Links at Northfork: A True Links Test in the Twin Cities

Open Land, Honest Golf

Most courses in the Twin Cities lean on trees. Links at Northfork does not. Joel Goldstrand designed it in 1991 as a pure links layout, and more than three decades later the course delivers exactly what that name promises: wide fairways, native grasses lining the edges, and wind that becomes a factor on every shot.

Located in Ramsey, Minnesota at 9333 153rd St NW, this public 18-hole course plays to 6,989 yards from the back tees with a par of 72. The course rating from the Green tees is 74.1 with a slope of 135 for men, and 80.3 with a slope of 141 from the same distance for women. Those numbers tell you this layout demands real shotmaking, not just distance.

Four Tees, One Design Philosophy

Northfork offers four distinct tee options covering nearly 1,750 yards of range. The Gold tees at 6,653 yards carry a slope of 137 and a course rating of 72.5 for men. The Black tees at 6,344 yards ease the slope to 125. The Silver tees at 5,242 yards open the course to a wider range of golfers without changing its fundamental character.

The bent-grass surfaces across tees, fairways, and greens give the course a consistent playing feel that holds up at any competitive level. Golfers have credited the grounds crew with some of the best-maintained turf in the country, and Golf Advisor backed that up in 2021 by ranking Northfork #16 in Top 25 Course Conditions in the United States and #10 in Top 25 Courses for Layout. Golf Digest awarded the course a 4-star rating.

A Track That Hosts Real Competition

The course has earned the attention of major golf organizations. Northfork has hosted U.S. Open local qualifiers, Senior PGA 3M qualifier events, and Minnesota Golf Association tournaments. The Amateur Players Tour has also used the course for competitive rounds. That lineup reflects the confidence organizers have in presenting it under pressure.

For a public course in the western Twin Cities suburbs, that resume stands out. Most golfers outside Minnesota have never heard of it, which is why locals tend to call it one of the best-kept secrets in the area.

Playing the Wind, Playing the Course

Because Northfork strips away the tree cover that protects most Minnesota courses, wind direction matters from the first tee. The fairways are wide enough to invite aggressive play, but the native grass borders punish anything that misses badly. Greenside approach angles reward players who commit to a shot shape rather than just aiming at the center of the green.

The greens run true and fast. Golfers consistently single out the putting surfaces as a strength, noting that break reads fairly and speed stays consistent through all 18 holes. That reliability is a product of disciplined maintenance, and it shows in the number of repeat visitors the course attracts year after year.

After the Round

Northfork supports a full day at the course. The pro shop is well stocked, and the facility includes a pub and a banquet room that holds up to 295 guests, making it a common choice for outings, corporate events, and post-round gatherings. Walking is permitted, which suits the open design well. Carry your bag or bring a pull cart and the links feel becomes even more authentic.

The Bottom Line

Links at Northfork gives you a course that plays hard, maintains exceptionally well, and offers something genuinely different from the typical tree-lined Minnesota layout. The slope ratings from the back tees are not for the faint of heart. If you want a real challenge on well-kept bent grass and can handle wind in your face, Ramsey is worth the drive.

View the full scorecard, ratings, and tee-by-tee yardage for Links at Northfork on Stymie Golf.