Oak Marsh Golf Course Review

As soon as I drove into Oak Marsh Golf Club and walked to the clubhouse, which is fronted by a pond with a footbridge over it leading to the putting green, I felt as if I were at my home course. It felt comfortable.

Oak Marsh in Oakdale, Minnesota (St. Paul suburb) is not long, especially by today's standards, but it still is a wonderful test of golf, even from the white tees at 5,800 yards (119 slope). Four sets of tees range from 4,707 yards (114 slope) to 6,179 yards (122 slope). There is enough here for any level player. And conditions from tee to green are excellent.

Although there are homes along some fairways, it has the feel of a serene parkland course. And what it lacks in elevation changes is made up by mature trees, ponds, marsh, and 31 well-placed bunkers. In fact, water and marsh can come into play on 13 holes. While distance - controlled distance - always is good in golf, Oak Marsh definitely is a shot-maker's course.

Nos. 2, 6, 10, and 16 were my favorites. No. 2 is a 396 yard (from the tips) dogleg left over water and marsh lined by trees. Tee shot location is important. No. 6 is a short par 3 (136 yards) to a partially hidden green with a left-to-right slope. No. 10 is a drivable par 4 (285 yards) with water down the right side starting at about 220 yards off the tee and bunkers down the left. And No. 16 is a short (479 yards) par 5 that doglegs to the left as you approach a raised green fronted by marsh and bunkers. If you want to go for it in two, a tee shot right of center is important.

Walking is definitely an option at Oak Marsh and its location, just off of I-94 east of downtown St. Paul, is convenient.

While the Twin Cities is populated by an abundance of fine golf courses of all types and levels, Oak Marsh is a course you can play frequently and always find challenging. Plus it won't break the bank, at $35 (weekday)-$40 (weekend) walking; cheaper for seniors on weekdays. It's definitely a fun, comfortable, and friendly place to play.

According to the Hacker's Guide of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Oak Marsh ranked 5th among public 18-hole courses in the area based on hospitality, playability, conditions, facility, and value.

www.oakmarshgolf.com
651-730-6711