State: MN City: Oak Grove Price Range: $50 - $74 Weekend Rate (w/cart): $59 Address: 21250 Yellow Pine Street Zip Code: 55011 Phone Number: 763-753-8383 Website:View Website Tee Times:Get a Tee Time
7.10CONDITIONSout of 10
Upkeep Green & Clean Above & Beyond
7.76HOSPITALITYout of 10
Guest Services Amenities Experience
7.62PLAYABILITYout of 10
Design Difficulty Carts & Cards
8.08FACILITIESout of 10
Tee Times Teach & Learn Accessibility
6.71VALUEout of 10
Actual Costs Fun Factor Value
FORWARD SCORE67.60out of 100
822
TOTAL SCORE out of 1000
2012 REVIEW The Refuge Golf Course is located in Oak Grove Minnesota, about a half hour out of the North Metro Area, off Highway 65. The course was one of the Hacker's Guides top ten rated courses on our previous visit. To say we were looking forward to a return visit would be an understatement.
This is a truly unique course, cut in the woods and wetlands like no other we have seen. An expansive, beautiful clubhouse is striking as you first arrive at the course. Our host for this day, Curt Jasper, General Manager and Head Professional, welcomed us to the course and gave us a few quick tips and pointers as we started our round. Seldom do you see such a thought-provoking course, challenging you and your course management on nearly every shot. This course is not for the faint of heart, as there is significant trouble available on nearly every hole. However, one would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful, scenic course anywhere. Although we played on a late summer morning in August, one could only imagine the enhancement that the Fall foliage color change would bring. There are sets of tee boxes for every level of player with yardage ranging from approximately 4800-6500 yards. This would not be considered a walkable golf course by most players, and one should include that allocation of funds in your expense calculations.
Every possible component of a golf experience is accounted for at this course. The pro shop was impeccably displayed and comprehensive. Carts are needed, and required on weekends. They are electric and GPS-equipped, nearly a prerequisite because of the lack of traditionally designed holes. They are extremely helpful in judging distances as any other alternative would be a guessing game, with varied results. No two holes look remotely the same, and it is almost a self guided traveling tour of a "Northwoodsy" voyage, rather than a round of golf. The cart paths are well-marked and fully paved, greens were in overall very good condition. Tee boxes were exceptional. The on course amenities were also prevalent, and again, this course lacks for nothing.
While it is clear that this course has met expectations on almost every level, a couple points should be made, but also taken in the proper context. Of our group's first 9 holes, 7 were influenced by mowing taking place. What was odd, is that the grounds crew were going in the same rotation as we were golfing. Had they had a reverse route, or course, they would have crossed our path one time, instead of effectively, negatively influencing our round on nearly half the holes we played. Another easily rectified, but apparently unaddressed, issue was the lack of a directional arrow on hole 18, leading us, and our carts back to the Clubhouse. The signage on the course overall was excellent. The lack of signage on 18 led us to turn the wrong way and would be so easy to amend. We ended up driving our cart to "no man's land" and put us in the peculiar predicament of scratching our heads where to go. We are not trying to be picky here, just some constructive criticism to help alleviate a couple minor points that have been overlooked.
Overall our group really liked this course and all it has to offer. From a pure "hackers" perspective, this is not an easy course. You will need accuracy or you will need extra balls. There is difficulty, and hazards and you will encounter both. You will also encounter one of the most scenic and beautiful courses that we have seen. It's not always about the golf alone, and if you can't enjoy this course and what it offers, you should probably relinquish your clubs.
2010 REVIEW Reflecting on a summer of golf, most golfers have one course that stands out in his or her mind as the premier golf experience of the season. The course seems to sparkle. The greens are soft and smooth, the fairways perfectly manicured, the sand is fine, the rough is luscious yet playable and the clubhouse is inviting. If this sounds like an ideal golf destination, visit The Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove, Minnesota.
Oak Grove? Yes, pull out your map. It is worth the drive. Oak Grove is located on Highway 65, approximately 25 miles north of Minneapolis. This sleepy country suburb is home to one of the finest golf courses in the state. This course is carved out of a beautiful, wooded expanse with natural water hazards and boundaries that are as pleasing to the eye as they are challenging to navigate. Although narrow and winding, the fairways call to and guide you through the banks of trees, winding rivers and vast ponds. The sand traps, which pose a threat on nearly half of the holes, are soft like a Caribbean beach. It is truly a remarkable place to golf.
In addition, The Refuge is one of the friendliest courses around. Maybe it is the serene landscape or the relaxed nature of a rural suburb, but everyone is warm, endearing and helpful. The clubhouse attendants and other staff have one purpose in their work: to ensure that each golfer has the most enjoyable golf experience possible. Even one's fellow patrons are patient and eager to offer suggestions about navigating the course. Likewise, the accommodations and amenities are first class. The beautiful clubhouse has a vast banquet facility that is perfect for any event from a wedding to a corporate reception. For golfers, the food is hot and ready on the barbecue for a quick bite at the turn, and the snack and beverage cart appears often to satiate nearly any craving.
Although the course is well managed, its one flaw is in the spacing of golf parties, which leads to congestion on the back nine. Nevertheless, The Refuge is an amazing golf experience that is worth the drive and the slightly higher than average greens fees. Treat yourself, at least once a summer, and find refuge from the panic of city life at The Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove.
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Overall rating:
7.3
Condition of Course:
8.5 (2)
Course Design:
8.0 (2)
Course Difficulty:
8.5 (2)
Fun/Interesting Holes:
8.5 (2)
Customer Service:
5.5 (2)
Value for what you paid:
5.5 (2)
Are you likely to return?:
7.0 (2)
Personal opinion of course:
8.0 (2)
Amenities and Practice Facilities:
7.0 (2)
Pace of Play/Atmosphere:
6.0 (2)
Overall rating:
8.9
Reviewed by BrokenDriver | January 27, 2012
2011 season...The Refuge has undergone several changes and they all seem to be for the better.
In the past there seemed to be a sort of "attitude" but that has certainly changed for the better from a few years ago. (personnel changes I suppose)
There have been some great improvements to an already beautiful clubhouse with the addition of a new golfers bar and lounge. The atmosphere / decor is terrific and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The old GPS that used to drain the power from the carts have been replaced with new compact and dependable GPS that give distance details not only for the greens but also distances to reach and carry water hazards and bunkers.
Other improvements include part-time starters on busy weekends and holidays and there seems to be an effort to get some staff out on the course to serve as ranger during busy times. This is a great improvement.
What I once considered to be an expensive golf outing is no longer that expensive as The Refuge now offers some great deals and discounts depending on how one books and when one plays. They also get involved in some discount coupon promotions and participate in the Golf Card discount programs. If a golfer is flexible you can get some great deals to play a beautiful and challenging golf course.
I still contend that the course is not for beginners. It's a fairly difficult course with lots of marsh to carry. However there are 5 sets of tees to help compensate and if one can overcome their pride and move to a forward tee ... almost anybody can play an enjoyable round here. Walking seems to be discouraged during busy times but the course is walkable with only two or three modest "hikes" between holes.
Although the greens are not as lightening fast as I believe they once were (years ago) they are still speedy when cut and they always seem to roll true. It's obvious that the Superintendant takes great care and pride in this golf course.
While the course has lost some trees (wind and oak wilt), they have also added tress and continue to make improvements to the course.
The Refuge definitely gives a golfer that "Up North" feeling and it's not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife on the course as well as Bald Eagles and various hawks in the skies.
User Review
Would you golf here again?
Yes
Overall rating:
5.6
Reviewed by BrokenDriver | August 09, 2010
Although I'd golf here again, it won't be often. The course is over-priced as well as over-rated. That being said, they do occasionally have some discount deals. The course likely gets higher ratings because it's cut through the woods and wetlands and gives the feel of playing up north.
Years ago the greens here were really nice (fast and smooth), that is no longer the case.
This course is NOT for beginner golfers or for those who struggle off the tee ... it's a ball eater and when the less talented golfers show up the pace of play can get really slow.
No starter, No ranger ... is it any wonder you get 4 or 5 groups on a hole on weekends and holidays. Be prepared, the place has "attitude".
Note: Be sure to have your cell phone in case your electric cart runs out of charge.
Warning ... play elsewhere during hunting season (goose) ... some of the adjacent landowners have no qualms about showering the course with buckshot in their quest for birds.
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