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).