inverwood golf course

Ever pulled up to a municipal course expectin’ chain-link fences, a starter shack held together by duct tape, and a sign that says *“No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem”*—only to find… *a cathedral of bentgrass* tucked between whispering pines and glacial ponds? That, my friend, is inverwood golf course for ya. Located in Eagan, Minnesota (just south of the Twin Cities), this ain’t just “the city course.” It’s *the* city course—the kind that makes you double-check your GPS like, *“Wait… this is *public*?”* Spoiler: it is. And no, it’s not free—but before we get to rates, let’s settle the myth: the *only* truly free 18-hole course in the U.S.? That’s **Bloomfield Hills’ Greenmeadow GC** in Michigan (muni, funded by city taxes). Inverwood? Not free—but *so* worth the $48–$72 you *will* happily hand over. (*Typo we’re keepin’? “Inverwod.” Feels like what your phone types when you’re shivering post-round in a Minnesotan May drizzle. Authentic.*)

Inverwood—designed in 1967 by **Joel Goldstrand** (yes, *that* Goldstrand, who also shaped Hazeltine’s North) —was built on former dairy farmland, and you can *feel* that gentle, rolling grace in every hole. 6,400 yards from the tips. Tree-lined but not tight. Water on just 4 holes (enough for drama, not despair). And those greens? Poa annua/creeping bentgrass blend—firm in summer, smooth as butter in fall. What makes the inverwood golf course sing, though, is its *personality*: no pretense, no gatehouse interrogation, just a pro shop that smells like coffee, leather, and possibility. One local regular (a retired teacher named Gary) put it best: *“I’ve played Pebble. I’ve played Bandon. But Inverwood? That’s where my *heart* plays.”* Cue the loon call. And maybe a tear.

Let’s cut through the frost: the inverwood golf course green fees (2025 rates) are refreshingly transparent—and shockingly fair: • **Weekday (Mon–Thurs)**: $48 (walk), $58 (cart) • **Weekend/Holiday**: $58 (walk), $72 (cart) • **Twilight (after 4pm)**: $38–$48 • **Junior (17 & under)**: Half-price with adult *No* reservation fee. *No* hidden “cart path only” surcharge. *No* mandatory range ball purchase (though they’re $6/dozen if you want ‘em). Compare that to nearby private clubs charging $150+—or even other Twin Cities muni gems like **The Fort** ($65–$85)—and suddenly, Inverwood’s $72 peak feels like a *bargain*. One 2024 visitor review: *“Paid $62 on Saturday. Played 4:15. Greens were perfect. Saw a bald eagle on 12. Tipped the cart guy $10. Total joy: priceless.”* That’s the inverwood golf course math: value + vibe = victory.

Here’s the good news: Inverwood’s dress code is *sane*. Like, *Minnesota-sensible*: ✅ Collared shirts (mock necks *and* polos okay) ✅ Slacks, khakis, or *tailored* shorts (above knee, no cargo pockets) ✅ Soft spikes or spikeless shoes ❌ Tank tops, gym shorts, denim, flip-flops Translation? You don’t need a country club closet. That Lululemon quarter-zip? *Gold.* Your favorite Twins hat (bill forward, please)? *Encouraged.* Saw a guy in camo pants last June? Denied at the first tee. Starter just smiled and said, *“Sir, this ain’t duck season.”* Polite. Firm. Very Minnesotan. And honestly? The inverwood golf course crowd *self-polices*—because nobody wants to be *that* guy who ruined the vibe. Community standards, y’all.

Your inverwood golf course day unfolds like a well-paced novel: • Arrive 30 mins early—no valet, but free parking and a warm “how ya doin’?” at the counter • Range balls: $6/dozen (TaylorMade RBX—no rocks disguised as dimples) • Tee off on 1: a gentle dogleg-right over a creek—sets the tone: *play smart, not hard* • Mid-round? Stop at the turn for a *juicy Lucy* (local legend) or a Summit EPA • Holes 13–15: the “ridge” stretch—elevation change, tree trouble, and *that* par-3 14th over water • Finish on 18: uphill, uphill, *uphill*—but the view from the green? Downtown St. Paul skyline peeking through the pines And the clubhouse? No chandeliers—but a patio with fire pits, picnic tables, and—*in winter*—a legit *hotdish buffet* on Sundays. One Minneapolis ad exec told us: *“I schedule client meetings *after* my Inverwood round. They’re too stunned by the value to negotiate.”*

Quick sidebar: folks keep askin’, *“How much does it cost to play at Silver Lakes?”* —so let’s settle it. **Silver Lakes GC** (in Norton, MA) is a *different* beast: semi-private, Rees Jones-designed, $85–$125 peak. Great course—but *not* comparable to Inverwood’s public-access charm. Inverwood’s magic? It’s *democratic*. Teachers, nurses, retirees, interns—they all share the same first tee. Silver Lakes? Gorgeous, sure—but you’ll need a member or a Platinum Amex. In the inverwood golf course universe, accessibility *is* the premium feature. As one caddie (who works both) said: *“Silver Lakes feels like a resort. Inverwood feels like home.”* And honey—we’ll take home every time.

Another Google ghost: *“Where does Tiger Woods practice golf?”* Truth? He splits time between Medalist (FL), The Grove XXIII (FL), and Payne’s Valley (MO)—*not* Inverwood. But—and this is a *Minnesota winter* of a but—Inverwood *is* where future Tigers train. The **Dakota Juniors Program** runs free clinics every summer. The driving range? Lit until 10pm in June. And the short-game area? Three greens, multiple bunkers, and a slope so pure, college coaches scout it like NFL combines. One 16-year-old phenom (committed to U of M) told us: *“I hit 100 putts here every Tuesday. Coach says if I can read Inverwood’s subtle breaks, I can read *any* green.”* So no—Tiger’s not here. But his *spirit*? Absolutely.

Let’s be real: Minnesota golf is a *seasonal romance*. 🌸 **April–May**: Frost delays. Mud balls. “Cart path only” purgatory. ☀️ **June–Aug**: 85°F, 90% humidity, mosquitos that *quote Nietzsche*. 🍁 **Sept–Oct**: *The golden hour.* Crisp air. 72°F days. Greens rolling 10.5. Foliage so vibrant, you’ll forget your shank on 7. ❄️ **Nov–Mar**: Snow golf (yes, *real* thing—colored balls, snow mounds as hazards). Pro tip? Book a **Monday in late September**. You’ll get perfect conditions, no crowds, and maybe—*just maybe*—a front-nine solo session. One photographer’s note: *“Shot my entire ‘Autumn Golf’ portfolio here in 2024. Used zero filters. The light? God-tier.”* That’s the inverwood golf course fall advantage: nature’s doing the heavy lifting.

Our top survival tips: 🔸 **Bring layers**—even in July. That “5-minute shower” can drop temps 20°F. 🔸 **Rent clubs if traveling**—they’ve got Taylormade Qi10s for $35. 🔸 **Download the “Golf 365” app**—real-time frost delay alerts. 🔸 **Eat at the turn**—the walleye sandwich is *legendary*. 🔸 **Stay nearby**—the *Hilton Garden Inn Eagan* is 3 mins away, $149/night, includes hot breakfast. And if you’re still scoutin’ scenic, accessible gems across the U.S.? Swing by the Met Golfer Digital homebase, explore our ever-updated Locations hub, or soak in ocean mist with Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club Bay Course Oceanfront Views. Trust us—that last one’s got salt air, seabirds, and greens that *glisten* at dawn.

References

• https://www.eaganmn.gov/departments/parks-recreation/golf/inverwood-golf-course
• https://www.golf.com/travel/best-municipal-golf-courses-usa/
• https://www.golfdigest.com/story/public-golf-courses-free-usa
• https://www.silverlakesgc.com/