It’s a Tuesday morning in St. Francis, Minnesota, and the mist is still hanging heavy over the fescue. If you’ve ever driven up Highway 47, you know the vibe of this area—it’s where the suburban sprawl finally gives way to real-deal Minnesota woods. Nestled right in the heart of that transition is The Ponds Golf Course, a 27-hole facility that manages to feel both incredibly welcoming and frustratingly tight all at the same time.
Some people call it a hidden gem. Honestly? I think it’s just one of those places that knows exactly what it is. It isn’t trying to be Hazeltine. It’s a community hub where the greens are usually rolling faster than you’d expect for the price point, and the wildlife is definitely watching your backswing.
What You’re Actually Getting Into at The Ponds
The Ponds isn't just one static loop. It’s split into three distinct nines: the Blue, the White, and the Red. This is a huge win for pace of play, especially on those suffocatingly busy Saturday mornings when every other course in the Twin Cities metro is backed up like the I-94 commons. Because they have 27 holes, the pro shop can usually shuffle groups around to keep things moving.
You're going to lose some balls here. Just accept it.
The course was designed by David Gill, and he clearly had a specific vision: variety. You’ve got holes that feel like a traditional parkland course where you can spray the ball a bit, and then you have holes where the trees lean in so close you’ll feel claustrophobic. The "Ponds" name isn't just marketing, either. Water comes into play on a significant portion of the holes. If you have a natural slice, the Blue course might just break your spirit by the fourth hole.
One thing that surprises people is the elevation change. Minnesota is often pegged as being flat as a pancake, but St. Francis has these rolling ridges left over from the glacial retreat. You'll face several tee shots where you’re hitting down into a valley or back up a steep incline. It makes club selection a nightmare if the wind is whipping, which, let’s be real, it usually is in Anoka County.
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Breaking Down the Three Nines
The Blue Nine
This is arguably the most challenging stretch. It starts off with a relatively friendly par four, but don't let that fool you. The Blue course is heavily wooded. You need to be precise. If you try to hero-ball your way through these holes with a driver on every tee, you’ll be digging through the brush more than you’ll be putting. The par three third hole is a classic example—water guarding the front and left, with a green that can be treacherous if the pin is tucked.
The White Nine
Most regulars consider the White nine to be the most "balanced." It feels a bit more open than the Blue, but it compensates with some tricky green complexes. The conditioning at The Ponds is usually solid, especially for a municipal-style atmosphere. They’ve done a lot of work in recent years to improve drainage, which used to be a major gripe for locals after a heavy June rain. Now, it plays much firmer.
The Red Nine
The Red course often gets labeled as the "easiest," but that’s a bit of a trap. While it might be slightly shorter on paper, the angles are weird. You have to be smart about where you land your layup shots. It’s great for a quick afternoon loop if you’re trying to squeeze in nine holes before the sun dips behind the oaks.
The Reality of the Amenities
Let’s talk about the clubhouse. It’s a log-cabin style building that fits the St. Francis aesthetic perfectly. It isn't pretentious. You walk in, and it smells like hot dogs and cedar. The bar and grill area—The Ponds Restaurant—is actually a legit spot for a post-round burger. Locally, it’s known for being a bit of a community hangout even for people who don't play golf.
The practice facility is... fine. It’s a standard range. It gets the job done. If you’re looking for a high-tech Trackman lounge, you’re in the wrong zip code. But if you want to beat a bucket of balls while looking out over a marsh, it’s perfect.
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One thing that sets this place apart is the staff. In an era where many golf courses feel like they're run by robots or grumpy gatekeepers, the team at The Ponds is generally pretty chill. They’ve managed to maintain a "northern Minnesota" hospitality vibe despite being less than an hour from Minneapolis.
Why the Location Matters
St. Francis is a bit of a haul for some. But that’s the draw. Because it’s located a bit further north, the rates at The Ponds Golf Course remain some of the most competitive in the state. You can often find tee times here when the courses in Blaine or Coon Rapids are completely sold out.
It also borders the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. This means the biodiversity on the course is wild. It’s not uncommon to see sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, and the occasional deer wandering across the fairway. Just don't try to feed them; the turkeys have an attitude.
Common Misconceptions and Advice
People often think "27 holes" means "easy to walk." Honestly, I wouldn't recommend walking all 18 if you aren't in decent cardio shape. Those elevation changes I mentioned? They add up. By the time you get to your 14th hole, those uphill climbs start feeling a lot steeper. Most people grab a cart, and given the spread-out nature of some of the transitions between holes, it’s the smarter move.
Another thing: the greens. They can be deceptively fast. Because the course is somewhat sheltered by trees, the wind doesn't always dry them out as much as you'd think, but the maintenance crew keeps them tight. Always look for the grain; it pulls toward the nearest water hazard more often than not.
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Is It Worth the Drive?
If you’re a scratch golfer looking for a championship-level test of your skills, you’ll find The Ponds fun, but maybe not "epic." However, if you’re a mid-to-high handicapper or just someone who loves the feeling of being out in nature without a house lining every single fairway, it’s a must-play. It feels like a getaway.
The value proposition is the real kicker. In a world where green fees are skyrocketing past $100 at many Twin Cities tracks, The Ponds stays grounded. It’s a blue-collar course with white-collar conditions.
Strategic Tips for Your Round:
- Leave the driver in the bag on the tighter holes of the Blue nine. A 4-iron in the fairway is infinitely better than a ProV1 in the swamp.
- Watch the seasons. In the fall, the colors here are spectacular because of the heavy oak and maple presence, but the leaves can make finding a stray ball nearly impossible.
- Book early. Even though it’s a bit of a drive, the locals are loyal. Weekend mornings fill up fast.
- Check the wind. Because the course is carved out of the woods, you might feel a breeze at the clubhouse that turns into a gale once you get out into the more open parts of the Red or White nines.
Looking Ahead for The Ponds
The course continues to evolve. They’ve been proactive about bunker renovations and keeping the cart paths in decent shape. There’s a sense of pride in St. Francis about this course. It isn't just a place to hit a ball; it’s a significant part of the local economy and social fabric.
Whether you're there for a tournament, a league night, or a solo Sunday afternoon round, the goal is the same: stay out of the fescue.
Next Steps for Your Trip to The Ponds:
- Check the Layout: Visit their official website to see which two nines are paired for the day, as this rotates frequently to manage turf wear.
- Verify Rates: Look for "Twilight" specials which usually kick in after 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM for significant savings.
- Prepare for Bugs: Since the course is nestled near wetlands and conservation timber, keep a can of bug spray in your bag, especially for those late June rounds when the Minnesota state bird (the mosquito) is out in full force.
- Download a GPS App: Because of the blind shots over ridges on several holes, having a yardage app like 18Birdies or Grint will save you from guessing where the hazards start.