Baker National Golf Course, Medina: Hours, Address, Baker National Golf Course Reviews: 4.5/5
Baker National Golf Course
Baker National Golf Course
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
13 within 3 miles
Warren's Restaurant and Bar
15
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • Barbecue
Pig On The Porch
35
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Choo Choo Bar & Restaurant
24
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Detour 19
3
1.9 mi
Iron Exchange Brewery & Tavern
8
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Pizza • Pub
Forkless
1
2.4 miPizza
McGarry's Pub
67
2.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Irish • Bar
Subway
5
2.3 mi
Monies
16
2.4 mi$ • American • Bar • Pub
Blackwater Cafe
16
2.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
Baker Park Reserve
15
1.4 miBeaches • Hiking Trails
Skyrock Farm
5
1.5 miFarms
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
38
Gardens
Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Nature Center
1
3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
West Hennepin History Center
1
History Museums
Wood-rill Scientific And Nature Area
1
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Eagle Brook Church
Missions
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
16 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
caravaggio2018
Western Ireland, Ireland173 contributions
Business
Saturday morning was so much fun at this course. Nice variation of holes and difficulty. As we were on a business we had to hire clubs which were new, a great set.
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
retlod
Omaha, NE46 contributions
Friends
For a public park course, Baker is a fantastic track, and when you take the fees into account, it's an exceptional value. Conditions are always excellent, and the layout is reminiscent of the destination courses in the Brainerd area. There are some good "target golf" holes mixed in to keep you thinking, there's some water to contend with, and the woods are an omnipresent threat. Pro shop is small, but the food is great and the selection of clothing is classy and upscale! I'm guessing the location is what keeps traffic light, but if you're in the area or are looking for another hidden gem, check this place out!
Written October 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
darrell1486
37 contributions
Friends
Thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf at this facility. Each hole seemed to have either a breathtaking vista/scenery or challenging play. A lot of effort went into designing this course. It is challenging to play but rewards risk takers. Would highly recommend this course for novice and/or seasoned players.
Written September 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom A
Minneapolis, MN23 contributions
Solo
If we are lucky and get some snow this winter be sure to make a trip out to Baker Park for some wonderful cross country skiing. The golf clubhouse doubles as a ski chalet. Rental equipment is available. The folks grooming the trails are wonderful, they can take a few inches of snow and turn the park into a skiers paradise. Trails are medium in difficulty, for the most part, with a variety of terrain - woods to prairie. An afternoon out at Baker will make your day.
Written October 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JandJMSP
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa132 contributions
Played 18 holes with my foursome at Baker. The course was in excellent shape. The course is fair but challenging. The greens will also add challenge to your round. The club house is clean and the check in process very orderly. Since it is part of a public park system the areas around the clubhouse will be busy but once out on the course you will enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
Written June 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DoBeyondToday
Medina, MN148 contributions
Great condition, really well kept, fun layout. Not an easy course but manageable for a 20 like me. Long walk but enjoyable. Have to be able to hit some drives to score. My favorite course in the area.
Written May 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
skinnyskier
Minneapolis, MN154 contributions
Family
I Been playing Baker before it was Baker. it's funny as I can't remember the name. Anyway. Baker is the BEST public Golf course in the western area if not the twin cities. It's wonderful with a challenge !
Written December 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Derrek V
Minneapolis, MN16 contributions
Business
My company has monthly golf outings at different courses around the Twin Cities. Of all the courses we play, Baker National is my favorite. The course is well kept, challenging, and picturesque. The only thing that was slightly off-putting was the friendliness of the staff when I recently called to book and adjust tee times. The friendly starter changed my ill feelings around in a heartbeat, though. I'd definitely recommend Baker.
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Driftinman
Greeley, CO67 contributions
Friends
I live in Colorado, but my mythical “home” public links course is Baker National Golf Course in Edina, Minnesota. Edina is northwest from the heart of the Twin Cities and is an absolute must play course.
Located in the heart of the Baker Park Reserve, this 210-acre golf course features practice areas, a driving range, the 9-hole Evergreen Executive Course, and the nationally recognized 18-hole Baker National Championship Course. There is also a lot of teaching and junior golf played at the facility.
They’ve taken great care to preserve the natural beauty of Baker National with native vegetation across the landscape. In 1995, Baker National received the designation of “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” from Audubon International. This program, sponsored by the United States Golf Association, encourages courses to protect and conserve natural resources and preserve the character and integrity of the land.
This golf course has received numerous accolades over the years and is still deserving of that high praise. The course is as beautiful as it challenging. Experienced golfers will appreciate the many nuances and subtleties of this course.
The best day that I can think of would be playing Baker with my best golf buddy, enjoying an expensive cigar or two, and taking on each hole of this great layout.
The course is affordable and it is generally advisable to call ahead to get a tee time due to high levels of play. The tee sheets looked to be booked full as I entered the pro shop. I paid $54 for 18 and a cart the day I played. I have played the course many times over the years and have only grown in my appreciation and admiration of the facility. Baker National is an acceptable walking golf course of moderate difficulty. A few of the holes have significant undulations and elevation changes, but I have seen many players carrying their bags or using push carts over the years.
Baker National has several tree lined fairways and the golfer must keep his or her drive in the fairway to have decent playability. Some recovery shots can be hit out of the woods, but this is luck dependent.
Baker National plays to 6762 yards from the tips and 5313 yards from the forward tees. On the day I played, we selected the white tees which play to 6294 on the card. This is an acceptable length for my game which generally tops out right at 6300 yards maximum.
The greens at Baker National are moderate to large and have significant undulations. Placement of the approach shot on the correct part of the green is essential to avoid three putts. The greens roll very fast and some practice reading greens is advised. Many of the greens are well protected by sand bunkers. If you have a lengthy approach shot, you may wish to consider laying up to get a scoring wedge in your hand in order to get the ball on the right place of the green and give yourself a shot at a par putt. Bogie is also an excellent score on many of the holes. Some practice on greenside bunker shots is likewise essential before playing Baker National.
The most difficult hole on the course is the par 5, 6th. Although the hole measured just 447 yards off my tee box, it was essential to land the ball on the fairway and avoid the loon infused lake to the right and the woods to the left. Hitting an iron or hybrid off the tee is the best choice. A well placed second shot is likewise important and a good short iron or wedge into a smallish green is a tough challenge. Any errant shots to the green will likely end up in the water. It may be best to intentionally fetch up short of the green on the third shot and chip on to give yourself a shot at par.
The 180 yard, par 3, 15th hole is also a very challenging hole. Although it was rated as the third easiest hole on the course, it was visually intimidating. The day we played, we had a forced 180 yard carry across a cattail infested lake to a postage stamp size green. I hit a shot that I thought went into the drink, but we found my ball clinging to the edge of the grass just out of the water. I managed to chip on and two putt for the bogie, but the sightlines really messed up my tee shot.
Baker National doesn’t let up as you finish the round, either. The par 4, 18th, begins with an elevated tee shot over a deep ravine that will leave a decent drive hanging on the upslope of a huge hill for your approach shot. This hole would be great as a ski or tubing run in the winter. Walking the last 200 yards nearly straight up will really bring on the burn in the leg muscles. Heck, the golf cart even started wheezing on its way up! A fun and challenging hole to be sure.
Course composition is a traditional par 72 with four par 3’s, four par 5’s, and 10 par 4’s. I managed to shoot a 94 gross, and an 80 net with my 14 handicap. A buddy and I played the course in just under 5 hours. It was just a so-so day for me, but I left with renewed understanding of the importance of course management. A lost ball and a couple of double bogies inflated the score card, but did not reduce my enjoyment of the day. This course must be played carefully and shown appropriate respect. Trying to overpower the course by blasting a driver off every tee will likely not work for any but the very best players.
My guess is that beginners and infrequent players would probably really struggle on this golf course. They would probably be much better off playing the executive Evergreen course with its six par 3’s, and three par 4’s. If you’re up for 27, then the Evergreen course may be just the ticket for a cool down after a round, or as a precursor/warm-up to your day on the “National.” This course is walking only.
Baker National has a nice clubhouse with typical food and drink, plus a pro shop with a decent selection of clothing, balls, shoes, shirts, gloves, clubs, etc. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We played on a weekday morning and the course was moderately crowed, but our playing pace was acceptable and monitored by a course ranger. I suspect weekends would be even more crowded and pace of play would be more of an issue. More information about the course may be found at www.threeriversparks.org/parks/baker-park/baker-national-golf-course.aspx. I urge you to not miss Baker National if you are in the Twin Cities area.
5 Stars.
Located in the heart of the Baker Park Reserve, this 210-acre golf course features practice areas, a driving range, the 9-hole Evergreen Executive Course, and the nationally recognized 18-hole Baker National Championship Course. There is also a lot of teaching and junior golf played at the facility.
They’ve taken great care to preserve the natural beauty of Baker National with native vegetation across the landscape. In 1995, Baker National received the designation of “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” from Audubon International. This program, sponsored by the United States Golf Association, encourages courses to protect and conserve natural resources and preserve the character and integrity of the land.
This golf course has received numerous accolades over the years and is still deserving of that high praise. The course is as beautiful as it challenging. Experienced golfers will appreciate the many nuances and subtleties of this course.
The best day that I can think of would be playing Baker with my best golf buddy, enjoying an expensive cigar or two, and taking on each hole of this great layout.
The course is affordable and it is generally advisable to call ahead to get a tee time due to high levels of play. The tee sheets looked to be booked full as I entered the pro shop. I paid $54 for 18 and a cart the day I played. I have played the course many times over the years and have only grown in my appreciation and admiration of the facility. Baker National is an acceptable walking golf course of moderate difficulty. A few of the holes have significant undulations and elevation changes, but I have seen many players carrying their bags or using push carts over the years.
Baker National has several tree lined fairways and the golfer must keep his or her drive in the fairway to have decent playability. Some recovery shots can be hit out of the woods, but this is luck dependent.
Baker National plays to 6762 yards from the tips and 5313 yards from the forward tees. On the day I played, we selected the white tees which play to 6294 on the card. This is an acceptable length for my game which generally tops out right at 6300 yards maximum.
The greens at Baker National are moderate to large and have significant undulations. Placement of the approach shot on the correct part of the green is essential to avoid three putts. The greens roll very fast and some practice reading greens is advised. Many of the greens are well protected by sand bunkers. If you have a lengthy approach shot, you may wish to consider laying up to get a scoring wedge in your hand in order to get the ball on the right place of the green and give yourself a shot at a par putt. Bogie is also an excellent score on many of the holes. Some practice on greenside bunker shots is likewise essential before playing Baker National.
The most difficult hole on the course is the par 5, 6th. Although the hole measured just 447 yards off my tee box, it was essential to land the ball on the fairway and avoid the loon infused lake to the right and the woods to the left. Hitting an iron or hybrid off the tee is the best choice. A well placed second shot is likewise important and a good short iron or wedge into a smallish green is a tough challenge. Any errant shots to the green will likely end up in the water. It may be best to intentionally fetch up short of the green on the third shot and chip on to give yourself a shot at par.
The 180 yard, par 3, 15th hole is also a very challenging hole. Although it was rated as the third easiest hole on the course, it was visually intimidating. The day we played, we had a forced 180 yard carry across a cattail infested lake to a postage stamp size green. I hit a shot that I thought went into the drink, but we found my ball clinging to the edge of the grass just out of the water. I managed to chip on and two putt for the bogie, but the sightlines really messed up my tee shot.
Baker National doesn’t let up as you finish the round, either. The par 4, 18th, begins with an elevated tee shot over a deep ravine that will leave a decent drive hanging on the upslope of a huge hill for your approach shot. This hole would be great as a ski or tubing run in the winter. Walking the last 200 yards nearly straight up will really bring on the burn in the leg muscles. Heck, the golf cart even started wheezing on its way up! A fun and challenging hole to be sure.
Course composition is a traditional par 72 with four par 3’s, four par 5’s, and 10 par 4’s. I managed to shoot a 94 gross, and an 80 net with my 14 handicap. A buddy and I played the course in just under 5 hours. It was just a so-so day for me, but I left with renewed understanding of the importance of course management. A lost ball and a couple of double bogies inflated the score card, but did not reduce my enjoyment of the day. This course must be played carefully and shown appropriate respect. Trying to overpower the course by blasting a driver off every tee will likely not work for any but the very best players.
My guess is that beginners and infrequent players would probably really struggle on this golf course. They would probably be much better off playing the executive Evergreen course with its six par 3’s, and three par 4’s. If you’re up for 27, then the Evergreen course may be just the ticket for a cool down after a round, or as a precursor/warm-up to your day on the “National.” This course is walking only.
Baker National has a nice clubhouse with typical food and drink, plus a pro shop with a decent selection of clothing, balls, shoes, shirts, gloves, clubs, etc. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We played on a weekday morning and the course was moderately crowed, but our playing pace was acceptable and monitored by a course ranger. I suspect weekends would be even more crowded and pace of play would be more of an issue. More information about the course may be found at www.threeriversparks.org/parks/baker-park/baker-national-golf-course.aspx. I urge you to not miss Baker National if you are in the Twin Cities area.
5 Stars.
Written September 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PJ E
Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States42 contributions
Family
My adult daughter and I played this for the first time and thought it was in country-club shape, challenging, picturesque and fun. The price was so reasonable for the area, a great value. We would definitely play it again.
Written July 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Baker National Golf Course
- Baker National Golf Course is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Baker National Golf Course:
- (8.62 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis / Maple Grove
- (1.01 mi) Great fishing. Large one bedroom, two baths, Beautiful view of lake independence
- (9.36 mi) Hampton Inn Minneapolis NW Maple Grove
- (9.27 mi) Bird House Inn and Gardens
- (1.25 mi) Charming Lake House on Beautiful Lake Independence
- Restaurants near Baker National Golf Course:
- (8.89 mi) River Inn Bar & Grill
- (9.87 mi) Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
- (9.73 mi) 3 Squares Restaurant
- (6.67 mi) CoV Wayzata
- (9.23 mi) Maynard's