Featured course: Parkview Golf Course

October 17, 6:07 PMMinneapolis Golf ExaminerKyle Anway

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Parkview Golf Club is often open well into November for those willing to tough out the elements.

Keep up the pace, or you may find yourself in trouble.

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Course profile: Parkview Golf Course

• 18 holes, 4,479 yards, par 63
• Pro shop, dining, driving range, putting green, short game practice area, special events
• Hit away: short hitters and your beer-drinkin' buddies will find themselves home here
• Beware: stray shots from those novice golfers
• To tee it up:
  1310 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN, 55123
  Tee times: call (651) 994-8000 or visit teemaster.com

Some of the qualities that make for a great golf buddy: fun, fair, and easy going. Doesn't take the game too seriously, and has a sense of humor. And, above all, is ready for a round anytime you are.

If you were to look for a golf course that embodies those qualities, it would be Parkview Golf Course in Eagan.

When other courses use words like "championship" and "upscale" to describe their layouts designed by big-name architects, Parkview caters to the novice golfer (otherwise known as a "hacker" or "duffer). It's not every day you find an 18-hole course that offers "Glow Golf" events or hosts "Big Cup Scrambles." And, as they advertise every chance they get, Parkview is the "First to open, and last to close", meaning that you'll be able to get a tee time well into November when most courses are putting away the flags for the season.

That being said, Parkview isn't for everyone, especially accomplished golfers. The course is classified as an executive 18, with a par of 63 and a total length of 4,479 yards with only one par 5 - making power carts almost completely unecessary. The fairways are close together, meaning frequent "fores" will have you ducking for cover. And while the greens were in decent shape on a recent October afternoon, the course does show a great deal of wear and tear, especially on the tee boxes and near hazards.

And while the staff at Parkview says they are serious when it comes to pace of play (notice the electric chair near the first tee for offenders), when you cater primarily to juniors, seniors and novice golfers, it's impossible to say that you'll never be stuck behind a plodding foursome. The good news is, on a cold October or November day, there won't be many on the course to slow you down.

Parkview has a nice practice area including a lighted
driving range (heated during the winter), as well as
putting areas and sand practice bunkers.

As for the rest of the facility, Parkview is surprisingly well-appointed. The clubhouse has a small pro-shop area and a dining room for snacks at the turn or after the round, and hosts special events for up to 160 people. Parkview also has a full-fledged practice area, with a lighted driving range with target greens, as well as a chipping/putting area with practice sand bunkers. And starting this winter, Parkview will feature a full-length, indoor heated driving range for full-shot practice even after the snow flies. Prices are still being considered, but an employee said they are planning on charging by the half-hour.

So if you are looking for a serious round of golf, Parkview won't be a must-play course for you. But for the young, the old, and the players who can count their total rounds played over the last decade on one hand, Parkview's laid-back, easy-going atmosphere may make for a fun outing for you and your favorite golf buddies.