If you’re planning a golf vacation in the Midwest, Wisconsin is an excellent choice. This state boasts some of the most picturesque and challenging courses in the nation. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll find a course to match your preferences and budget in Wisconsin. Let’s explore the top Golf courses in Wisconsin in this post.
Top Golf Courses in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to over 500 golf courses spread across the state’s various regions. Some of the most popular regions for golfing include the Lake Geneva area, Door County, and Kohler.
Here are some of the top golf courses in Wisconsin that you should check out on your next trip:
Whistling Straits: Straits Course
This is the crown jewel of Wisconsin golf and one of the most famous courses in the world. Designed by Pete Dye, the Straits Course is a masterpiece of links-style golf that mimics the look and feel of the Irish coast.
The course features over 1,000 bunkers, fescue grasses, rolling fairways, and spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Straits Course has hosted three PGA Championships, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open, and the 2021 Ryder Cup. It is a must-play for any serious golfer but be prepared to pay a premium fee and face a stern test of your skills.
Erin Hills Golf Course
Another gem of Wisconsin golf, Erin Hills, is a modern marvel of natural beauty and strategic design. The course was built on a former cattle farm and features sweeping elevation changes, massive sand dunes, native grasses, and exposed rock formations.
Erin Hills hosted the U.S. Open in 2017, where Brooks Koepka won with a record-breaking score of 16-under par. The course is open to public play, but it is also very expensive and very difficult. If you want to experience a true championship test, Erin Hills is the place to go.
Sand Valley: Sand Valley Course
Sand Valley is a new golf resort that has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Wisconsin. The resort features two 18-hole courses and a 17-hole par-3 course, all designed by renowned architects. The Sand Valley Course is the original layout, created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It is a minimalist masterpiece that showcases the natural beauty and variety of the sand dunes landscape. The course is fun and playable for all levels of golfers, with wide fairways, firm greens, and strategic bunkering. The Sand Valley Course is ranked among the best public courses in America by Golf Digest.
Lawsonia: Links Course
If you are looking for a classic golf experience in Wisconsin, look no further than Lawsonia. The Links Course is one of the oldest and most revered courses in the state, dating back to 1930. It was designed by William Langford and Theodore Moreau, who the golden age architects like C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor influenced.
The Links Course features large greens, deep bunkers, blind shots, and dramatic elevation changes. It is a throwback to the origins of golf and a joy to play for any purist.
Milwaukee Country Club
Milwaukee Country Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs in Wisconsin and one of the finest courses in the Midwest. The course was designed by Charles Alison, one of the partners of Harry Colt, who also designed Pine Valley and Merion.
The course is set along the Milwaukee River and features mature trees, rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and subtle greens. Milwaukee Country Club has hosted several state and national championships, including the 1969 Walker Cup. It is a private club that is very hard to access, but if you get an invitation, don’t pass it up.
Budget-Friendly Golfing Options in Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly golfing experience, Wisconsin has plenty of options to choose from. Despite being home to some of the most prestigious and challenging courses in the nation, this state also offers affordable options for those on a budget. Don’t let the cost of a golf vacation hold you back from experiencing the beauty and excitement of golfing in Wisconsin.
Broadlands Golf Club
Broadlands Golf Club was ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Wisconsin by Golf Advisor in 2019. With its scenic views and challenging layout, this course offers great value for money.
Wisconsin River Golf Club
Located in Stevens Point, this course blends bentgrass greens, tees and fairways with a natural habitat home to various wildlife. It has superior drainage that allows for dry and comfortable conditions.
Big Fish Golf Club
This course in Hayward is designed by Pete Dye and offers a creative and challenging layout. It features wetlands, rolling hills and scenic views.
Brown County Golf Course
This course is a classic Lawrence Packard design that opened in 1958. Located in Oneida, it has tree-lined fairways, water hazards and a strong test of golf. It has hosted many state-level events, including the State Open.
Wild Ridge Golf Course
This course in Eau Claire is an inland links-style course that takes golfers on a wild ride through wetlands and over a ridge on the back nine. It has 36 holes of golf with the adjacent Mill Run course.
Northwood Golf Club
This course in Rhinelander is a classic “Up North” course that features tree-lined fairways, water hazards and abundant wildlife. It is a fair and enjoyable course that you can escape to time and again while on vacation.
The Apostle Highlands Golf Course
This course in Bayfield has some of the best views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. It is also a PGA Family Course that caters to golfers of all abilities.
Washington County Golf Course
This course in Hartford is less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee and is secluded in the heart of Wisconsin’s picturesque Kettle Moraine area. It is ranked among the top public courses in the country by Golf Digest. The peak season rate is $59 with a cart.
Planning Your Golf Vacation in Wisconsin
When planning a golf vacation in Wisconsin, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip. From the best time of year to visit to other activities and attractions to explore, here are some tips to help you plan the ultimate golf getaway in the beautiful state of Wisconsin.
Best Time of Year to Visit
For golf enthusiasts, the best time to visit would be during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the courses are in their prime condition. You can expect clear blue skies and lush green landscapes, making it the perfect backdrop for a day on the green.
Recommended Length of Stay
The length of your golf vacation in Wisconsin will depend on how many courses you want to play and how much time you have. To fully experience the beauty and diversity of Wisconsin’s golf courses, we recommend staying for at least a week. This will give you enough time to play at different courses, enjoy other activities, and truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
Exploring Other Activities and Attractions
While golf may be the main reason for your trip to Wisconsin, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy. After a day on the course, you can visit the many breweries and wineries scattered throughout the state, go on a scenic hike, or relax by one of the many lakes. If you’re traveling with family or friends who aren’t golfers, there are also amusement parks, museums, and shopping destinations to check out.
Other Golf Destinations
Wisconsin is not the only place where you can enjoy a great golf vacation. There are many other destinations around the world that offer amazing courses, scenery, and culture for golfers of all levels. Here are some of the other golf destinations that you should consider visiting.
Scotland
The birthplace of golf, Scotland has more than 500 courses to choose from, including the legendary St. Andrews, the home of the Open Championship. Scotland also boasts some of the most beautiful and challenging links courses in the world, such as Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie, and Turnberry. If you love golf history, tradition, and variety, Scotland is the ultimate destination for you.
Florida
The Sunshine State is a golf paradise, with more than 1,000 courses to suit every taste and budget. Florida has some of the most famous resorts in golf, such as TPC Sawgrass, PGA National, and Streamsong. Florida also has some of the best weather for golf year-round, with warm temperatures and sunny skies. Whether you want to play on the ocean, in the swamps, or among the palm trees, Florida has it all.
Arizona
The desert state is a hot spot for golf, with more than 300 courses that showcase the stunning beauty and diversity of the landscape. Arizona has some of the most renowned designers in golf, such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio. Arizona also has some of the most scenic and dramatic courses in golf, such as Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, and TPC Scottsdale. If you’re looking for challenging and visually stunning golf courses, Arizona is the perfect destination.
Hawaii
The Aloha State is a dream destination for golfers, with more than 70 courses that offer breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and volcanoes. If you want to play on courses that will make you feel like you are in paradise, Hawaii is the place to go.
South Carolina
The Palmetto State is a golf mecca with more than 300 courses that offer a rich variety of styles and settings. South Carolina has some of the most popular and affordable destinations in golf, such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston. South Carolina also has some of the most historic and prestigious courses in golf, such as Kiawah Island, Harbour Town, and Pinehurst. If you want to play on courses that will satisfy your every golfing need, South Carolina is the place to go.
Conclusion
Wisconsin is truly a golfer’s paradise in the Midwest. With its picturesque landscapes, challenging courses, and a variety of options for all budgets, it is no wonder why this state is a top destination for golf vacations.