The Wilds Golf Club
Prior Lake, Minnesota
A Tom Weiskopf design in Prior Lake, The Wilds is consistently ranked among the best public courses in Minnesota. The layout winds through rolling prairie terrain, hardwood forests, and wetlands with exceptional conditioning and a resort-quality experience at public pricing.
History & Heritage
The Wilds Golf Club opened in 1995, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish in Prior Lake, just south of Minneapolis. The course winds through a landscape of Ponderosa pines, hardwoods, and wetlands with over 150 feet of elevation changes — among the most dramatic in the Twin Cities metro.
Billing itself as "Minnesota\'s Crown Jewel," The Wilds operates as an upscale public facility managed by Troon Golf. From the Weiskopf tees, the course carries a slope of 152 and rating of 74.5 — one of the highest in Minnesota.
Acquired by Thompson Golf Group in 2025. The Eagles Nest viewpoint between holes 1 and 2 offers a panoramic overlook worth pausing at.
Signature Holes
A demanding par 4 showcasing the dramatic 150+ feet of elevation change throughout the course. The rolling prairie terrain and wooded corridors create a hole that demands both length and accuracy.
What to Expect
Swift bentgrass fairways, well-conditioned greens, and a mix of prairie openness and forested corridors. Over 150 feet of elevation changes create many downhill and sidehill lies. Water comes into play on roughly half the holes.
The setting feels far more remote than its location (about 25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis) suggests. Fine dining on-site completes the upscale public experience.
Multiple tee sets accommodate all skill levels, but the 152 slope from the tips is among the highest in Minnesota.
Playing Tips
With a 152 slope, course management is paramount. Don\'t try to overpower this course.
The elevation changes create many uneven lies — solid footwork and ball-striking fundamentals are essential.
Water on roughly half the holes means knowing your carry distances is critical.
Choose tees wisely — the gap between tee boxes is significant and the difficulty scales dramatically.
Highlights
- ✓ Tom Weiskopf championship design
- ✓ Top-ranked Minnesota public course
- ✓ Prairie, forest, and wetland routing
Frequently Asked Questions
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