There’s A Charming & Unique Golf Course I’ve Never Heard Of Just Off I-35

There's a nine-hole golf course that I've never heard of that's just an hour away from Duluth. I found myself golfing a round there this weekend. We were camping just a few miles away at the Banning RV Park & Campground.

It's the Sandstone Area Golf Course. It's a public course that offers 9 holes. It's a 2,608-yard par 34 golf course.  Sometimes smaller 9-hole golf courses feel crowded with not enough space in between holes, but that's not the case with Sandstone.

There are a lot of old-growth trees like oak, maple, and pine that line the course. There are even a few holes where there is a grove of trees you need to hit around off the tee which causes a challenge.

There is a good balance between water hazards and bunkers to keep you on your toes. The layout on this course is unique. There are some wicked dog legs, some trees you need to shoot around or over, and other little quirks that give the course character.

The fairways were in pretty good shape. Most of the greens were too. The course was in better shape than I had expected. The greens were firm and fast.

It's a pretty busy course too! We teed off this last Saturday right after one of their tournaments. I checked their Facebook page and saw a lot of events.

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Green Fees are pretty affordable too for Sandstone. On a weekend a 9-hole round only costs $21. If you want to do 18 it's $26. They also have a bar and grill in the clubhouse that includes a dining area that can accommodate large groups.

So if you're in the area and looking to golf a quick 9-hole round, you should give Sandstone Golf Course a try. The locals lovingly call it "the best nine in Pine." (Because it's in Pine County.)