Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[BirdieRoll]

I played in 2023 and it was $125. I sent an email with a proposed date/time and they got back to me with a time that worked great.

 

I really enjoyed the course (raw/rugged vibe) so I thought $125 was quite fair after playing the course.

 

SPCC has a number of holes that favor a draw off the tee, fyi.

 

And if you really like the course, they offer national memberships...

[collje26]

18 hours 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. 

I have played it several times. I'd recommend emailing Andrew the head pro, andrewkrugler@pga.com, he's been great to me whenever I've wanted to play.

[birdiestobogeys]

Anybody know what’s going on with Sand Valley 2026 reservations? I was told months ago it would open in January, but it’s been crickets. 

[StudentGolfer4]

Well I officially have 36 booked at Lawsonia this summer! Links early morning and woodlands in the afternoon. I need to call and ask about a 36 hole rate but at least I have something on the books.
 

Im still deciding if I want to go this route or play Greywalls. Their tee sheet isn’t available yet so still some time to debate. Both courses look great. I think Lawsonia is slightly more my style but Greywalls looks unreal. 

I am going to reach out to Stevens Point CC and see if they will accommodate me for an afternoon. If so, I’ll play links early and SPCC on my way back north. 
 

As always, thanks for the input. 

[jwhite86]

14 minutes ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Well I officially have 36 booked at Lawsonia this summer! Links early morning and woodlands in the afternoon. I need to call and ask about a 36 hole rate but at least I have something on the books.
 

Im still deciding if I want to go this route or play Greywalls. Their tee sheet isn’t available yet so still some time to debate. Both courses look great. I think Lawsonia is slightly more my style but Greywalls looks unreal. 

I am going to reach out to Stevens Point CC and see if they will accommodate me for an afternoon. If so, I’ll play links early and SPCC on my way back north. 
 

As always, thanks for the input. 

Lawsonia was an absolute blast when I played.  Greywalls is pretty polarizing (one guy I regularly play with loves it and another guy I play with thinks it's gimmicky), but worth the play. I thought Greywalls was worth it for the scenery alone.  

[bcc624]

On 2/14/2025 at 10:02 AM, birdiestobogeys said:

Anybody know what’s going on with Sand Valley 2026 reservations? I was told months ago it would open in January, but it’s been crickets. 

Anyone hear anything? They just released info on the new 12 hole course opening in 2026. 

[birdiestobogeys]

2 hours ago, bcc624 said:

Anyone hear anything? They just released info on the new 12 hole course opening in 2026. 

I saw that. Looks like a great addition. I haven’t heard anything besides some speculation that they will be going to the lotto method like Bandon. 

[cer5059]

Whatever happened to the "world's largest putting course" and the pool that they were supposed to put in? Wasn't that unofficially announced back in like 2022?

[onion]

On 2/14/2025 at 2:47 PM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Well I officially have 36 booked at Lawsonia this summer! Links early morning and woodlands in the afternoon. I need to call and ask about a 36 hole rate but at least I have something on the books.
 

Im still deciding if I want to go this route or play Greywalls. Their tee sheet isn’t available yet so still some time to debate. Both courses look great. I think Lawsonia is slightly more my style but Greywalls looks unreal. 

I am going to reach out to Stevens Point CC and see if they will accommodate me for an afternoon. If so, I’ll play links early and SPCC on my way back north. 
 

As always, thanks for the input. 

Greywalls is a blast and great scenery. Depending when you go the weather could be an issue. 2 years ago went first week of June and it was 37 and rain/snow. Last year went same time and it was 75. 

[eboettne]

1 hour ago, cer5059 said:

Whatever happened to the "world's largest putting course" and the pool that they were supposed to put in? Wasn't that unofficially announced back in like 2022?

Also wondering this, they promoted the pool house and hot tub when we booked our Memorial Day Trip in 2024(so booked in 2023) then were told construction was delayed once our trip arrived.  Having even just a hot tub would be so nice. 

Edited February 18 by eboettne

[cer5059]

51 minutes ago, eboettne said:

Also wondering this, they promoted the pool house and hot tub when we booked our Memorial Day Trip in 2024(so booked in 2023) then were told construction was delayed once our trip arrived.  Having even just a hot tub would be so nice. 

I did a brief search online last night because I thought maybe they were going to announce it today as part of their announcement and the only thing I could find was this article that was published back in 2022. It states that work was supposed to begin in May 2023, but obviously, that never happened. Surprised a resort like this doesn't have a putting course. 

 

https://www.wisconsin.golf/courses/major-expansion-at-sand-valley-to-include-worlds-largest-putting-course-500-yard-driving-range/article_4123ef30-c590-11ec-87ee-e3cecb4e27a2.html

[StudentGolfer4]

Is there a putting course going in over by The Gallery and the pro shop for Sedge? Or is it just a putting green? Or is it some other sort of short range/practice area? There was definitely something mapped out and I think maybe even grassed when I was there in July. 

[miss0033]

On 2/18/2025 at 4:00 PM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Is there a putting course going in over by The Gallery and the pro shop for Sedge? Or is it just a putting green? Or is it some other sort of short range/practice area? There was definitely something mapped out and I think maybe even grassed when I was there in July. 

 

Was there Labor day weekend, and they were watering.  It is the practice green for Sedge.  Basically between the Caddie stand and The Gallery.  On the other side of the Gallery were several Grass tennis courts.  

 

We saw The Commons being watered in spots, hydroseeded in others, and still under construction and moving dirt across the lake/pond.

 

No evidence of a large putting course anywhere that we could see.  Additionally their only driving range (behind Craig's Porch) was closed one of the days we were there.  So maybe the putting course will be by the new driving range/practice area?  We looked around the check in area to see if they had a map in the real estate office showing any future improvements, but couldn't find anything.

Edited February 20 by miss0033

[TBone0576]

Ordered a few new wedges from Vokey Wedgeworks and they arrived yesterday so now I am really getting the itch to get out.   Weather looks like it may break a bit this weekend into next week.   No word yet on when Brighton Dale might open, but should be this month sometime.  I plan on getting a pass again this year but they have changed their policy on cart rental so instead of it being included with the membership you play a flat fee for the golf and then have to pay $15 out of pocket each time you want a cart.  For as much as I play it would end up costing me about $300 more a season so I may look to get out and walk more this season.  I enjoy walking but has been difficult to keep up with my playing partners in carts.  

[nalaws2]

23 hours ago, TBone0576 said:

Ordered a few new wedges from Vokey Wedgeworks and they arrived yesterday so now I am really getting the itch to get out.   Weather looks like it may break a bit this weekend into next week.   No word yet on when Brighton Dale might open, but should be this month sometime.  I plan on getting a pass again this year but they have changed their policy on cart rental so instead of it being included with the membership you play a flat fee for the golf and then have to pay $15 out of pocket each time you want a cart.  For as much as I play it would end up costing me about $300 more a season so I may look to get out and walk more this season.  I enjoy walking but has been difficult to keep up with my playing partners in carts.  

Tell your lazy bum partners to get a push cart for $150 and walk unlimited for free.  Its good for you and feels so much better than rotting in a cart.

[TBone0576]

On 3/7/2025 at 6:59 AM, nalaws2 said:

Tell your lazy bum partners to get a push cart for $150 and walk unlimited for free.  Its good for you and feels so much better than rotting in a cart.

Well the buddy I usually play with is in his 70s, has a pacemaker and bad knees.   Probably not going to happen for him.   I'll try to walk more but also nice when we get out as a twosome in a cart and finish in about 2 hours.  

[TBone0576]

Brighton Dale to open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week but close Sunday and Monday due to anticipated bad/cold weather.  Made a tee time for Saturday so looking forward to that.   Looks like only the Blue is open at this time which is pretty common as the White is usually last to dry out.  Not sure what their plan will be this year as they did quite a bit of work on the Red nine and had heard rumblings of them re-doing the bunkers on Blue ( which is much needed ).  It would be a Blue-Red combo while one nine would be closed and then the other.   They may have changed their minds if the funds dried up.  New practice area and range should be open this year. 

[TBone0576]

Got in 18 at Brighton Dale Blue this morning.  Course is in nice shape, a lot of branches down understandably after the storms.  Cut down a few more trees but nothing in play.  Excited to get the season going.   I touched a club once since Halloween.   Happy with an 81 after some flubbed wedges and two doubles.   

[ode1]

@TBone0576

 

How much of the white stuff you get last night?

[TBone0576]

21 hours ago, ode1 said:

@TBone0576

 

How much of the white stuff you get last night?

Just a dusting of snow and it was all gone by the afternoon.   They may have gotten a bit more west out in the county but it will be warm enough today to take care of anything left I am sure.   

 

[TBone0576]

Ode, my buddy just got a call from the pro out at Brighton Dale to let him know the course is closed until Tuesday so there goes my two rounds this weekend.  Looks like I spoke too soon.   Guess I may need to find a driving range.  

[ode1]

On 3/21/2025 at 9:21 AM, TBone0576 said:

Ode, my buddy just got a call from the pro out at Brighton Dale to let him know the course is closed until Tuesday so there goes my two rounds this weekend.  Looks like I spoke too soon.   Guess I may need to find a driving range.  

Too lazy to drive down .... Although I had contemplated doing so yesterday.  Gonna try and get out later in the week and 🤞 something opens up further north.

[bk52]

Anyone familiar with the courses in the Eau Claire area? About 30 minutes or less away from the city center would be best. We have family who moved to the area and we will be there off and on this summer.

[Scott10]

7 hours ago, bk52 said:

Anyone familiar with the courses in the Eau Claire area? About 30 minutes or less away from the city center would be best. We have family who moved to the area and we will be there off and on this summer.

Grew up in Eau Claire
 

Wild Ridge is best bet for public if you can’t get on EC Country Club

 

Valley Golf in Mondovi is a nice track and Wissota in Chippewa Falls has some nice holes as well.  
 

If you’re willing to go about 45 minutes or so there are some really nice courses in Hudson, White Eagle is my favorite.  

[TBone0576]

Hoping to start getting out on the regular during the weekends down in SE Wisconsin.  Got out one day 3 weeks ago, course was closed following week and last weekend got out one day and rained out the next.   Game is very rusty after not touching a club in the offseason. 

[Phreddy]

What a long strange trip it's been....

 

My wife and I did our snowbird gig in Arizona again this year.  I walked and shot my best round of the year about two weeks ago in Arizona.  A 76 from 6500 yards.  Then I went home took a nap and had a heart attack.  I'm not buff.  I'm not super rigid diet and exercise wise, but I walk my 18's, eat "smart" and I'm maybe 10-12 pounds heavier than ideal.  Even at 68 I wouldn't have thought I was a candidate.  Smoking a pack a day for 30 years wasn't really smart, but I quit that 15 or more years ago and only smoked a couple cigars a week.  Yes, on the golf course.

 

My stents and I drove home to Wisconsin a couple days ago.  I walked 9 yesterday and 12 today.  Playing at 6000 yards for now.  I don't carry.  I use an MGI for the clubs.  I feel good, but lack a little stamina and maybe some strength.  The strangest part is no longer trusting your own body.  Both "rounds" were on pace to shoot 80 +/- which I found encouraging even though I am playing a few hundred yards short of where I think I belong.  I came from very fast and very firm greens, so not being able to get a putt to the hole is annoying but fixable.

 

Phreddy's Public Service Announcement of the Day:  Over 30% of first time heart attacks are fatal because the victim is unaware that they are having a heart attack.  I didn't go in to the ER until 2 days after the event and not until my body was spooling up to have the widow maker.  As a result I did more damage to the heart muscle than I would have if I had listened more attentively the first time.

 

Fairways and Greens!

[eboettne]

2 hours ago, Phreddy said:

What a long strange trip it's been....

 

My wife and I did our snowbird gig in Arizona again this year.  I walked and shot my best round of the year about two weeks ago in Arizona.  A 76 from 6500 yards.  Then I went home took a nap and had a heart attack.  I'm not buff.  I'm not super rigid diet and exercise wise, but I walk my 18's, eat "smart" and I'm maybe 10-12 pounds heavier than ideal.  Even at 68 I wouldn't have thought I was a candidate.  Smoking a pack a day for 30 years wasn't really smart, but I quit that 15 or more years ago and only smoked a couple cigars a week.  Yes, on the golf course.

 

My stents and I drove home to Wisconsin a couple days ago.  I walked 9 yesterday and 12 today.  Playing at 6000 yards for now.  I don't carry.  I use an MGI for the clubs.  I feel good, but lack a little stamina and maybe some strength.  The strangest part is no longer trusting your own body.  Both "rounds" were on pace to shoot 80 +/- which I found encouraging even though I am playing a few hundred yards short of where I think I belong.  I came from very fast and very firm greens, so not being able to get a putt to the hole is annoying but fixable.

 

Phreddy's Public Service Announcement of the Day:  Over 30% of first time heart attacks are fatal because the victim is unaware that they are having a heart attack.  I didn't go in to the ER until 2 days after the event and not until my body was spooling up to have the widow maker.  As a result I did more damage to the heart muscle than I would have if I had listened more attentively the first time.

 

Fairways and Greens!

 

Yikes, glad you're still with us. Thanks for the PSA  

[TBone0576]

Brighton Dale got hit hard by the storms late last week.  Blue course was closed this weekend.  Over 100 trees down on the property.  I played White on Saturday and while there were a lot of trees down but fortunately nothing that affected the course or trees in play.  Get the feeling the same won’t be true for Blue.  

[ldchristopher]

1 hour ago, TBone0576 said:

Brighton Dale got hit hard by the storms late last week.  Blue course was closed this weekend.  Over 100 trees down on the property.  I played White on Saturday and while there were a lot of trees down but fortunately nothing that affected the course or trees in play.  Get the feeling the same won’t be true for Blue.  

BDale yesterday was insane. Downed trees everywhere and you could tell the whole maintenance crew was working all day Friday. Some of the trees that went down were pretty big and hearty-looking. It’ll be interesting to see whether Blue plays any different after a lot of natural tree removal. 

[Chanceman]

On 5/13/2025 at 5:09 AM, Phreddy said:

What a long strange trip it's been....

 

My wife and I did our snowbird gig in Arizona again this year.  I walked and shot my best round of the year about two weeks ago in Arizona.  A 76 from 6500 yards.  Then I went home took a nap and had a heart attack.  I'm not buff.  I'm not super rigid diet and exercise wise, but I walk my 18's, eat "smart" and I'm maybe 10-12 pounds heavier than ideal.  Even at 68 I wouldn't have thought I was a candidate.  Smoking a pack a day for 30 years wasn't really smart, but I quit that 15 or more years ago and only smoked a couple cigars a week.  Yes, on the golf course.

 

My stents and I drove home to Wisconsin a couple days ago.  I walked 9 yesterday and 12 today.  Playing at 6000 yards for now.  I don't carry.  I use an MGI for the clubs.  I feel good, but lack a little stamina and maybe some strength.  The strangest part is no longer trusting your own body.  Both "rounds" were on pace to shoot 80 +/- which I found encouraging even though I am playing a few hundred yards short of where I think I belong.  I came from very fast and very firm greens, so not being able to get a putt to the hole is annoying but fixable.

 

Phreddy's Public Service Announcement of the Day:  Over 30% of first time heart attacks are fatal because the victim is unaware that they are having a heart attack.  I didn't go in to the ER until 2 days after the event and not until my body was spooling up to have the widow maker.  As a result I did more damage to the heart muscle than I would have if I had listened more attentively the first time.

 

Fairways and Greens!

Glad you passed the test! I’ve had 2 of those damn heart attacks but still punching. Eat well, live well. Keep up the activity