Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[PuttCurseRepeat]

The pic of #15 doesn't do that valley justice. I don't even know why I bother taking the first two shots on that hole, I always end up at the bottom of that valley where its a blind 100 yards up the hill to the green.

 

Pretty sure it's #13, but your point is right on. That valley is deep and steep. Very intimidating when you are down there - and I was down there. It was one of the spots on the course I remembered from my round a dozen years ago. I was down there then, too.

 

Hope you enjoyed the food in the Langford, I personally think its the best food in Green Lake. They definitely have the most popular Friday night fish fry with at least an hour wait. And the Saturday night prime rib is really good as well.

 

Langford's looks like a good place to hang. We had lunch on the deck. Simple fare. I had a chicken sandwich. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. I would definitely consider going back. We were going to try it the following night for the Fish Fry after Sand Valley, but during our round we decided that we didn't want to drive the hour and twenty minutes back to Green Lake hungry, dusty and tired, so we ate at Mammoth Lounge at Sand Valley and it worked out really well.

 

After our Lawsonia round, we went to a place called the Goose (Duck?) Blind. Their motto is "Where the fun begins and never ends". That's quite a boast and I'm afraid they couldn't quite live up to it. The N.Y. strip special was below average but it seems like a decent enough place to knock back a few and catch a game with your buddies. I will admit, the hostess and our server, had me wishing I was single. And younger. And handsome...

 

Have a great time in Green Lake, lucky dog!

[KeithM38]

I'm heading up to the Green Bay area next weekend and need a great place to play. I hoping to get on at Thornberry, but if I can't where should I try to go. Willing to drive a little was for a great place, just as long as it's not crazy expensive

[games]

I'm heading up to the Green Bay area next weekend and need a great place to play. I hoping to get on at Thornberry, but if I can't where should I try to go. Willing to drive a little was for a great place, just as long as it's not crazy expensive

 

Brown County is very good.

If you are willing to drive an hour and a half, go north up to Iron Mountain, MI to play TimberStone.

Golf Digest 5 stars (on level with Kohler, Pebble Beach, etc.).

Another option is to drive about 45 minutes south of Green Bay to play The Bull. I've heard it's really good, but I've never been there.

[KeithM38]

I'm heading up to the Green Bay area next weekend and need a great place to play. I hoping to get on at Thornberry, but if I can't where should I try to go. Willing to drive a little was for a great place, just as long as it's not crazy expensive

 

Brown County is very good.

If you are willing to drive an hour and a half, go north up to Iron Mountain, MI to play TimberStone.

Golf Digest 5 stars (on level with Kohler, Pebble Beach, etc.).

Another option is to drive about 45 minutes south of Green Bay to play The Bull. I've heard it's really good, but I've never been there.

I'll look into them, thanks

[KeithM38]

Made a time for The Bull on Friday, any of you guys advise me on anything there.

[Phreddy]

The Bull is a fun track. The conditions are generally very good and the first three holes sort of lure you in. "Hey, this is a nice place, and not too hard." By the time you come up 18 you will have used every club in your bag and your game will have been tested. Hole #8 has a split fairway that is not obvious from the tee.

 

Phred

[games]

Played St. Germain Golf Club in St. Germain (about halfway between Minocqua and Eagle River) in Wisconsin's beautiful northwoods. $60 with cart.

 

First, overall, GREAT condition. Well manicured. Green speeds varied, but probably as fast as you will ever see in northern Wisconsin. I would guess stimp was about 10-11, with 13 in more sun-baked greens. Also, SGGC got a new superintendent who has done a really nice job keeping trees trimmed so shots in the fairway aren't penalized with overhanging limbs. For a Northwoods course, SGGC is fairly wide open. Definitely not as penal as Northwood (Rhinelander) or Timber Ridge (Minocqua). But, the woods are still plentiful and visible enough to make you question whether the big stick is worth it on some holes...

 

Probably the biggest improvement is the clearing of trees and brush to create an unrestricted driving range! Last time I played the course, woods were not allowed on the range. And, while the range appears to be mats-only, it is greatly improved and very well-marked. Precept range balls were a mix of fairly new and very clean, playable used.

 

Overall, a really nice experience and definitely worth a stop when in Minocqua or Eagle River.

[Phreddy]

I am also in the north country this week. I played Turtleback on the 3rd. It is a fun course and the staff is exceptional. Really nice people. It was slow as molasses, but Hell, it was 78*, just a hint of a breeze, July 3rd and everyone was in a good mood and out to play a round. Some day I will screw up the courage to pull a driver on #9 and go for the green in one (265 to the center) instead of laying up off the tee at 200 yards, pitching a wedge on and taking my 2 putt.

 

Phred

[datrain711]

Has anyone here played Thornberry? I'm hoping to get a chance to play there soon and will definitely be keeping an eye on the LPGA coverage.

[ldchristopher]

I played The Oaks, Glen Erin, Prairie Woods and The Broadlands earlier in the week. The Oaks was not as good as I remembered in terms of making sure groups kept pace and the fact that they didn't have any water on the course was dumb. I need to play there on a non-holiday weekday because it's a really unique set-up with six par threes and five par fives. Glen Erin was great, as always. We had two rain delays because storms were right over Janesville and literally nowhere else in the area, but I was able to score really well in those conditions and Glen Erin always drains exceptionally well. Prairie Woods is the same as always: a country course that is maintained better than most courses of that ilk. It was playing firmer than usual but shooting even par is solid regardless of course. The Broadlands was playing even longer than it usually does and for some reason the sprinklers were on during play. I'm guessing the tanks below the fairways were full and they basically had to run the irrigation system. I really like the layout there, though I wish there was more variety in the par threes. There's some real teeth in the par fours at that course.

[BirdieRoll]

Just want to get in a plug for Spooner Golf Club. Recently played it for the first time and really enjoyed it. While not a long course, it's in fantastic shape, greens are running medium-fast and I used every club in the bag except one during my round.

 

18 is a strong and pretty par 4 with a marsh in play on both shots. Looking forward to playing it again later this summer.

[Phreddy]

The First Tee of Southeastern Wisconsin is doing a fund raiser auction. There are some pretty sweet courses available that while not Augusta are not easy to get a tee time without the right connections: Milwaukee Country Club, Minocqua CC, Pine Hills...Or how about an Erin Hills pin flag signed by Brooks.

 

https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/tftsew-2306

 

*I am not affiliated with the First Tee, nor do I stand to benefit from posting this.

 

Phred

[MidwestGolfBum]

Has anyone here played Thornberry? I'm hoping to get a chance to play there soon and will definitely be keeping an eye on the LPGA coverage.

 

Played there last year in the WSGA Four-ball and found the course to be good. Some of the holes were dumb from the shortish yardages that we played from, but that has more to do with me than the actual course. The course was very much in front of you and playable to be sure. We had a bunch of rain before we played, if I remember right, and the greens were still fairly quick for the event and could tell that they were able to get them very firm.

 

Getting there are playing it is certainly going to be worth the time and money.

[SpeedKills7]

Heading up to Devils Head in a few weeks for a weekend. Definitely not the best course but its a great time with 90 holes in 3 days. We head up the day before and play a good course on the way up. Coming from Chicago we usually stop in Madison and play University Ridge. Looking to try a new course on the way up. Suggestions?

[Phreddy]

Once you are at Devil's Head, The Dells aren't far away. Wild Rock is an excellent course.

[ldchristopher]

Heading up to Devils Head in a few weeks for a weekend. Definitely not the best course but its a great time with 90 holes in 3 days. We head up the day before and play a good course on the way up. Coming from Chicago we usually stop in Madison and play University Ridge. Looking to try a new course on the way up. Suggestions?

Washington County isn't far off the highway and is on the way up. Also, The Oaks in Cottage Grove is a solid course. It's a little funky in that it's got six par 3s and five par 5s but I like the layout,

[Opie Winston]

Wild Rock is a great course. Living in Madison, it is my favorite public course to play in the area. Wide fairways, no blind shots. Not really "on the way" though.

 

There is a private course next to University Ridge called Hawks Landing. If you call, they'll usually give public rate of $75 and its easy to get on.

 

Conditions are similar to U Ridge, only downside is the course is basically through a subdivision, so you are around a lot of houses. I live in the area and play both Hawks and U Ridge regularly.

 

For ease of drive, I also agree with The Oaks, since it is right off the interstate. It is a tier below the others mentioned.

[Opie Winston]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

[geochitown]

Heading up to Devils Head in a few weeks for a weekend. Definitely not the best course but its a great time with 90 holes in 3 days. We head up the day before and play a good course on the way up. Coming from Chicago we usually stop in Madison and play University Ridge. Looking to try a new course on the way up. Suggestions?

 

Depending on how many you are...

 

you could use boxgroove (with free membership) and play The Beloit Club (I haven't played there)

 

or I've heard Glen Erin in Janesville is interesting

 

you could also use boxgroove to play Bishop's Bay in Madison

[PuttCurseRepeat]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

 

Lawsonia's twilight rate on Thursday is $50 (3p.m.). Highly recommend.

[SpeedKills7]

Thanks guys. It will be 2-4 guys heading up with us so I will run the options by them.

[ldchristopher]

Heading up to Devils Head in a few weeks for a weekend. Definitely not the best course but its a great time with 90 holes in 3 days. We head up the day before and play a good course on the way up. Coming from Chicago we usually stop in Madison and play University Ridge. Looking to try a new course on the way up. Suggestions?

 

Depending on how many you are...

 

you could use boxgroove (with free membership) and play The Beloit Club (I haven't played there)

 

or I've heard Glen Erin in Janesville is interesting

 

you could also use boxgroove to play Bishop's Bay in Madison

Glen Erin is one of my favorite courses. Holes 1-11, 15, and 17-18 are faux links while 12-14 are woodlands. 16 is a gimme 150 yard par 3. The fairways are wide open on the links holes and have landing areas that, if you hit them, allow for some really long roll off the tee while the greens are multi tiered and very smooth. They tend to run at about a 9.5. If you take 90 up and play Glen Erin, you'll definitely enjoy the round. It also won't cost you that much, since it's something like $33 to walk.

[ode1]

Heading up to Devils Head in a few weeks for a weekend. Definitely not the best course but its a great time with 90 holes in 3 days. We head up the day before and play a good course on the way up. Coming from Chicago we usually stop in Madison and play University Ridge. Looking to try a new course on the way up. Suggestions?

 

Depending on how many you are...

 

you could use boxgroove (with free membership) and play The Beloit Club (I haven't played there)

 

or I've heard Glen Erin in Janesville is interesting

 

you could also use boxgroove to play Bishop's Bay in Madison

Glen Erin is one of my favorite courses. Holes 1-11, 15, and 17-18 are faux links while 12-14 are woodlands. 16 is a gimme 150 yard par 3. The fairways are wide open on the links holes and have landing areas that, if you hit them, allow for some really long roll off the tee while the greens are multi tiered and very smooth. They tend to run at about a 9.5. If you take 90 up and play Glen Erin, you'll definitely enjoy the round. It also won't cost you that much, since it's something like $33 to walk.

 

Grew up in Janesville and try to play Glen Erin every time I visit family....it's a very fun course to play....12 and 15 are both visually imposing off the tee with 12 being better to lay back IMO as who knows what the lie will be once you get up to the 150ish area. Look fwd to getting back there soon!

[MidwestGolfBum]

Wild Rock is a great course. Living in Madison, it is my favorite public course to play in the area. Wide fairways, no blind shots. Not really "on the way" though.

 

There is a private course next to University Ridge called Hawks Landing. If you call, they'll usually give public rate of $75 and its easy to get on.

 

Conditions are similar to U Ridge, only downside is the course is basically through a subdivision, so you are around a lot of houses. I live in the area and play both Hawks and U Ridge regularly.

 

For ease of drive, I also agree with The Oaks, since it is right off the interstate. It is a tier below the others mentioned.

 

I know it's 5 days later, but we (Hawks) will only let public book tee times through GolfNow at select times. Tee times need to be booked over 48 hours in advance and are $75 as stated.

 

Presently we have some storm damage from the 10" of rain we got in 5 days as it the case for many courses in the area and the course is VERY wet and as of this morning there are still some trees that aren't in play but need to be cleaned up still but overall the course is still in pretty good shape. Greens have rolled faster than URidge all year, and has also played more firm outside of the monsoons we got last week.

[Opie Winston]

Wild Rock is a great course. Living in Madison, it is my favorite public course to play in the area. Wide fairways, no blind shots. Not really "on the way" though.

 

There is a private course next to University Ridge called Hawks Landing. If you call, they'll usually give public rate of $75 and its easy to get on.

 

Conditions are similar to U Ridge, only downside is the course is basically through a subdivision, so you are around a lot of houses. I live in the area and play both Hawks and U Ridge regularly.

 

For ease of drive, I also agree with The Oaks, since it is right off the interstate. It is a tier below the others mentioned.

 

I know it's 5 days later, but we (Hawks) will only let public book tee times through GolfNow at select times. Tee times need to be booked over 48 hours in advance and are $75 as stated.

 

Presently we have some storm damage from the 10" of rain we got in 5 days as it the case for many courses in the area and the course is VERY wet and as of this morning there are still some trees that aren't in play but need to be cleaned up still but overall the course is still in pretty good shape. Greens have rolled faster than URidge all year, and has also played more firm outside of the monsoons we got last week.

 

I think you guys sometimes have even better rates than $75 through GolfNow during the week.

 

Agreed. Greens at Hawks generally faster and in better shape than U Ridge in my experience over the last 10 years.

[Opie Winston]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

 

Lawsonia's twilight rate on Thursday is $50 (3p.m.). Highly recommend.

 

We decided on Lawsonia, but instead of the Links, we went with the Woodlands.

 

Myself and another guy have already played the Links a couple times and want to experience the other 18.

 

I don't hear much love on this forum for the woodlands.... any reason why?

[geochitown]

Wild Rock is a great course. Living in Madison, it is my favorite public course to play in the area. Wide fairways, no blind shots. Not really "on the way" though.

 

There is a private course next to University Ridge called Hawks Landing. If you call, they'll usually give public rate of $75 and its easy to get on.

 

Conditions are similar to U Ridge, only downside is the course is basically through a subdivision, so you are around a lot of houses. I live in the area and play both Hawks and U Ridge regularly.

 

For ease of drive, I also agree with The Oaks, since it is right off the interstate. It is a tier below the others mentioned.

 

I know it's 5 days later, but we (Hawks) will only let public book tee times through GolfNow at select times. Tee times need to be booked over 48 hours in advance and are $75 as stated.

 

Presently we have some storm damage from the 10" of rain we got in 5 days as it the case for many courses in the area and the course is VERY wet and as of this morning there are still some trees that aren't in play but need to be cleaned up still but overall the course is still in pretty good shape. Greens have rolled faster than URidge all year, and has also played more firm outside of the monsoons we got last week.

 

I'd like to play the course sometime. Thanks for posting.

 

Jim Harbottle (RIP) design. I think one of the few in the midwest, as he was a washingtonian, I believe.

 

Sad, as he died pretty young from a heart attack.

 

http://www.harbottledesign.com/projects.html

[ode1]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

 

Lawsonia's twilight rate on Thursday is $50 (3p.m.). Highly recommend.

 

We decided on Lawsonia, but instead of the Links, we went with the Woodlands.

 

Myself and another guy have already played the Links a couple times and want to experience the other 18.

 

I don't hear much love on this forum for the woodlands.... any reason why?

 

Mostly due to the love for the Links, the Woodlands gets overlooked a bit....but it is a nice course and I always enjoy playing it. Enjoy.

[MidwestGolfBum]

Wild Rock is a great course. Living in Madison, it is my favorite public course to play in the area. Wide fairways, no blind shots. Not really "on the way" though.

 

There is a private course next to University Ridge called Hawks Landing. If you call, they'll usually give public rate of $75 and its easy to get on.

 

Conditions are similar to U Ridge, only downside is the course is basically through a subdivision, so you are around a lot of houses. I live in the area and play both Hawks and U Ridge regularly.

 

For ease of drive, I also agree with The Oaks, since it is right off the interstate. It is a tier below the others mentioned.

 

I know it's 5 days later, but we (Hawks) will only let public book tee times through GolfNow at select times. Tee times need to be booked over 48 hours in advance and are $75 as stated.

 

Presently we have some storm damage from the 10" of rain we got in 5 days as it the case for many courses in the area and the course is VERY wet and as of this morning there are still some trees that aren't in play but need to be cleaned up still but overall the course is still in pretty good shape. Greens have rolled faster than URidge all year, and has also played more firm outside of the monsoons we got last week.

 

I'd like to play the course sometime. Thanks for posting.

 

Jim Harbottle (RIP) design. I think one of the few in the midwest, as he was a washingtonian, I believe.

 

Sad, as he died pretty young from a heart attack.

 

http://www.harbottle...m/projects.html

 

Given the fact that I have played the course hundreds of times now, there are certainly some changes, but that's true for almost every course that somebody has played a lot. It's a well laid out course, and while not the most scenic due to the neighborhood that it winds through, the homes really don't feel like they are on top of you as has been the case with many residential projects that I have played over the years.

 

Our fescue has gotten better and better since that project started about 8 years ago, and has now gotten to the point where it's penal, but not so much that you can't find your golf ball in almost all spots on the golf course.

 

I do hope that you find a time that you can come and play!

[marks21]

I will be traveling through the Sheboygan area next month and am trying to find a time to play Whistling Straits. Can anyone fill me in on how their twilight rounds work? Cost, time of day they begin, are caddies still required, etc? Their website ask for you to call but I am just wanting to get an idea prior to calling. Thanks.