I had no idea that Giants Ridge  was owned by the State of Minnesota. But it is owned by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB).

According to a tweet from Minnesota Public Radio reporter Tom Scheck, the Giants Ridge golf courses will be closed if there is no state budget solution and the government shuts down at midnight.

Here’s a little quick Giants Ridge background from the resort’s website:

In 2009-2010, reviews and rankings by Golf Digest The Quarry ranked #1 and The Legend ranked #3 in “The Best Public Golf Courses in Minnesota.” On a national level, The Quarry ranked #20 and The Legend #72 in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest for the same period. Very few golf resorts can claim more than one course in their “Top 100.”

So I hope that if you have July 4 golf plans, it isn’t at Giants Ridge. If it is, you might want to find a new place to play.

And what happens to the people who are already checked in at the resort? Do they get booted out at midnight? (update below) Also, will a skeleton staff get paid to keep the golf course in good condition? I ask that as the Minnesota Zoo will have some staff to feed/care for animals, but the zoo won’t open. Just thinking out loud.

UPDATE: Got a copy of the news release. Here is what it says:

Potential State Government Service Interruption of IRRRB Operations

EVELETH, Minnesota – In the absence of an enacted Minnesota state budget as of July 1, 2011, all Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) facilities will be closed to the public. These includethe following facilities:

IRRRB Administration Building – Eveleth
Mining and Mineland Reclamation – Chisholm
Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort including the following amenities and services:
o The Legend & The Quarry golf courses
o Wacootah Grille at the Quarry Clubhouse
o The Sports Dormitory lodging
o Catering & banquet services at the ski chalet
o The rental, snow and gift shops
o The disc golf course
o And hiking and biking trails.

“We do not know how long service will be interrupted. We have had to plan for the worst and now hope for the best.” said IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich.

Further information and future updates can be found at www.bereadymn.com.

Please note: The private operations at Giants Ridge will continue to operate, including “The Giants Ridge Lodge” and “Villas at Giants Ridge.”

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) is a state economic development agency headquartered in northeastern Minnesota whose vision is to promote and invest in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of the region.