It's not easy to find, but that's part of its allure. Hidden just south of Rice Lake, several miles south of Lake Mills (near Albert Lea), Rice Lake Golf & Country Club is smack dab in the middle of tranquility.

Also less than 9 miles from Diamond Jo Casino-Northwood, and with better burgers, Rice Lake Country Club provides equally addictive entertainment that's less gamble and typically more reward. The locals are extremely welcoming, and passionate about their course. One went so far as to proclaim it "Iowa's Odessa National." (We just nodded.) We think we know what he was trying to say. They like it here... and we can see why.

You open up your round alongside Rice Lake, and the 2nd hole (Signature) takes you right at it... In fact, if you're long... you're in it. The Director of Golf considers the 3rd the "key hole" and insists you have to play it twice (or perhaps seven times) to figure it out. His suggestion: Ignore your "ego" and play about 200 yards down the right. (Like we can control that.) You'll have about 170 left from there. (We'll take his word for it.)

There's not much elevation change throughout the course, but there are ample birdie opportunities from whichever of the four sets of tees you play. Hazards are adequately varied and scattered, and the layout requires many calculated shots, but there wasn't a hole on the course we didn't enjoy. (Other than the 3rd.) The fairways and greens were in excellent shape and signage throughout was great, with sufficient distance markings and hole maps displayed at every tee box. Despite the abundance of trees, wind plays a considerable factor on numerous holes... but then so do bad shots.

They could use newer carts, or at least carts with windshields, but people enjoy walking the course so much it explains why that upgrade has yet to be deemed a necessity. Yes, golf (at Rice Lake Country Club) is a good walk enjoyed. High quality. Low cost. That's what we're talking about!

Latest Update: 3/12/2011