Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[Lefty96]

> @Chanceman said:

> Anyone played Sand Valley? How is it coping with the wet? Erin Hills?

 

I played mammoth dunes a few days ago and wet spots were non existent. The ground was just as hard and dry as it normally is. I played sand valley maybe 3 weeks ago and experienced the same thing.

 

[Phreddy]

It was 38* with a biting wind when I got to the practice range this morning. And a sweet 60* with sun when I finished 18. Unless global warming gets a shot of adrenalin today may have been the final chapter for 2019. I have my fingers crossed, but....

 

Time to see where I am with frequent flyer miles.

 

Phred

[Phreddy]

I appears that the Waukesha County Board has put Wanaki golf course on life support for one more year. Possibly in the hope of finding a private party to buy it. It is middle of the road as golf courses go, but it is where I cut my teeth as a kid. I failed to get out there this year for a farewell round. Looks like I got a one year reprieve as well.

 

Phred

[games]

I remember a former boss of mine pointing out to me that Wanaki's slope was actually higher than Nagawaukee. It kind of blew my mind when I confirmed that.

[Dr.Frankenputz]

Anyone know what’s open in SE Wisconsin this weekend? I know Washington county, guessing Edgewood, not sure what else.

[collje26]

Played in Appleton this afternoon! Hoping the weather stays the same for tomorrow.

[dearth12]

Looking for any advice that you guys can give on a potential golf trip to Wisconsin. We have never been to Wisconsin. Off the top of my head over the last 8-10 years or so we have been to:

Michigan- played all over the state multiple times

Pinehurst- multiple times

RTJ Trail in Alabama- once

Myrtle Beach-once

Bandon Dunes-once

We are still all young enough (33-35) to easily play 36 a day, so that will remain the plan and as of now we just have 4 guys this time. We are looking at the week of July 6th right now.

 

 

Itinerary:

Monday- Drive from Dayton, Ohio to Chicago and play The Glen Club. Afterwards drive to a hotel somewhere near Sand Valley where we will stay for the week.

 

Tuesday- 36 at Sand Valley playing both courses

 

Wednesday- 36 at Lawsonia

 

Thursday- 36 at Sand Valley playing both courses

 

Friday- Sentry World in the morning and University Ridge in the afternoon. Afterwards, we will drive until we are tired, grab a room, and finish the drive Saturday morning.

 

A couple things:

 

1- I know it isn’t ideal coming to Wisconsin and not playing Straits or Erin Hills, but the cost of playing just 18 at either of those courses is just too much for some in our group.

 

2- I would prefer to stay at Sand Valley, but the cost of lodging there, is again, just too much for some in our group

 

3- We are strictly there for golf so lack of nightlife means nothing to us. After golfing for the day we typically just grab dinner and a beer then back to the room and get ready for the next day.

 

Looking at drive times, the trip to Lawsonia on Wednesday looks very doable, as does playing Sentry World and University Ridge on Friday, with University Ridge being on the way back to Ohio.

 

Are there any courses that I am missing that I should really look in to? We are not set on The Glen Club outside of Chicago on that first day. As well we could adjust that Friday where we are playing Sentry World and University Ridge if there is a better option out there.

 

Any good places to eat around the Sand Valley area?

 

Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[games]

Logistically, your trip might "flow" better if you go to Madison first to play University Ridge. From there, head north to do your rounds at SentryWorld and Sand Valley. Then, start back by doing your 36-hole day at Lawsonia, then drive down to Chicago to play Glen Club on the final day before heading back.

Sounds like a great trip. I don't know what is popping up for hotels around Sand Valley. Last I checked, I was considering staying in Plover, just south of Stevens Point.

[BirdieRoll]

If you're looking for lodging, someone awhile back posted about a townhome for rent at Lake Arrowhead which is just a few minutes from Sand Valley. Might be an option for the four of you.

Also, to help on the budget, there are two courses at Lake Arrowhead, both are said to be pretty good, so perhaps worth a look.

Also, just ten minutes from SentryWorld is Steven Point CC (if you wanted to play 36 at courses very close to one another). They offer limited public play if you put a call in to them.

My sense is they understand a lot of golfers travel to that area for the bigger name courses so they are trying to take advantage of it. They just did a pretty big reno and the reviews are quite good. Their website gives a feel for the (new) course. They might be around $75 a round.

[collje26]

Depending on your connections I would try to get on West Bend Country Club. Can hit it up on your way there or back from Chicago. Classic Langford and Moreau design.

[Phreddy]

I agree with Games that hitting University Ridge on the front end might make more sense. Really a good course. An early morning round there followed by 18 at Wild Rock in the Dells would make a good day. From there you would have about equal proximity to Lawsonia and Sentry World/Sand Valley. If you need a base of operations, Stevens Point is a nice little city, with a number of reasonably priced chain hotels.

 

I've played West Bend a number of times and I don't think it is particularly difficult to get on. Certainly not an MCC or Bluemound. It is a story of two 9's with the front being the original.

 

Phred

[dearth12]

Thanks for the comments guys.

 

 

What do you think of making the first round on the trip at University Ridge and then the last day going Sentry World and then Wild Rock?

 

It looks like Wild Rock is right on the way back to Dayton.

[games]

@dearth12 This is bit of change of heart. After thinking about it, skip University Ridge. Getting to U Ridge will be a pain as its southwest of Madison, and likely 30 minutes off the northbound highway you'll be traveling, at minimum. The east-west highway you would take to get to U Ridge is called the "Beltline" and it is notorious for random traffic jams at any time of day or night.
Phred mentioned Wild Rock, which gets nothing but thumbs up from this forum. Another fun course near Wisconsin Dells is Castle Rock at Northern Bay with several replica holes (including TPC #17 and the "church pews" of Oakmont). The original designs are interesting, and the course is always in good condition. That might be a GREAT course to kick off your trip, too.

[collje26]

Honestly I would see if you can’t just get on Stevens point country club while you’re in the area. Private but I’ve gotten on before.

[jwhite86]

Has anyone heard about financial troubles with The Bull? I've heard the course is being put up for sale at auction... just looking to confirm if anything I have is true

[ode1]

Not heard anything, but no typical 50/50 club emails sent out for sale prior to the first of the year, which I have received now for years, as far as I can remember.

I hope they are able to remain open, but curious too as to what's going!

[Phreddy]

That would be a shame. It is in the shadow of Kohler, but a really fine course.

[collje26]

Sad to see the bull in this situation. I know the Bachmann’s who own it. Great grey just sad.

[zucco3z]

According to this article, it looks like they were in this situation before and got out of it. I only know what I know from this article. Hopefully they can figure out a way to save the course. https://www.wisconsin.golf/courses/the-bull-the-jack-nicklaus-signature-course-in-sheboygan-county/article_8532869e-33b8-11ea-9cc5-af35ccac950a.html

[hooters714]

Yes the bank did forgoes on the property. Will be interesting to see what happens with it.

[jwhite86]

I hope whoever ends up with keeps it going. Love the course, but everything else needs to be fixed, terrible customer service and a lot of issues with the restaurant

[ode1]

Any word on The Bull?

[zucco3z]

This is the latest. Looks like they filed for bankruptcy, the auction was cancelled and they’re looking for investors. We’ll see what happens!

After staving off sheriff's auction with bankruptcy filing, The Bull's owners say they're seeking new investors

[jwhite86]

I've heard a couple of rumblings... but haven't been able to confirm anything... just playing the waiting game at this point

[tiderider]

played it three years ago and think very highly of it ... outside of the first three holes or so that are bordered by housing, the rest of it was a very good test of golf with very good conditioning ...

[collje26]

Agreed. That par 5 4th hole can be blown up however.

[jwhite86]

I've had a lot of bad experiences on that hole...

 

But also made my first eagle there too!

[ode1]

First few holes don't have the visual beauty but are no cake walk either, 1 and 2 fairly easy, but 3 and 4 have enough trouble to make you think.

[exgolfpro]

Holy cow I hate to hear this! I've played The Bull the last 4 summers on our yearly vacation to Wisconsin. Not surprising though, the course NEVER seemed busy when I was there. I would go out about 2pm and usually only see one or two groups as I played the course. Hopefully they can find some deep pockets to open the course up again.

[Chanceman]

I was looking forward to playing The Bull in October as the last of our Kohler swing. Might need to look at other options like The Bog.