condominium hotel with 68 luxury suites located at the base of the ski mountain between holes one and ten of The Legend. The Lodge features LaRidge Spa Therapy – an Aveda concept, full-service restaurant and lounge, fitness center and heated indoor pool. Many rooms have whirlpool baths and fireplaces. Villas at Giants Ridge is an 18-condominium/15-villa facility located on Wynne Lake, between The Legend and The Quarry. Villas have an outdoor pool, beach and boat rentals. Many units have a fireplace, washer/dryer, outdoor grills, lakeside deck and whirlpools.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Tower, Minn. www.golfthewilderness.com
Just voted No. 1 Course You Can Play in Minnesota by Golfweek, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is a dramatic test of golf and a true hidden gem. The Jeffrey D. Brauer-designed course in northern Minnesota is owned by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Wrapped around picturesque Minnesota woodlands, which include majestic white and red pines, thick evergreens and dramatic rock outcroppings, the challenging course is as visually stimulating as it is enjoyable to play, making it a true golfer’s dream. The Wilderness opened in 2004 to considerable acclaim. Golf Magazine named The Wilderness as one of the Best New Courses to Play, and Travel + Leisure Golf recognized The Wilderness as a 2004 Best New Public/Resort Course.
The Wilderness measures just over 7,200 yards from the back tees and is a long hitter’s dream – though four sets of tees help the course provide a fair test to golfers of all skill levels. Atop high granite ridges, The Wilderness offers spectacular
panoramic views from the shores of the magnificent Lake Vermilion. In addition, all golf cars at The Wilderness come equipped with a GPS system designed to maintain a pleasant pace of play and enhance the experience of those playing the course for the first time.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is among the prestigious fraternity of golf courses that has achieved designation as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Kemper Sports Management, and everyone else who had a hand in achieving this type of environmental recognition is very proud of this achievement, and hopes that those of you who enjoy the beauty of the site will both enjoy and respect the truly remark-
4 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Giants Ridge: The Legend Course
able site and the measures taken to help preserve the environment. Bear, deer, moose and even timber wolves have been sighted on the fairways. Finish late in the day, and you may see the northern lights throbbing on the horizon.
Among the memorable holes is No. 16, a par- 5 that plays 540 yards from the championship tees. The split fairway offers many options off the tee, with the long hitter playing to the upper fairway – above a rock outcropping – to get maximum roll on the downhill terrain. The approach shot must climb to a tiny green placed high above the fairway. The journey is worth the payoff – a possible birdie putt and a sublime view across a large pond at the eighth hole and the wetland