Way back in July, I met with course co-architect Paul Miller for a round on the wonderful Meadows at Mystic Lake golf course in Prior Lake. Course superintendent Pete Nolan joined us, along with his first assistant, Andy Keyes.

We’ve written many times about the Meadows and I must say it is maturing into one of my favorite courses in the state. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community continues to make improvements to the course and the facilities, creating a top-notch golfing experience. Combined with the excellent lodging, dining, entertainment and gaming facilities, Mystic Lake is really becoming a destination resort.

Changes on the golf side of the operation this year include new leather seats on all power carts (with a nice Mdewakanton logo design), a new waterfall structure behind the par-3 seventh hole and some changes to prairie grass management. The web site this year is also new and features much more information than before.

The course has matured nicely and feels like it’s been there for ages. Conditioning on the day we visited was amazing, especially considering the lack of rain up to that point in the season. We played from the blue tees, which are 6,668 yards on the card, with a rating of 72.3 and a slope of 142. The tips stretch all the way back to 7,144 yards (74.6/146).

The normal $85 green fee includes a golf cart, tees and unlimited driving range. There are usually many specials and offers available, though, so it is a good idea to call ahead and ask (952-233-5533).