New lodging, ‘short course’ planned for Hazeltine

Building on its stature as a magnet for big tournaments and corporate events, Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska wants to bring new lodging and other attractions to an underused parking area on the northwest side of the course.

Chaska’s Planning Commission will review plans Wednesday night for proposed upgrades that include eight four-bedroom “villas” for Hazeltine members to stay in overnight, a 10-hole “short course,” and a new putting course on a 13-acre portion of the 335-acre playing area.

Also planned are parking lot modifications and relocation of the primary vehicle entrance to the eastern end of Hazeltine Boulevard. The relocated entrance, with a new gatehouse, would improve traffic flow in Hazeltine Boulevard, according to a city staff report .

The report notes that the project would “further promote Hazeltine National and the city of Chaska as a highly desired golf destination,” attract “significant interest for corporate events,” and “improve the ability of the property to attract and cater to large-scale golf events.”

Up for approvals at Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting are a preliminary site and building plan, and rezoning for the overnight villas. Next steps include City Council review on May 20, said Elizabeth Hanson, Chaska city planner.

Pending approvals on May 20, Hazeltine can “move to their final approval,” Hanson said.

Hazeltine currently uses the 13 acres for large event parking. The new villas and courses will affect 99 existing parking spaces, which will be replaced, according to the staff report. In all, Hazeltine envisions 355 parking spaces for the site.

Located at 1900 Hazeltine Boulevard, Hazeltine National Golf Course is already a go-to place for major tournaments. Upcoming events include the 2024 U.S. Amateur Golf Championships in August and the Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifying event in September.

Hazeltine has hosted a slew of big tournaments since 1966, when it welcomed the U.S. Women’s Open. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will return to Hazeltine in 2026, followed by the Ryder Cup three years later.

The 2029 Ryder Cup, which is expected to attract 50,000 fans per day, will require additional shuttles from off-site park-and-ride locations, according to an engineering report from Sambatek.

“Hazeltine National is one of a few golf clubs in the country to have hosted every premier golf championship offered by the USGA and PGA of America,” Hazeltine said in a project narrative. “In addition, Hazeltine National is the only club in the country selected to host the Ryder Cup for a second time.

“The proposed site amenities will allow the club to better accommodate these high-profile events and further elevate Hazeltine National, as well as the city of Chaska.”

Finance & Commerce reached out to Hazeltine for additional comment.

Also noted in Hazeltine’s project narrative:

• The putting course would include “low-profile lighting that will illuminate the putting surface in the evening hours. The short course will have pole-mounted lighting focused on the course with cut offs to restrict light pollution beyond the property line.”



• The villas will be “one-story buildings using high-quality and durable exterior materials like natural stone, fiber cement siding and glass to provide a welcoming and warm experience for all guests staying onsite.”



• The villas will “maximize daylight” and “exceed today’s stringent energy code requirements by utilizing an energy-efficient building shell construction as well as incorporating energy-efficient lighting, plumbing fixtures and mechanical systems. Shading devices will be integrated on all villa patios to provide sun protection for guests outdoors and help to control excessive heat gain from affecting the interior living spaces.”

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