Welcome

Our simple mission……..

At Vardon Golf Club we embrace a true “whatever it takes” mentality and approach when planning and executing every golf event - whether it’s a member event, private outing, food and beverage experience, a round of golf or an evening of dining.

This total team concept has created a loyal and growing following that is appreciated by all of us. We are humbled and proud to be associated with the finest, most talented, staff in the market and work together ensuring each event is a complete success.

At Vardon we care deeply about our employees, members, guests, corporate partners, and - most importantly - the community we serve.

From all us at Vardon, we thank you.

Ray Cook

General Manager

ABOUT THE VARDON

Vardon Golf Club, located in Minot ND, is one of the finest golf courses open to public play in the upper Midwest. Since 1983, the course has hosted the Western ND Charity Pro Am, a premiere event on the Dakotas Tour, which has crowned champions that include the likes of Tom Lehman and Steve Jones. Many of the pros have stated the greens at the Vardon are among the best they have played. The quick greens are defended by well-placed bunkers requiring accurate approach shots.

Founded in 1928, the organizers called upon Tom Vardon to design the original front nine. Tom, who was a playing professional and club pro in addition to a course architect, finished runner-up in the 1903 British Open, to his brother, Harry Vardon. Harry Vardon was a 6-time winner of the British Open and inventor of the Vardon overlap grip. The original front 9, which opened in 1929, remains the same layout today. Below are some pictures from circa 1930 of the original clubhouse, hole #3 green and hole #4.

The Vardon Golf Club sits on the original Minot Country Club property (founded in 1928-1st round played in 1929) You will notice we have used the 1928 and 1929 numbers in and around the club and on our menus to pay respect to the original founders back in 1928.

In 2011 the city of Minot experienced a devastating flood that all but wiped out the golf course and a good portion of the town itself. The MCC board at the time (2011) felt it was best to abandon the club and move the Club to an alternative location.

After the decision was made to abandon the grounds, 4 local gentlemen, and members of the former Minot Country Club felt the grounds needed to be saved and restored as a golf course. The club and grounds were then sold to the group, and the partnership formed 28 Club LLC. The newly formed partnership re-opened the golf course in the fall of 2013 as the Vardon Golf Club paying tribute to the original architect Mr. Tom Vardon.

In addition to the partnership, we also thank Mr. Bruce Ruppert, Todd Lee, Pam Alexander, Clay Burns, Mike Morley, current and former members, and all of those who helped rebuild the grounds into The Vardon.

Since the re-opening, the club itself has changed in numerous ways. New trees were, and continue to be planted, a clubhouse re-model, pro shop expansion, an outdoor event center, and our restaurant and bar has evolved into two restaurants throughout the year. During the golfing season we operate as Vardon’s 28 Club Grille and Bar. In the Fall - Winter season we operate as Vardon’s Chophouse featuring the fresh seafood, prime cuts and chops, fine wine and spirits.

Whether you play the game of golf or not, a trip out to The Vardon is always worth it. Our staff, members, guest and ownership group welcomes you to the Vardon.

updates at VARDON

Seasons 2020-2022

Since the spring of 2020 the Vardon Golf Club has added many new features and upgrades to the course. Our desire to be the best in class, continues to grow.

We have added

52 Trees in 2022

Auto range ball machine on the range 2022

2022 - 2023 Seasons

New maintenance equipment plus, benches and ball washers and rental carts - 2022-2023

Constructed 3 new tee boxes, and the creation of the NEW HOLE 9 Water Hazzard - 2022-2023

52 More Trees in 2023

1200 Square Feet of Range Turf Added to our practice facility in 2023

Cart Barn addition for bag storage and push carts added in 2023

And not mention the expanded Restaurant and Bar facilities

The 2024 Season

62 more trees in these areas - Holes 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18

New cart paths and approach areas on holes, 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18

Hole 5 redesign and tree removal

Event space improvements and amenities creating a full outside event center with a bar will be completed in Spring of 2025

The 2025 Season

An additional 12 Yamaha carts added to our fleet

45 more trees, and decorative plants and bushes

Continued and completion of the New Fairway Bar and Event Center

Redesigned greens flags, new greens cups, redesigned course signage

2 New Toro fairway mowers

Reformatted fairway, greens, and rough mowing patterns, 5 bunker expansions, and the PONDS filled to max capacity with the new river float and hold pond pumps.

150 Yard markers as Vardon Birdhouses on the (R) side in the rough - the middle of the fairway yardage markers will disappear

AND…….. We Welcome Mr. Tyson Lippincott to the Vardon Family as our New Head Superintendent . Tyson will bring his outstanding talents to the course for many years to come, and will add his own touches to our beloved grounds.

Mr. Bruce Ruppert has called it career after 43 years on the grounds, 40 of them as the Head Superintendent. (fun fact) Bruce is only non golfer inducted into The North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame

The 2026 season will bring even more updates to our beloved club.

On the course you will notice another 40-50 trees, with more pine trees being added in key spots to keep us on our toes as we play the course.

A new Tee Box was added on hole 9 (behind the current) making that hole from the Blue Tee Box - 464 Yards of pure challenge and skill.

Hole 13 bunkers were renovated into one LARGE fairway waste bunker visible from the Tee Box. The fairway has also been narrowed in spots and widened in spots creating a entire different look to the hole.

Hole 5 left green side bunkers have undergone a huge change over. The first bunker was removed, the second one moved back and extended around the back left portion of the green.

The ponds are still a continued work in progress. Our goal is to have them once again at full capacity and free of debris with a few added fountains and bubblers.

Our Event Center will continue to get updates with the long term goal of making it a fully functional outdoor restaurant serving our membership. Look for more additions to that space this spring.

Our Grille and Bar and Chophouse restaurants will continue offering the highest quality food and service in the marketplace. Our creative F/B Team always has something new to unveil each year.