Ever wonder where Minneapolis’s elite gather? The Minikahda Club is a private country club. It sits in southwest Minneapolis. Minikahda is more than just a club. It’s a testament to history and recreation.
The Minikahda Club proudly stands as the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1898 it has deep roots. Wealthy Minneapolis families founded it. They envisioned a place for social functions and golf.
Minikahda’s name has Native American origins. It combines two Dakota words. These words mean “by the side of the water”. The club’s logo features a Native American shield. It resembles an artifact displayed in the clubhouse. The shield once belonged to Swift Dog. He was an Oglala Lakota Chief. He once owned the land on which the golf course stands.
The golf course is a point of pride. Golfweek ranked it among the top 100 classic courses in the United States. Donald Ross redesigned the course in 1920. The Minikahda Club has hosted several major golf tournaments. These include the U.S. Open in 1916. The U.S. Amateur in 1927. And the Walker Cup in 1957.
Let’s step back to 1916. Amateur Chick Evans won the U.S. Open at Minikahda. He remarkably used only seven clubs. The USGA made its first stop to Minikahda back in 1916.
In 1927 Bobby Jones won the U.S. Amateur Championship here. He crushed Chick Evans in the final. The United States squad cruised to an 8-3 win over Great Britain and Ireland in 1957.
The U.S. Women’s Amateur made a stop at The Minikahda Club in 1988. Current LPGA player Pearl Sinn knocked off Karen Noble in the finals. The final USGA stop at Minikahda came in 1998. The United States regained the Curtis Cup with a 10-8 victory over Great Britain & Ireland.
The Minikahda Club’s golf course has seen many changes. Willie Watson laid out the original nine-hole course in 1899. Robert Foulis expanded it to 18 holes in 1907. Donald Ross redesigned it in 1920. Kyle Franz was commissioned to develop a golf course master plan. The master plan work was completed in the fall of 2021.
The clubhouse offers stunning views. It overlooks Bde Maka Ska and the Minneapolis skyline. The club also boasts a beautiful ballroom.
More than just golf, The Minikahda Club provides a superior social experience. It is based on family and fellowship. Integrity respect and inclusiveness are key values. The Minikahda Club is a year-round full-service club. It offers vast social dining and sport activities.
From its historic golf course to its premier social events The Minikahda Club embodies tradition. It embraces recreation. It remains a cornerstone of Minneapolis’s social scene.