Riverwood National Golf Course
A challenging golf course with a mix of demanding and forgiving holes, offering a unique playing experience with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer bugs
Riverwood National Golf Course
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging golf course with a mix of demanding and forgiving holes, offering a unique playing experience with scenic views.
"Absolute goat track and waste of time/money. The fact they charge $60 a round to walk should be considered highway robbery."
Check Recent Conditions
Reviews vary on course upkeep. Call ahead or check recent social media for current fairway and rough status. :informationdeskperson:
Bug Spray is Key
Some visitors report being 'eaten alive by bugs.' Pack repellent, especially in warmer months. :bug:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 254 reviews
Type
Golf Course
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Challenging Front 9
Front 9
A demanding track with hazards, offering a true test of skill for golfers seeking a challenge.
Forgiving Back 9
Back 9
More forgiving than the front, this section provides a delightful and more relaxed golfing experience.
Hole 12 - Elevated Par 3
Hole 12
An elevated par 3 playing over water, offering a scenic and memorable shot.
Hole 13 - Dogleg Par 4
Hole 13
A strategic dogleg right par 4 with dense tree cover, demanding precision off the tee.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Course Conditions & Value
Staff & Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Recent Conditions
Reviews vary on course upkeep. Call ahead or check recent social media for current fairway and rough status. :informationdeskperson:
Bug Spray is Key
Some visitors report being 'eaten alive by bugs.' Pack repellent, especially in warmer months. :bug:
Club Rental Issues
Be aware of potential issues with club rentals and staff attitudes. :golf_cart:
Pace of Play
Despite mixed reviews, some found the pace of play fast, possibly due to fewer players. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Recent Conditions
Reviews vary on course upkeep. Call ahead or check recent social media for current fairway and rough status. :informationdeskperson:
Bug Spray is Key
Some visitors report being 'eaten alive by bugs.' Pack repellent, especially in warmer months. :bug:
Club Rental Issues
Be aware of potential issues with club rentals and staff attitudes. :golf_cart:
Pace of Play
Despite mixed reviews, some found the pace of play fast, possibly due to fewer players. :stopwatch:
Golf Course Homes
Properties on Riverwood National Golf Course offer stunning views and a prime lifestyle. :housewithgarden:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riverwood National Golf Course garners mixed reviews, with some praising its challenging layout and well-maintained greens, especially early in the season. However, significant concerns are raised about fairway conditions, bug infestations, and inconsistent staff interactions, leading some to deem it overpriced and a 'waste of time/money.'
"Absolute goat track and waste of time/money. The fact they charge $60 a round to walk when the course is in this poor of condition should be considered highway robbery. Only fairways and tee boxes are pictured, and they’re worse than they look in the pictures (if you can imagine). Fairways must have been “mowed” by somebody with a push mower, and forget trying to up and down from just off the green - you’ll have 9 layers of lawn clippings between your wedge and the ball. Every “fairway” on the front 9 should have been considered ground under repair - it’s obvious the course staff have zero clue how to maintain a course. Either that, or they couldn’t care less about its shape. I really tried giving this course a shot, but can confidently say I will never be back. Do yourself a favor: don’t waste money on a round here like I did. If you do for whatever reason, prepare to be eaten alive by bugs the entire round since you’re playing in a swamp (I wore a sweatshirt in 90 degrees just to have long sleeves). Seems right that I was pelted in the hip by an errant tee shot into my fairway. Group of 17-18 year olds couldn’t bother to yell “fore” when they could have taken out an eye and left someone blind. The only redeemable factors were semi-playable greens and fast pace of play. Pace of play is probably due to the course being mostly empty… everyone else who made the mistake of playing here hasn’t come back."
Stephen Sweeney
"You'd think for $42 for 9 holes it would be better maintained... The holes are challenging and designed tough but they have plenty of hazards without the fact they don't maintain the edges on narrow fairways. Just seems odd you could charge $42 for 9 holes and have hardly anything to mow."
ethan klaphake
"i’d leave 0 stars if i could. my brother went to riverwood and right off the bat the main guy in the pro shop was an absolute jerk to him and his friends. they all are about 18-19 years old and they came in ready to play and he forgot his clubs in my car (i wasn’t home at the time) so he was gonna use his friends, and they made him pay 40$ to rent clubs and said “we don’t do that here you need your own clubs” - like seriously?? and then the main guy made them show there drivers license for driving the cart and he is a MEMBER and got treated like crap. your really gonna treat your members like that? horrible staffing. me and my brother and friends have all spent an insane amount of money at this mediocre course that’s overpriced and then get treated like that. i personally have noticed how mean they are as well. never going back there along with my brother and his friends. course is a scam with horrible people."
Sawyer Hanson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverwood National Golf Course is located in Otsego, Minnesota. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors arrive from nearby cities like Minneapolis, which is about a 45-minute drive away. 🚗
Yes, the course is generally well-signposted. GPS navigation systems will easily direct you to the main entrance. :round_pushpin:
Public transport options directly to the golf course are limited. It's primarily a destination for those with personal vehicles. 🚌
The most convenient way is by car via US-10 W. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. :road:
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area and can be a good option if you prefer not to drive. 🚕
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary, with some reviews mentioning around $60 for a round to walk, and $42 for 9 holes. It's best to check their official website or call for the most current pricing. :moneybag:
Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred slot. 📅
The course typically opens early in the spring and stays open until early November. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check their official schedule. :clock1:
Keep an eye on their website or social media for potential deals, especially during the shoulder seasons. Some reviews mention deals for 9 holes. 🎁
Club rentals are available, but one reviewer noted a potentially high cost ($40) and a less-than-welcoming attitude from staff. It's worth confirming rental policies and fees beforehand. :golf_club:
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Reviews are mixed. Some praise the greens as 'smooth and fast' and the course in 'excellent shape,' especially early in the season or with good grounds crew efforts. However, others describe fairways as poorly maintained, with 'lawn clippings' and areas under 'ground under repair.' :greens:
The course is described as 'challenging but fair enough for all levels of play.' The back 9 is considered more forgiving than the front 9. :person_golfing:
Hole 12, an elevated par 3 over water, and Hole 13, a dogleg right par 4 with heavy tree cover, are frequently highlighted as standout holes. :hole_golf:
Yes, the course is designed with plenty of hazards. The challenging nature is part of its appeal for many golfers. :water_wave:
Pace of play has been noted as fast by some, potentially due to the course being less crowded. :stopwatch:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, most golf courses of this caliber typically have a clubhouse with dining and bar facilities. It's best to check their official website for current offerings. 🍴
Expect typical golf course fare, such as sandwiches, burgers, and snacks. For specific menus, consult the course directly. :sandwich:
Beverage carts may operate during peak times, offering drinks and snacks. 🍺
The course is located in Otsego, MN, with various dining options available in nearby towns like Elk River. 🍽️
Golf courses often have facilities for events. Inquire with the course management about their event hosting capabilities. :party_popper:
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic holes, particularly Hole 12 with its water feature and Hole 13 with its tree-lined fairway, offer great photographic opportunities. The well-maintained greens and surrounding landscapes also make for picturesque shots. 📷
Generally, yes, as long as you are not disrupting play. Be mindful of other golfers and the course's rules. :iphone:
Yes, several homes are located directly on the course, offering beautiful views of the fairways and greens, which can make for unique photos. :housewithgarden:
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for landscape and golf course photography, minimizing harsh shadows. 🌅
Drone usage is typically restricted at golf courses to avoid interfering with play and for privacy reasons. It's essential to check the course's specific drone policy before flying. :drone:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit