Winter Golf in New Hope Offers ‘Uniquely Minnesota’ Experience

It may not be Pebble Beach, but it is something uniquely Minnesotan for golf fans.

The New Hope Parks and Recreation Department is setting up its nine-hole public course for a day of “winter golf.” The one-day event on Saturday, Feb. 4, allows players to try six holes of golf, while trying to avoid the rough, or in this case, the drifts of snow.

There is other variations to the real game. For starters, tennis balls are used instead of golf balls. And golfers really only need one club — a five or six iron is recommended.

“We had heard about this taking place in other places in Minnesota. And we said, ‘why not? Let’s try this,’ said Aaron Thelen, recreation supervisor with the New Hope Parks and Recreation Department. “We have a great facility, a great golf course and good staff who are willing to work together and be able to do something fun for the community.”

New Hope parks and rec workers spent Thursday “grooming” the course.

The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be hot chocolate, food and live music.

Participants can pre-register or register the day of the event. The cost is $15 per person.

New Hope