Como Golf Course stands as one of the premier public golf destinations in the Twin Cities area, offering golfers of all skill levels a challenging yet rewarding experience. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, this championship-caliber course has earned its reputation through meticulous course design, strategic layout, and consistently excellent playing conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to refine your game or a beginner eager to develop fundamental skills, Como Golf Course provides the ideal setting for improvement and enjoyment.
Local experts and frequent players at Como have developed valuable insights that can significantly enhance your experience on the course. From understanding the unique challenges presented by each hole to mastering the strategic elements that separate good scores from great ones, this comprehensive guide draws on years of accumulated knowledge from dedicated golfers and course professionals. The following tips and strategies will help you navigate Como Golf Course with confidence and maximize your performance during every round.
Understanding Como Golf Course Layout and Design
Como Golf Course features a sophisticated design that incorporates natural landscape elements with strategic bunker placement and water hazards. The course stretches approximately 6,700 yards from the championship tees, presenting a formidable challenge while remaining accessible from shorter tees for players of varying abilities. Understanding the overall architecture of the course is fundamental to developing an effective strategy before you arrive for your round.
The course architects intentionally designed Como to reward accurate shot-making and penalize poor positioning. Tree-lined fairways create natural corridors that guide your play, while elevated greens and subtle contours demand precision with approach shots. Local experts consistently emphasize that understanding the best golf courses in the world share common design principles with Como, including strategic hazard placement that encourages thoughtful club selection and course management.
One critical aspect of Como’s design involves its routing through different terrain elevations. The back nine, in particular, features more dramatic elevation changes than the front nine, creating opportunities for both risk-reward shots and defensive positioning. Players who study the course map before arrival gain significant advantages in understanding how elevation influences ball flight and club selection decisions.
The greens at Como display varying slopes and speeds depending on seasonal maintenance schedules. During peak playing season, greens typically run at speeds between 11 and 13 on the Stimp meter, requiring delicate touch and precise lag putting technique. Understanding these speed variations helps you adjust your approach shot strategy and develop appropriate pace control for your putting stroke.
Essential Pre-Round Preparation Strategies
Successful rounds at Como Golf Course begin long before you step onto the first tee. Expert local players emphasize comprehensive pre-round preparation that addresses both physical and mental aspects of the game. This preparation includes reviewing course conditions, analyzing weather patterns, and developing a strategic plan for specific hole approaches.
Arrive at the course at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tee time to allow adequate time for the practice range and short game areas. Use this time to warm up your swing, establish a comfortable rhythm, and build confidence with your most reliable clubs. Many local experts recommend hitting shots with progressively longer clubs, starting with wedges and working through your iron set before testing your driver on the range.
Study the scorecard provided at check-in, noting handicap ratings and par information for each hole. This information proves invaluable for strategic planning, as it helps you identify which holes present the greatest difficulty and where your focus should be most intense. The handicap rating system reflects the relative difficulty of holes, with stroke index providing guidance on where you’re most likely to struggle.
Check current weather conditions and forecasts before your round. Wind direction and speed dramatically influence club selection and ball flight expectations. Temperature affects how far your ball carries, with cooler temperatures reducing distance while warmer conditions promote increased yardage. Local players who factor these variables into their pre-round preparation consistently post better scores than those who approach each round without this critical information.
Mastering the Front Nine: Hole-by-Hole Strategy
The front nine at Como Golf Course establishes the tone for your entire round and presents specific challenges that demand careful management. Holes 1 through 3 serve as a warm-up section where you can establish confidence and find your rhythm before the course becomes progressively more difficult.
Hole 1 plays as a relatively straightforward opening hole that rewards solid fundamentals. Position your tee shot in the center of the fairway, avoiding the bunkers that guard the left side of the fairway approximately 150 yards from the tee. This conservative approach sets a positive tone and allows you to approach the green with confidence.
Holes 4 and 5 present increased difficulty, with water hazards and strategic bunker placement demanding accurate shot-making. Local experts recommend a three-club safety approach: select one club longer than normal, aim away from hazards, and accept longer approach shots rather than risk penalty strokes. This conservative strategy on difficult holes preserves your score and maintains momentum.
The middle holes of the front nine (6-8) feature the most dramatic elevation changes and require careful attention to yardage. Invest time in the practice range to understand how your specific clubs perform at different distances, allowing you to make confident decisions during actual play. Compare your distances with Purple Sage Golf Course conditions if you’ve played there previously, as elevation changes at different courses affect distance calculations.
Hole 9, the finishing hole of the front nine, presents a birdie opportunity for skilled players but demands respect for its hazards. The strategic positioning of water and bunkers rewards aggressive play from good positions while punishing poor tee shots. Expert local players recommend playing conservatively from the tee, ensuring you have a clear path to the green rather than risking hazards to gain marginal distance advantages.
Back Nine Challenges and Expert Solutions
The back nine at Como Golf Course significantly elevates difficulty levels, incorporating more severe elevation changes and increasingly strategic hazard placement. This section of the course separates casual players from those who have invested time in understanding course strategy and shot-making fundamentals.
Holes 10 through 12 feature the most dramatic elevation changes on the course, with uphill approaches requiring club selection adjustments and downhill shots demanding controlled distance management. Local experts consistently recommend selecting one club longer than normal for uphill shots and one club shorter for downhill shots, accounting for the elevation influence on ball flight.
The signature holes of the back nine (13-15) present the most memorable challenges and opportunities for exceptional play. These holes demand precise shot-making and strategic thinking that distinguishes experienced players from those still developing their game. Study these holes carefully during your pre-round preparation, understanding how hazards influence your shot selection and positioning strategy.
Hole 16 presents a risk-reward opportunity where aggressive players can set up birdie chances while conservative players can secure solid pars. Local experts analyze your current score and emotional state before deciding whether to play aggressively or defensively on this critical hole. This decision-making process demonstrates the importance of understanding course management principles beyond basic shot mechanics.
The finishing holes (17-18) require both technical skill and mental resilience. Many players have squandered good rounds by making poor decisions on these final holes. Expert local players recommend treating these holes with the same respect and strategic planning you invested in the opening holes, refusing to let fatigue or frustration influence your decision-making.
Weather Considerations and Seasonal Play
Minnesota’s climate dramatically influences playing conditions at Como Golf Course throughout the year. Understanding how seasonal changes affect course conditions and ball flight characteristics helps you adjust your strategy and equipment selections appropriately.
Spring conditions at Como typically feature softer ground and slower greens as the course transitions from winter dormancy. The turf is recovering from winter stress, requiring gentler play and more conservative approach shot strategies. Wind patterns during spring can be unpredictable, so allow extra margin for error in your shot selection during this transitional season.
Summer months present ideal playing conditions with firm fairways, fast greens, and consistent weather patterns. This season allows you to execute aggressive strategies and take advantage of optimal ball flight conditions. However, summer heat can affect your stamina and decision-making, so maintain adequate hydration and take breaks during your round to preserve mental clarity.
Fall conditions at Como combine firm turf with moderate temperatures that promote excellent ball flight characteristics. Many local experts consider fall the optimal season for scoring well, as course conditions reward solid shot-making without the extreme variables that characterize other seasons. The visual beauty of autumn foliage adds aesthetic enjoyment to your round while providing natural reference points for wind assessment.
Winter play at Como is limited but possible during mild weather periods. When winter conditions exist, the course becomes significantly more challenging due to dormant turf, frozen ground, and reduced daylight hours. If you choose to play during winter, allow extra time for your round and maintain realistic expectations about scoring opportunities.
Course Management and Shot Selection
Successful play at Como Golf Course depends as much on intelligent decision-making as it does on technical skill. Course management involves analyzing each situation, understanding your capabilities, and selecting shots that maximize your probability of success while minimizing risk.
Expert local players develop a personal course management philosophy that guides their decision-making throughout each round. This philosophy typically emphasizes playing within your capabilities, avoiding unnecessary risks, and accumulating steady pars rather than attempting hero shots that could result in double bogeys. This conservative approach, while less glamorous than aggressive play, consistently produces better scores over time.
Understanding your personal distances with each club proves essential for accurate course management. Spend time at the practice range establishing your average distances with each club under normal conditions, then adjust for variables like wind, elevation, and temperature. This information becomes your personal yardage baseline, allowing you to make confident decisions during actual play.
The concept of “playing the course backward” helps many local experts improve their strategic planning. Begin at the green and work backward to the tee, identifying the ideal landing area for your approach shot, then determining what tee shot position allows you to reach that landing area. This backward analysis reveals the strategic intent behind hole design and helps you understand how to play each hole most effectively.
Risk assessment during every shot helps you maintain optimal decision-making throughout your round. Ask yourself before each shot: “What’s the best result I can achieve with this shot, and what’s the worst result?” If the worst result (such as a water hazard) significantly exceeds the benefit of the best result, select a more conservative option that reduces risk while still advancing your position toward the green.
Practice Facilities and Training Resources
Como Golf Course provides excellent practice facilities that allow you to prepare thoroughly for your rounds. The range features multiple target distances, helping you verify your yardage estimates and build confidence with various clubs. Regular practice sessions at Como’s range accelerate your improvement and help you understand how specific conditions at this course affect your ball flight.
The short game practice area offers chipping and pitching targets, allowing you to develop the skills that matter most near the green. Statistics consistently show that short game proficiency correlates more strongly with scoring improvement than long game development. Dedicate significant practice time to shots within 100 yards of the green, focusing on distance control and accuracy.
The putting green provides excellent preparation for the specific speed and slope characteristics of Como’s greens. Practice reading break patterns, controlling pace, and developing confidence with lag putting technique. Familiarity with this specific green’s characteristics translates directly to improved putting performance during actual rounds.
Consider hiring a PGA professional at Como for lessons focused on your specific swing challenges. Local instructors understand Como’s specific demands and can provide personalized guidance that directly improves your performance on this course. Many players find that even a single lesson addressing a specific technical issue can significantly improve their scoring.
Online online courses for continuing education focused on golf instruction provide supplementary learning resources. Video-based instruction allows you to study swing mechanics and course management strategies in detail, complementing your on-course practice sessions and professional instruction.
Local Player Testimonials and Success Stories
Experienced local players at Como Golf Course have developed unique strategies and insights that reflect years of accumulated knowledge. These testimonials provide practical wisdom that complements technical instruction and helps newer players understand what actually works on this specific course.
One accomplished local player consistently shoots in the low 80s at Como and attributes much of his success to meticulous pre-round preparation. He spends considerable time studying weather forecasts, reviewing the scorecard, and identifying the three most challenging holes he’ll face that day. This focused preparation allows him to approach those difficult holes with predetermined strategies rather than making decisions under pressure.
Another expert emphasizes the importance of emotional management during the round. She notes that Como’s difficulty can frustrate players who expect perfect results, leading to poor decision-making on subsequent holes. By accepting that solid play at Como typically results in pars and occasional birdies rather than consistently low scores, she maintains emotional equilibrium and makes better decisions throughout the round.
A third local expert focuses on seasonal adaptation, adjusting his club selections and strategy based on current course conditions. He maintains detailed records of how his distances change with seasonal variables, allowing him to make more accurate club selections as conditions shift. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork and builds confidence in his decision-making.
Many local players who have studied Pelican Hill Golf Course characteristics note that similar elevation management principles apply at Como. Players who have experience with challenging elevation changes at other courses find the transition to Como’s back nine less difficult than those without this experience.
Success stories from Como often emphasize the importance of patience and incremental improvement. Rather than expecting dramatic score improvements, successful players focus on small improvements in specific areas—better course management, improved short game, or more accurate club selection. These incremental improvements accumulate over time, resulting in significantly better scoring.
Local players also emphasize the social and recreational aspects of Como Golf Course beyond competitive scoring. Many dedicated golfers note that enjoying the experience, appreciating the course’s beauty, and valuing the camaraderie with playing partners contributes significantly to their overall golf satisfaction. This balanced perspective helps prevent the frustration that often accompanies overly ambitious scoring goals.
Expert local players frequently recommend studying Theodore Wirth Golf Course as a comparison point for understanding different course design philosophies. While each course presents unique challenges, studying multiple courses develops your overall strategic thinking and course management capabilities.
The testimonials from experienced Como players consistently emphasize that improvement requires consistent practice, realistic expectations, and willingness to learn from mistakes. No single tip or strategy guarantees immediate improvement; rather, sustained commitment to skill development and strategic thinking produces meaningful long-term progress.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to play Como Golf Course?
Fall offers optimal conditions with firm turf, moderate temperatures, and excellent ball flight characteristics. Summer also provides good conditions, though heat can affect stamina. Spring offers softer conditions ideal for learning, while winter play is limited but possible during mild periods.
How long does a typical round at Como Golf Course take?
A typical round takes 4 to 4.5 hours for average players. Experienced players may complete rounds in 3.5 to 4 hours, while beginners might require 4.5 to 5 hours. Arrive early to allow time for warm-up and practice.
What handicap level is Como Golf Course suitable for?
Como accommodates all skill levels through its multiple tee options. Beginners should play from the forward tees, while intermediate players use middle tees and experienced golfers challenge themselves from championship tees. The course design rewards skill progression.
Are lessons available from PGA professionals at Como?
Yes, Como Golf Course employs PGA professionals offering private and group lessons. Lessons focusing on Como-specific challenges prove particularly valuable. Contact the pro shop for scheduling information and lesson options.
What should I know about Como’s green speeds?
Como’s greens typically run 11-13 on the Stimp meter during peak season. Greens are generally faster during summer and slower during spring. Study break patterns carefully and focus on distance control with your putter.
How does elevation affect club selection at Como?
Add one club length for uphill shots and subtract one club length for downhill shots as a general rule. The back nine features more dramatic elevation changes requiring careful attention to these adjustments.
What is the most important course management principle for Como?
Playing within your capabilities while avoiding unnecessary risks consistently produces better scores than aggressive play. Accept pars on difficult holes and capitalize on birdie opportunities when your position allows safe aggressive play.
