Golf Course Overview: The Wilderness at Fortune Bay

Local and traveling golfers love to research courses before playing them, whether it is to gain some local knowledge or to set an expectation before their upcoming round. Below is an interview with Rachel Indihar who shares some valuable insight about the property, its most talked about holes and the signature dish/drink to consume at the 19th hole.


How Does Your Course Differ From The Others In The Area?
There is no course like ours with the beautiful rock ledges and to top it off, we have outstanding customer service found in every department. We have consistently received excellent service ratings for course conditions, food & beverage, customer service, resort and casino. This is the property to check off your bucket list!

For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property?
The Wilderness Grill was named "The Best 19th Hole Bar/Restaurant in Minnesota" by Golf Advisor! Each year our restaurant improves their menu based on our customers.

On the course side, there has been extensive drainage work throughout the entire property to improve course conditions as well as tee additions/enlargements on holes 3 and 7 providing more tee options to compliment a variety of golfers.

What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes)
Our course persay does not have a true Amen Corner; however, if we had to choose it would be holes 5, 6 and 7.

#5
The Ruffed Grouse - Par 4
Though getting to the green is not the tricky point. It is where you end up based on the pin placement. There is a five foot deep swale in the middle of the green called Biarritz dating back to 1925 in France. Tip: If the pin is in the swale the pin is at the lowest point and your ball will be too so all you need is the correct distance.

#6
The Bear - Par 4
Don't let the views from the tees fool you. The winds swirl on the fairway. When and doubt, keep the ball low and aim straight.

#7
The Osprey - Par 3
The tee boxes sit high above the green, which confuses many on their club choice. Make sure to lower your club by around 1.5 clubs and ALWAYS watch what direction the winds are coming from.

What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property?
The course's woodsy landscape itself gave The Wilderness fame. Much of the course was build on ledge rock so needless to say a few pounds of explosives were used to build our golf course. Over the years, 'consistency' has kept our fame with great course conditions no matter the weather, quality and customer service.

What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting?
We have several tournaments and other events available to the public and always encourage new comers!

Tournaments:
Ladies Golf Day Tournament- Spring and fall dates. Fun is always had by all no matter the weather!
Indian Summer Classic Tournament - August. Fundraiser supporting Bois Forte Scholarships.
Vermilion Open Club Tournament - October. Cash payouts do we need to say more!
Grand Finale Tournament - October. The last hurrah! Individual with mulligan option.

Events:
Mother's Day - Mothers play free with a paid family member!
Father's Day - Fathers play free with a paid family member!
Parent/Child Night Out - One Sunday in July. A good time to get the young ones out with others.
Plus other events vary year to year such as Chip & Sip with a chipping lesson and some adult beverages or 9 & Stein where you play 9 holes of golf with plenty of local beer samples.

For more information on these events check out our calendar here https://www.golfthewilderness.com/monthly-calendar/monthcalendar/2020/5/-

Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility?
The Wilderness Grill is open 45 minutes before the first available tee time through evening dinner. On property, we also have The Fortune Bay Resort Casino. The resort has 3 restaurants, RV park, full service marina, boat rentals, complimentary non-motorized water crafts for resort guests, pool, arcade, exercise room, meeting space and casino located on the shores of 5th largest lake in Minnesota, Lake Vermilion.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
Yes we do! Fortune Bay Resort Casino is right on property! They have 173 non-smoking rooms with a variety of room types. All are equipped with min-fridge and microwave, plus all other amenities you would expect from a quality resort.

Visit Fortune Bay's website for more information. www.fortunebay.com

Signature sandwich or drink?
Our Walleye sandwich hands down! Lake Vermilion is known for their walleye fishing and my golly it's delicious!

Contact Course
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
1450 Bois Forte Rd
Tower, Minnesota, 55790
800-992-4680

www.golfthewilderness.com