No. 20: Green Lea Golf Course

On the north side of Albert Lea off of Richway Drive, Green Lea Golf Course has been a landmark in the community for 65 years.

Initially established as a nine-hole course, Green Lea Golf Course expanded to a full 18 holes in 1965.

The 120-acre course comes in at No. 20 on the Tribune’s list of 25 favorite places of Albert Leans.

Owner Jeff Elseth said the course is casual and traditional, featuring a rolling terrain and mature trees that line the edges of the fairways. He described it as user-friendly and scenic.

The course was once on the edge of the city but now is surrounded by residential neighborhoods on three sides and the Albert Lea Municipal Airport and Bancroft Bay Park to the north. City planners would describe it as providing a large greenspace within an urban environment.

The course is home to the Shortstop Tournament, which is the second-longest running match-play tournament in the state, Elseth said. Held annually on Labor Day weekend, it is in its 87th year.

Over the years the course has hosted other state tournaments including the state Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion tournaments, along with school and community fundraisers, including the Corey Goodnature Memorial Tournament.

“We take pride in being able to participate and host those efforts to raise funds,” he said.

Local high schools practice golf there each spring, and the course hosts high school tournaments. Green Lea Golf Course was recognized in 2013 in the Star Tribune as the fifth-best course in southeast Minnesota.

In addition to the course itself, Green Lea includes a restaurant and bar, called Jerry’s Bar & Grill. There is a pro shop offering a full line of golf equipment and apparel. Cart rental is available.

Numerous wedding receptions, banquets, fundraisers and other functions are held in the clubhouse.

The course has been under the same ownership for about 30 years and is typically open from the first part of April through mid-November.

It can be found at 101 E. Richway Drive.

25 favorite places 

The Tribune staff compiled what it feels are the 25 favorite places of Albert Leans. The results will be published over the course of the coming month. What will be No. 1? Agree or disagree, it will be enjoyable to mull over and discuss. Send feedback to letters@albertleatribune.com.