The Canyon represents the back 9 of the Premier 18. Because of the dramatic valley-like terrain, some may describe playing this course as “target golf.” No doubt, you’ll want to select the right club off the tee to overcome challenges like ravine ponds, the Poplar River, and bending fairways. One thing is certain, the Canyon offers some of the most spectacular golf in the entire Midwest. Enjoy!
Canyon Hole #10:
Starting the back 9, Hole #10 features a ravine that runs through the middle, splitting the fairway in two. This makes picking the club off the tee very important. You want to get as close as possible to the ravine in order to clear it on your second shot, setting up a comfortable approach to the green.
Canyon Hole #11:
Four well-struck shots are needed on this hole to attain par. The tee shot needs to be far enough down the fairway in order to have a mid iron or wedge in your hand for the second shot. You have to factor in that it’s then uphill to this well-protected green. The bunkers in front would be a good miss. A bad miss would put you in the weeds. Once on the green, it’s no cakewalk – the green has some slant that can be tricky to read. If you can twoputt and get in for your par, or better yet score a birdie, you should sprint to the #12 tee with a smile!
Canyon Hole #13:
This is a legit par 5 with the Lutsen Mountains ski hill as the back drop. Three good shots can produce a birdie chance. Be careful of what locals call the “Beer Tree” that can eat many a tee shot. Beware, the green has three subtle tiers that make the depth of your approach shot critical. It also rises from the fairway, so take an extra club into the green.
Canyon Hole #14:
This par 4 is the start of two of the most spectacular golf holes at Superior National. Canyon #14 is a good risk/reward par 4. If you are playing the correct tee for your abilities, you can choose to lay up off the tee short of the river. Or, let ‘er rip and drive short of the green. The multi-tiered green is uniquely protected by a fairway “catwalk” with bunkers to the right and the Poplar River on the left.
Canyon Hole #15:
We would argue that Canyon holes #14 and #15 are two most spectacular and fun back-to-back golf holes you’ll ever play. A great chance to go birdie – birdie! Canyon #15 is a short par 3. It’s imperative to be aware of the sometimes swirling wind conditions. Pick the right club and you can be in good shape. The Poplar River has eaten up many golf balls and deposited them downstream. But be aware of the pin position. There is a ridge that runs through the middle of the green. Be sure to be on the correct side of the green with the pin.
Canyon Hole #16:
What a view off of this par 4 hole’s tee! Here is you see the results of the renovation and the work course designer Jeffrey Brauer did. The “waves” appear to the right side of the fairway as you get to the green. These rolling hills can be tricky to pitch from and can make the correct club selection vital. The putting green is subtle, not a lot of break, but like all of the greens at Superior National, it breaks where you don’t think it breaks.
Canyon Hole #17:
By far one of the best golf holes you’ll see and play anywhere! This par 3 has a 180-degree panoramic view of Lake Superior. From the tee, the drop to the green is about 125 feet. Because of that drop, making the correct club choice is paramount. Along with the drop you have to take into account the wind direction. On a calm day with the distance and the drop you might take a club or two less. But on days that the wind is at you or against, that may cancel. However the hole plays out, we guarantee it will be one of the best golf holes you’ll have seen!
Canyon Hole #18:
The finishing hole to your day of golf – this par 4 dogleg left has bunkers situated to catch wayward tee shots that trail off to the right, hopefully stopping them from entering the woods. A well-placed shot off the tee will set you up with a middle iron to wedge into a large green protected by bunkers short left and right. Hopefully you’ll score a par or even a birdie to cap off your day of golf!
