After a three-week break from golf, my friend Brad and I drove down to Jordan to play the Ridges at Sand Creek. We were paired up with another twosome and had a nice day on the course (although our scores weren’t anything to write home about). I must have been too tired that day as well, since my back nine score was about nine strokes higher than the front.

I don’t recall what the green fees have been the past few years, but this time it cost $43 to walk 18 holes on the weekend. That’s still a decent value, but it’s starting to get close to being on the high side for south metro courses. Then again, it seems like a great deal compared to courses like Legends Club ($79) and The Wilds ($80).

The course allowed a charity to set up a contest fundraiser on the the par three fifth hole. There were flags all over and you could make a donation where you could win prizes for hitting the green or making a hole-in-one. I normally encourage support of charity golf, but these unannounced weekend promotions sort of rub me the wrong way.

We had a little excitement at the end of our round, too – a wedding party was having a reception in the clubhouse and the entire group was out taking pictures on the deck (and being a little rowdy). I think a lot of them were wishing they were out on the course playing instead.

That reminds me – the only service issue we’ve had with this course lately was in the clubhouse. Brad and I stopped in at the turn and the person working the bar basically ignored us. If you don’t want to serve us, at least have some vending machines available.

On the flip side, the friendly rangers on the course have been wonderful, keeping the pace of play moving and offering rides to walkers from the valley holes back up to the prairie holes. We also haven’t seen any fivesomes on weekends lately (one of our previous pet peeves at this course).

Ridges at Sand Creek – Joel Goldstrand’s finest?

7MM Ridges at Sand Creek Photo Gallery

Early last month, I played one of my favorite south metro courses, The Summit Golf Club in Cannon Falls. My round of 86 (five pars and one birdie) from the 6,471-yard white tees was one of the best of the year, so my thoughts on the course are understandably skewed. I even parred one of my nemesis holes – the 393 yard par four seventeenth hole (pictured above).

Head Golf Pro and General Manager Jack Baker said the year has been pretty decent, all things considered. The weather has been better this season and people seem to be staying close to home during the economic downturn (and still playing golf).

The weekend walking rate for 18 holes on the Championship course is $38 and the nine hole par 3 course is still a great deal if you have kids ($10 per adult and kids 16 and under play free).

7MM Summit Photo Gallery