Baker National Golf Course: Tee Times, Rates & Course Guide

If you are looking for a serious public golf challenge in the Minneapolis area, Baker National Golf Course belongs on your list. Nestled inside the Baker Park Reserve in Medina, Minnesota, this nationally recognized course delivers championship-level conditions without a private club price tag.

This guide covers the course layout, confirmed 2026 green fees, practice facilities, playing tips, and everything you need before you show up.

What Is Baker National Golf Course?

Baker National Golf Course is a public golf facility operated by the Three Rivers Park District in Medina, Minnesota. The 210-acre course sits entirely within the Baker Park Reserve, which means there is not a single house visible from anywhere on the property.

The facility features two distinct courses. The nationally recognized 18-hole Championship Course serves as the main attraction. A 9-hole Evergreen Executive Course rounds out the offering for beginners and casual players. 

The site also includes a driving range, full practice facilities, a clubhouse with a grill, and one of the most comprehensive golf instruction programs in the Twin Cities area.

Here is a quick overview at a glance:

Feature	Details
Course Type	Public / Daily Fee
Operated By	Three Rivers Park District
Total Acreage	210 acres
Championship Course	18 holes, Par 72
Executive Course	9 holes, Par 30 (Evergreen)
Location	Baker Park Reserve, Medina, MN
Championship Designer	Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA
Opened	1991 (Championship)
Season	April 1 – November 15

History of Baker National Golf Course: Origins and Development

Baker National Golf Course was developed as part of the Three Rivers Park District’s vision to bring championship-quality public golf to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area. The Evergreen Executive Course opened first in 1986, designed by Keith Greeninger. It gave the facility an approachable entry point for new golfers while the larger project took shape.

The 18-hole Championship Course followed in 1991, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, and Craig Schreiner. Their goal was to use the natural terrain of the Baker Park Reserve to create a course that challenged experienced golfers while remaining accessible to the public. 

In 1995, the course earned Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation from Audubon International. That recognition reflected the facility’s commitment to preserving the natural habitat and native landscape that makes the Baker Park Reserve so distinctive.

Key Milestones

• 1986: Evergreen Executive Course opens, designed by Keith Greeninger.
• 1991: 18-hole Championship Course opens, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, and Craig Schreiner.
• 1995: Baker National receives Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation from Audubon International.
• Ongoing: Golf Digest recognizes the Championship Course among America’s 75 Best Public Courses.
• Present: Three Rivers Park District continues operating the facility with Golf Services Manager Jeff May leading the team.
• 2026: Walk 9/Ride 9 offer introduced on Fridays for Championship Course players.

Design Contributions: Who Designed Baker National Golf Course?

Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, and Craig Schreiner designed Baker National’s Championship Course. Hurdzan is one of the most respected golf course architects in the United States, known for designs that work with the natural landscape rather than imposing artificial features on it. Baker National is his only design in Minnesota.

The terrain at Baker National is undulating throughout. There are no flat fairways on the entire Championship Course. Hurdzan and Schreiner used the rolling park reserve landscape to create elevation changes that affect strategy on almost every hole. Marsh areas and tree lines border the fairways, bringing the natural environment directly into play.

The greens are large and fast, with humps, valleys, tiers, and subtle undulations that demand attention from the moment you step onto the putting surface. Risk-reward scenarios appear throughout the layout, particularly on holes where players can cut corners or challenge trouble to shorten their approach.

Contributions to Local Golf Culture

Baker National has shaped public golf in Minnesota in several meaningful ways:

• Providing a Golf Digest-recognized championship experience at a publicly accessible price point.
• Participating in First Tee Minnesota, giving young players affordable access to the game.
• Offering one of the most comprehensive golf instruction programs in the Twin Cities area.
• Introducing FootGolf on the Evergreen Course, expanding the facility’s reach beyond traditional golfers.
• Setting a model for environmentally responsible public golf through its Audubon Sanctuary certification.

Course Layout and Features at Baker National Golf Course

Baker National’s Championship Course is defined by its park reserve setting because the course sits entirely within the Baker Park Reserve, the surrounding landscape is all nature. 

Woods and marsh areas line nearly every hole, and not a single residential structure comes into view during the round. That character is genuinely rare for a public course in the Twin Cities metro area.

The terrain is consistently demanding. Rolling fairways, challenging greens, and strategic placement of natural hazards make Baker National one of the toughest public tracks in Minnesota.

Par, Length, and Yardage Details

Championship Course:

• Par: 72
• Yardage (Back Tees): 6,762 yards
• Course Rating: 73.9
• Slope: 135
• Forward Men’s Tees (Silver): 6,013 yards | Rating 70.7 | Slope 130
• Grass: Bluegrass

Evergreen Executive Course:

• Par: 30
• Yardage: 1,855 yards
• Format: 9 holes (also available for FootGolf)

Scorecard Overview for 2026

Tee Option	Yardage	Course Rating	Slope
Back Tees	6,762 yards	73.9	135
Silver (Forward Men’s)	6,013 yards	70.7	130
Other Tees	Contact course	Contact course	Contact course

Signature Holes and Course Highlights

Several holes at Baker National stand out for their drama and design:

• The Lake Par 3: One par-3 requires a full 180-yard carry across a cattail-filled lake to a tight green. There is no bail-out option. This hole is visually intimidating and demands full commitment on the tee shot.
• Hole 18 (Par 4): The finishing hole starts with an elevated tee shot over a deep ravine. A good drive lands on the upslope of a large hill, setting up a demanding uphill approach to end the round.
• Risk-Reward Par 4s and 5s: Multiple holes offer a shorter route to the green for players willing to challenge the trees, marsh, or trouble off the tee. Miss those shots, and the penalty is significant.

Other highlights throughout the round include:

• Undulating terrain that makes every fairway lie slightly different.
• Fast greens with multiple tiers and subtle breaks that reward careful reads.
• Narrow rough under 2.5 inches that keeps most slightly errant drives in play.
• Sweeping views of the Baker Park Reserve landscape from several elevated tee positions.

Notable Landscape and Design Elements

Dr. Hurdzan and Craig Schreiner built the course to integrate seamlessly with the park reserve environment:

• Marsh Areas: Border almost every hole and come into play for shots that stray too far offline.
• Tree Lines: Dense woods frame many fairways and define the edges of the playing corridors.
• Rolling Topography: No flat fairways exist anywhere on the course. Every hole involves some form of elevation change.
• Native Vegetation: Three Rivers Park District maintains native plant areas throughout the course, consistent with the Audubon Sanctuary designation.
• No Adjacent Homes: The park reserve setting means the course feels remote and natural throughout all 18 holes.

Recent Course Updates for 2026

Baker National continues to invest in the facility and player experience:

• Walk 9/Ride 9 Program (New for 2026): On Fridays, twosomes who walk the first nine holes on the Championship Course can ride the final nine in a cart at no charge.
• Ongoing turf and green maintenance to keep the course at championship-level conditions.
• Continued expansion of the 2026 Golf Academy instructional program.
• Updated online booking system with virtual waitlist functionality for high-demand days.

Does Baker National Golf Course Offer Memberships?

Baker National does not offer traditional private club memberships. As a public Three Rivers Park District facility, it stays open to all golfers on a daily-fee basis.

That said, three programs give regular players added value and discounts:

• Season Passes: Available for purchase online or by calling 763-559-6700.
• Tour Cards: Provide discounted green fees on every round throughout the season.
• MGA Memberships: Minnesota Golf Association memberships offering exclusive access and additional benefits for frequent players.

Playing Experience at Baker National Golf Course

Playing a round at Baker National Golf Course is a genuinely immersive experience. The park reserve setting removes every trace of suburban development from the round. 

Woods, marsh, and rolling terrain surround every hole. The course challenges golfers from the first tee to the final approach up the steep 18th fairway.

What It’s Like to Play the Course

Golfers can expect the following during a round at Baker National:

• No flat fairways anywhere on the course. Every lie is slightly different, which keeps the round mentally engaging throughout.
• Marsh areas and woods border almost every hole, making accuracy more valuable than raw distance.
• Fast, large greens with multiple breaks and tiers that demand careful putting and a sharp short game.
• A visually dramatic par-3 carry over a cattail lake that tests both club selection and composure.
• A memorable finishing hole that ends with a steep uphill approach after a tee shot over a deep ravine.
• A complete sense of being in nature, with the park reserve visible in every direction from the fairways.

How Forgiving Is It for Beginners?

Baker National’s Championship Course is not particularly forgiving for beginners. The terrain, fast greens, and natural hazards combine to create a challenging round even for mid-handicappers. 

The silver forward tees at 6,013 yards make the course shorter and more manageable, but the undulating greens and marsh-lined fairways still demand a reasonable level of ball control.

For newcomers to the game, the Evergreen Executive Course is a much better starting point. The 9-hole par-30 layout offers a gentler introduction to the course’s natural setting without the full demands of the Championship layout.

Challenges for Experienced Golfers

Baker National delivers a serious test for skilled players:

• 6,762 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 73.9 and slope of 135 ranks it among Minnesota’s toughest public layouts.
• The all-carry lake par-3 demands precise distance control with no margin for error.
• Rolling greens with humps, valleys, and tiers require thorough pre-putt reads and careful pace control.
• Marsh areas and tree lines punish significantly offline shots, especially on holes where the course narrows.
• The 18th hole’s deep ravine tee shot and steep uphill approach require confident execution to finish well.
• Risk-reward scenarios throughout the layout tempt aggressive play but punish missed shots heavily.

Tips for Playing Your Best Round

Here are six practical tips for getting the most out of Baker National:

1. Pick the right tee box: The silver tees at 6,013 yards suit most recreational players better than the back tees.
2. Prioritize accuracy over distance: The marsh areas and tree lines make a slightly shorter ball in the fairway far more valuable than a long ball in trouble.
3. Read the greens carefully: These putting surfaces are among the most complex at any public course in Minnesota. Pace and break both demand attention.
4. Commit fully on the lake par-3: There is no safe miss. Choose your club and trust the decision completely.
5. Book early: The Championship Course Season Pass has been discontinued because demand is consistently high. Tee times go fast, particularly on weekends.
6. Book online and use the waitlist: The online tee sheet is the most accurate and up-to-date source for availability. 

Amenities and Facilities at Baker National Golf Course

Baker National gives golfers a full day at a complete facility. The practice areas, clubhouse, instruction programs, and FootGolf option make it one of the most well-rounded public golf destinations in the Minneapolis area.

1. Practice Areas

The practice facilities at Baker National are among the best at any public course in Minnesota.

Driving Range:

• 60-station grass driving range, one of the largest in the state.
• Always on grass, not mats, which provides a more realistic ball-striking experience.
• Rate: $12 per hour for adults, $7 per hour for youth under 17.
• A 10-hour Range Card is available for $109, offering a cost-effective option for regular visitors.
• Players paying for a round receive a free 15-minute warm-up before their tee time.

Putting Green:

• Large putting surface that reflects the speed and complexity of the course greens.
• Available for pre-round preparation and practice.

Chipping Green and Practice Bunker:

• Dedicated short game area for chip shots and bunker practice.
• Realistic preparation for the demanding greenside conditions on the course.

Source: Baker National Golf Course Official Website

2. Clubhouse and Restaurant

The Baker National clubhouse serves as the central facility for golfers and visitors:

• Full-service clubhouse with a grill offering food and beverages throughout the day.
• Pro shop stocked with equipment, apparel, and accessories.
• Comfortable gathering space for groups and corporate outings.
• Event facilities available for corporate golf days and organized outings.
• Beverage carts operate on the course during the season.

3. Golf Shop

The pro shop at Baker National carries a solid selection of golf gear, accessories, and apparel. Club rentals are available in two tiers: standard sets at $20 and premium sets at $40. 

Pull carts are available to rent for $7 (18 holes) or $4 (9 holes). Staff are knowledgeable about course conditions and happy to assist visiting players.

4. Golf Lessons and Clinics

Baker National’s Golf Academy is one of the most comprehensive instruction programs at any public facility in the Twin Cities area.

Private Lessons:

• One-on-one instruction from PGA and LPGA-certified professionals.
• Bookable online through the Baker National scheduling system at Baker National Golf Course – Booking

Group Clinics and Lesson Leagues:

• Programs available for juniors, adults, and seniors at all skill levels.
• Lesson leagues run throughout the season and combine instruction with structured play.
• 2026 Golf Academy brochure available through the Three Rivers Park District website.

Junior Programs:

• Baker National participates in First Tee Minnesota, providing affordable and accessible golf for youth.
• Youth on Course pricing ($5) makes junior golf genuinely accessible after 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Awards and Reputation

Baker National Golf Course has built one of the strongest reputations of any public course in Minnesota since opening in 1991.

Industry Recognition:

• Golf Digest America’s 75 Best Public Courses: Baker National’s Championship Course earned national recognition as one of the best public courses in the United States.
• Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (1995): Recognized by Audubon International for environmental stewardship and responsible land management. This designation is sponsored by the USGA and reflects the course’s commitment to preserving the Baker Park Reserve landscape.
• First Tee Minnesota Participant: Recognized for its contribution to youth golf development and accessible programming in the Minneapolis area.
• Third Most Difficult Public Course in Minnesota: Ranked from the blue tees based on course rating and slope, Baker National sits among the most demanding public tracks in the state.

Events and Tournaments at Baker National Golf Course

Baker National Golf Course serves as an active hub for local leagues and community golf events throughout the season. As a public park district facility, it does not host professional tournaments, but it supports structured competitive golf at the community level.

Events and Programs Hosted

• Public Adult Leagues: Organized by outside groups and hosted throughout the season. Details available through the Three Rivers Park District website.
• Lesson Leagues: Junior, adult, and senior leagues that combine instruction with organized play. Registration available online or through Guest Services at 763-559-6700.
• Corporate Golf Outings: Groups can book the course for corporate days and team events. Contact Jeff May directly for outing inquiries and bookings.
• FootGolf Events: The Evergreen Executive Course hosts FootGolf play throughout the season, offering a unique group activity alongside traditional golf.

How Spectators Can Attend

Baker National is a casual public facility and most events are open to the general public. The clubhouse and grill provide a comfortable viewing area near the first tee and 18th green. 

For organized events, check the Three Rivers Park District website for schedules and any registration requirements. On-site parking within the Baker Park Reserve makes attendance easy.

Visitor Information for Baker National Golf Course

Here is everything you need to know before your 2026 visit to Baker National Golf Course.

Pricing and Value

The following are the confirmed 2026 rates directly from the Three Rivers Park District.

Championship Course (9 or 18 holes): 

Player Type	9 Holes	18 Holes
Regular	$30	$51
Tour Card	$23	$41
Senior (62+)	$28	$46
Junior (17 & under, Mon-Thu or after 3 PM Fri-Sun)	$19	$29
Youth on Course (after 3 PM Fri-Sun)	$5	$5

Green fees include range balls for a 15-minute pre-round warm-up.

Evergreen Executive Course (9 holes) or FootGolf: 

Player Type	9 Holes / FootGolf
Regular	$21
Tour Card	$17
Senior (62+)	$19
Junior (17 & under)	$13
Youth on Course	$5

Cart and Equipment Rates: 

Service	Rate
18-Hole Cart	$23 per rider
9-Hole Cart	$14 per rider
Club Rental (Standard)	$20
Club Rental (Premium)	$40
Pull Cart (18 Holes)	$7
Pull Cart (9 Holes)	$4
Driving Range	$12/hr (Adult) / $7/hr (Youth)
10-Hour Range Card	$109
FootGolf Ball Rental	$5

Source: Three Rivers Park District official website, 2026 rates.

Tee Time Booking

• Online: Book online for the most current and accurate availability.
• Phone: Call 763-559-6700 to reach reservations.
• Waitlist: Use the virtual waitlist feature online to receive a text notification when a cancellation opens up.
• A valid credit card is required to hold all tee times. Payment is taken at the course on the day of the round.
• The card on file is only charged for no-shows or short shows.
• Cancel or modify at least 12 hours in advance to avoid charges.

Visitor Notes

• Season: April 1 through November 15, sunrise to sunset.
• 9 Holes on Championship: Available Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Friday through Sunday and holidays, all golfers must pay for 18 holes until 3 PM.
• Walk 9/Ride 9 (New 2026): Available on Fridays for twosomes. Walk the first nine and ride the final nine at no cart charge.
• Raincheck Policy: Based on holes completed at time of weather stoppage.
• No Season Pass: Championship Course Season Pass has been discontinued for 2026 due to high demand.

Tips for Playing Baker National Golf Course

Strategies for Beginners and Advanced Players

For Beginners:

• Start on the Evergreen Executive Course before attempting the Championship layout.
• Play from the silver or forward tees on the Championship Course to reduce length.
• Keep the ball in the fairway rather than swinging for maximum distance off the tee.
• Budget extra time for putting. The greens are much more complex than a typical public course.

For Advanced Players:

• Play the back tees for the full 73.9-rated experience that ranks among Minnesota’s toughest public tests.
• Use the risk-reward layout to your advantage. Challenging the trouble on key holes shortens the approach but demands precise execution.
• Read every green before you putt. The tiers, humps, and subtle undulations catch players who do not take them seriously.
• Manage the marsh and tree hazards by keeping misses on the correct side of the fairway.

Common Challenges on the Course

• Undulating Terrain: No flat lies anywhere on the course. Uneven stances are common throughout the round.
• Fast, Complex Greens: Require a refined putting stroke and careful reading on every hole.
• Lake Par-3 Carry: One of the most pressure-filled shots on the course. Full commitment is required.
• Hole 18 Ravine Tee Shot: The final hole demands a confident, accurate drive to set up the finishing approach.
• Marsh and Tree Lines: Leave very little room for wild shots before the penalty becomes significant.
• High Demand: Tee times book up fast. Walk-on play is difficult, especially on weekends.

Recommended Equipment and Preparation

• Clubs: Full set with driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putter.
• Shoes: Soft-spike or spikeless golf shoes appropriate for the rolling terrain.
• Golf Balls: Bring extras. The marsh areas and ravine on 18 can cost balls even on good shots.
• Rangefinder or GPS: Strongly recommended given the elevation changes and complex hole routing.
• Clothing: Layer up for early season rounds. Minnesota mornings can stay cool well into spring.
• Warm-Up: Use the pre-round 15 minutes of range balls included with your green fee before every round.

Customer Service and Atmosphere

Staff and Service Quality

• Golf Services Manager: Jeff May oversees all operations at the facility.
• PGA and LPGA Instructors: Available for private lessons and group clinics through the Golf Academy.
• Pro Shop Staff: Helpful and knowledgeable about course conditions, tee times, and equipment options.
• On-Course Beverage Carts: Available during the season, adding convenience for golfers mid-round.

Overall Atmosphere

Baker National strikes a tone that is serious about golf without being exclusive. The park reserve setting creates a natural, peaceful environment that is hard to find at most public facilities near a major metro area. 

Golfers who play here regularly describe it as the kind of course that rewards study and repeat visits. The more you play it, the more you appreciate what the design is doing on each hole.

Consistency and Reputation

Baker National has held its Golf Digest recognition for decades, which reflects genuine, sustained quality. The greens and fairways are maintained to a high standard throughout the season. 

The facility’s Audubon Sanctuary status means Three Rivers Park District is held to an environmental standard that requires careful, responsible land management, which benefits the playing conditions directly.

Contact Details for Baker National Golf Course

Detail	Information
Address	2935 Parkview Drive, Medina, MN 55340
Main Phone	763-694-7670
Golf Services Manager	Jeff May
Website	Baker National Golf Course
Season	April 1 – November 15

Final Thoughts

Baker National Golf Course is one of the best public golf experiences in Minnesota, and it has been for more than three decades. The park reserve setting, the Dr. Hurdzan design, and the Three Rivers Park District’s commitment to quality have combined to create something genuinely special in the Twin Cities metro area.

The Championship Course is not easy. A 73.9 rating and slope of 135 from the back tees puts it among the toughest public layouts in the state. But it is fair. The wide fairways give you a chance, and the natural hazards reward smart, thoughtful play rather than just power.

Whether you are tackling the Championship Course for the first time or working on your game at the Golf Academy, Baker National delivers a full-day golf experience worth seeking out every season.

Key Takeaways

• Baker National Golf Course is a public facility operated by the Three Rivers Park District in Medina, Minnesota, within the 210-acre Baker Park Reserve.
• The 18-hole Championship Course was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, and Craig Schreiner, opening in 1991.
• The course plays to 6,762 yards from the back tees with a rating of 73.9 and a slope of 135.
• Golf Digest recognized Baker National as one of America’s 75 Best Public Courses.
• The facility also includes a 9-hole Evergreen Executive Course with FootGolf, making it accessible to all ages and ability levels.
• Baker National earned Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status in 1995 for its environmental stewardship.
• Confirmed 2026 rates: $51 for 18 holes (regular), $30 for 9 holes. Tour Cards provide discounted rates throughout the season.
• The 60-station grass driving range is one of the largest at any public course in Minnesota. Range balls are included with a 15-minute pre-round warm-up.
• A valid credit card is required to hold tee times. Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours in advance.
• The Championship Course Season Pass has been discontinued for 2026 due to consistently high demand. Tee times must be booked online using the virtual waitlist system.

FAQs