This weekend I paid my first return visit to Shakopee’s Stonebrooke Golf Club in what turns out to be several years. The course has not changed much, but the clubhouse area sure has. It has expanded in size to cater to large receptions and the landscaping outside is picture perfect for those all-important wedding shots.

The signature eighth hole across Lake O’Dowd still has my number (just how far across that body of water is the tee shot really?). The greens had just been punched last week, so putting was not the highlight of our round. Overall, though, conditions were good for this time of the year.

While not a terribly long course, Stonebrooke makes up for length with variety and uniqueness. Many of the holes here are unlike anything else in the state. I haven’t played the executive course across the street, but that adds another element to the experience as well.