Welcome to Giants Ridge
Over the course of the twentieth century, the game of golf has gradually emerged as one of our most cherished leisure activities. The game of golf allows everyone from professionals to amateurs to enjoy the game in equal measure, providing entertainment, relaxation, exercise and enjoyment to millions of people around the world. Here in the United States, from business tournaments to exclusive golfing vacations, golf has arguably overtaken baseball as one of our favorite pastimes.
While golf is certainly here to stay, its place in history was not always so certain. The origins of the game of golf are often debated amongst scholars and aficionados of the game. From what little is known, a version of the game apparently first appeared in the medieval era in Europe. Due to its emerging popularity in Scotland, the game is commonly thought to be a Scottish sport. While Scotland is typically credited with the evolution of the rules and regulations of the game, golf actually experienced a somewhat sordid history in the laws and culture of the country. Around 1457, an edict issued by King James II of Scotland prohibited both the games of golf and football under the theory that these sports distracted participants from more crucial military training drills. Famously, Mary, Queen of Scots, was accused of playing golf by her political enemies, a sport which was thought to be ‘unladylike’ in 16th century Scotland. Golf was again banned by Parliament under King James VI of Scotland. In spite of its controversial history in Scotland, the sport of golf prevailed and its popularity spread to the rest of Europe and ultimately to the United States in the 19th century.
Today, golf has become so popular that people have been known to plan their entire vacations around where they plan to play. Luxurious golf resorts have become increasingly accessible here in the United States. While the focal point of such resorts is often a gorgeous golf course, or even two, these resorts often feature a variety of other amenities to attract a wider variety of guests, not solely golfers. Such amenities include everything from waterparks and kids’ day-camp activities to five star restaurants and luxurious spas. With beautiful accommodations, countless activities and all-inclusive travel packages, golfing resorts are often an incredible value for families looking for rest and relaxation.
Note: Be sure to check out the Giant’s Ridge real estate options offered by LakePlace.com.
Minnesota is a surprisingly delightful location to experience a golf resort in the northern Midwest region of the United States. Beautiful terrain, temperate climates and a relatively low cost of living combine to create the perfect spot for a short golfing excursion or even a longer golfing retreat. As an added bonus, the northern Minnesota region isn’t typically overrun with tourists, as may be the case in more well-known spots such as Hilton Head or southern California. For one of the premiere golfing locations of Minnesota, Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort is an ideal choice. Year after year, the Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort of Biwabik, Minnesota has ranked as one of the best places in Minnesota to experience the gorgeous, rolling landscape of northern Minnesota on the golf course. Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort has not only rated as one of Minnesota’s best golfing resorts, it has consistently been named in national publications as one of the finest golf and ski resorts in the nation.
In the winter, Giant’s Ridge is home to some of the best skiing to be found in Minnesota. The resort is completed by an indoor pool, an Aveda concept spa, several restaurants, miles of hiking trails and easy access to Sabin and Wynne Lakes of northern Minnesota. Most importantly, Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort is comprised of two outstanding golf courses: The Quarry and the Legend. In the 2009-2010 reviews and rankings by Golf Digest, the Quarry ranked at #1 and the Legend ranked at #3 in the “Best Public Golf Courses in Minnesota.” Nationally, the Quarry was ranked at #20 and the Legend at #72 in the “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest for the same time period. With rankings like these, it’s clear that Giant’s Ridge maintains a consistently high standard of quality with both of these exemplary golf courses.
At the southern edge of the resort, close to Embarrass Lake, lies the Quarry golf course. The Quarry of Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort features 18 gorgeous holes with over 7200 yards with a par of 72, according to the Giant’s Ridge website. Designed by acclaimed golfing architect, Jeffrey Brauer, it is often said that the Quarry has redefined golfing in the Midwest region of the United States. It is the newest addition to the Giant’s Ridge resort area. Some of the Quarry’s terrain is actually composed of reclaimed mining land. While mining once depleted some of the natural beauty of this region, these formerly stark lands have been transformed into a lush golfing paradise here in the Northwoods. Comprised of natural wetlands, forests, an old sand quarry and deep hazards left over from the reclaimed mining land, the Quarry is truly a challenge for avid golfers. Nestled in the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range and the Vermilion Iron Range of northern Minnesota, each hole of the Quarry is named in honor of a mine of the region.
In referring to the Quarry, Ron Whitten, a Golf Digest critic, noted that the course was “…hands down the finest course in Minnesota.” While the course itself is challenging and beautiful, the amenities offered at Giant’s Ridge complete the experience. Before teeing up, golfers should be sure to take peek at all the Giant’s Ridge golf shops have to offer. Featuring an array of fine golfing brands for both men and women, the Giant’s Ridge golf shops are sure to offer great gifts, or much needed supplies for the most avid of golfers. After a lovely day on the greens, golfers should be sure to stop in for a relaxed bite or a drink with friends at the Wacootah Grille. While perfect for outdoor weddings and banquets, the Wacootah Grille is also cozy enough for a friendly get together with friends and family after eighteen holes. Other restaurants and even a coffee shop can be found here at Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort.
Golfers on The Quarry are charged a daily fee, which is quite reasonable for such outstanding golfing. The Quarry is a walkable course, although golf carts are available to rent. Located at 6325 Wynne Creek Drive in Biwabik, the golf courses at Giant’s Ridge are sure to provide golfers with an experience they will not soon forget. Set against the rolling hills of northern Minnesota, with outstanding wildlife roaming the region, the Quarry of Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort is truly something to behold.
Just to the north of the resort property, featuring eighteen holes of pure golfing bliss, the Legend has its own spot in the hearts of many golfers. Situated on the shores of Sabin Lake, the Legend is comprised of eighteen holes, over 6,930 yards with a par of 72. While the Legend may not be quite as well known as the Quarry, don’t be fooled; this course is every bit as challenging and as beautiful. Although these two incredible courses are located on the same resort property, the landscape of each of the courses is unique and different from its resort counter-part. With bent grass fairways, countless blue lakes, giant boulders left behind in the wake of the glaciers of eras past and an incredible array of old-world trees towering over white sand bunkers, the Legend is gorgeous in its own right.
Like the Quarry, the Legend has its very own golf shop, also fully equipped with top golfing brands such as Titlest, Greg Norman, Ben Hogan, Nike, Calloway and more. Golf accessories including sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, memorabilia items and light snacks are also sold here. Designed by PGA touring professional, Lanny Wadkins, and the acclaimed golf course architect, Jeffrey Brauer, the Legend is Minnesota golfing at its finest. The Legend at Giant’s Ridge has reportedly received a prestigious 4.5 star golf rating from Golf Digest for multiple consecutive years. Furthermore, this spectacular course was named as one of the “Top 6 Golf Destinations in the World” by the editors of Golf World in 2003.
For a chance to experience this most beloved American pastime of golf amid some of the most splendid terrain of the northern hemisphere, plan your trip to the Legend and the Quarry courses of Giant’s Ridge Golf and Ski Resort today. Golfing and resort packages are available and make a trip to this gorgeous resort surprisingly affordable for families looking to experience unrivaled beauty, rest and relaxation here in the Minnesota Northwoods. Lessons taught by professionals, golf tournaments and the spectacular courses themselves bring golfers back year after year. Tee times are available online, so what are you waiting for? Come see what everyone is talking about. It is sure to be a golfing vacation the memories of which you will cherish for a lifetime.
Posted by Dane Arthur - LakePlace.com on
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