Golfers Find Diamonds in the Rough in Lakes Country
Detroit Lakes may be known for all its water, but what about its greens? Golfers who visit our charming city will find its many picturesque golf courses simply irresistible. Suitable for all skill-levels, golfers can take their pick of tee times at courses peppered throughout lakes country.
Fine Fairways
Black Diamond
Perhaps one of the most notable of these fine fairways is the newly-dubbed Black Diamond Golf Course located at Forest Hills Golf & RV Resort, just off Highway 10 right outside of the city proper. Greyson Thomas, golf operations manager at Forest Hills is excited to announce the course’s official title, “The reason [we’re calling] it Black Diamond is because of our black coal slag sand traps. We are the first golf course in Minnesota to have the black sand traps.” These pools of obsidian speckling the rolling hills of Black Diamond are sure to make even an average round of golf worth remembering. Players who choose to golf this course will enjoy 18-holes nestled amongst oak forests and natural wetlands in an area surrounded by over 400 of Minnesota’s 11,000+ lakes, all within a 25-mile radius.
Reviews of Black Diamond found on the Forest Hills website gush about the course’s beauty and intentional design.
“By far the nicest course in the area. Nicely laid out. Challenging enough for the low handicap golfers. Friendly for the novice golfers. Greens are true. Black sand is amazing. Staff is friendly.” – Jeff S.
“Played on this course for 10+ years. The addition of the black sand and new cart paths make it, in my opinion, the best course in Detroit Lakes.” – Tyler S.
Especially true for visitors looking for a weekend of summer fun, this course is a hole-in-one. “Our course is like playing 2 different types of courses,” continues Greyson “[The] front nine is more of a links style course, and then when you turn to the back nine we have lots of trees and water to deal with.” Challenge your skills and enjoy the sights as you play through each hole. After you’ve sunk that final putt, be sure to refresh yourself by swinging by Izzo’s Bar and Grill.
Looking for fun the whole family can enjoy? Forest Hills also boasts the 18-hole mini golf course Rockin’ Waters “where every putt is an adventure!” Guests of all ages will be enchanted by whimsical landscaping and charming water features that create a memorable experience for every skill level.
Great Courses
If you’re visiting Detroit Lakes to write your own Cinderella story out on the fairway, Black Diamond is hardly your only option. Golfers can enjoy any of the great courses that surround our fine city, including the historic and challenging Detroit Country Club offering two 18-hole courses: Pine to Palm, completed in 1916, and Lakeview, which was added in 1980. Online reviews praise the country club for each unique course and applaud the crew members that work hard to maintain it.
Wildflower
Wildflower Golf Course is another legendary option for players looking to test their skills. Designed by highly-regarded golf course architect Joel Goldstrand, this par 72 18-hole “Prairie Links” will provide an experience unique to Minnesota. Wildflower’s website boasts “7000 yards of lush fairways, five sets of tee boxes, and a challenging, yet rewarding amount of sand and native prairie grasses guaranteeing a memorable and enjoyable track for players of all skill levels.”
Other Courses
Other courses include: Maple Hills Golf Club, a 9-hole course where golfers can immerse themselves in scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere; and the sporty 9-hole, par 35 Frazee Golf Course that’s sure to leave everyone in the party satisfied with a game well-played.
Winter Golf
19th Hole
To top it all off, not even Minnesota’s harsh winters can put a stopper on the fun! Golfers that are itching to get back on the green can book time at the 19th Hole – Forest Hills’ new all-sports simulator featuring three golf sims with over 300 courses to choose from.
Lakes Golf Simulator
Lakes Golf Simulator is another option for the off-season with more than 50 courses to play. Located at 1123 Highway 10 East in Detroit Lakes, it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to members and the public. Golfers from near and far never have to wait for the snow to melt to swing their cares away.