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Welcome
to our golf course! Our names are Dennis and JoAnn Olson and we
built Albion Ridges for one reason and one reason only, we love
the game of golf. We wanted to provide everyone an enjoyable golf
experience by providing a fun to play course with reasonable prices
and friendly service. We also wanted a course that is as excellently
built and maintained as any other course including the most expensive
and exclusive courses in the state.
With the help of a great architect and maintenance staff we have
succeeded in both. Albion Ridges is now the premier course in the
western metro area. It has been named by the Star Tribune, Golf
Digest and others as one of the top courses in the state. The Todd
Severud masterpiece design is player friendly and provides fun and
excitement for players of all abilities. The outstanding care by
the superb superintendents and their maintenance staff provides
excellent greens, tees and fairways that golfers call the best in
the state. The greens were meticulously built and many golfers comment
that they role truer than any green they have ever played on. They
are also very challenging and careful examination of the slope and
nuanced undulations is required prior to putting. The fairways and
rough have extremely lush grass that is a joy to play on. The multiple
tee boxes are large and in great condition. Albion Ridges is a family
run business that greatly appreciates every customer and we truly
hope that every single person has a good time as our guest. At Albion
Ridges our focus always has been and will remain on quality golf.
The course was not built as a housing development but as a golf
course. We have reinvested all revenues into maintenance and improvements.
The course was built in 1990 and 1991 and was not opened until
all 18 holes were ready for play in late 1991. The first full year
of operation was 1992. Construction of the course was the first
priority. In 1994 when the course was in satisfactory condition,
the clubhouse was built. The clubhouse gives occupants a beautiful
view of the course as customers discuss their round over food and
refreshments from the snack bar or as they have a meal and a program
following a group outing. In 1998, new forward tees were added in
accordance with Alice Dye recommendations. In October of 1998 work
began on an additional nine holes. The landscaping was completed
in June of 1999 and was done with boulders found on the property.
The natural layout of the land was preserved along with the natural
marshes and ponds. The course has the unique feature of millenium
boulders which point the way for the golfer to hit. Aim at
the millenium boulder on the horizon on each hole and you are aiming
the right way. The irrigation and planting were completed in August
1999 and the course opened in 2000.
Prior to entering the golf business the land was run by us for
fifteen years as a farm. We planted crops and raised hogs and cattle
in the same place the course now stands. The course is only two
miles from where JoAnn was born and raised and attended a one room
school house. It takes its name from the township of Albion in which
it is located. Albion is the poetic name for Scotland which is the
birth place of golf. Dennis golfed in Scotland and Ireland in 1990
and incorporated much of the classical styles of St. Andrews,
Carnoustie, Troon, Prestwick, Western Gales, Glasgow Gales, Postmarnock,
Killoneys, Tralee, Waterville, Ballybunion and Lahinch into
Albion Ridges giving it a classic Scottish and Irish links style
feel. We hope you enjoy the wonderful country scenery and the peaceful
country setting and elevation changes of Albion Township. With the
addition of nine holes Albion Ridges now consists of Rock Ridge,
Granite Ridge and Boulder Marsh. The water from Rock Ridge, which
extends along the east side of the course, eventually drains into
pristine Rock Lake is on the eastern edge of Albion Township. The
water from Granite Ridge, which extends along the west end of the
course, drains into beautiful Granite Lake on Albions western
border.. Boulder Marsh is named for the long marsh that extends
through the middle of the course and the many boulders that were
found on the property. It is also named for the former owner of
the land who spent his life diligently farming the marshy, rocky
ground. His name was Fred Marsh.
Dennis grew up in Mora, Minnesota and as a youngster spent many
days on the golf course dreaming of building his own some day. Having
accomplished our goal of building this fantastic course we now hope
you enjoy it as much as we do and we thank you for coming. Our friendly
and courteous staff is here to assist you. Please let us know if
there is anything we can do to help you enjoy yourself or if you
have any questions about the course, reservations, or outings.
Good Luck on your round and have fun,
Dennis and JoAnn Olson
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