A guide to area golf courses

Farmington

Fountain Valley

2830 220th Street

651-463-2121

Fountain Valley has been part of the Farmington golf community since 1978, and while there has been talk of closing the course to make way for development that won’t happen for at least the immediate future. The 18-hole course is 6,560 yards from the longest tee and is par 72. The course rating is 71.5 and the slope rating is 119.

Southern Hills

18950 Chippendale Avenue

651-463-4653

Southern Hills is an 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course located in Farmington. Established in 1990, the course has a Scottish links flavor with gently rolling hills and plenty of water and hazards, which create a natural beauty in a country setting.  The 6,314-yard layout has a topography and hazard blend that will satisfy all handicap levels. Many agree Southern Hills Golf Club is one of the best golf values and favorite places to play in the Twin Cities.

Cannon Falls

Cannon Golf Club

8606 295th Street

651-263-3126

This course provides a good warm up hole at No. 1 but wastes little time getting down to business, as the next three holes tend to decide the success of your round. A treacherous, tunneled tee shot from the middle/back tees on No. 2 provides an intimidating start, while the par 5 No. 3 distance off the tee, stretching 414 yards with a dogleg right. No. 4 spans 463 yards and requires a disciplined golfer, who will play safely from the tee. The No. 7 gfreen is surrounded by water and is among the most challenging par 3s in the state.

Hastings

Afton Alps Golf Course

6600 Peller Avenue S.

651-436-1320

The front nine holes on this course are open and fairly flat with trees, water and sandtraps scattered throughout. The back nine is scenic and challenging with water, bunkers and mature trees.

Bellwood Oaks Golf Course

132392 10th Street E.

651-437-4141

Nested in a majestic stretch of rolling countryside, for 30 years this family-owned business has taken pride in offering the public as true a golfing experience as one would hope to find. Bellwood Oaks offers a long, challenging, traditional design with consistent course conditions week in and week out. Bellwood Oaks is rated as one of the top values in the metro area. Whether you are looking for a relaxing round to catch up with an old friend or a seriously competitive match, Bellwood Oaks has a tee time for you.

Emerald Greens Golf Course

14425 Goodwin Avenue

651-480-8558

Emerald Greens, one of the area’s newest golf courses, is located 5 miles west of Hastings. When completed in 2003, Emerald Greens will consist of 36 holes of golf strategically designed on 400 acres of rolling terrain with a variety of sand traps, grass bunkers, natural grass terrain, and plenty of water hazards. The course opened in July 2000 with a par-30 executive nine holes. A regulation nine holes, par-36, has since opened

Hastings Country Club

2015 Westview Drive

651-437-4612

This 18-hole golf course features something for everyone. The 6,500-yard course is more than 30 years old and is characterized by elevated tees, honest greens and fairways lined with pine and oak trees. The club, which operates on a members-only basis, completed work on a state-of-the-art clubhouse last year.

Hidden Greens Golf Course

1277 200th Street E.

651-437-3085

Hidden Greens is a mature course, noted for its scenic, tree-lined fairways. The course features plenty of water hazards and provides challenges for all golfers.

Rosemount

Rich Valley Golf Club

3855 145th Street E.

651-437-4653

This course features three sets of nine holes. The course runs par 34 from the red tees and par 33 from the white tees. The experts have the option of teeing off form the blues, where the course is a par 35.

Tags: community guide, parks and recreation