
Somerby Course
Somerby Golf Club



About this course
Somerby Golf Club, nestled in the rolling hills outside Byron, Minnesota, reflects a classic Midwest golfing experience, where a round is as much about the camaraderie as the challenge. Opened in 2004, it's a modern parkland layout marked by generous fairways and strategically placed hazards, more forgiving than fearsome. While not known for penal rough, its subtly undulating greens demand a deft touch, and its course design favors thoughtful approach play rather than brute power. Designed by John R. LaFoy, Somerby avoids the pretense of recreating a bygone era, instead embracing the natural contours of the land. The course meanders through stands of mature trees and open meadows, presenting a variety of shot-making opportunities. Water features come into play on several holes, adding both beauty and strategic considerations, particularly on the inward nine. Though Somerby hasn't hosted major championships, it's a respected venue for regional amateur events and a popular spot for local leagues. Members appreciate the unpretentious atmosphere and the emphasis on enjoying the game. You can often find players lingering on the patio after a round, swapping stories and savoring the Midwestern hospitality that defines the club.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in MN
Quick facts
- Location
- Byron, MN, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 2004
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- John Fought, Tom Lehman
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,209 yards
- Difficulty
- 75/147
- Course Vaults score
- 8.5
Getting there
The journey to Somerby Golf Club begins at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, roughly ninety minutes north by car through the rolling farmland and river bluffs of southeastern Minnesota. The drive traces a southeasterly path along the Mississippi River corridor, gradually leaving the Twin Cities sprawl behind for the quieter rhythms of Byron - a small town just outside Rochester, home to the Mayo Clinic. As the landscape opens into gentle prairie swells and wooded draws, the final turn reveals Somerby's discreet entrance, a private sanctuary tucked into the agricultural heartland where golf architecture meets the unhurried character of rural America.

FAQ
Common questions about Somerby
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Somerby has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 30 logged golfers.
Somerby was designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman.
Somerby is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Somerby is 72.
Somerby plays 7,209 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Somerby is 147.





