You’re driving up Highway 61, past the bait shops and the standard suburban sprawl, and if you blink, you might miss the turn for Tanners Brook Golf Course in Forest Lake Minnesota. It doesn't scream for your attention with a massive neon sign or a gold-plated gate. It just sits there. Quietly.
Honestly, that’s exactly why people love it.
Most golfers in the Twin Cities metro are used to the "manufactured" feel of modern courses—those places where every blade of grass feels like it was placed by a plastic surgeon and the houses are so close to the fairway you can hear the neighbor’s microwave beep. Tanners Brook is different. It’s got this rugged, Northwoods vibe that feels like you drove three hours further north than you actually did. It’s the kind of place where the marsh is real, the woods are thick, and the wind actually matters.
The Layout That Makes or Breaks Your Scorecard
Let's talk about the design. It's a 7,000-yard monster from the tips, but don't let the yardage scare you away if you're a high handicapper. Architect Joel Goldstrand did something interesting here. He’s the mind behind a lot of Minnesota’s most playable yet punishing tracks, and Tanners Brook is basically his love letter to the local topography.
The front nine and the back nine are like two different people.
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The front is open. It’s got that "links-style" feel where you think you can just grip it and rip it. But there’s a catch—the fescue. If you miss the fairway, you aren't just in the rough; you're in a botanical scavenger hunt. You’ll find your ball about 40% of the time, and when you do, you’ll probably wish you hadn't. Then you hit the back nine. Suddenly, the sky disappears. You’re encased in old-growth timber. It’s tight. It’s claustrophobic in the best way possible.
Take the 14th hole. It’s a par 4 that isn't particularly long, but the water on the right and the bunkers guarding the left make the landing area look like a postage stamp from the tee box. If you’re a slicer, this hole will haunt your dreams. You’ve got to be precise, not just powerful.
Real Talk About the Conditions
Look, I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s Augusta National. It’s a public course in Minnesota. That means the greens might be a little furry in the early spring, and by August, the fairways have seen some heat.
But for the price point? It’s hard to beat.
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The maintenance crew at Tanners Brook works incredibly hard to keep the greens rolling true. They’re usually surprisingly fast. Faster than you’d expect for a course that sees this much foot traffic. One thing you'll notice is the drainage. Even after a heavy Forest Lake thunderstorm, the course stays remarkably dry. That’s thanks to the sandy soil base common in this pocket of the state.
What to Expect in the Clubhouse
The clubhouse isn't a palace. It’s a functional, comfortable space where the beer is cold and the burgers are actually good. If you're looking for white-glove service and a sommelier, you're in the wrong place. If you want a basket of fries and a place to complain about your three-putt on the 18th, you’re home.
The "Brook" in the name isn't just for show either. Water comes into play on a significant number of holes. It creates this natural habitat for local wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer, wild turkeys, or even a stray snapping turtle wandering across the cart path. It adds to that "unplugged" feeling that's getting harder to find within 30 minutes of St. Paul.
Why This Course Matters for Local Golf
Minnesota has a weirdly high number of golfers per capita. We’re obsessed. Because of that, the big-name courses like TPC Twin Cities or Giants Ridge get all the press. But Tanners Brook fills a vital niche. It’s the "everyman’s" championship course.
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- Pace of Play: Usually decent, though weekend afternoons can get a bit bogged down by the local scrambles.
- Difficulty: High. It's a "Slope Rating" of 137 from the back tees. That's no joke.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed. Wear a polo, sure, but nobody is going to measure your socks.
The practice facility is also surprisingly solid. They have a massive grass-tee range, which is a luxury these days when so many places are forcing you onto those wrist-breaking mats. If you're serious about getting better, spending an hour on that range before your round is mandatory. The wind usually blows right in your face there, which is a great way to learn ball flight control.
Navigating the Challenges
If there’s a critique to be made, it’s the transition between some of the holes. There are a few long treks between greens and tees—especially going from the 9th to the 10th. If you’re a "purist" who insists on walking every round, bring a good pair of shoes and maybe an extra liter of water. It’s a hike.
Also, let's talk about the 18th. It’s a par 5 finishing hole that can either save your round or absolutely destroy it. There’s a creek—the actual Tanners Brook—that snakes through. You have to decide: do you go for the green in two and risk a watery grave, or do you lay up like a sensible person? Most people go for it. Most people end up in the brook. It’s great theater for the people sitting on the clubhouse patio.
How to Get the Best Rate
Don't just show up and pay the rack rate. Tanners Brook is pretty active on the discount apps, but honestly, the best way to play is their twilight rates. In the peak of summer, you can head out after 5:00 PM and usually get through 18 holes before the sun dips below the pines. The shadows on the back nine at that hour are incredible.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Wind: If the wind is gusting over 15 mph from the North, play one club longer than you think on every single shot on the front nine. The open terrain makes the wind play twice as hard.
- Bring Extra Balls: Especially for the back nine. The woods are hungry.
- Book Online: Their internal booking system is usually $5-$10 cheaper than the third-party aggregators.
- Try the Breakfast Sandwich: If you're an early bird, the kitchen at the Brook makes a mean egg and cheese that hits the spot.
- Watch the 11th Green: It has a subtle break toward the water that everyone misses. Aim six inches further left than you think.
Tanners Brook Golf Course in Forest Lake Minnesota isn't trying to be something it’s not. It’s a gritty, beautiful, challenging piece of land that rewards smart play and punishes ego. It’s a local staple for a reason. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just someone looking to escape the office for four hours, it’s a course that demands respect and usually earns it by the time you reach the 19th hole.
Next time you're heading north, pull over. Pay the greens fee. Lose a ball in the fescue. It's part of the experience.