Troy Burne Golf Course

Played on a spring early rate. The course is challenging but lacking something that I cannot put my finger on. If you want to spend 70 – 90 dollars for a once a year course, this is my least favorite in the area. Stoneridge and White Eagle are 1 and 2. Don’t avoid playing this course if the opportunity presents itself.

Ive always loved this course. But yesterday’s 5 hour marathon is making me rethink the new manager and operator. There is no excuse for not sending out the Rangers and taking action when play is so slow. There were obvious slow groups that didn’t care about keeping up with the group in front of them. Hope they get their act together. I won’t be back until they do.

This is a Tom Lehman-​designed semiprivate course. The Pioneer Press named it the best Twin Cities Public Course, it was nominated for Best New Public Course by Golf Digest. It’s a beautiful links style course, with rolling prairie grasses. As far as picturesque and quality of play, it does not get any better than holes 12, 13 and 14. At least not in the Midwest.
$:
You’ll pay around $ 100 after all fees. The event center, clubhouse and restaurant/​bar areas were all upgraded in 2014. Food and service are good.
BITCHES:
In reading some of the negatives about this course, I will say this: If you’re looking for lots of fancy, schmancy amenities that make you feel like you are really somebody important, Troy Burne probably isn’t your place. But if you like lightening fast, tight greens… this is a great track. In the words of Bill Linneman (Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association): «The back nine at Troy Burne is the finest nine holes in Wisconsin and that includes Whistling Straights.»
As far as no GPS on the carts, Troy Burne is kind of old school… that’s what your range finder is for.
The criticism about the poorly maintained bunkers is a valid one, considering the timing. The reviewer was there in 2012, coming off of record high June-​July flooding in our area. The steep sand bunkers are a challenge to maintain with so much rain.
LESSONS?
If you’re looking for lessons, Dave, the resident pro, is one of the best. Impressive resume and a very nice guy. In fact, I almost gave a 5 star because the entire clubhouse is awesome — very friendly staff and all very good, passionate golfers. But I’m scroogelike when it comes to doling out 5’s and I will say if there are any weak spots here it is that they tend to do too many tournaments (which might be changing a bit) and their driving range does seem like a bit of an afterthought.
IN THE END
For such a quality course, it’s a «working man’s» golf course, not stuffy just beautiful, challenging and welcoming.

I’ve played most of the courses in the Twin Cities metro and Troy Burne is arguably the best track within 100 miles of the metro.
Pricier at around $ 90 but a great experience.
Very friendly staff. A must play if you are in the area.

A really nice golf course. It is very open, the fairways are in great shape, and have incredible greens. It is well staffed, has a great practice green, and is very playable despite the plentiful bunkers and water. I didn’t see the maintenance issues referred to in the other review. I did see on I think hole 6 or 7 some deep bunkers where the lip was exposed, but that is it, just to set the record straight. Beer from the cart is reasonably priced.
To get 5 stars — in cart GPS is necessary at this price point. Also, the maintenance crew was a little obtrusive (albeit it was a Monday and they had to repair) but the guy cutting the grass followed us for 3 holes and the guy patching the tee boxes for 5. I would suggest having them go the other way — I think he was amused by following us but we didn’t like having an audience.