This hole starts a great run of three consecutive birdie opportunities, in my opinion. If your driver is not your friend, hit an iron off the tee and you will still have a wedge into the green. A perfect tee shot will leave you on the green putting for eagle or an easy chip. It is a reachable par 4 that sets up for golfers looking for a risk and reward scenario. Check out the YouTube video at the end of this review for a flyover. A dramatic elevation change leaves you looking down into a tree- and bunker-protected green. The par 3 13th is one of my favorites on the course. If you have the ability to keep the ball in play off the tee, a short iron awaits as you set up for your approach. The back 9 starts with some longer par 4’s but more straightforward tee shots. Little did I know that the back 9 was just as impressive of a track and sets up to be a scorer’s delight if your driver is hot. I was playing well, the hole layouts were fantastic and we were enjoying our group. Paul and I stopped for a quick photo on number 8įinishing out the first 9 holes I didn’t think the course could get much better. A dramatic green on number 9 with a large gully protecting it requires a precise second shot. The finishing holes on the front 9 include a lengthy par 3 and some narrow par 4’s that ultimately take you back towards the clubhouse. 4th Hole Tee Shot Aerial View of Hole 5 5th Hole Elevated Green 6th Hole Green They directed our shots on the 5th hole, especially, which sets up as a short dogleg right, and gave us critical layup advice on the 6th, as well. That being said, having some local knowledge would help, and we were fortunate to pair up with some locals following the first few holes. I remember standing on many tee boxes thinking “where do I want to hit this ball?” While there are many shots that I may approach differently playing a second time, we were able to navigate the first few holes fairly easily. Hole 2 A View Looking Back at the 3rd Teebox The overall lengths of the par 4’s were very manageable and greens could be reached with a low iron even if a wood or long iron was played off the tee. Fairly accurate tee shots are needed for a few holes, but you don’t always have to pull out the driver. I found many of the holes set up to be a “drawer’s” delight if you are right-handed, and they played perfectly to my game. The next few holes start to test your game and shot placement off the tee. The first tee has a commanding view of the course and is easily visible from the patio, so make sure to pose after you stripe one down the middle. The first hole is a reachable par 5, giving you the opportunity to settle into your round and establish a nice rhythm. The holes are set up nicely to provide some flexibility if you aren’t the straightest hitter. While many golfers may be intimidated by the trees, accurate driver or 3-wood shots are not as critical as it may seem. The Preserve is carved into the Northwoods, winding through mature pine and timber forests to provide a challenging yet picturesque round of golf. A recent million-dollar renovation in 2015 reshaped many of the tee boxes, creating the varied lengths and some amazing elevated opening shots throughout. Playing 6,600 yards from the back tees, it offers varying tee options all the way down to 4,800 yards and can set up to appeal to any length hitter. The Preserve features 2 nines and is a par 72. While it is a bit of a drive from Southeastern Wisconsin, it is well worth it to feel completely immersed in the total Northwoods experience as you arrive.Ĭompleted in 1996 by architects Mike Morley and Dan Helbling, the course was ranked #15 in 2020 by Golf Advisor in Minnesota. The Preserve is part of the Grand View Lodge located in Brainerd, Minnesota, about 2.5 hours north of Minneapolis. I need to preface this course overview by stating that I shot my personal best round while visiting, but I will try not to let that bias my review!
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