The Meadows at Mystic Lake is far more than a place to master your follow-through or cheer from the gallery at your favorite golf tournament. It’s a hub of connection where people come together over their love of golf, and where friends, new and old, share a delicious meal in the sun or enjoy the variety of entertainment available at Mystic Lake. Throughout the years, these gorgeous grounds have evolved and changed in many positive ways, but what’s stayed the same is their mission of upholding and promoting the game of golf and its values for all golfers in Minnesota.
This year, they’re celebrating a big milestone — their 20th anniversary. Mike Luckraft, Director of Golf at The Meadows at Mystic Lake, walks us through a little history of this landmark and how you can expect the celebration to unfold.
What was the vision behind starting the course two decades ago?
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community purchased Lone Pine Country Club in 2002. In 2003, the course was completely remodeled and reopened in late summer of 2005 as The Meadows at Mystic Lake. The golf course has since drawn numerous prestigious awards and recognitions from Golf Digest, Golfweek, and Midwest Gaming and Travel.
Course designer Garrett Gill remarked, “This is more than a round of golf. It’s an experience. With waterfalls, native plantings, and statuary, it’s unlike any other golf course.” Another course designer behind the course, Paul Miller, reflected, “The Meadows at Mystic Lake is the most exciting golf course project that I have been involved in. We had an opportunity to enhance the natural features of the landscape to create a dramatic golf experience that is second to none in the state of Minnesota.”
What types of events or leagues do you host?
The Meadows hosts several large tournaments and events each year for corporate organizations as well as the MN PGA, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation annual tournament, the Notah Begay III Jr. Regional Finals, and this year, a Women’s US Open Qualifying Event.
How has the course evolved or expanded throughout the years?
We’ve improved the course playability and are continually updating bunkers, tee locations, and turf conditions, overseen by our Golf Course Superintendent, Pete Nolan, who has been with us for nearly the entire 20 years. The golf course is thriving after 20 years in business and continues to make new investments in the operation to enhance the golfer experience. It’s fun to be part of such a great golf facility with great recognition throughout Minnesota and the Midwest.
What kind of off-course experiences, like dining and live music, do you offer?
Off the course, guests can enjoy the outstanding amenities, dining, and gaming available at Mystic Lake — plus, there’s almost always a variety of headlining music and comedy acts at the Mystic Showroom. If you’re not a golfer, you can enjoy bar bites, burgers, fresh salads, and more from The Meadows Bar and Grille on our newly renovated patio that overlooks the course. The Meadows also hosts the annual Dakotah! Sport and Fitness Turkey Trot 5K each fall.
How are you celebrating your 20th anniversary?
The team is still deciding how they will celebrate 20 years of success with the public. Stay tuned by following us on social media at @golfthemeadows and subscribing to our monthly E-newsletter on golfthemeadows.com.
What’s next for The Meadows?
The next chapter involves the addition of LaunchPad Golf The Meadows, a year-round golf and entertainment destination for all ages and abilities with a vibrant social atmosphere and exceptional dining located next to our course and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake. Whether you’re looking to gather with friends, host a corporate event, or simply enjoy a night out, join us as we redefine what it means to “Golf The Meadows.”
Learn more and book your tee time at https://www.golfthemeadows.com/