Interlachen and Hazeltine on 17-18 Sept

[Dan Kettler]

The sometimes hard part is complete, that being reciprocal permission to play while on a quick trip to MSP on 17-18 Sept.  Any GCA'ers that are members at these clubs that would like to play along and give some insight?

For sure Interlachen feels like a must, but guessing there might be a substitute for Hazeltine, open to suggestions.  While can't always assume reciprocity, will worry about that later.

Thanks in advance.

[HarryBrinkerhoffDoyleIV_aka_Barry]

If you have the time, and can get on (reciprocity is extremely difficult to this club), Spring Hill is very very nice (IMO).  Enjoy Interlachen, I thought it was a fantastic Willie Watson parkland course!

[Tommy Williamsen]

Golden Valley is an excellent Tillinghast course and Somerset is a wonderful Seth Raynor.  I think there has been some renovation there.

[J_ Crisham]

My favorites are White Bear Yacht Club and Minikhada-  2 outstanding classic designs.

[Jason Topp]

Dan:  You have picked the best time of year to come up here.  The leaves should be starting to change and the weather will range from brisk but nice to warm.

While there are courses I like a lot better than Hazeltine, I would play it.  It will be the same time of year that the Ryder Cup is held and it would be interesting to play it under similar conditions as they will be playing in 2016.  

I would check aeration schedules however.  Most clubs do it in late August or early September.  The early September plugs take awhile to heal unless there are warm nights.  

[Patrick Hodgdon]

The sometimes hard part is complete, that being reciprocal permission to play while on a quick trip to MSP on 17-18 Sept.  Any GCA'ers that are members at these clubs that would like to play along and give some insight?

For sure Interlachen feels like a must, but guessing there might be a substitute for Hazeltine, open to suggestions.  While can't always assume reciprocity, will worry about that later.

Thanks in advance.

Dan-

I still do the occasional moonlighting loop on the weekends (going on summer 16!) at Interlachen but will be taking care of newborn baby #3 the 17-18. I'd highly recommend both Interlachen and requesting one of the honor caddies to help you around the course and especially the greens. They aerated in mid-August and the greens should be great the week you're here. Feel free to post or PM me if you have any questions about ICC.

[Patrick Hodgdon]

The sometimes hard part is complete, that being reciprocal permission to play while on a quick trip to MSP on 17-18 Sept.  Any GCA'ers that are members at these clubs that would like to play along and give some insight?

For sure Interlachen feels like a must, but guessing there might be a substitute for Hazeltine, open to suggestions.  While can't always assume reciprocity, will worry about that later.

Thanks in advance.

What did you end up doing Dan?

[Dan Kettler]

Sorry no pictures, but ended up being a great visit that I can't imagine going any better.  First weather was good which isn't always a given in MN in Sept.  

Hazeltine ended up being unavailable, but played White Bear, Minikahda and Interlachen.  Winning.

White Bear might have been the most fun, given a little more quirk and probably more scoreable.  A little rough around the edges, but that actually added to the appeal.  Treated me as a member.  Scored pretty well, but seeing the course twice would have helped.

Minikahda was probably the best and fairest test, especially the back nine.  Which was a brute from the back tees.   Some great green/bunker complexes.

Interlachen - you can see why it has hosted serious competitions.  Conditions were the best of the three and really no weak holes.  First 6 holes were rough as I had to play with a couple from Cali that probably weren't going to break 125 even in scramble format.  Finally after some modest groveling with the asst pro playing with us, I was released with my caddy to finish by myself.  Luckily in time to beat some incoming weather.  

All the courses I could play every day and be content.