The 7 Critical Facts You Must Know About Elk River Country Club MN: 2024 Membership, Course Architect, And Sale Rumors
The Elk River Country Club (ERCC), often referred to as the Elk River Golf Club, stands as a premier 18-hole championship golf destination just 45 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis in Sherburne County, Minnesota. As of the current date in December 2025, the club continues to attract golfers with its challenging design, competitive membership packages for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and a unique status as a member-owned facility that still extends playing privileges to the public. The club is an essential hub for local golf, offering a full range of amenities from a robust Men's League to full-service event hosting.
The club has recently been the subject of local discussion, not just for its lush fairways and demanding play, but also due to a flurry of rumors about golf course sales in the Elk River area. Understanding the distinction between the member-owned ERCC and other local properties is key to appreciating the stability and quality of this beloved Minnesota golf institution. We dive into the most current details, from course architecture to the latest pricing structures.
The Exclusive Elk River Country Club Profile and History
The Elk River Country Club is more than just a golf course; it’s a championship-level facility steeped in local history and designed by one of the region’s most prolific architects. It maintains a unique position in the Minnesota golf landscape as a member-owned club that welcomes public play, striking a balance between exclusivity and accessibility.
- Official Name: Elk River Country Club Inc. DBA: Elk River Golf Club
- Location: Elk River, Sherburne County, Minnesota (approx. 34 miles northwest of Minneapolis)
- Course Type: 18-Hole Championship, Par 72
- Ownership Status: Member-Owned, with Public Playing Privileges
- Course Architect: Joel Goldstrand
- Key Course Features: Strategic bunkers, water features, lush fairways, and famously small, raised, or "turtle back" greens
- Noteworthy Personnel: Kathy Swanson, a former ERCC figure, was the first female president of the Minnesota Section PGA in 2007
- Amenities: Full Bar/Lounge, On-Site Catering Service, Event Hall/Banquet Venue, Practice Facilities
The course’s design by Joel Goldstrand—a renowned name in Upper Midwest golf architecture—ensures a challenging and memorable round. Goldstrand’s signature style is evident in the strategic layout, which requires precision and thoughtful shot selection, especially around the notoriously difficult greens. The club is not a modern resort, but a classic, well-maintained golf test.
Decoding the 2024 and 2025 Membership & Fee Structure
One of the primary reasons golfers search for the Elk River Country Club is to understand the cost of entry. The club offers a variety of membership packages designed to accommodate different playing habits and budgets, with pricing updates available for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, indicating a commitment to continuous operation and planning. Knowing these details is crucial for anyone considering making ERCC their home course.
Current Membership Packages (2024-2025 Examples)
The club structures its offerings to include golf privileges, cart fees, and range access, providing flexibility for individuals, couples, and families. The pricing reflects the value of playing an 18-hole championship course designed by Joel Goldstrand.
- Full Single Cart: This package for a single golfer with a cart is a popular option. The 2024 rate was $800.00, with a slight increase to $800.00 in 2025.
- Full Couple Cart: For two players, the 2024 rate was $900.00, remaining at $900.00 for 2025.
- Mon-Friday Cart Single: A weekday-only option for a single player with a cart, priced at $650.00 for both 2024 and 2025.
- Range Membership Family: Access to the practice facilities for the entire family was $449.00 in 2024 and saw a slight increase to $475.00 for 2025.
- Junior & College Memberships: The club supports younger players with a Junior Yearly Membership rate of $120 and a College one-time fee of $500.00, promoting the growth of the sport.
These specific rate details, including the minor adjustments for 2025, highlight the most up-to-date financial commitment required to fully enjoy the Elk River Golf Club. Furthermore, the club hosts a successful Thursday Men's League, which operates on a 5:15 shotgun start each week, indicating a vibrant and active golf community beyond the casual public tee times.
The Truth About The Sale Rumors: ERCC vs. Pinewood Golf Course
In the local Elk River community, news about potential changes to golf course ownership can spark significant curiosity and concern. Recent reports have mentioned the City of Elk River considering a sale of a golf property, which led to speculation about the fate of the Elk River Country Club. However, it is essential to clarify the facts to dispel any confusion.
The property being discussed for a potential sale and Request for Proposals (RFP) is the city-owned Pinewood Golf Course. Pinewood is a separate facility, described as a 9-hole executive course with a small clubhouse. This is distinct from the Elk River Country Club, which is a larger, 18-hole championship course that is member-owned.
While the city's consideration of selling Pinewood has generated interest from multiple entities, the member-owned Elk River Country Club remains a stable fixture in the community. This distinction is vital: the ERCC's operational stability is tied to its membership base, not the city's municipal property decisions. The news serves as a broader indicator of the local real estate and golf landscape, but does not directly impact the ERCC's status as a top-tier private-public course.
The Challenge of the Course: "Turtle Back" Greens and Course Difficulty
The championship par 72 layout at the Elk River Country Club is famous among local golfers for its demanding nature. Recent reviews, including those from 2024, consistently rate the course as "Very Hard," with a "Very Fast" pace of play, suggesting a serious and competitive golf environment.
The primary challenge stems from the design elements implemented by Joel Goldstrand. The course features raised or turtle back greens, which are small and elevated, causing golf balls to "consistently roll off" if the approach shot is not perfectly struck. This design feature demands high-precision iron play and a strategic approach to every hole. Additionally, some players note the presence of blind tee shots, adding an element of uncertainty and difficulty that requires local knowledge or careful planning.
Despite the difficulty, the course is praised for its excellent conditioning, with reviewers frequently describing the fairways and greens as "mint" or "lush," underscoring the high quality of maintenance. The combination of pristine conditions and a genuinely challenging layout makes the Elk River Country Club a must-play destination for serious golfers in the Minneapolis metropolitan area and beyond.
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