Soldiers Field No. 5
"They say that par-3s define a course, and Soldiers has a classic. The signature hole—No. 5, the elevated tee-to-elevated green, 165-yard par-3—has been redesigned twice since 1960 (the first by Gerry Pirkl and Donald Brauer, the second by flood control engineers), and your tee shot travels over and along the Zumbro." [Photo #1]
—Greg Peterson, seven-time All City Golf Champion
Willow Creek No. 12
"Only 364 yards from the back tees, with a creek running the length of this par-4 on the left and a mountain side of trees to the right, Willow Creek’s super tight No. 12 (a par-4) is a test of restraint. And kicks off three holes in a row (No. 12, No. 13, and No. 14) where you can see bald eagles and blue heron and can make you feel like you’re miles from the city." [Photo #2]
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—Greg Peterson, seven-time All City Golf Champion
Eastwood No. 14
"You have to love No. 14 at Eastwood. It’s a beautiful par-5 surrounded by trees which doglegs right to a two-tiered green tucked into the sloping hills. Maybe for many that have played No. 14, it’s a love/hate relationship, as it can be a tough challenge. It’s a really peaceful hole, quiet and with no homes visible. It reminds me of some of the resort courses in the Brainerd area." [Photo #3]
—Steve Myhro, Mayo High School Girls Golf Coach
Eastwood No. 13 and No. 14
"I actually have two that I really like to play and they are No. 13 and No. 14 at Eastwood Golf Course. I like to come up to the green on No. 13 when all the flower beds are in full bloom; it is a beautiful scene around the green. Then onto No. 14, where it is a beautiful fairway on a sunny day that leads up to a big green that is tucked back in the trees and has beautiful landscaping around it!" [Photo #3] —Tracy Reilly, Lourdes Girls Golf Coach
Oak Summit No. 9
"If you’re playing Oak Summit, the No. 9 is their signature hole. It’s a monster par-3, 222 yards from back tee, played over a valley of trees on right and left. Most tee shots come up short. Now you’ve got a pitch straight uphill to a green with lots of break. Lots of doubles and triple bogies here." [Photo #4]
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—Greg Peterson, seven-time All City Golf Champion
Eastwood No. 12
"Black tees—No. 12 at Eastwood … because it keeps me humble."
—Jeff Swegarden, Century Girls Golf Coach
Rochester Golf & Country Club No. 11
"There are lots of great holes, but I think the short 11th at RG&CC is my favorite. I often think of Esther Peter’s hole in one with driver rolling through the front bunker."
—Ellie Layton, Minnesota Women’s Golf Assoc. President
Maple Valley No. 3
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"Maple Valley’s bluff-backdropped hole No. 3 is always a favorite. From the elevated tee, the hole below looks like some scorecard drawing. The north branch of the Root River runs along the left side of the fairway and the right side is lined with mature hardwoods, and a small creek runs behind." [Photo #5]
—Steve Lange,Rochester Magazine editor
Northern Hills No. 17
"I have so many. I was a caddy at the country club when I was a kid. I still love standing on the tee of No. 17 at RG&CC. Still another is No. 17 at Northern Hills. This will sound strange but every spring I walk the back nine anticipating the 17th fairway. It just smells like golf, the first cut of grass lingering in that low spot at the bottom of the fairway. Not sure why, but I think it is because at that moment, standing over my second shot on 17, I get a chance to be thankful that I am able to get out and play golf for one more summer." [Photo #7]
—Dwight Miller, John Marshall Boys Golf Coach
Rochester Golf & Country Club No. 4
"Fourth hole at RG&CC; fun to play with great views."
[Photo #6]
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—Jeff Wells, Century Boys Golf Coach
Rochester Golf & Country Club No. 7"That’s a tough one. There are so many great holes in Rochester. But I would have to pick No. 7 at the RG&CC. A short par-4 yes, but on this scenic hole the player must put the tee shot in the fairway or a bogey is a strong possibility. If you are successful in reaching the fairway the second shot must be hit into an elevated green, which is probably the toughest putting surface in Rochester. Par on this beautiful hole is always ‘a good score.’"
—Chris Miller, Lourdes Boys Golf Coach
Northern Hills No. 6
"No. 6 at Northern Hills is my favorite hole. It is a par-5 that is reachable in two with a well -placed drive. However, a miss on the drive usually means trouble that you need to manage."
—Andy Ollenburg, John Marshall Girls Golf Coach
