When Nate Swenson talks about LaunchPad Golf, his excitement is immediate and contagious. After eight years with the Minnesota Vikings, including time working closely with the Mystic Lake account, Nate recently stepped into his role as general manager just as LaunchPad Golf opened its doors in Prior Lake this past fall.
“It felt like the right move at the right time,” Nate says. “The Mystic Lake area is growing and thriving. It’s really becoming an entertainment district, and LaunchPad fits naturally into that momentum.”
For Nate, the appeal was more than just a career change. It was the chance to help introduce something new to the community and fill a noticeable gap. While similar golf-entertainment concepts exist in the Twin Cities metro, most are a longer drive. LaunchPad Golf brought year-round golf, elevated food and beverage, and a social atmosphere right to Prior Lake.
A warm welcome from the community
Since opening, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Built-in foot traffic from Mystic Lake has helped introduce a wide range of guests to the space, but Nate is intentional about what LaunchPad ultimately becomes.
“We want to accommodate everyone,” he says. “It’s not just about the golf, it’s the full experience. The food, the service, the atmosphere. We want this place to feel like an extension of the community.”
That philosophy shows up in the diversity of guests coming through the doors. During any given day, the crowd shifts — families and kids in the afternoon, social groups and college students later on, and holiday parties or corporate events filling evenings. Many guests come in expecting just golf and leave surprised by everything else.
“A lot of people say, ‘I didn’t realize there was food like this,’ or ‘I didn’t know this was such a great place to watch a game,’” Nate says. “Their visits evolve. They might come for golf the first time, but then they’re back for dinner or drinks.”
Rethinking golf season in Minnesota
In a state where winter can sideline golf for months, LaunchPad changes the conversation. Traditional rounds can take four to five hours, but here, guests can play for an hour or two, and not everyone in the group has to golf.
“You can play real courses, try games for beginners, or just hang out,” Nate explains. “It’s fun no matter your experience level.”
For serious golfers, the technology delivers real value. Advanced ball tracking provides feedback on spin rate, ball speed, and club speed. Data you don’t get at a traditional driving range. The auto-tee system, which raises balls through the floor, removes friction from the experience and keeps play moving.
“It’s as simple as possible from start to finish,” Nate says. “You don’t need to be tech-savvy to enjoy it.”
And for those who are brand new? LaunchPad is all about fun. Because in order to love golf, you first have to enjoy golf. The goal is to make golf approachable, even for first-timers.
More than golf: food, drink, and atmosphere
Food plays a central role in LaunchPad’s appeal. Rather than defaulting to standard sports-bar fare, the team leaned into the resources and culinary expertise available through the casino and tribal affiliation to create an elevated yet approachable menu.
Crowd favorites have emerged quickly. The flatbreads, bison tacos, and truffle bison burger, as well as weekend brunch, have been a big hit. Nate says menu innovation is an ongoing conversation.
“We wanted an elevated experience at a reasonable price,” he says. “Something familiar, but with our own twist.”
The atmosphere shifts throughout the day. Daytime brings a relaxed, practice-focused energy, while nights feel more social with music, drinks at the bar, games on TV, and groups lingering well after their golf session ends. Increasingly, guests are coming in just for lunch, dinner, or drinks, no golf required.
Building community, one league at a time
Looking ahead, LaunchPad is focused on growing thoughtfully. Public leagues launched in January, with plans to expand based on demand. Lessons with golf pros from The Meadows at Mystic Lake add another layer, supporting everyone from beginners to seasoned players looking to sharpen their game.
“We’re starting small, listening, and building from there,” Nate says.
Ultimately, Nate hopes LaunchPad becomes a go-to gathering place in Prior Lake, a spot at the top of locals’ restaurant lists, a place to celebrate milestones, host events, or simply spend time together.
“When people leave, I want them to feel taken care of,” he says. “Like they had fun, felt welcome, and want to come back. That’s what loving local looks like to me.”
It’s not just about the golf, it’s the full experience. The food, the service, the atmosphere. We want this place to feel like an extension of the community.