(BIWABIK, Minn.) – Giants Ridge – Minnesota’s premier golf destination set in the rugged beauty of the Mesabi Iron Range – announces both of its championship golf courses, The Quarry and The Legend, were recognized by Golfweek in their latest rankings of the “Best Courses You Can Play,” both state-by-state and across the U.S., as well as the “Top 200 Modern Courses” in the country.
Presenting the top public access courses in each state, the former of these lists saw The Quarry ranked first in Minnesota for the ninth consecutive year. Meanwhile, The Legend climbed one spot to fifth in the 2023 edition of the list.
Furthermore The Quarry earned a tie for 47th ranking in the Top 100 “Best Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” list, improving upon its No. 50 showing from 2022. This placed the course alongside the highly regarded Mid Pines in Southern Pines, N.C., and Sand Hollow in Utah.
The Quarry received additional acclaim in the publication’s “Top 200 Modern Courses” rankings, as it finished tied for 129th in the nation. Recognizing the best courses built in or after 1960, this ranking placed The Quarry in an elite class alongside courses such as Lost Dunes in Michigan, Stone Eagle in California and The Golf Club of Tennessee.
Golfweek’s elite team of course raters determine the publication’s annual course ranking lists. Each year, the raters evaluate courses, grading each nominated layout on a 10-point basis based on Golfweek’s criteria.
“We are honored to have both of our fantastic courses recognized in Golfweek’s latest rankings, and especially proud to see the consistent improvement year-over-year,” says John Kendall, director of golf. “It’s a testament to the entire Giants Ridge team, who continue to provide unbeatable value for our guests and solidify the resort as an elite midwest destination.”
Although Jeffrey Brauer designed both of Giants Ridge’s courses, each features a unique layout and character. The appropriately named Quarry is built on the site of a former sand quarry and iron ore mine. Dramatically raised tees and hazards forged from reclaimed and repurposed mine land set The Quarry apart from other courses and provide dramatic Iron Range vistas.
Another aptly named layout – The Legend – offers truly legendary golf. Carved out of the Superior National Forest, the player-friendly resort course plays through towering pines and alongside glittering Sabin Lake. The Legend celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and spearheaded the Iron Range into becoming a world-renowned golf destination.
Offering exceptional value and 36 thrilling holes, Giants Ridge continues to shine as one of Minnesota’s best golf destinations. The year 2022 was a banner one for the resort – Golf Digest bestowed its highly coveted “Editor’s Choice Award” in the Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest Category to Giants Ridge for the fourth year running. Celebrating the “best of the best” golf destinations, Giants Ridge was one of only eight resorts listed in the Midwest and the only destination in Minnesota.
Besides its two revered golf layouts, Giants Ridge offers numerous crystal-clear lakes, rivers and streams ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Hiking and biking trails also cut through the towering pines found in the area, and chairlift rides offer breathtaking views of the stunning Iron Range.
Giants Ridge is also revered as the Midwest’s top-rated skiing and snowboard hotspot in the winter months. Snow adventures abound with 35 downhill ski runs, over 60 km of fine-groomed Nordic ski trails (which once served as Olympic training grounds) and some of Minnesota’s hottest snowboarding terrain parks.
Golf groups can take advantage of multiple specials like the superb Father’s Day Special, which includes a $50 round on June 18 (with a paid child).
For more information: www.giantsridge.com, 1.800.688.7669
