The Legend at Giants Ridge, Biwabik, Minnesota - Traditional Northwoods Golf and a Prestigious 4 1/2-Star Rating from Golf Digest

The Legend is one of the two highly-rated golf courses at Giants Ridge resort, along with The Quarry. Carved out of Minnesota's Superior National Forest, The Legend is considered traditional Minnesota golf set amid the state's picturesque northwoods terrain.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 6,930 yards from the back tees, with a USGA rating of 74.3 and a slope rating of 138 on Bent grass. Of the two courses, The Legend is considered the more friendly "resort'' course, and features tree-lined fairways punctuated by white-sand bunkers, boulders, deep ravines, and sparkling lakes.

The course features many "signature'' holes that have been described as breathtaking. Hole No. 3 has a particularly distinctive feature - a fairway sand bunker that is shaped like a huge giant's foot, complete with five toes. This par-5 dogleg left plays to 501 yards from the back tees, so reaching the green in two is a possibility, especially from the more forward tees.

Hole No. 11 is one of the most picturesque holes on the course, a par-3 with a green surrounded by water. The hole plays to 157 yards at the tips from a slightly elevated tee, so length is not the issue. The green is guarded by a large bunker on the left, however, and juts out into the water on the right and slopes toward it, making something to the left the safer play.

In general, the back nine on The Legend is considered the more scenic, and has been described by golfers as "playing through old logging trails.'' Hole No. 14 certainly fits that description, as this par-5, 510-yard hole plays through woods, a number of fairway bunkers and around outcroppings of rocks and boulders.

Hole No. 17 is another picturesque par-3, and has been described as one of the best par-3s in the state and the country. It is also one of the most challenging holes on the course, playing to a lengthy 226 yards from the back tees, and a still-demanding 183 yards from the White tees. This is one of those all-or-nothing holes that's all carry over a lake to a green nestled amid trees on the opposite shoreline. There's a bunker at the back of the green, which is elevated and slopes toward the water on any shots that fall short or to the left.

Since opening the course has received a number of honors and awards, including a 4?-Star rating from Golf Digest five years in a row. That same publication also named The Legend the #1 Public Golf Course in the state in 1999.

Practice facilities at The Legend include a driving range, short-game area and putting green. There's also a pro shop and rental clubs are available. Golf instruction is also available from the on-site PGA professional.

Lodging is available at The Lodge at Giants Ridge and the Villas at Giants Ridge. Dining is available at the Wacootah Grille and the Timbers Restaurant & Sticks Lounge located in The Lodge.