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March 19, 2009
Golfweek names The Wilderness best course in Minnesota
Award reflects promise of new season, renders Fortune Bay a hole-in-one destination
TOWER, MINN. - It's not a matter of beginner's luck, The Wilderness has again proved, landing the prestigious distinction of being named best course in Minnesota by Golfweek magazine.
When the course opened in 2004, it was met with a flurry of acclaim, touted as one of the nation's best new courses. But as the novelty has faded, it's been replaced by a deep and abiding respect among golfers. Thanks to an unwavering commitment to excellence, The Wilderness has continued to stand out - a more formidable feat than dazzling newcomers at first blush.
"We're no one-hit wonder," said Wilderness Manager Tom Beaudry. "Every year we dig down deep to become better than the year before. That takes a lot of work; staying on top is harder than getting there. We're so gratified that Golfweek recognizes our effort."
Unveiled in this week's issue, Golfweek's award is based on 10 criteria: routing; quality of shaping; overall land plan; greens and surrounds; variety and memorability of par-3s; par-4s; and par-5s; tree and landscape management; conditioning; and the "walk-in-the-park test," feeling that the place is worth spending hours at. "Golfweek's Best Courses lists set the industry standard and are widely recognized for their integrity, credibility and unbiased evaluation of golf's finest courses," said Terry Olson, publisher of Golfweek.
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Golfers are also wowed by their experience off-the-greens, staying at Fortune Bay Resort
Casino, which last year was named Resort of the Year by Golf Minnesota. In addition to the spectacular Club House for the Wilderness, Fortune Bay recently expanded, doubling its number of rooms and high-end suites in order to better accommodate golfers. Perched on the spectacular shoreline of Lake Vermilion, the resort features a cutting-edge casino, full-service marina, an RV park, delectable dining and an award-winning heritage museum for Bois Forte, along with a pool, hot tub and sauna so golfers can relax after an adventurous day on the course. And if vacationers need to squeeze in some business, they're well served by more than 7,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, including breakout rooms, an Executive Board Room overlooking the lake and free Wi-Fi.
"For many golfers, an ideal getaway includes more than one course," Beaudry said, "and the beautiful thing about staying at Fortune Bay is that we're not far from other good courses - like Giants Ridge [in nearby Biwabik], which Golfweek named the second best course in Minnesota. That just goes to show: up north is where it's at!"
The Wilderness is managed by KemperSports, owned and operated by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Designed by renowned architect Jeffery D. Brauer, The Wilderness measures approximately 7,207 yards from the back tees and is a long hitter's dream, while also catering to golfers of all skill levels by offering four additional sets of tees. Wrapped around picturesque Minnesota woodlands, which include majestic white and red pines, thick evergreens and dramatic rock outcroppings, the challenging course is as visually stimulating as it is enjoyable to play. The Wilderness has received many awards from well-established publications. Golf Magazine named The Wilderness as one of the "Best New Courses to Play." Travel & Leisure Golf recognized The Wilderness as a "2004 Best New Public/Resort Courses." And last fall GolfDigest named it among the "Best Places to Play" across North American and the Islands.
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