White Bear Yacht Club is Minnesota’s most architecturally thrilling private course, now sharpened by a major restoration that reclaims its Golden Age DNA. Expect contoured greens, roly-poly fairways, and a walk dripping with history, all in an elevated, classic club setting.
F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda lived at the club during the summer of 1921 — until they were apparently too rambunctious and were encouraged to move out. Fitzgerald later fictionalized the place as Sherry Island Golf Club in Black Bear Lake.
White Bear Yacht Club’s design is pure Golden Age—rolling, sometimes wild land, restored bunkers, and fiercely imaginative greens where Watson’s original strategic intent shines. Urbina’s recent restoration pulled back the forest curtain, expanded green perimeters, and reintroduced playing angles that make every round a different adventure. With bold elevation shifts, a variety of one-shot and three-shot holes, and the thrill of runout fairways beside yacht-dotted lake views, this course is an architectural pilgrimage in the heartland.
William Watson’s vision is back on full display, heightened by Jim Urbina’s expert, historically faithful restoration.
A media-dubbed 'Great Golf Hole' and one of White Bear’s most iconic scenes. The hole sweeps across dramatic movement, demanding both placement and nerve, then climbs to a plateau green guarded by restored bunkers.
Play for position off the tee and factor sidehill lies on approach for the best angle to a subtly crowned green.
Missing left courts a brutal up-and-down; right brings lurking bunkers and awkward kicks.
Exceptionally maintained, firm and fast in season post-renovation; restored Golden Age vibe with world-class greens.
Traditional and well-paced for private play; expect 4 hours or less.
Historic, distinctly Minnesota, classic private club with yacht and tennis heritage.
Collared shirts, slacks/bermuda shorts, and standard private-club etiquette.
Bring your full putting and chipping arsenal—tiers and expansions on the greens punish lax touch.
Get in some uphill walking—White Bear’s roly-poly terrain rewards golfers prepared for uneven footing and elevation changes.
Precision trumps brute force; study where to lay back and where you can push for shorter irons in.
Lake breezes and less tree cover can make club selection tricky on exposed holes—adjust accordingly.
White Bear Yacht Club founded for sailing on White Bear Lake
First nine-hole golf course opens, designed by William Watson
Donald Ross consults, upgrades routing and second nine (not conclusively documented)
F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda reputedly stay in the clubhouse
Club member Jimmy Johnston wins U.S. Amateur
Completion of major $6 million restoration directed by Jim Urbina
The legend goes that literary darlings F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald spent a rowdy stint in one of White Bear’s clubhouse bedrooms in 1921—only to be moved after raising too much ruckus. Their mischievous spirit still lingers in the club’s historic halls.
Born at White Bear and a staple on its fairways, Jimmy Johnston became a six-time Walker Cupper and clinched the 1929 U.S. Amateur—one of the original local-boy-makes-good stories in American golf.
In 2024, White Bear underwent a transformative restoration led by Jim Urbina, bringing back Watson’s wild, strategic lines and expanding the greens to their former, often dramatic, glory. The classic land is alive again—firm, bouncy, and strategic from the first tee.
Stand atop the No. 9 tee and you’ll see why White Bear is a feast for the senses—a panoramic sweep over tumbling fairways drops toward the clubhouse, anchoring a view and a moment that burn into memory.
Walter Hagen is said to have held the course record for years.
The club originated as a yacht racing society before golf was added.
Tree removal since 2022 has opened up dramatic vistas and classic landforms.
The club’s history includes legendary golf and literary figures.
The walk from tee to green on No. 9 offers one of the state’s finest views.
Historic, top-ranked Minnesota classic and former U.S. Open host.
Modern championship test with strong reputation.
Roots in state golf history, classic club atmosphere.
Top public option with scenic prairie feel and strong acclaim.
Smartly routed, accessible metro public golf—easy to book and play.
Stay in downtown St. Paul or the White Bear Lake area for quick access and classic Twin Cities golf culture.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Kenwood Country Club (Kenview Course) is a natural next stop after White Bear Yacht Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Augusta National Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to White Bear Yacht Club.
Why it matches: Streamsong Black is a natural next stop after White Bear Yacht Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
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