Visiting Minnesota to play golf at Giants Ridge Resort was an exciting experience for me. Nestled in the scenic Mesabi Iron Range, this location offers two remarkable courses: The Legend and The Quarry, both designed by Jeffrey Brauer. The courses have their own unique characters and challenges, making them essential stops for golf enthusiasts. While Giants Ridge has two first-class golf courses, it also happens to be Minnesota’s top family resort vacation destination, featuring multiple outdoor endeavors such as fishing, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The Legend
As its name implies, The Legend offers flat-out legendary golf. The original Giants Ridge course, The Legend is a true “northwoods” course featuring towering pines, giant fairways and majestic views of Wynne and Sabin Lakes. Its smooth edges and traditional design elements offer a stunning contrast to the starkly modern sibling, Quarry.

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Ranked as the fifth-best course in Minnesota by Golfweek in 2024, The Legend is a beautiful, tree-lined course close to 7,000 yards from the tips. The design incorporates natural landscapes and creates a feeling of being immersed in nature.
One notable feature is its par-5 third hole, which has a fairway bunker shaped like a bear claw. Some say it’s a giant footprint that plays off an old Indian legend about a Mesabi giant who roamed the hills. He fell asleep in the hills, and the shape of his body created the local topography. The challenge lies in clearing that bunker for a chance at the green in two shots. My experience there reminded me how golf teaches patience.
This course is not all about beauty; it tests your skills too. The eighth hole is the most challenging, requiring a drive over a gorge into a narrow opening. Then, players must contend with a lengthy approach shot to a well-guarded green.
The par-3 17th is a highlight with its stunning views. From an elevated tee, it requires a precise shot over a section of the lake to a sloping green. The surrounding flora adds to the picturesque setting, making this hole memorable.

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The Quarry
The Quarry, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive, challenging layout. Brauer designed this course to reflect the area’s mining history. Spanning over 7,200 yards, it provides a unique golfing experience with visually stunning holes that can intimidate even seasoned players.
The design offers plenty of room off the tee but has pitfalls like high fescue and wetlands that can quickly swallow lost balls. The eighth hole, at 455 yards, is particularly daunting. You need to make a strong drive to hit the narrow fairway and then follow it with an accurate second shot.

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The Quarry is one of those golf courses where you want to do your very best on every shot because every shot has the potential to be a lifetime memory maker. Personally, I’ll remember holing my greenside chip for birdie on the par three 4th hole, the tee shot from the elevated gold tees on the par five 5th, putting around the ‘valley of sin’ on the 6th green, the tee shot on the par four 13th (the Signature Hole) and the approach shot to a ‘blind’ pin placement on the 16th. The Quarry is the kind of golf course where you’ll always remember and cherish the great shots. You will also conveniently forget the ones that were not so memorable. Another special aspect of the Quarry can be found on the scorecard. Every hole honors this area’s industrial past as each hole is named after the minelands of today and long ago.

The Quarry
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Amenities and Local Flavors
After many hours enjoying The Great Outdoors, you can ‘hang your hat’ at The Lodge at Giants Ridge Condo/Hotel or the Villas at Giants Ridge. Dining options are plentiful with each course featuring its own clubhouse restaurant. You’ll find the Wacootah Grille at The Quarry and Neighbors BBQ at The Legend. The best dining option in my opinion is The Burnt Onion Restaurant, which stood out for its local dishes like grilled walleye, steaks and local brews.
During my stay, I also enjoyed some local excursions. One was to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, where I could test my slapshot skills. It was a fun break from golf and showed the sport’s rich history of American born players.
Another highlight was visiting the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisolm. The antique electric trolley tour offered insight into the lives of mining families. Learning about their daily challenges added depth to my golfing experience, reminding me of the history that surrounds this beautiful region.
Golf Experience
“Giants Ridge is home to two of the top-ranked layouts in the North Star State,” says John Kendall, Director of Golf. “Impeccable course conditions and a variety of lodging options to suit any budget and group size make Giants Ridge an excellent venue for a fun and memorable golf getaway.”
Despite their differences, both The Legend and The Quarry provide distinct golfing experiences. Whether you prefer the subtle challenges of The Legend or the bold layouts of The Quarry, you’re bound to enjoy your time here. Each round offers breathtaking views and a joyful connection to the sport.
If you’re planning a golf trip, consider Giants Ridge. The well-maintained courses, beautiful natural scenery, and welcoming local culture make for an unforgettable adventure.