White Bear Yacht Club

Overview: White Bear Yacht Club occupies a rolling, wooded site beside White Bear Lake in St Paul. The current 18-hole course combines natural movement in the land with changes of direction and green complexes that reward placement rather than brute force. William Watson laid out the foundation, while Donald Ross later advised on the development and helped add the second nine. The result is a compact, strategic inland course with classic proportions. At about 6,500 yards from the back tees, it asks for precise angles, controlled approaches, and touch around sloping greens.

History: The club was founded in 1889, but golf arrived later. The first nine dates to 1912, and the golf course expanded during the following years. A 1915 Ross plan became part of the course's development, while much of the original routing has remained recognizable. The club has also been part of Minnesota's early competition history, hosting state and national events on a course whose character comes from continuity as much as from design pedigree.

Did You Know? White Bear's early golf professional was Tom Vardon, brother of six-time Open champion Harry Vardon. Tom served at the club from 1916 to 1937, creating an especially rich connection between Minnesota golf and the formative professional game in the United States.