Visitors to northeastern Minnesota need not leave their golf clubs behind. Many area communities, including Cook, Babbitt, Ely and Buyck (northeast of Orr) feature courses that are available for visiting golfers and "fishing widows" during their stay in the region.

Vermilion Fairways in Cook is located on Highway 24, the road leading to the west end of Lake Vermilion, about two miles outside the city limits. The 9-hole course is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the spring months, and from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. during the summer season, which extends until mid-September, weather permitting. Fees are $10 for adults for nine holes and $15 for 18 holes. A $7 student rate for children of high school age or younger is available on weekdays. Club rentals and riding or pull carts are also available. The club rental fee for adults is $3.50 per set and $2.50 per set for students. Motorized carts can be rented at a rate of $10 for nine holes or $16 for 18 holes. Pull carts can be rented for $2.

The Babbitt Golf Club is located on St. Louis County Road 70, just west of Babbitt. Until Memorial Day, the 9-hole course will be open from 9 a.m. until dark. After Memorial Day, the course will be open from 8 a.m. until dark. Fees are $10 for nine holes and $16 for 18 holes. Golf carts can be rented for $8 per round and a set of clubs rents for $2.50. Visitors are advised that the course will be closed to the general public Tuesdays from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Wednesdays from 3 p.m.-closing and alternating Sundays for league events.

The 9-hole course at the Ely Country Club, just south of town on County Road 21, is now open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Fees for non-members are $11 for nine holes and $16 for 18, except after 5 p.m. on weekdays, when a flat fee of $8.50 is charged during league play. Motorized carts may be rented, at a cost of $13 for nine hole and $17 for 18. Pull carts are available for $2 per round and club rental is $4 per set.

Vermilion River Greens is located on County Road 23 in Buyck, between Orr and Crane Lake. The 9-hole course, located on the west bank of the Vermilion River is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until dark, weather permitting. Fees for adult non-members are $10 for nine holes and $13 for 18 holes. Students through Grade 12 will be charged a flat rate of $5. Motorized carts are available for rent, at $10 for one round and $15 for two rounds. Pull carts can be rented for $1.50. Clubs are also available for rent, at a rate of $4.50 per set for adults and $3 per set for students.