Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[kyackley]

That was such an odd storm.  Seemed like every place around Kenosha got hit hard, but the courses east of I 94 didn't get touched.  Muni and Pets had minimal issues.  Sad to see the damage at Brighton Dale.  

[TBone0576]

Brighton Dale is getting cleaned up little by little and finally got to see the Blue course Sunday.   Other than part of the big tree in front of the 10th tee coming down as well as a large tree on the right side that would block you out if you hit it over there off the tee, it really didn't effect anything in play and no tees or greens were injured.   A lot of branches still down and trees cut into logs that haven't been moved out yet.   A lot of the trees that came down appeared to be hollow or rotted out in the middle which I'm sure contributed to them falling down, although I did see a handful of healthy trees that were just sheared in half as well.   

 

Got a big surprise yesterday when one of our regulars for years met us out after having 2 strokes and a heart attack during the offseason.  He is still in pretty rough shape but was determined to come out and try to hit the ball and chip and putt.  He was able to hit the ball maybe 60 yards tops and enjoyed chipping and putting a little.   Sad to see him in that condition but hopefully he can continue to improve with the therapy.  I know he was happy to be back out there with us. 

[kyackley]

Sad to see what happened to Brighton Dale, but I will admit that I am happy to hear the trees on the 10th tee being gone.

[TheBear95]

12 hours ago, TBone0576 said:

Brighton Dale is getting cleaned up little by little and finally got to see the Blue course Sunday.   Other than part of the big tree in front of the 10th tee coming down as well as a large tree on the right side that would block you out if you hit it over there off the tee, it really didn't effect anything in play and no tees or greens were injured.   A lot of branches still down and trees cut into logs that haven't been moved out yet.   A lot of the trees that came down appeared to be hollow or rotted out in the middle which I'm sure contributed to them falling down, although I did see a handful of healthy trees that were just sheared in half as well.   

 

Got a big surprise yesterday when one of our regulars for years met us out after having 2 strokes and a heart attack during the offseason.  He is still in pretty rough shape but was determined to come out and try to hit the ball and chip and putt.  He was able to hit the ball maybe 60 yards tops and enjoyed chipping and putting a little.   Sad to see him in that condition but hopefully he can continue to improve with the therapy.  I know he was happy to be back out there with us. 

 

I'm shedding no tears about the trees on 10. Eager to get out and see it.

[TBone0576]

23 hours ago, kyackley said:

Sad to see what happened to Brighton Dale, but I will admit that I am happy to hear the trees on the 10th tee being gone.

The main part of the tree that blocked that tee shot is there but it lost some significant branches.   There was a very large tree that was just over the hill to the right of the cart path on the right hand side that appeared to be rotted or hollow inside that is completely down.  Now if you spray it right and it gets knocked down you should have a chance to at least advance it up near the green without that tree in the way.  I was personally hoping a few of those trees on 15 that block the 2nd shot over the water would have come down.  I hit one Sunday and it knocked the ball into the pond.  🤬  

[kyackley]

Getting out twice this weekend, hitting up Bristol Oaks and Valley Ridge.  Hoping Bristol Oaks is in better shape than it was last year with the new owners.  Heard it's a work in progress.  

[TheBear95]

1 hour ago, kyackley said:

Getting out twice this weekend, hitting up Bristol Oaks and Valley Ridge.  Hoping Bristol Oaks is in better shape than it was last year with the new owners.  Heard it's a work in progress.  

 

My last trip to Bristol Oaks was last May. Yeah, it needed a lot of TLC. 

[kyackley]

19 minutes ago, TheBear95 said:

 

My last trip to Bristol Oaks was last May. Yeah, it needed a lot of TLC. 

I have heard good and bad about how things are so far this year at Bristol Oaks.  Good that I have heard is that you can tell there is an effort being made to making it better.  Like now there is a distinction between each fairway.  So they have let the rough grow out between each hole.  
Heard the greens are still in bad shape.  That will take some time after how they were last year.  
Here is hoping it becomes a nice course again.  In the last few years this area lost Maplecrest and South Hills.  Don't want to lose another public course.

[TBone0576]

1 hour ago, TheBear95 said:

 

My last trip to Bristol Oaks was last May. Yeah, it needed a lot of TLC. 

Bear, have you and LD made it to Spring Valley this spring?   I thought I read that you did.   I haven't been in a few years and was just curious how the early conditions were.   They usually aren't the best but always one of the first courses in this area to open up at least.  I don't dislike the course but just don't seek out a tee time there.  

[TheBear95]

2 hours ago, TBone0576 said:

Bear, have you and LD made it to Spring Valley this spring?   I thought I read that you did.   I haven't been in a few years and was just curious how the early conditions were.   They usually aren't the best but always one of the first courses in this area to open up at least.  I don't dislike the course but just don't seek out a tee time there.  

 

Yes, played it three weeks ago. Conditions were good for Spring Valley. It was starting to get firm, which is when I like to play it.

 

I'm a Spring Valley fan. The layout and greens are interesting.

 

Also, they are starting to do some targeted tree removal, which is sorely needed. Right now, they are removing the trees to the right of the #4 green. A small step, but one in the right direction.

 

 

Edited May 28 by TheBear95

[kyackley]

17 hours ago, TheBear95 said:

 

Yes, played it three weeks ago. Conditions were good for Spring Valley. It was starting to get firm, which is when I like to play it.

 

I'm a Spring Valley fan. The layout and greens are interesting.

 

Also, they are starting to do some targeted tree removal, which is sorely needed. Right now, they are removing the trees to the right of the #4 green. A small step, but one in the right direction.

 

 

I also enjoy Spring Valley.  The no sand traps, but deeper rough as replacement is fun to play.  

[ode1]

On 5/28/2025 at 2:56 PM, TheBear95 said:

#4 green

The par 5?.....that hole has so much potential but it looks like a disaster area up by the approach and green/surrounds.  Needs to be cleaned up so the fairway/rough are more defined.  I believe the trees are between hole and next tee box?  That will definitely help with better airflow, sun, etc.  That green always seems to be wet and marked up.  Even though there are some condition issues, I love that course.  It's a fun track and enjoyable walk!

[TheBear95]

2 hours ago, ode1 said:

The par 5?.....that hole has so much potential but it looks like a disaster area up by the approach and green/surrounds.  Needs to be cleaned up so the fairway/rough are more defined.  I believe the trees are between hole and next tee box?  That will definitely help with better airflow, sun, etc.  That green always seems to be wet and marked up.  Even though there are some condition issues, I love that course.  It's a fun track and enjoyable walk!

 

Correct, the par 5 and the trees being removed are the ones you referenced. Yes, it should significantly improve the airflow and sunlight for that whole area.

 

Most of the trees at SV should be removed, as they were never intended to be part of the layout. 

Edited May 31 by TheBear95

[Phreddy]

Golfweek has done their annual ranking of "Best Of..." courses in each state.  This edition it is the Best of Public Courses.  Interesting that Sand Valley has 4 out of the top 5 best public courses in Wisconsin.  High praise indeed.  A list like this is highly subjective and better as cocktail conversation than the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Still, the Kaiser family has every right to be proud of the themselves for what they have created at Sand Valley, and we in Wisconsin are fortunate to host their endeavor.  It is crazy to think that a state with about a 6 month golf season has become such a mecca for destination golf.

 

Phred

[games]

What a golf state! Having moved to Iowa, one of the things I miss about Wisconsin is the amount of accessible golf. I would say that for many of us, playing more than eight or nine Wisconsin courses would be a "bucket list" item. But, I also think it speaks to the quality of the many public courses not listed that we all know are incredible.

 

Listing the Lido as a public course is a bit of a stretch, no? I know they have made some tee times public, but I thought it was going to be private.

 

The link to the Golfweek story is below. But I put list of Wisconsin tracks for discussion here:

 

1. Kohler Whistling Straits (Straits), Mosel

2. Sand Valley (Lido), Nekoosa

T3. Sand Valley (Sand Valley), Nekoosa

T3. Sand Valley (Mammoth Dunes), Nekoosa

5. Sand Valley (Sedge Valley)*,

6. Erin Hills, Erin

7. Lawsonia (Links), Green Lake

8. Kohler Blackwolf Run (River), Kohler

9. Kohler Whistling Straits (Irish), Mosel (m)

10. SentryWorld, Stevens Point

11. University Ridge, Madison

12. The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, Sheboygan Falls

13. Kohler Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valleys),Kohler

14. Wilderness Resort (Wild Rock), Wisconsin Dells

T15. The Club at Lac La Belle, Oconomowoc

T15. Geneva National GC (Arnold Palmer) Lake Geneva

 

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2025/06/02/golfweeks-best-2025-top-public-access-golf-courses-every-state-ranked/83675982007/

Edited June 3 by games

[games]

Was just thinking about this...

It was only 20-30 years ago that Blackwolf Run River and Blackwolf Run Meadow/Valleys were #1 and #2 on this list.

Time flies...

 

[ode1]

13 hours ago, games said:

Was just thinking about this...

It was only 20-30 years ago that Blackwolf Run River and Blackwolf Run Meadow/Valleys were #1 and #2 on this list.

Time flies...

 

 My thoughts too, as well as LL being ranked ahead of the River ....although I agree, I think that would be a tough sell for those that have played both🤔.....the other ? I had is how is Sedge Valley ranked so high and it's barely had any play?

[games]

On 6/4/2025 at 8:13 AM, ode1 said:

 My thoughts too, as well as LL being ranked ahead of the River ....although I agree, I think that would be a tough sell for those that have played both🤔.....the other ? I had is how is Sedge Valley ranked so high and it's barely had any play?

 

ode1, you trying to get me to go on a rant about Lawsonia again? That FIB who constantly raves about LL was up my sphincter for a month after I started the "Lawsonia Links I Don't Get the Love" thread...

[ode1]

25 minutes ago, games said:

 

ode1, you trying to get me to go on a rant about Lawsonia again? That FIB who constantly raves about LL was up my sphincter for a month after I started the "Lawsonia Links I Don't Get the Love" thread...

LOL, I forgot that was you.  That thread definitely lead to some spirited debate🙃

[jwhite86]

Has anyone played The Preserve at Silver Spring lately? I'm using a Group Golfer voucher there on Friday. I have no experience with the course and my expectations aren't very high. But, still curious what to expect.

[Skeeter]

Any good courses within an hour or so of Wisconsin Dells with NO cart paths? Wednesday is looking wet and CPO is a no go for this fat guy. 

[ode1]

16 hours ago, Skeeter said:

Any good courses within an hour or so of Wisconsin Dells with NO cart paths? Wednesday is looking wet and CPO is a no go for this fat guy. 

Northern Bay could be an option.  They have paths by the box, green, in between each hole, but not throughout.

 

Wild Rock drains fairly well so you might call ahead and see if they are CPO the morning off tee time.

[StudentGolfer4]

Any info on Trout Lake?
 

I’ve read they put alot of money into it last year and created a few new holes and made some significant changes to others. 
 

I’ve never met someone with many positives to say about the place but the work they did make it seem like it could potentially be a big improvement. Rates have also gone up considerably. I’m seeing $80 for a standard rate, including cart. 
 

 

[games]

16 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Any info on Trout Lake?
 

I’ve read they put alot of money into it last year and created a few new holes and made some significant changes to others. 
 

I’ve never met someone with many positives to say about the place but the work they did make it seem like it could potentially be a big improvement. Rates have also gone up considerably. I’m seeing $80 for a standard rate, including cart. 
 

 

 

At first blush, $80 for that layout seems a little steep. But, if you consider the alternatives like Timber Ridge ($100 w cart) and St. Germain $91) I don't think it's terrible. If anything, might be worth paying just to see the renovation. 

[kyackley]

10 minutes ago, games said:

 

At first blush, $80 for that layout seems a little steep. But, if you consider the alternatives like Timber Ridge ($100 w cart) and St. Germain $91) I don't think it's terrible. If anything, might be worth paying just to see the renovation. 

Nice 9 hole course in that area is Plum Lake. 

[StudentGolfer4]

Thanks guys! I’ve played Timber Ridge several times and St. Germain once. I plan on taking a day trip to Lawsonia when I’m up north but may get a second day to play somewhere nearby. If I get out to trout lake I’ll report back. 

[ode1]

On 6/19/2025 at 11:38 AM, kyackley said:

Nice 9 hole course in that area is Plum Lake. 

Ran into a guy at Big Fish and got talking golf and that is his home course.  He suggested playing it if in the area!

[games]

On 6/20/2025 at 10:14 AM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Thanks guys! I’ve played Timber Ridge several times and St. Germain once. I plan on taking a day trip to Lawsonia when I’m up north but may get a second day to play somewhere nearby. If I get out to trout lake I’ll report back. 

 

Trip down to Rhinelander for Northwoods. Bring two dozen!

[collje26]

On 6/19/2025 at 1:22 AM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Any info on Trout Lake?
 

I’ve read they put alot of money into it last year and created a few new holes and made some significant changes to others. 
 

I’ve never met someone with many positives to say about the place but the work they did make it seem like it could potentially be a big improvement. Rates have also gone up considerably. I’m seeing $80 for a standard rate, including cart. 
 

 

It’s going to be great in 18 months. They have stuck a ton of money into it and it’s shown however they have a lot of temp tee’s shortening the course and as others have said the rates are increased. I’m not saying it’s not worth it but it will be much easier to stomach the cost when things are grown in. 

[zer0]

On 6/5/2025 at 7:45 PM, games said:

 

ode1, you trying to get me to go on a rant about Lawsonia again? That FIB who constantly raves about LL was up my sphincter for a month after I started the "Lawsonia Links I Don't Get the Love" thread...

 

I'm coming for you!  you can't hide in this thread!!  😜