This course expansion has to be Minnesota's best kept secret.
Out in the lands of Glenwood, MN, NINE NEW holes have been carved out in the ski hills of Barsness Park. (forgive my all-caps excitement
, I'm just really high on this course)
Hard for me to put negatives about this course, admittedly
, as I've only played the original back 9 when visiting my brother. However! I've walked/hiked the course multiple times, and I'm left itching to return. The New 9 will have you throwing up and down drastic elevation changes. However, I believe the pars are adjusted for these challenges.
The course begins near the Chalet and guides you around the far corners of the park. Fairly open with minimal OB, the Front 9 of Barsness warms you up for a much more challenging Back 18. The Front 9 will give views of baseball fields, Lake Minnewaska, the historical museum and totem poll, soccer fields, and a nostalgic Splash Pad (good break for those long summer days
).
Hole 10 is where you begin to ascend (into madness, I mean...) the slopes. The New 9 begins when you approach what would be 14's tee box. Choose to ignore the path and you're left with a round of 18 holes. Follow the path... and discover 9 new baskets, totaling 27 for the round.
I intend to return to this course not only to play a full round with friends, but also to give a more thorough review for you all.