The Ponds Golf Course

The Ponds Golf Course in St. Francis, Minnesota, is a public facility designed by Garrett Gill, a regional architect who has worked on several courses in the Upper Midwest. The course sits in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area, where the landscape transitions from suburban development to more rural, wooded terrain characteristic of east-central Minnesota. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes and wetland areas that are common to this part of the state, with water features playing a role in the strategic design. The Blue course represents one of multiple nines or routing options at the facility, offering golfers variety in their playing experience. Minnesota public courses of this era typically emphasize playability for a range of skill levels while incorporating the region's natural features—mature trees, native grasses, and seasonal water hazards. The design likely balances risk-reward opportunities with accessible scoring chances, a common approach for daily-fee facilities serving both local members and visiting players. St. Francis lies along the Rum River corridor, an area that has seen steady growth while maintaining pockets of natural beauty. Courses here contend with the region's dramatic seasonal shifts, from lush summer conditions to the challenges of a short northern growing season. The Ponds serves the golf community in Anoka and Isanti counties, providing an option for players seeking a straightforward round in a setting that reflects the wooded, water-laced character of Minnesota's lake country.