The Quarry at Giants Ridge, Biwabik, Minnesota ? Cited by Golf Digest as ``The Best Golf of the 21st Century''

The Quarry Golf Course at Giants Ridge resort is sculpted from equal parts of the north woods of Minnesota and rugged, reclaimed minelands and a sand quarry/gravel-mining operation. The course also features wetlands, forests, deep hazards, and some dramatically elevated tees.

According to course architect Jeff Brauer, who designed both The Legend and The Quarry courses at Giants Ridge, "The Quarry is the most `unnatural' and, because of its ruggedness, it was easy to distinguish it with rugged features. While The Legend was carved out of the North Woods at the corner of Superior National Forest, The Quarry is distinctly different with rock quarries and barren land from a century old sand and gravel mining operation.''

The 18-hole, par-72 course, which opened in 2003, plays to 7,201 yards from the back tees, but only 6,101 from the Whites. "The Quarry'' name pays tribute to the region's industrial past, and each hole on the course is named for area mines.

Some of the more noteworthy holes on the course include No. 2, which is a stunning and challenging par-5 that plays to 575 yards from the back tees. The tee shot is relatively easy to a wide fairway, but from there things get interesting. Looming directly ahead are bunkers and sand dunes surrounding a 25-foot-deep waste area that must be carried on the second shot. Approach shots must take aim at a long, narrow green that features distinct tiers.

One of the more difficult holes on the course is No. 4, a par-3 that plays to a hefty 269 yards from the back tee and 188 from the Whites. The hole plays downhill, but if the wind is blowing in, golfers may find themselves with driver in hand. The view of this hole is very scenic and will have golfers reminded of the famous Redan hole at North Berwick in Scotland.

Hole No. 10 is another scenic beauty, a short par-4 that calls for some decisions. The best shot off the tee calls for a carry over a long pond, while the safer shot to the right may find a large landing area but a tougher angle to the slightly elevated green that's guarded by a steep bank of native grasses.

No. 17 has been described as breathtaking, another long par-3 that plays to 220 yards from the back tee, with water along the left and woods guarding the right. There's a small landing area short of the green on the right, but for the most part this hole is all carry.

The Quarry has been garnering some rave reviews since opening, including this from Golf Digest critic Ron Whitten who cited The Quarry as "The Best Golf of the 21st Century.'' He went on to say, "It's a combination of Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, Merion and Tobacco Road, with a bit of architectural Tabasco Sauce sprinkled in for the occasional jolt.''

Practice facilities at The Quarry include a driving range, short-game area and putting green. There's also a pro shop and lessons are available.

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.