Highland National Golf Course

About Highland National Golf Course

Highland National is Saint Paul's big muni, rebuilt over two years and reopened in spring 2005. It's a par 72 that runs from 3,200 to 6,700 yards over four sets of tees, with a 71.2 rating from the back. The city says the rebuild made it longer and harder than the old course, and the holes are framed by mature trees. Ponds come into play on 10 of the 18, so bring a spare sleeve. The greens are big and bentgrass.

The hole everyone knows is the 15th, a 424-yard straightaway par 4 with a big Snoopy-shaped bunker in front of a pond. It's there with Jean Schulz's blessing, for her husband Charles Schulz, who learned to play golf here and caddied here too. Paul Miller, who worked on the 2005 redesign with Garrett Gill, says they first thought about a Snoopy-shaped pond before settling on the bunker, which also marks the landing area off the tee.

After the round there's a clubhouse with a full bar, craft beer on tap and a patio, plus two practice putting greens and a driving range with lights that come on 30 minutes before sunset. Mats go down in wet weather and at the start and end of the season, and in winter the grounds turn into a cross-country ski area.

It's one of 2 courses in St. Paul on Yoink, and Como Park Golf Course is practically next door — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

Booking a tee time at Highland National Golf Course

Every tee time has to be booked online through the city's St. Paul Golf site, up to 14 days ahead. Senior rates (over 62) apply Monday through Thursday, and junior rates (under 18) apply Monday through Thursday and after 2 p.m. on weekends; kids must be at least 7 to play any city course. Carts are for rent but have to be back 15 minutes before sunset. The pro shop is 651-695-3719.

How to get a tee time at Highland National Golf Course