The Quarry Remains at No. 35 and Top Resort Course in Minnesota;
The Legend Also Appears in Annual Listing of Best Destination Courses in U.S.
(BIWABIK, Minn.) – Giants Ridge, Minnesota’s premier all-seasons recreation area set in the rugged beauty of the Mesabi Iron Range, announces that both of its championship courses, The Quarry and The Legend, appeared once again in Golfweek’s annual Top Resort Course Rankings.
Golfweek’s “Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes 2026” placed The Quarry at No. 35 in its “Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S.” rankings. Designed by Jeff Brauer on the site of a former sand quarry and iron ore mine, The Quarry finished ahead of the Loop Red and Black Course at Forest Dunes in Michigan and just behind Mossy Oak in Mississippi.
Giants Ridge’s original course, The Legend, was also listed in Golfweek’s annual rankings of the top resort courses in the U.S., finishing tied for 123rd with the Lakes Course at Grand National in Alabama. The Legend is a true northwoods Brauer design, featuring towering pines, giant fairways, and majestic views of the Wynne and Sabin Lakes. Finishing just ahead of The Legend at 122nd was the Ocean Course at Hokuala in Hawaii, while the Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill in California was 125th.
Golfweek’s team of course raters determine the publication’s annual course ranking lists. Each year, these experts evaluate various courses, grading each nominated layout based on 10 specific criteria. According to Golfweek, “[the raters] also file a single overall rating on each course. These overall rankings are averaged, allowing each course to be compared and ranked against other courses.”
The Golfweek Best 2026: Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S. rankings can be found HERE.
“At Giants Ridge, we take immense pride in our courses and the unforgettable experiences we provide our guests,” says John Kendall, Director of Golf. “Being recognized among the top resort courses in the country reflects our dedication to excellence and the natural beauty that surrounds us. We invite everyone to discover the magic of our unique landscape, share in our passion for the game, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range.”
A convenient three-hour drive from the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, Giants Ridge boasts two of the highest-ranked layouts in the state. Although Brauer designed both The Legend and The Quarry, each course features its own unique layout and character.
Beyond its two superb golf courses, Giants Ridge offers numerous crystal-clear lakes, rivers and streams ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Hiking and biking trails also cut through the towering pines found in the area, and chairlift rides offer breathtaking views of the stunning Iron Range.
Giants Ridge also offers a range of amenities to enhance the visiting experience, from several surrounding lodging facilities to multiple on-site dining options, including Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews, Bunkers at The Legend and the Wacootah Grille.
For more information, visit www.giantsridge.com or call 218-865-8000.
About Giants Ridge
Located in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range, Giants Ridge is the state’s premier all-seasons recreation destination. In the summer, Giants Ridge offers exceptional golf, with two courses that are widely considered the best in Minnesota. Giants Ridge also features world-class mountain biking through a trail system ideal for cross-country and downhill biking. Guests also can enjoy hiking, disc golf and other outdoor activities through the scenic forests and around the gleaming lakes on-site, or enjoy nature’s beauty from up high, courtesy of a scenic chairlift ride.
In the winter, GIants Ridge provides superior alpine skiing and snowboarding across a variety of terrain, a vibrant terrain park, and family favorites like snow tubing. Guests can also enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing on over 60 kilometers of groomed trails, winter hiking, and fat biking. Après-ski experiences are elevated with Giants Ridge’s new Pool & Sauna Haus, perfect for unwinding after a day on the snow. Consistently recognized as one of Minnesota’s top destinations, Giants Ridge continues to deliver unforgettable winter adventures for all ages and skill levels.”
