Golf Pro Heath Ekstrom walks you through the best of the best
Renowned for its stunning views and ideal location on Lake Superior’s North Shore, Superior National at Lutsen is considered by many as one of the best and certainly the most scenic golf courses in Minnesota.
What makes this course so special? Here is a guided tour of what we consider to be the signature holes at Superior National from our own PGA Pro Heath Ekstrom. Heath will walk you through some of his favorite holes on the River and Canyon courses which constitute our Premier 18 Holes. He also sprinkles in some great tips for hitting just the right shot on some of our more challenging holes.
The River Course
The River Course is the front 9 of the Premier 18 at Superior National at Lutsen. The course is challenging but fair with multiple tee boxes for every skill level. As the Poplar River cuts through, it comes into play on a few of the holes, making for a challenging, natural obstacle. This course is also marked by elevation changes – uphill on holes 2–5, downhill on 6-8, and back uphill on 9. I hope you’ll find the following tips helpful as you navigate your way around this beautiful course!
River Hole #2
This beautiful par 3 is fairly short but the challenge lies in having to get over the Poplar River from your tee shot. The river puts on a nice show in this spot as it makes the final descent toward Lake Superior.
River Hole #5
#5 is a par 5 surrounded by boreal forest with views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range and the ski runs at Lutsen Mountains. The hole features 5 sets of tees, playable rough, wide fairway, large green, and Ohio’s Best white sand.
River Hole #6
The sixth hole features one of the prettiest views from the tee box on Superior National. But, don’t be fooled by the pretty view – this tee shot and golf hole are tough! It’s close to a 100-foot drop from the tee to the fairway so the ball carries a long way – sometimes into the woods lining both sides. Those bunkers actually help catch any wayward shots to the right from going into the woods. You will then have a descending approach shot into a green protected by swales short and left. A par on this hole is a very good score! Which is why this is the #1 handicap hole at Superior National. It’s a beauty and a beast.
River Hole #7
This drivable par four comes with a guarded green. Bunkers hold shots to the right and getting out of them can be a little scary with the pond in your view. That pond to the left collects shots from the tee that have a little too much right-to-left direction. You may think it’s an easy birdie. Come play and find out!
The Canyon Course
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 #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 #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!
Are you ready to tee off yet? Just remember, as spectacular as it may sound, there is nothing like playing Superior National in person. You’ll feel spoiled with the experiences that await you. Let us know if you agree with our picks for the best holes at Superior National or if you have a few of your own.
