Northland Course
Duluth, MN, USA
Northland Country Club, overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, stands as a testament to early 20th-century golf course design. The original routing, dating back to 1908, is attributed to Tom Bendelow, whose layout made the most of the rolling, parkland terrain. Subsequent refinements by Donald Ross in the late 1920s solidified its enduring charm. While not a regular on championship rotations, Northland has historically been a significant regional player, and hosts various state and local events. The layout, though not overly long by modern standards, presents a strategic challenge with its mature trees, subtly contoured greens, and windswept setting along the lake. Favoring those who can shape the ball, the course often requires creative shotmaking rather than brute force. Northland retains a classic, unpretentious atmosphere. The membership, known for their deep roots in the Duluth community, prizes the club's convivial spirit and the stunning lakeside views offered from nearly every hole. Post-round, members often gather in the clubhouse, renowned locally for its hearty Midwestern fare and unpretentious atmosphere - cementing Northland's status as a beloved fixture on the Duluth landscape.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in MN
All courses
Golfers say this Minnesota course is a must-play destination, praising its unique character and stunning Lake Superior views that set it apart in the region. Most reviewers highlight the exceptionally challenging greens—described as diabolical, gravity-defying, and among the hardest to read in the country, with everything breaking toward the lake—and many appreciate the firm, fast conditions that reward creative approach play and ground game. The routing draws consistent acclaim, particularly for one of golf's best finishing stretches, though some note the climb on holes 2-3 before the walk becomes more enjoyable. Reviewers acknowledge that conditioning can be inconsistent due to harsh northern weather and limited irrigation, with fairways sometimes playing off dirt, though most feel the architectural merit and scenery make it worthwhile regardless of turf quality.
8.5
34 players
The nerds love this place. I don’t hate it, but man they need to get some irrigation in there. I hate playing off dirt! Obviously the scenery is incredible and the layout is awesome. The greens are diabolical. I actually don’t know how my friends up there go and play different greens after playing those things all the time. If the course conditions ever improve then this will skyrocket to a better rating for me. One of the best finishers in golf.
Probably the single most "must play" course in Minnesota. Nothing quite like it in the state (or the great lakes area) due mostly to soil composition and location. Really fun to play to the approaches and let the ball release onto the greens. One of the few sets of greens that seem to defy gravity. I think it's a great walk. Holes 2-3 are the big climb and from there it's a delight. Pretty sure the bar still serves Pepsi products over coke, which drives me nuts. The fact that the only flowers on the course are wildflowers sets a great example for all courses.
If you don’t care about architecture, there’s plenty of views of Lake Superior to satisfy that appetite. If you do, the greens are some of the hardest to read and well designed in the country. Everything breaks towards the lake, so much so that the pro shop recommends buying green reading books before heading out to the first tee. A really special place. Can sometimes be in tougher shape due to the weather in Duluth throughout the year, but worth the play and drive up no matter what.
Public courses closest to Northland.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Northland has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 27 explicit golfer ratings.
Northland was designed by Donald Ross.
Northland is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Northland is 71.
Northland plays 6,825 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Northland is 136.
