Orono Public Golf Course - MN

[Tim Gallant]

I saw a few photos yesterday of the course on Twitter, but couldn't find any information about the course beyond what is on the website (which I put below).


Posted by a superintendent from the area, two photos showed green sites surrounded by wonderful mounds, which looked quite fantastic. I'd be curious if anyone has played the course and if there were any additional photos to share? I'll see if I can get permission to share one of the photos here as well. Looking at Google Maps, there doesn't appear to be any bunkers, but it does appear to have good elevation change.

The golf course land was originally conveyed to Mr. Edward Walsh in 1859 when the state of Minnesota was less than two years old.  In addition to ordinary farming activities, the Walsh's had an extensive fruit and berry business.  Apple orchards extended over considerable acreage on both sides of what is now Orono Orchard Road, hence the subdivision name of Orono Orchards.  Leo Feser obtained the land in 1923 and the golf course[/size] officially opened July 4, 1924.[/i]

[Tom_Doak]

When I saw the title, I thought you were talking about Maine, and got the postal abbreviation wrong.  There is also an Orono, Minnesota?

[BHoover]

When I saw the title, I thought you were talking about Maine, and got the postal abbreviation wrong.  There is also an Orono, Minnesota?

Yes, there is an Orono, MN. It is next to Lake Minnetonka and Woodhill CC is next door to Orono Public GC.

[Tim Gallant]

Kyle Kreklow has been kind enough to let me share a few photos of the course:





How brilliant are some of those mounds around the green? It reminds me of the mounds that are currently shown on the homepage of GCA at Yeamans. The greens look tiny, and I would imagine that elevation and tilt are its main defenses. Anyone played it?








What a cool little spot for a green site!


I would love to learn and hear more about this place. Kyle suggested that Ross was in the area to build nearby Woodhill, and word is that his crew pulled together Orono. Any evidence of this?

[PCCraig]

I've heard of Orono Public Golf Course, but haven't played it. Orono is a very nice suburb just west of Minneapolis and close to Woodhill as mentioned above. I hadn't seen pictures of the course before I just searched on Google. Looks like a fun, old fashioned, golf course.


I suppose it's possible that Ross and his crew helped out there building the course. When I saw pictures of the course, it immediately reminded me of Newton Commonwealth, a Ross just outside of Boston.


Either way, perhaps it's a perfect spot for a fall Minnesota GCA get together?? 

[PCCraig]

Minnesota GCAers:




Fall Rates (Begins 1st Monday of Oct.)1st Nine Holes$102nd Nine Holes$  5

[BHoover]

I am going to miss fall weather in Minnesota. It's the best.

[Jason Topp]

It is about 3 miles from my house and I have never had a desire to play it.  It sits right next to Woodhill which is about as blue-blood a club as exists in this part of the world. 


There is a great story of a group of guys who thought they were going to Orono but wound up at Woodhill.  It is not for public consumption. 

[Morgan Clawson]

Last time I played this was at least 30 years ago!

I have driven by it quite a bit this summer.

The greens are very small and I don't think there are any bunkers on the course.

I will try to play it this fall and report back.