41 replies to this topic

[PhilTickelson]

The secret to enjoying winter in Minnesota is finding a winter hobby. Whether it's skating, skiing, snowboarding, or ice fishing, having something to look forward to on weeknights or weekends in the winter makes living here so much easier. I like to ice fish and will be genuinely disappointed when the season is over. Of course that means golf season begins so I am not too disappointed .

[titeygolfer]

A great option for lessons in the cities is Rod Lidenberg. He is rated in the top 100 nationwide by Golf Magazine, and does extensive teaching during the winter at GolfZone in Chaska.

[Rob G.]

cinderellaboy, on 18 February 2013 - 05:46 PM, said:

My move to MN is now definitely happening, sometime in April.  Wondering if you guys had any recommendations on a good pro in the western suburbs? Beyond being a good teacher I really need someone who teaches year round as I do the majority of my lessons in the off-season.  Someone who is easy to get time with and is accessible.

I see a guy named Eric Chiles. He used to teach at ESPN Golf Schools and now teaches out of the Chaska Town Course in the summer and now in the winter he is at Minnesota Golf Academy. He breaks it down so you can understand and make better decisions with your swing and your situation. Just so you know Im a +4 handicap. I live in the northern burbs and I take the time to drive and see him.

[cinderellaboy]

Thanks guys.  I will be living in the Edina area so both these guys look convienent.  I usually see my guy 10-12 times a year so its an important choice.  Ive been with my guy 5 years.  Its like finding a 2nd wife!

[cinderellaboy]

Wow this MN golf academy looks like a pretty sweet facility.

[teejaywhy]

This thread is reminding me of the Tim Herron episode of the Golf Channel's "My World" series.

A native Minnesotan, Tim lived in Scottsdale for many years before deciding to move back to Minnesota to raise his family.

In one segment of the show, Tim takes the audience to experience ice fishing.  He pulls a fish out of the hole, holds it up for the camera and declares (with Minnesota accent) "You can't do this in Arizona!"

[Rob G.]

Here is my 4 year old at the MN Golf Academy. This place is awesome and they have 4 Trackmans for anyone to use. It's about time we got a facility like this up here.

[PhilTickelson]

When you say they have trackman's for anyone to use, what exactly do you mean? Can I show up and just use one? That place looks pretty dang pricey to me. $30 for an hour to use a practice green? Let's face it, if there are 9 other people using the green then you aren't going to be lobbing in 30 yard shots, it's going to be small chips and putts.

Looks cool, but that's a pretty high price point. If I had access to a trackman the whole time then I might change my mind, though their website only shows a 'Trackman Combine' which honestly looks terrible. Would be a cool idea at like 1/4 the price.

[winn0040]

PhilTickelson, on 12 March 2013 - 04:14 PM, said:

When you say they have trackman's for anyone to use, what exactly do you mean? Can I show up and just use one? That place looks pretty dang pricey to me. $30 for an hour to use a practice green? Let's face it, if there are 9 other people using the green then you aren't going to be lobbing in 30 yard shots, it's going to be small chips and putts.

Looks cool, but that's a pretty high price point. If I had access to a trackman the whole time then I might change my mind, though their website only shows a 'Trackman Combine' which honestly looks terrible. Would be a cool idea at like 1/4 the price.

The Trackman is open to the public for $60/hr, however they have a 10 hour punch card you can purchase for $300.  They will allow you to split it with a friend or a couple of friends so that helps with the cost some.  They're really cool and helpful devices and at $30 it seems like a steal!

[cinderellaboy]

My first week in town and I hit balls at both MN golf academy and the golf zone in chaska.  The price point at both is ridiculous at $30 an hr.  And I am coming from NY prices.  I think Chelsea piers is cheaper.  

MN golf I get as an indoor facility probably has more overhead involved.  But the golf zone needs some competition.  Paying by the minute is brutal.  I used to go to a similar facility in NJ, heated stalls in winter, and pay $14 for 220 balls which I rarely got thru in 2 hrs.  

Thought it was supposed to be cheaper here! I know golf will be cheaper but winter practice here is a big partof the year.

[simple36]

Golf dome in maple wood is where I do the majority of my winter practice. Weekends they have 2 house each night where it is $12 and hour as much as you can hit. Weekdays it is $11 for the first 30 minutes and $0.37 each additional minute. Probably a little far to drive though.

[lbj273]

I can recommend Inside Edge in Eden Prairie (worked there this winter) for simulators in the west metro and either Brad Pluth or Kevin Williams for pros in that area.