WILLOW CREEK GOLF COURSE

The mounded terrain carved from old farmland in southeastern Minnesota creates natural amphitheaters around several greens, most notably the par-3 12th where willow trees frame a green that slopes dramatically from back to front. Water hazards thread through six holes without feeling forced, and the routing takes full advantage of elevation changes that are rare for this part of the state. At under $50 for weekend play, this daily-fee gem delivers championship conditioning and strategic interest that rivals many private clubs in the Twin Cities market.