Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort (formerly Savannah Golf Course) - A Diamond in the Rough

Who would have thought that putting more holes in the ground—for a little white ball to fall into—could cause such a ruckus? While that statement is an obvious oversimplification of the issue, for many, that’s what it boils down to. On one hand are citizens concerned about the project’s impact on wetlands, wildlife habitat, and the environment. On the other is the owner—confident that every effort is being made to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible while expanding the facility.

Savanna is located north and west of McGregor, off Highway 232. For many years, it has been a basic nine-hole course—nothing flashy or remarkable, except for its magnificent scenery.

Enter JoAnne and Wayne Alden. Wayne, who grew up in Palisade, has always loved the area. Over their 34 years of marriage, JoAnne—a native of Montana—has spent much of that time here with their daughters.

“This is something he’s always wanted to do,” JoAnne explained. “It’s a dream of his.”

Because of his connection to the area, Wayne’s vision was not only personal but also community-minded. “We think this is the project that will draw people here,” JoAnne added.

The couple purchased the 591-acre site in 1992. The property is owned by JoAnne M. Alden, who also serves as president of Savanna Golf & Supper Club, Inc. (now known as Minnesota National Golf Course). A farm on the northeastern corner of the property—referred to as the Smith farm—was also acquired.



About five years ago, expansion plans began. Working with an architect and a wetland engineer, the Aldens designed a 27-hole course, along with residential housing units and a marina slip on Flowage Lake for mooring boats.

Is it wise to alter the natural environment and fill wetlands for a golf course?

In an article titled “Keeping the GREEN in Lake Country’s Golf Scene,” written by Mike Rahn for the Lake Country Journal (May/June issue), this very question is explored.

“Is a golf course perhaps more desirable than converting the land to home sites?” asks Lonnie Thomas, a Minnesota DNR hydrologist. “Development is going to happen here. At least, as a golf course, it remains open, green space.”

Thomas notes that golf courses can be designed to be environmentally responsible. The Audubon Society, for example, offers a designation for courses that incorporate natural vegetation buffers, minimize runoff, and strive to reduce environmental impact.

Savanna plans to pursue this designation, which would require adherence to strict guidelines regarding chemical use and habitat preservation. In that context, concerns about eagle nests have also been raised. While none are currently known on-site, Savanna has stated it will take care to avoid disturbing any discovered nesting areas, as well as migratory bird routes and habitats.

Savanna Golf has enlisted Curtis Sparks, P.E., of North American Wetland Engineering, to assist with the project. According to Sparks, Aitkin County enforces a 1:1 wetland replacement policy—meaning that for every acre of wetlands impacted, one acre must be created.

The Savanna site includes approximately 265 to 280 acres of wetlands, of which only 5.61 acres will be directly affected.

“The Wetland Conservation Act is very strict,” Sparks noted in a telephone interview, adding that he considers himself an environmentalist. He believes the project exceeds requirements, as Savanna plans to create 12 acres of wetlands—more than double what is required.

Additionally, approximately 14 ponds will be constructed for the course. These do not count toward wetland replacement credits and are separate from the 12 acres of mitigation.

Through reflooding previously drained wetlands, creating new ponds, and developing mitigation areas, the Savanna project aims to more than meet environmental standards.

What about other aspects of the development, such as residential housing?

Today, golf courses are rarely built without some form of housing component, as it helps ensure financial sustainability. Condominiums, townhomes, and similar developments provide ongoing revenue to support course operations.

At Savanna, some residents have expressed concern about how these units might affect Flowage Lake. In Aitkin County, the standard setback for residential development is 150 feet from the high-water mark. However, the proposed building sites are located well beyond that—approximately 1,000 feet or more away—on a ridge overlooking the lake.

Nearby stands of virgin pine and other natural features will remain untouched, though they will become more visible as part of the course landscape.

The proposed marina slips have also drawn attention. In 1981, previous owners received a permit to construct a marina at the southwestern end of the property, and dredging was completed at that time.

The current plan includes up to 100 boat slips, though that number reflects full project completion.

“The project will be done in four phases,” Alden explained. “The first phase alone could take up to five years.”

She also noted that it is unlikely all 100 boats would be present at the same time.

Sparks offered additional perspective: “The marina would affect approximately 200 feet of shoreline.” By comparison, if the land were divided into 18 individual lakefront lots—as property owners are legally entitled to do—between 2,700 and 3,200 feet of shoreline could be impacted.

In that light, the proposed marina’s footprint appears relatively minimal.

With multiple permits required, the project has undergone intense scrutiny. Agencies ranging from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to the Historical Society have carefully reviewed the plans.

The design has been revised repeatedly—so often, in fact, that updated maps can barely keep pace.

The goal, according to project leaders, is not to force the environment to fit the course, but to design the course to fit the environment—so that, when complete, it appears as though it has always been there.

This philosophy reflects a broader trend in modern golf course design, where environmental considerations are increasingly central.

Golf course manager and professional Kent Baril commented:

“I helped build another course in the area where, in less than 12 months, they had finished the permit process and were already building. This process has been going on for almost five years...”

He added that regulations have become significantly more rigorous, requiring approval from numerous agencies and legal bodies before construction can begin.

“Every detail will be checked beforehand,” he said.

Some public concern has focused on Darryl Bruggman’s alleged involvement in the project, with suggestions of a possible conflict of interest.

Curtis Sparks addressed this during a phone interview:

“I was standing along the road, looking at property for possible wetland mitigation, when someone stopped,” he said. That individual turned out to be Bruggman.

Although the two had seen each other before, they had never formally met. Sparks suggested using Bruggman’s hunting property as a mitigation site.

According to Sparks, Bruggman will receive no financial compensation.



“All I want is the wetland,” Bruggman reportedly told him.

The Diamond...

Savanna’s expansion aims to attract visitors, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. In an area that has long faced economic challenges, the project may indeed represent a diamond in the rough.

But the central question remains: must natural environments be compromised to achieve economic growth?

Returning to Mike Rahn’s article in the Lake Country Journal, he writes:

“…there is a real sense that the golf community has a desire to be a positive force—a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. In an area like ours—dependent on a strong environmental image—nothing less will do.”



Amen.

Discover all that Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort has to offer, from championship golf and scenic views to relaxing getaways and year-round events. Whether you're hitting the course, dining with friends, or enjoying a weekend retreat, it’s the perfect destination to unwind and experience the beauty of the Northwoods.