by Hacker's Central Online
On the southern edge of Shakopee, there is a golf course called "The Perfect Minnesota Golf Experience." Stonebrooke Golf Club certainly lives up to this description. A track of 6,475 yards from the black tees, Stonebrooke offers challenges to various skill levels from the professional to the novice.
The condition of the course is outstanding. The fairways and greens are extremely plush. Driving down the fairway, carts are equipped with GPS that will give you the yardage information that is needed to make an accurate club selection. Signage is also helpful for navigating the course as well as distance markers to assist walkers who don't have a GPS device to indicate yardages.
The club staff is extremely helpful from the time you enter the clubhouse at check- in, to the beverage cart employees and those in the restaurant/bar at the end of the round. Food and beverage choices abound as the clubhouse restaurant/bar serves up the normal fare but also entertains many for weddings, receptions, anniversary parties, charity events and many other activities through the golf season and during the off season. A fire pit is even located on the patio and is usually burning during the cooler spring and fall months. The scenery is picturesque. It's a cozy and warm place to play golf, meet for lunch or attend parties.
Stonebrooke offers the "country club" feel but at a public golf course price. It is a well maintained and managed facility with areas sensitive to the environment clearly marked. Water hazards and sand traps have been carefully placed as golfers try to strategize each shot. Holes #7 and #8 offer an opportunity to hit around and over Lake O'Dowd. After the drive on #8, golfers and their carts, are driven onto a pontoon boat for a ride across the lake to hit their second shots on a rather tricky par-4. Beverages can be purchased on the pontoon boat and food can be ordered for pick up at the turn.
On the back 9, players begin with a 326 yard par 4 from blue tees. Big hitters can usually drive the green. It is a dogleg left and the green is located down a hill but is easily reachable. The next hole, #11, is a 187 yard par 3. The green has a more level lower area and an upper shelf. Depending upon where the pin is placed, the upper shelf will come into play. It's best to stay below the hole on this one.
When wanting to play a public golf course that offers all of the amenities of a private country club, choose Stonebrooke. It is truly a "perfect Minnesota golf experience."