "average." Ridges at Sand Creek has been a consistent award-winner since it opened in 2000. It was the only public course in Minnesota to make Golf World’s "Readers Choice Top 50" back in 2010. That’s not a fluke.
The layout is spread across 170 acres. It’s massive.
The design is clever because of how it uses the topography. You start out on the upper portion of the property. It’s breezy. It’s open. It looks like you can spray the ball anywhere. But then, after the first couple of holes, the course takes a literal dive below the ridge. Suddenly, you’re in a different world. It’s heavily wooded. Sand Creek starts winding through the fairways, and the "serenity" the marketing brochures talk about actually feels real.
Why the Layout Works
Architect Joel Goldstrand didn't just move dirt; he listened to the land. The front nine and back nine don't follow a standard "out and back" loop in the traditional sense. Instead, you get 11 holes carved through the forest and 7 holes that give you that Scottish links vibe.
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This variety is why it’s a staple for the MGA (Minnesota Golf Association) State High School Tournaments. It tests everything. Can you handle the wind on the open holes? Do you have the precision to thread the needle on the 12th hole?
Speaking of the 12th, it’s a par-5 that stretches over 600 yards from the tips. It’s a monster. You’ve got Sand Creek running right along the side, and if you're chasing a birdie, you're playing with fire.
Beyond the Green: What to Expect Off the Tee
If you're heading to golf courses in Jordan MN, you aren't just there for the 18 holes. You're there for the day. The clubhouse at Ridges is surprisingly large for a town of Jordan's size. It houses the Ridges at Sand Creek Grill, which—kinda surprisingly—is a legitimate dining destination for locals who don't even play golf.
The deck is the place to be. It overlooks the valley, and on a Friday night in July, the vibe is unbeatable.
Practice Facilities and Perks
- The Range: It’s a full-service grass tee range. None of those stiff plastic mats that ruin your wrists.
- The Greens: They use bent grass throughout. They're fast but fair.
- The Drainage: This is a nerdy golf fact, but Ridges has incredible drainage. If it pours on a Tuesday, they're often the first course in the southwest metro to allow carts back on the path on Wednesday.
Other Options Near Jordan
Okay, so Jordan proper is dominated by Ridges. But if you’re staying in town and want a "golf weekend," you’ve got some legendary neighbors within a 15-minute drive.
Just south in New Prague, you’ll find CreeksBend Golf Course. It has a similar feel to the wooded parts of Ridges but is a bit more compact. Then there's New Prague Golf Club, which is a classic municipal-style course that’s way more affordable if you’re just looking for a quick, casual round.
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If you head north toward Shakopee, you hit Stonebrooke Golf Club. That’s the one with the famous ferry boat. You actually have to ride a pontoon across the lake to get to your ball on the 8th hole. It’s a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it’s a fun story to tell at the 19th hole.
The Hidden Costs and Value of Jordan Golf
Let’s talk money. Golf isn't cheap anymore.
In the 2025/2026 seasons, peak rates at Ridges at Sand Creek generally hover around $55 to $65 for 18 holes, depending on whether you're walking or riding. Compared to the high-end "destination" courses in Brainerd or the private clubs in the Twin Cities, this is a steal.
You're getting a Tier-1 championship layout for the price of a mid-tier suburban course.
Honestly, the "value" isn't just the price tag. It's the pace of play. Because Jordan is just far enough away from the core metro, you don't always get the agonizing five-hour rounds that plague courses in Bloomington or Edina. It feels like a getaway, even if you’re only 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Don't Forget Birdies Golf Lounge
If the Minnesota winter is doing its thing—which, let's be real, is six months of the year—you can't play Ridges. But you can go to Birdies Golf Lounge right in Jordan.
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They’ve got three Full Swing simulators. It’s the same tech Tiger Woods uses.
It’s located on Seville Drive and serves as the town's winter golf hub. It’s got a full bar, a bunch of TVs, and it’s basically the only way to keep your swing from falling apart between October and April. If you're new to the game, it's actually less intimidating to learn on a simulator than it is to duck and cover on a live range.
Actionable Tips for Your Jordan Golf Trip
If you’re planning to tackle the golf courses in Jordan MN, specifically Ridges, keep these things in mind:
- Book early for weekends. Even though it’s a "hidden gem," the secret is out. Weekend morning tee times disappear by Tuesday.
- Watch the wind. The holes on the ridge (the links-style ones) are completely exposed. A three-club wind is common. Check the flags on the clubhouse before you head to the first tee.
- Play the right tees. Don't be a hero. The black tees play at nearly 7,000 yards with a 138 slope. If you’re a 15-handicap, play the whites or the golds. You’ll actually have fun instead of searching for balls in the creek all day.
- Visit the Candy Store. It’s a law. If you play golf in Jordan, you stop at Jim’s Apple Barn (The Big Yellow Barn) on the way home. Just watch out for the sugar crash during your drive.
Jordan is a unique spot in the Minnesota golf scene. It doesn't have ten courses, but it has one that is arguably better than 90% of the public options in the state. Whether you're navigating the tight timber on the back nine or hitting a simulator at Birdies, the town punchs way above its weight class.
Your next move: Check the current tee sheet at the Ridges at Sand Creek website or call their pro shop at (952) 492-2644 to see if they have any mid-week specials, which are often the best way to see the course without the weekend crowds.