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20 Best Golf Courses in Wisconsin (2023)
Aug
Welcome to a golfer’s haven where lush fairways, challenging bunkers, and scenic vistas come together to create an unforgettable golfing experience. In this guide, we embark on a journey through the 20 best golf courses in Wisconsin, a state that boasts an exceptional array of courses catering to every golfer’s passion and skill level. Whether you’re an avid golfer seeking championship-caliber challenges or a leisurely player looking to tee off amidst stunning landscapes, Wisconsin’s finest courses offer a blend of artistry and nature that define the essence of golf in the Badger State.
20. Green Bay Country Club
Address: 2400 Klondike Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
Private
Nestled in the heart of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Green Bay Country Club offers an exceptional golfing experience coupled with breathtaking vistas. Established in 1995, this year-round private golf and country club boasts an 18-hole course that provides not only a challenging game but also panoramic views of the city. The 14th Hole, affectionately known as the “Chamber of Commerce” hole, offers an elevated vantage point showcasing the beauty of Lambeau Field, the Fox River, and the Bay of Green Bay. With its remarkable location and a commitment to excellence, the Green Bay Country Club presents golfers with a memorable journey that perfectly blends sport and scenery.
19. The Bog
Address: 3121 County Rd I, Saukville, WI 53080
Public
Founded in 1995, The Bog is one of the top golf courses in Wisconsin—a harmonious blend of challenge and natural beauty. Situated alongside the Cedarburg Bog in Saukville, WI, this public 18-hole championship course, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, spans 297 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and rolling hills. Offering a range of yardages to suit different skill levels, The Bog ensures that every golfer can engage with the course’s scenic splendor. The course’s commitment to providing an unforgettable golfing experience is reflected in its meticulous layout and the stunning landscape that surrounds it.
18. North Shore Golf Club
Address: N 8421 N Shore W Rd, Menasha, WI 54952
Private
A journey through history and dedication to excellence define the North Shore Golf Club. Established in 1930, this club in Menasha, Wisconsin, has a rich legacy that continues to thrive. Originally conceived as Winnebago Lake Club, the North Shore Golf Club emerged from financial challenges and quickly became a cherished gem. With its stunning clubhouse designed by Chester Walcott and a golf course that underwent a meticulous restoration by Bruce Hepner, North Shore Golf Club boasts a fusion of classic elegance and modern amenities. Its commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing progress makes it a place where tradition and camaraderie flourish.
17. Westmoor Country Club
Address: 400 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005
Private
Recognized as a distinguished private country club, Westmoor offers a comprehensive array of experiences that extend beyond golf. The club’s exquisite 18-hole golf course serves as a centerpiece for members seeking exceptional sporting and social activities. Located in the United States, Westmoor boasts a range of amenities, from a heated outdoor swimming pool to well-appointed dining rooms. The club prides itself on its friendly and professional staff, ensuring that every visit is marked by warmth and excellence.
16. The Club At Lac La Belle
Address: 6996 Pennsylvania St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Public
With a history that dates back to Wisconsin’s earliest golfing days, The Club At Lac La Belle resonates with tradition and innovation. As one of the oldest and best public golf courses in Wisconsin, it has embraced change while staying true to its roots. Its course, carefully crafted to honor the land’s heritage, offers both challenge and enjoyment. Through meticulous redesign and a dedication to preserving its legacy, The Club At Lac La Belle showcases a commitment to providing golfers with an unparalleled experience.
15. Troy Burne Golf Club
Address: 295 Lindsay Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Public
Troy Burne Golf Club is a testament to vision, collaboration, and a love for the game. Located in Hudson, Wisconsin, the course stands as a realization of Tom Lehman’s golfing philosophy—fair, challenging, and rewarding. Designed by a world-class team, the course’s layout melds harmoniously with the St. Croix Valley landscape. From its meticulously sculpted fairways to its strategic bunkering, Troy Burne embodies the spirit of golf. The dedication to its original design, combined with a commitment to maintaining its environmental harmony, makes it a must-play destination for golfers seeking excellence.
14. University Ridge Golf Course
Address: 9002 County Rd PD, Verona, WI 53593
Public
Situated in Verona and Madison, Wisconsin, University Ridge Golf Course is a renowned public course that not only caters to golf enthusiasts but also serves as the home course for the University of Wisconsin’s golf teams. With a rich history of hosting WIAA state golf championships and a PGA Tour Champions event hosted by Steve Stricker, the course seamlessly blends education and sport.
13. The Bull At Pinehurst Farms
Address: One Long Dr, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
Public
Named “The Bull,” this exceptional Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to precision and natural beauty. Unique for being the only Wisconsin course designed by Jack Nicklaus, it encompasses 18 holes that wind through the former Pinehurst dairy farm. The course’s ingenious layout integrates Wisconsin’s terrain elements, offering golfers both challenge and admiration.
12. Pine Hills Country Club
Address: 4914 Superior Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53083
Private
Nestled in Sheboygan, Pine Hills Country Club provides an exclusive retreat for golf aficionados. Renowned for its swift, undulating greens and the picturesque landscape crafted by glaciers, the course is a masterpiece of rolling hills and serene beauty.
11. Blackwolf Run: Meadow Valleys
Address: 1111 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044
Public
The Meadow Valleys course at Blackwolf Run showcases a harmonious blend of subtlety and challenge. Crafted to mirror Wisconsin’s natural features, the course reveals rolling meadows and steep ravines, inviting golfers to an immersive experience in the state’s diverse terrain.
10. Whistling Straits: Irish Course
Address: N8501 Lakeshore Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53083
Public
Located in the luxurious golf resort Destination Kohler in Kohler, Wisconsin, the Whistling Straits Irish Course stands as a companion to its sister course, the Straits Course. Both courses, designed by Pete and Alice Dye, provide golfers with an extraordinary 36-hole links-style experience, capturing the essence of the lush Wisconsin landscape.
9. SentryWorld Golf Club
Address: 601 Michigan Ave. N. Stevens Point, WI 54481
Public
Nestled in central Wisconsin as one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, SentryWorld Golf Club is more than just a golf course—it’s an all-encompassing experience of relaxation and luxury. As the proud host of the upcoming 2023 U.S. Senior Open, SentryWorld has enhanced its championship course to ensure an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators alike. With its award-winning design and picturesque landscapes, this course has earned its reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. What sets SentryWorld apart is its commitment to inclusivity—each round of golf comes with unlimited food and beverages at conveniently placed on-course refreshment stations, ensuring a seamless blend of sport and indulgence.
8. Blue Mound Golf & Country Club
Address: 10122 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Private
Steeped in history and elegance, Blue Mound Golf & Country Club stands as one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. Designed by the renowned Seth Raynor, the golf course boasts a timeless layout that has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Championship in 1933. After a meticulous restoration process led by Tom Doak’s Renaissance Design, the course has been rejuvenated to its former glory, offering golfers a chance to experience its classic charm and strategic nuances. As you navigate its well-crafted fairways and undulating greens, you’ll find yourself transported to an era of traditional golf architecture.
7. Sand Valley Golf Resort: Mammoth Dunes
Address: 1697 Leopold Way, Nekoosa, WI 54457
Public
Situated in the heart of Wisconsin, Sand Valley Golf Resort beckons avid golfers to experience the grandeur of Mammoth Dunes as one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. Conceived by the visionary David McLay Kidd, this course is a testament to creative design and a deep appreciation for the natural landscape. The sprawling fairways, generous greens, and distinctive sand dunes form a harmonious symphony of challenges and rewards. As you traverse this extraordinary course, you’ll discover a strategic balance that rewards smart decision-making and precision. Mammoth Dunes’ allure lies in its ability to create a sense of adventure, inviting golfers to explore the nuances of each hole.
6. Blackwolf Run: River
Address: 1111 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044
Public
The River Course, one of the crown jewels within this enclave, offers an exceptional golfing experience that marries the natural beauty of the Wisconsin landscape with the strategic challenges meticulously crafted by Pete Dye. From the moment golfers step onto the first tee, they’re immersed in a world of undulating fairways, cunning bunkers, and verdant greens that demand precision and strategy. The River Course’s reputation as a golfer’s paradise has been well-earned over the years, solidified by its inclusion in lists of the greatest golf courses in the United States. It is definitely one of the best places to play golf in Wisconsin.
5. The Golf Courses of Lawsonia: Links
Address: W2615 S Valley View Dr, Green Lake, WI 54941
Public
Being one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, The historic Links Course at Lawsonia beckons golfers to step back in time and embrace the essence of classic golf. As players traverse its timeless layout, they encounter deep bunkers, sprawling fairways, and a set of putting greens that radiate challenge and intrigue. Crafted by renowned architects William Langford and Theodore Moreau in 1930, the course embodies the spirit of a bygone era while remaining a paragon of golfing excellence. The meticulous restoration work carried out over the years ensures that every hole, undulation, and hazard retains its original character, inviting players to experience the glory of links-style golf in its purest form. With its 1920s-era charm and unyielding allure, the Links Course at Lawsonia continues to captivate and enchant golfers of all generations.
4. Sand Valley Golf Resort: Sand Valley
Address: 597 Leopold Way Nekoosa, WI 54457
Public
Amidst the tranquil landscapes of central Wisconsin lies the captivating Sand Valley Golf Resort—an enclave of golfing magic that beckons enthusiasts and wanderers alike. Nestled between major Midwest cities, Sand Valley is a sanctuary where players embrace the essence of the game, where footsteps replace carts, and where the challenge and thrill of golf are inextricably woven into the natural surroundings. This oasis of golf boasts courses that offer an escape from the ordinary, inviting you to be part of the tradition of the sport while basking in the wonder of the landscape. Sand Valley promises an experience that transcends mere rounds of golf—it’s an exploration of passion, adventure, and the shared pursuit of golfing excellence.
3. Milwaukee Country Club
Address: 8000 N Range Line Rd, River Hills, WI 53217
Private
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of River Hills, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Country Club stands as a testament to golfing excellence and tradition. Notably, it was the cherished home club of the legendary golf instructor, Manuel de la Torre. The meticulously crafted golf course spans 6,875 yards from the longest tees, offering a par 72 challenge that tests both skill and strategy. Designed by the esteemed team of Colt, Alison & Morrison Ltd., the course has graced the golfing scene since its inception in 1929. With a course rating of 73.8 and a slope rating of 135 on Bent grass, it promises an engaging and rewarding experience for players of all levels. Over the years, Milwaukee Country Club has proudly hosted esteemed events that reflect its stature in the golfing world, including the 1903 Western Open, the 1969 Walker Cup, the 1988 U.S. Senior Amateur, and the 2008 U.S. Mid-Amateur. Embrace the rich legacy of golf and immerse yourself in the history that makes Milwaukee Country Club a true haven for golf enthusiasts.
2. Erin Hills Golf Course
Address: 7169 Co Rd O, Hartford, WI 53027
Public
As one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, Erin Hills Golf Course has emerged as a crown jewel in the realm of golf. Opening its fairways in 2006, the course swiftly became a storied destination for golfers seeking both challenge and natural beauty. The pinnacle of its acclaim was reached when it hosted the 117th U.S. Open in 2017—an honor bestowed upon it for its unique character and captivating layout. In a historic first, the USGA awarded a regular men’s event to an individually-owned course, underscoring the course’s remarkable distinction. With the 2011 U.S. Amateur and the 2017 U.S. Open etched into its storied narrative, Erin Hills has proven its mettle on the world stage. With impeccable design and meticulous care, the course presents a dynamic canvas for golfers to demonstrate their prowess.
1. Whistling Straits: Straits Course
Address: N8501 Lakeshore Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53083
Public
Poised along the rugged shores of Lake Michigan, the Whistling Straits Golf Complex is an emblem of golfing grandeur. This captivating landscape, nestled in Kohler, Wisconsin, is home to two magnificent 36-hole links-style golf courses: the Straits Course and the Irish Course. Designed by the visionary duo Pete and Alice Dye, the courses evoke a sense of drama and challenge that has been harnessed by hosting premier tournaments. With accolades including the 2004, 2010, and 2015 PGA Championships, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open, and the upcoming 2021 Ryder Cup, the Straits Course stands as a hallowed ground for golf history. Its breathtaking views and demanding layout make it a canvas of determination and triumph. Every swing resonates with the echoes of champions who have graced its fairways, etching unforgettable moments in the annals of the sport.
As we conclude our exploration of the 20 best golf courses in Wisconsin, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this state is a golfer’s paradise. From the meticulously crafted fairways to the meticulously designed greens, each course tells a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the sport. These courses are not just places to play; they are gateways to unforgettable memories, forging a connection between players and the captivating landscapes that define the best golf courses in Wisconsin.
