Why Fall Might Be the Most Underrated Time to Golf in Northern Minnesota

By Golden Eagle Golf Club

Aerial view of Golden Eagle Golf Club's fairways and greens surrounded by red, orange, and gold fall foliage, with lakes in the distance

Summer may be winding down, but some of the best rounds at Golden Eagle are still ahead. Cool air, changing leaves, and a quieter pace make fall a particularly good time to play this 210-acre Northwoods course.

Crisp mornings, comfortable temperatures, changing leaves, and fewer crowds make for an ideal day on the links. With beautiful scenery and a more laid-back pace, it’s the perfect backdrop to get in one more round (or two!) before winter arrives.

Great Golfing Weather

It’s also the season for your favorite Golden Eagle beanie and a hoodie, with fall color all around you.

Golden Eagle beanies, hats, and a logo golf towel on display in the Pro Shop

You don’t have to worry about beating the midday heat or taking extra breaks to cool down in the shade. Instead, you can settle into your round and enjoy your time outside, whether you’re walking the course or riding from hole to hole. Those cooler temperatures can make for a really comfortable day on the links.

A Quieter, More Relaxed Pace

Fall brings a more relaxed vibe. With fewer people playing compared to the peak summer season, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere on the course.

While you always want to be mindful of pace of play, fall typically offers a little more breathing room, giving you more time to settle into your round, enjoy the scenery, and savor those last few weeks of golf before winter.

A golfer on the putting green at Golden Eagle, framed by fall-colored trees with a rainbow overhead

There’s something about getting out on the course in the fall that feels like a reset. The cooler air, changing scenery, and a few hours away from the usual routine give you a chance to slow down, grab your clubs, and just enjoy being outside.

Your Pick of Tee Times

This time of year also means you’re most likely able to snag your favorite tee times. Love teeing off early in the morning? Or prefer an after-work sunset round? You might just have a little more flexibility to tee it up when you want.

Fall Foliage

What’s fall without a little leaf peeping? You already know Golden Eagle for its golf, but this time of year gives you a whole new reason to appreciate the setting.

As the leaves start to change, the fairways and greens are surrounded by shades of red, gold, orange, and yellow, making the scenery part of the experience from the first tee to the 18th green.

Aerial view of a striped fairway at Golden Eagle lined with fall foliage, with a lake in the background

Set on a former private Northwoods preserve, with forests and natural wetlands surrounding the course, there’s always something beautiful to take in between shots. It’s the kind of round where you might find yourself admiring the view almost as much as your scorecard!

The Perfect Time for One More Golf Getaway

Make it a weekend and enjoy one last golf trip of the season. Fall is a great time to head up north, with reduced golf rates, lower rates when staying at The Cottage at Golden Eagle, and special end-of-season deals in the Pro Shop.

Adirondack chairs arranged around the fire pit outside The Cottage at Golden Eagle

Gather your friends, bring your family, and make the most of those last few weekends before the cold months settle in.

Explore the Brainerd Lakes Area

A stay at The Cottage also gives you a great home base for exploring everything the surrounding Brainerd Lakes area has to offer.

This time of year is truly spectacular in the Brainerd Lakes area. Hike the countless trails and take in the vibrant fall colors, head out on the water to try your luck at catching walleye, or simply cruise around the nearby Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

A hiker walking a sunlit wooded trail covered in fall leaves

And if planning it all sounds like a lot, we’ve already put together a stay-and-play itinerary to help you make the most of your getaway. All you have to do is pack your clubs and head up north!

Plan Your Fall Golf Weekend

So, don’t put the clubs away just yet. Make a weekend of it at Golden Eagle, where you can enjoy a few more rounds with great company, take in the fall scenery, and spend a little extra time in the Northwoods.

Fall golf aerial

Whether it’s a golf getaway with friends or you’re just looking to get in one more round, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the season.

Ready to make the most of fall golf? Book your stay at The Cottage or reserve your next tee time at Golden Eagle!

Share this article

Keep Reading

Golden Eagle Golf Club fairway winding through the Northwoods
Plan Your Visit

See It for Yourself

Championship Northwoods golf in Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes Area, open to the public daily.

Stay Connected

Join the E-Club

Get seasonal updates delivered to your inbox.