Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[italianstallion]

6 hours ago, Lefty96 said:

Playing Erin Hills for the first time this weekend. Very excited and open to any advice?

 

Also hitting a warm up round on Friday at Lac La Belle.

 

Going to be a great weekend 

 

For Erin Hills go in with zero expectations, and take a caddie. I've played a lot of very hard golf courses, but the way they set up the golf course if you're not hitting fairways you're hitting out of the hay. There's fairway, 2 feet of primary rough, then straight fescue. It's a fun golf course but lots of tee shots look very intimidating the first go around.

 

And you are required to have the cheese curds at the end of the round. We ranked them the best in the state during our week long trip. 

[MountainKing]

On 9/4/2024 at 3:55 PM, italianstallion said:

 

For Erin Hills go in with zero expectations, and take a caddie. I've played a lot of very hard golf courses, but the way they set up the golf course if you're not hitting fairways you're hitting out of the hay. There's fairway, 2 feet of primary rough, then straight fescue. It's a fun golf course but lots of tee shots look very intimidating the first go around.

 

And you are required to have the cheese curds at the end of the round. We ranked them the best in the state during our week long trip. 

 

Agreed on the caddie.  Played yesterday and he was worth the price and then some.   Numerous holes the line looks to be one way but it's not.  They help guide you on a couple blind tee shots,  and a few approaches you need to play way right,  way left or even 30 yards long to end up by the pin.   Would never have known any of it without him..  and it's a brutal walk so they help with that to.

[TBone0576]

Was fortunate enough to play North Shore CC in Mequon yesterday.  Beautiful day and a very impressive facility in my opinion.  They have 27 holes there and we played the White and Red nines.   Conditions were great and I was impressed with the deep bunkers.  Fortunately I was only in 3 of them.   ha ha    The fairways were pristine and cut very short, I'm not used to getting 25-30 yards of rollout on my drives that is for sure.   Got out of the blocks slowly and made the turn with a 41.  Was 3 over thru four on the back nine and just told myself to relax and enjoy the day.  Was able to come home in -2 and card a 78.   Made a nice 15 foot birdie on the last to cap it off.   

[Roody]

On 7/21/2024 at 7:16 AM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Havent played lido but I’ll chime in. 

If it’s your first time at the resort 

1a Mammoth
1b Sedge

3 SV

 

 

If you have played the courses before

Sedge

SV

Mammoth 

 

Mammoth is a ton of fun. For a first timer I would reccomend it over the other two that I have played. It’s the ultimate resort course. Plenty of memorable holes, fun shots to hit, should present more birdie looks than normal, and won’t leave you feeling dejected when you walk off of 18.
 

However, I don’t think it’s a fantastic golf course to play repeatedly. One of my biggest issue is good shots arent necessarily rewarded. I hit plenty of so so wedges that found a slope and would funnel towards the green/hole. When I fan a wedge out right from 100 yards that hits off the green but I still have a 15 footer for birdie I don’t feel quite right about it. The short driveable holes 6 and 14 are fun but not necessarily risk reward. 6 is a bit more than 14. 14 is driveable and fun but it doesn’t take a particularly good shot. From the correct tees an average to mediocre shot will hit the slope and funnel down towards the green. Compare that to the short 4s at Sedge and there’s a glaring difference. 

 

Was at Sand Valley in late August, and totally agree that Mammoth is one very fun golf course. I loved the risk/reward shots, and would agree that sometimes it seemed like they set it up so the risk on some of these shots wasn't bad. I only missed one fairway all day (#17), and missed eagle on 18 by an inch. It's so much fun when I can get eagle looks, because I don't get them as much as I used to.

 

My wife and I took a caddie, and we were paired with two other guys who did not take a caddie. You could definitely tell that having the caddie knowledge was an advantage. My wife and I did a little match that day, and I was only 1-up on her going into 16, which is a par 3. I hit my tee shot and put it to 3 feet. She hits hers and puts it to 20 feet. I'm thinking "cool, I probably got this hole". Well, not so much as she drains the 20-footer for birdie. And this gets the caddie and the other two guys going on razzing me "ohhhh boy, that just made your 3-footer a little more nervous, don't miss". I didn't miss, but wow, such a cool day with all sorts of fun memories like that. 

 

On 9/4/2024 at 9:54 AM, Lefty96 said:

Playing Erin Hills for the first time this weekend. Very excited and open to any advice?

 

Also hitting a warm up round on Friday at Lac La Belle.

 

Going to be a great weekend 

How was it? I played Erin Hills at the end of August after we left Sand Valley, and I gotta say it rose right up to my #2 favorite course I've played all-time. Such a cool golf course. 

[TBone0576]

Have Saturday and Sunday rounds booked the next two weekends and then I think I'll be hanging it up for the year.  Weather looking good for this coming weekend so just hoping to get out that following weekend with no frost delay.   That will get me up to 70 rounds of eighteen holes for the year and 5 nine hole rounds.   If I just count the full rounds and divide what I pay for a membership it keeps me under $30 a round with cart which is really tough to beat, especially since I am able to make tee times 30 days out and get the first ones each weekend.   Usually 2.5 hour rounds when there are four of us and can get around in 2 hours when just a twosome.   I will miss it of course but time to take a break.   Probably look for a used driver in the off season and maybe a 3 wood as well.  Pretty happy with the rest of the gear.  I did get one of those Putt Out Air Break greens for the basement so I will be working on my 8 foot putts and in this winter.   Would like to get a bit stronger and more limber as well.   I say that every year but I really need to do it.  At 48 and carrying too much weight I would like to strive to be leaner and meaner for my 50th birthday.   Still happy I am able to tip it out at Brighton Dale and be competitive.   Hope everyone enjoys what is left of the fall season.   

[jwhite86]

Played 18 at Blackwolf yesterday.  30 minute frost delay, but regardless the course was playing firm and fast.  

 

The championship 18 is set to be opened for only a week this year.

[TBone0576]

Hung up the clubs two weekends ago but already starting to re-load for next year.   Played an older Titleist 915D3 driver for much of the season when my M5 broke.   Also have been playing a Callaway X Hot 3 wood for many years.   The Titleist was new in 2015 and the X Hot was new back around 2013.    Both were good clubs I'm thinking with the new tech I may be able to pick up a little accuracy and yardage.  Picked up a used TSR3 driver and TSR2+ three wood.  Supposed to arrive this week.   Just can't justify the $650 starting tag on a Titleist GT driver.  

[taylorx300]

Not sure if the group saw it, but Bristol Oaks is for sale, current owner wants to retire. $2.5 mill.

[TBone0576]

13 hours ago, taylorx300 said:

Not sure if the group saw it, but Bristol Oaks is for sale, current owner wants to retire. $2.5 mill.

Read that last night.   I haven't played there in probably 15 years or more and wasn't a big fan back then.   I know they get quite a bit of play and I'm sure there will be a lot of people sad to see it go.  Hopefully someone buys it, if not I could see that potentially affecting the Kenosha County courses like Pets and Brighton Dale a bit.  

[DGata]

Just read about a new course development with Bob Lang and Stricker called Trinity Hills in the Waukesha area. Anybody have any info on this project?

[ode1]

5 hours ago, DGata said:

Just read about a new course development with Bob Lang and Stricker called Trinity Hills in the Waukesha area. Anybody have any info on this project?

Would be interested to find out more.  Google yields an article but only a a few sentences before it gets cut off (must have an account).

[ode1]

Got out and played Spring Valley CC yesterday. Ended up being decent weather wise.  It's in decent shape tee to green, with the greens being superb.  Fun course!

[Symphonize]

—

Edited December 2, 2024 by Symphonize

[Phreddy]

It looks like Bob Lang, the founder and creator of Erin Hills, is at it again.  He certainly dreams big.

 

https://www.wisconsin.golf/courses/this-is-going-to-happen-erin-hills-visionary-bob-lang-has-another-dream-in-his/article_5eb90726-ac0e-11ef-9705-23da19e2812e.html?

[StudentGolfer4]

The comment about the NDA caught my interest. I wonder if we will learn anything new when that expires. 

[Phreddy]

1 hour ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

The comment about the NDA caught my interest. I wonder if we will learn anything new when that expires. 

Probably not.  There has always been a Big Dog competition between the late Herb Kohler (Whistling Straits, PGA Championship & Ryder Cup) and Andy Ziegler (Erin Hills, US Open and Women" US Open in 2025).

 

Prior to the US Open at Erin Hills the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel ran a 7 part series on the creation of Erin Hills.  The discovery of the land by a non-golfing spouse, murder, bankruptcy....Really a good read if you can find it.

[jwhite86]

On 12/3/2024 at 1:26 PM, Phreddy said:

Probably not.  There has always been a Big Dog competition between the late Herb Kohler (Whistling Straits, PGA Championship & Ryder Cup) and Andy Ziegler (Erin Hills, US Open and Women" US Open in 2025).

 

Prior to the US Open at Erin Hills the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel ran a 7 part series on the creation of Erin Hills.  The discovery of the land by a non-golfing spouse, murder, bankruptcy....Really a good read if you can find it.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/golf/2017-us-open/2017/06/06/making-erin-hills-complete-story/375374001/

 

I believe this is the story.  

[Phreddy]

Yes sir.  More switchbacks than a mountain road to get it to where it is today.

 

Thanks.

[Phreddy]

-1 degree when I got up this morning.  I guess that is a 4 month frost delay.

[StudentGolfer4]

(I posted this question originally in the All Things Michigan thread because of Greywalls and had later thought I mine as well ask here too since all of the other courses I’m asking about are in Wisconsin.)

 

Opinions needed!

 

Im taking a day trip to play golf early July from northern Wisconsin. The last couple of years I have played Sand Valley. 
 

This year I’m thinking Greywalls or Lawsonia. Sentry World is an option too. Theres a small chance I will have access to Minoqua Country Club and will most likely go that route if available. 
 

Ideally I’ll play 36. Minocqua would be the exception. If there are two courses worth playing then great, if it’s a second loop around the same course that’s fine too. Currently there isn’t availability at Sand Valley for 36. If it’s just 18 I plan to try something new. Unless I am somehow able to get on Lido. 

Erin Hills is tempting but I think it’s a bit further than I’m willing to drive. This has to be a day trip. 
 

Give me your opinions on the courses mentioned above. Greywalls, Lawsonia, Sentry World, and Minocqua Country Club. Or if there’s anything else I need to know about I’m all ears! 

[collje26]

1 hour ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

 

(I posted this question originally in the All Things Michigan thread because of Greywalls and had later thought I mine as well ask here too since all of the other courses I’m asking about are in Wisconsin.)

 

Opinions needed!

 

Im taking a day trip to play golf early July from northern Wisconsin. The last couple of years I have played Sand Valley. 
 

This year I’m thinking Greywalls or Lawsonia. Sentry World is an option too. Theres a small chance I will have access to Minoqua Country Club and will most likely go that route if available. 
 

Ideally I’ll play 36. Minocqua would be the exception. If there are two courses worth playing then great, if it’s a second loop around the same course that’s fine too. Currently there isn’t availability at Sand Valley for 36. If it’s just 18 I plan to try something new. Unless I am somehow able to get on Lido. 

Erin Hills is tempting but I think it’s a bit further than I’m willing to drive. This has to be a day trip. 
 

Give me your opinions on the courses mentioned above. Greywalls, Lawsonia, Sentry World, and Minocqua Country Club. Or if there’s anything else I need to know about I’m all ears! 

Greywalls is all world. Love it however without having played it or for your first time it’s polarizing to say the least. The other course on the property is a Langford and Moreau so I would check that out. Lawsonia speaks for itself, I live on the course so I’m biased. Short of knowing a member minocqua will be very different to get on. I would look into Timberstone and pine grove country club in the upper peninsula. If you haven’t played greywalls prior it’s worth checking out. 

[ode1]

13 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

 

(I posted this question originally in the All Things Michigan thread because of Greywalls and had later thought I mine as well ask here too since all of the other courses I’m asking about are in Wisconsin.)

 

Opinions needed!

 

Im taking a day trip to play golf early July from northern Wisconsin. The last couple of years I have played Sand Valley. 
 

This year I’m thinking Greywalls or Lawsonia. Sentry World is an option too. Theres a small chance I will have access to Minoqua Country Club and will most likely go that route if available. 
 

Ideally I’ll play 36. Minocqua would be the exception. If there are two courses worth playing then great, if it’s a second loop around the same course that’s fine too. Currently there isn’t availability at Sand Valley for 36. If it’s just 18 I plan to try something new. Unless I am somehow able to get on Lido. 

Erin Hills is tempting but I think it’s a bit further than I’m willing to drive. This has to be a day trip. 
 

Give me your opinions on the courses mentioned above. Greywalls, Lawsonia, Sentry World, and Minocqua Country Club. Or if there’s anything else I need to know about I’m all ears! 

You must be way up north if concerned about the drive to EH vs Marquette🤔

 

Greywalls is a must play, very unique topography with the rock outcroppings, elevation change, twists and turns.  It's a blast and a round you won't soon forget.  If able to swing the Langford and Mareau 9 at the Heritage I'd suggest considering that.  IMO a fun 9 holes with fabulous green complexes.  The other 9 is fairly blah, although once you cross the road and get down in the bowl those holes are pretty good.  The L & M holes are mixed in the 18.  Probably only doable if they aren't too busy.  If Timberstone is somewhat reasonably on the way you might consider it.  It won't knock your socks off like Greywalls but is a very good course. 

 

Not many talk about Sage Run, it is a reasonable drive from Marquette but might take you too far out of the way from where you started.  It is another fabulous UP course.  Rugged yet beautiful being right by a drumlin with fabulous views on 9, 17, and 18 tee box.  Several holes with serious elevation change, beautiful sculpted fairways, and firm/ fast conditions.  Some truly unique and memorable holes.  

 

Lawsonia is my favorite course and I never get tired of playing it.  The green complexes are amazing. Fairly open off the tee and high sot value into those greens, where you can get some interesting pin locations with the tiering/slope/swails on those greens.  You wouldn't think much of the elevation change until you are in the middle of it, it's there and a factor.  

Edited February 11 by ode1

[BirdieRoll]

SentryWorld and Stevens Point CC are just a few minutes from each other but are completely different types of courses. (SPCC offers limited public play so I think it'd work for you if you had some flexibility.)

 

WiscoGolfAddict had a nice article awhile back about these two courses being in the same city yet being so different.

[StudentGolfer4]

Thanks guys. As always, great information. A few follow up points. 

 

I’ll be making the drive from the Minocqua area. None of the courses are easy drives but I’ve had  wonderful days playing 36 at Sand Valley the past two summers. Lawsonia and Greywalls appear to be about 30 minutes further than SV. It’s a long day for sure but worth it to me.
 

Erin Hills appears to be another 30 minutes or so. Not completely out of reach but I have to draw the line somewhere. The ability to play 36 is helpful too. That way I’m at least spending more time on course than I am in the car. 
 

I do know a member at Minocqua. They’re extended family but still a connection. Problem is they’re unsure if they will be in town when I’m there. I’m hoping they will offer to introduce me to their playing partner(s) and make it happen that way but nothings been mentioned yet. 
 

The Sentry World and Steven’s Point CC idea sounds interesting. That’s a significantly shorter drive than the other options too. I’ve heard good things about Stevens Points but SW doesn’t quite appeal to me the way the others do. It being the most expensive option at $350 doesn’t help either. 
 

If you had to pick between Greywalls and Lawsonia what would you choose? I can figure out the details of playing the other course on site or another lap around Greywalls or the links at Lawsonia. 

[ode1]

@StudentGolfer4 hopefully your MCC connection pans out.  I can't say I've ever seen an actual review or pic of the course, just talk of trying to get on 🙃. I seem to remember you come up that way every summer, so in that respect hopefully you will do all the courses noted at some point and pick according to weather/tee sheets etc.  look forward to reading about your experience!

[collje26]

1 hour ago, ode1 said:

@StudentGolfer4 hopefully your MCC connection pans out.  I can't say I've ever seen an actual review or pic of the course, just talk of trying to get on 🙃. I seem to remember you come up that way every summer, so in that respect hopefully you will do all the courses noted at some point and pick according to weather/tee sheets etc.  look forward to reading about your experience!

The only way I got to play MCC was qualifying for the state open but it was worth it. Phenomenal but penal track. Conditioning was great as well as the trout pond and feeding spot was sick. 

[collje26]

3 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Thanks guys. As always, great information. A few follow up points. 

 

I’ll be making the drive from the Minocqua area. None of the courses are easy drives but I’ve had  wonderful days playing 36 at Sand Valley the past two summers. Lawsonia and Greywalls appear to be about 30 minutes further than SV. It’s a long day for sure but worth it to me.
 

Erin Hills appears to be another 30 minutes or so. Not completely out of reach but I have to draw the line somewhere. The ability to play 36 is helpful too. That way I’m at least spending more time on course than I am in the car. 
 

I do know a member at Minocqua. They’re extended family but still a connection. Problem is they’re unsure if they will be in town when I’m there. I’m hoping they will offer to introduce me to their playing partner(s) and make it happen that way but nothings been mentioned yet. 
 

The Sentry World and Steven’s Point CC idea sounds interesting. That’s a significantly shorter drive than the other options too. I’ve heard good things about Stevens Points but SW doesn’t quite appeal to me the way the others do. It being the most expensive option at $350 doesn’t help either. 
 

If you had to pick between Greywalls and Lawsonia what would you choose? I can figure out the details of playing the other course on site or another lap around Greywalls or the links at Lawsonia. 

That’s a tough question. Greywalls is a wild but awesome layout. I don’t think there’s a better 36 hole facility in the state than lawsonia. Both courses are great with the links being the golden gem. 

[Chanceman]

We loved both Greywalls and Lawsonia and both have solid backup courses. You should do them both over time. Also Lawsonia has the added bonus of Mascoutin and its Blue 9 being nearby. 

[StudentGolfer4]

Has anyone played Stevens Point recently as a guest? As BirdieRoll mentioned, the website says they allow limited outside tee times and there’s a page to fill out on their website. Any idea pricing or if they commonly allow guests play or just sometimes? I will be a single which probably helps and I’ll be playing on a Monday or Tuesday. (The course may be closed Mondays?)  If I go this route I'll play SW too so it could be a bit tougher to get the SP tee time to coordinate for 36. Obviously no one knows until I reach out. I’m just wondering if anyone has experience playing as a guest. The last thing I want to do is reach out as a guest with a specific request. If they are kind enough to accommodate me it seems like maybe I just take what I can get. 
 

If I go this route it would save alot of driving time. As you can probably tell, driving isn’t much of a deterrent but 3 hours round trip is a lot better than 6. 

[ode1]

1 hour ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Has anyone played Stevens Point recently as a guest? As BirdieRoll mentioned, the website says they allow limited outside tee times and there’s a page to fill out on their website. Any idea pricing or if they commonly allow guests play or just sometimes? I will be a single which probably helps and I’ll be playing on a Monday or Tuesday. (The course may be closed Mondays?)  If I go this route I'll play SW too so it could be a bit tougher to get the SP tee time to coordinate for 36. Obviously no one knows until I reach out. I’m just wondering if anyone has experience playing as a guest. The last thing I want to do is reach out as a guest with a specific request. If they are kind enough to accommodate me it seems like maybe I just take what I can get. 
 

If I go this route it would save alot of driving time. As you can probably tell, driving isn’t much of a deterrent but 3 hours round trip is a lot better than 6. 

It's gone up in price quite a bit.  Last time I was there it was $110 unaccompanied guest (they were previously in the Wisconsin Classic Golf Tour book for a discount and I decided to look around how the other half live and noticed the rate).....that was 2 years ago.  We filled out the form online and eventually heard back and they will let you know what's available and method of communication to get back to them.  Hopefully they will be able to let you know in advance which days are open for unaccompanied guest play!