Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[JoeHatesSnow]

Going to play Trappers Turn on Sunday.  Not my favorite track in the area, but I have a foursome to use up from a charity outing and it's fall golf!  🙂

 

Hopefully the rain/wind stays low until we're finished.

[geochitown]

12 hours ago, DavePelz4 said:

 

Geo, care to share your experience with the "New Club" in terms of the courses you have access to and the availability of tee times at those facilities?  I went through the website but there isn't a lot of info in terms of courses.  Thanks much.

 

Hey DP4, I would say my experience has been good with NewClub (this has been my first year with them).  It's probably best if you contact NewClub to discuss courses, as they tend to want to keep the roster private (will discuss, but don't want it out and about in writing).

 

The tee time availability varies but can be weekday and weekend times, depending.

 

I have been able to play some nice private clubs and they also have tee times at some of the better publics.  There has been a bit of a dip in private course selection as some courses have been less apt to offer up unaccompanied times with COVID and increased membership numbers.

 

I've been able to play some cool private courses and for me that's enough and I will likely re-up my annual membership to continue to have that access.

 

I've got young kids so my playing time is limited (typically get in a round once per week), so I haven't been able to take advantage of the full offering of benefits (trips/tournaments/get togethers).

 

I've been impressed with the number of events (both local and in other areas), Sand Valley/Lawsonia and currently Pinehurst (North Carolina).  And they do a pretty cool season long competition with a 2 day competition.

 

I've really enjoyed the people I have played with.

Some courses allow you to bring your own guests, and others don't, so either way you are typically meeting some new fellow golf fanatics, and they encourage match play (one racks up more points for the season tally if you play matches).  And so far, it's just been points (no cash on the line), so it'd pretty fun.

 

You can send it an email to this address to talk to them about offerings (courses, etc).

 

hello@newclub.golf

 

Hope this helps

[collje26]

23 hours ago, ode said:

Thought about it yesterday.  Played Western Lakes in the a.m. and Washington Co. in the afternoon.  Haven't been to Wash. Co. in over a year, so we kept our plans and went there and had a blast, but we contemplated going to LLB while in route!  Tis the season to take advantage of fall rates!

I haven't played Washington County either but I've heard great things about LLB and had the pleasure of speaking with Craig Haltom at an event at Lawsonia so I wanted to go check it out. Tee time is tomorrow so I'm hoping the rain holds out!

[noahwein]

Playing Whistling Straits this weekend. Do they allow push carts? Curious if due to the terrain if carrying or push carting would be recommended. I carried at Erin Hills since push carts aren’t allowed there and would rather use a push cart if at all feasible 

[klebs01]

7 hours ago, noahwein said:

Playing Whistling Straits this weekend. Do they allow push carts? Curious if due to the terrain if carrying or push carting would be recommended. I carried at Erin Hills since push carts aren’t allowed there and would rather use a push cart if at all feasible 

Push carts are allowed but I wouldn’t recommend it. Try to carry a Sunday bag or something super light if you can. Played last year with a buddy and carried even though I usually push. Was very glad I did as I watched the two guys we were paired nwith struggling with their carts and having them

tip over numerous times on the narrow paths. 

Edited October 28, 2021 by klebs01

[ode1]

9 hours ago, noahwein said:

Playing Whistling Straits this weekend. Do they allow push carts? Curious if due to the terrain if carrying or push carting would be recommended. I carried at Erin Hills since push carts aren’t allowed there and would rather use a push cart if at all feasible 

I've pushed at the Irish several times.  PITA in spots, but miles better then carrying 20+ #'s on your back, especially if you are not used to it.  The bit of extra walking you'll do is well worth it to push vs. carry!

 

I would call to double check if you can push at the Straits....I think you can late fall but ??

[bcc624]

Sand Valley here we come!  I booked a 8 man buddies trip to Sand Valley for 10/6-10/9/2022.  I have a couple questions that I’m hoping someone can help me with!

 

• There appears to be scheduled flights that land into Madison at 10AM. I currently have two tee times booked for 1:15PM and 1:25PM the day of arrival at Mammoth Dunes. Is this a big enough window for us as long as there aren’t crazy delays? Or would people suggest maybe doing a later tee time at the sandbox to play it safe?
• Has anyone done a transportation/shuttle service from Madison to SV? Any recommendations or tips? Or will it be smarter to rent mini vans or something?
• Are there beverage carts on SV and MD? My buddies like to throw a few back on the course and I want to calibrate their expectations if there aren’t.
• I’m going to call reservations soon, but has anyone had experience in the process for securing an ADA cart for a medical reason? One of the people in my group has a a B12 deficiency issue and they’ve told me would be very tough for them to walk. Would that person need to take a caddie?

Edited October 29, 2021 by bcc624

[ldchristopher]

My friend and I played Fire Ridge and Washington County yesterday. We didn’t get a drop of rain while it poured all day in Chicago but there were high winds pretty much the whole round with occasional gale gusts. The greens at Fire Ridge were running much faster than we expected. They must have stayed dry over night because they were able to get out and roll them. They were stimping at 11 or 11.5. Washington County was stellar as always but I think Fire Ridge is more difficult. The greens at Washington County were running at about 10 and with the fescue cut down it felt even more open than usual. Of course, that just made the winds feel that much stronger. Both are such easy walks as well. It’s nice to see other walkers. Chicago is just all cart golfers these days even though it might be the flattest terrain in the country. Pair of 75’s. 

[miss0033]

On 10/28/2021 at 9:30 PM, bcc624 said:

Sand Valley here we come!  I booked a 8 man buddies trip to Sand Valley for 10/6-10/9/2022.  I have a couple questions that I’m hoping someone can help me with!

 

• There appears to be scheduled flights that land into Madison at 10AM. I currently have two tee times booked for 1:15PM and 1:25PM the day of arrival at Mammoth Dunes. Is this a big enough window for us as long as there aren’t crazy delays? Or would people suggest maybe doing a later tee time at the sandbox to play it safe?
• Has anyone done a transportation/shuttle service from Madison to SV? Any recommendations or tips? Or will it be smarter to rent mini vans or something?
• Are there beverage carts on SV and MD? My buddies like to throw a few back on the course and I want to calibrate their expectations if there aren’t.
• I’m going to call reservations soon, but has anyone had experience in the process for securing an ADA cart for a medical reason? One of the people in my group has a a B12 deficiency issue and they’ve told me would be very tough for them to walk. Would that person need to take a caddie?

 

That's extremely tight time wise...  Assuming you land on-time, with no delays, flight changes, etc.  You'll have to wait at baggage claim for your clubs, then get your rental car.  Then drive about 1.75 hours to Sand Valley.  Probably want to stop somewhere and get food at some point too.  If everything goes absolutely perfect, you'd park, check-in, and walk up to the tee box.  Personally - I wouldn't cut it that close.

I am not aware of any shuttle service from Madison to SV.  I think Rental Car/Van is likely the only option.

I am also not aware of any beverage carts at SV/MD.  There are turn stands with quick stuff available, IE Craig's Porch.

[bcc624]

6 hours ago, miss0033 said:

 

That's extremely tight time wise...  Assuming you land on-time, with no delays, flight changes, etc.  You'll have to wait at baggage claim for your clubs, then get your rental car.  Then drive about 1.75 hours to Sand Valley.  Probably want to stop somewhere and get food at some point too.  If everything goes absolutely perfect, you'd park, check-in, and walk up to the tee box.  Personally - I wouldn't cut it that close.

I am not aware of any shuttle service from Madison to SV.  I think Rental Car/Van is likely the only option.

I am also not aware of any beverage carts at SV/MD.  There are turn stands with quick stuff available, IE Craig's Porch.

Thank you!!!

[bankkur74]

On 10/28/2021 at 9:30 PM, bcc624 said:

Sand Valley here we come!  I booked a 8 man buddies trip to Sand Valley for 10/6-10/9/2022.  I have a couple questions that I’m hoping someone can help me with!

 

• There appears to be scheduled flights that land into Madison at 10AM. I currently have two tee times booked for 1:15PM and 1:25PM the day of arrival at Mammoth Dunes. Is this a big enough window for us as long as there aren’t crazy delays? Or would people suggest maybe doing a later tee time at the sandbox to play it safe?
• Has anyone done a transportation/shuttle service from Madison to SV? Any recommendations or tips? Or will it be smarter to rent mini vans or something?
• Are there beverage carts on SV and MD? My buddies like to throw a few back on the course and I want to calibrate their expectations if there aren’t.
• I’m going to call reservations soon, but has anyone had experience in the process for securing an ADA cart for a medical reason? One of the people in my group has a a B12 deficiency issue and they’ve told me would be very tough for them to walk. Would that person need to take a caddie?

I can help with the beverage cart question. There are no beverage carts out on the courses, but they do have beverage and food ”stations” Set up out on the courses. It’s usually a worker that has some food available as well as various beverages at an area they that they have stocked.  And they are pretty good about setting the food stations between certain holes so you’ll come across them more than once. I like to have a couple during the round and had no problem keeping a good buzz going. Plus there is Craigs porch that you can visit when you’re making the turn on the sand valley course, Unfortunately there is no midway house when you’re making the turn on mammoth dunes course, but there is a food station.  

[bcc624]

On 11/6/2021 at 8:10 PM, bankkur74 said:

I can help with the beverage cart question. There are no beverage carts out on the courses, but they do have beverage and food ”stations” Set up out on the courses. It’s usually a worker that has some food available as well as various beverages at an area they that they have stocked.  And they are pretty good about setting the food stations between certain holes so you’ll come across them more than once. I like to have a couple during the round and had no problem keeping a good buzz going. Plus there is Craigs porch that you can visit when you’re making the turn on the sand valley course, Unfortunately there is no midway house when you’re making the turn on mammoth dunes course, but there is a food station.  

Excellent! Thank you!

[Phreddy]

Sentry World is planning to reopen in June of 2022 with a new twist.  They will be using 20 minute tee times to eliminate any chance of a pace of play issue.  Food and beverage will be available on course and already included in your greens fees.  Ain't nothin' free though, as greens fees are going to $275 up $100 from 2019.  They have added a sub-air system to all 18 greens and the practice green so as to provide firm fast putting no matter the ambient weather conditions.  And they have added some longer tees.  Many of these changes are directly the result of being chosen to host the 2023 US Senior Open.

 

$275 seems like a big nut to me.  It is a course I like and the service has always been exceptional, but they must be really confident in the upgrades to believe in that number.  Perhaps they are expecting to be come part of a triangle that includes Sand Valley and either Erin Hills or Whistling Straits.  You could toss Lawsonia into that itinerary mix and have a pretty good trip.

 

Phred

[geochitown]

I saw that as well.

Going the all-inclusive route.

I haven't seen it since the renovation.

Rising tide raises all ships.

Adds another option to those in the area, to whom $275 compared to a day at Sand Valley, or to Kohler or Erin Hills might be attractive.

 

Has anyone played Stevens Point CC since the renovation post pesticide/herbicide court award?

[ode1]

That puts the nail in the coffin of ever playing SW again.  I first played it ~15 years ago when the rate was still reasonable. My buddy and I loved it.  I received a gift card that Xmas for a round.  Waited several years to use it and played in the fall and the gift card just covered the fall rate.  There rates had previously gone up to the point where I would not even consider playing there and now this. While initially the covid craze annoyed me as rates have increased, access to the normal places I frequented has been more difficult....it's made me a much more resourceful golfer, leading to find some other more economical means to play, as well as other hidden gems.  I will spend my money elsewhere!

[Phreddy]

Perspective.

 

This is a fun read with some great off the cuff comments by the wise men of Wisconsin golf.  To my mind, once I got past the reminiscing over past tournaments and into the conversation of staffing difficulties and the future of golf I found it really insightful.

 

https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/gary_d_amato/the-golf-talk-flowed-when-these-10-old-hands-got-together-for-a-two-hour/article_8d74ff32-5786-11ec-9651-cfddb35834cb.html?utm_source=wisconsin.golf&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1639141213&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

[DavePelz4]

32 minutes ago, Phreddy said:

Perspective.

 

This is a fun read with some great off the cuff comments by the wise men of Wisconsin golf.  To my mind, once I got past the reminiscing over past tournaments and into the conversation of staffing difficulties and the future of golf I found it really insightful.

 

https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/gary_d_amato/the-golf-talk-flowed-when-these-10-old-hands-got-together-for-a-two-hour/article_8d74ff32-5786-11ec-9651-cfddb35834cb.html?utm_source=wisconsin.golf&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1639141213&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

 

Awesome read Phreddy!  Thank you for sharing!

[tjl48]

Anyone know if Erin Hills opens early some years? On the website it has I think the week of May 9th as opening. I am going to be in the area the week before and was hoping of getting on. 

[Phreddy]

23 hours ago, tjl48 said:

Anyone know if Erin Hills opens early some years? On the website it has I think the week of May 9th as opening. I am going to be in the area the week before and was hoping of getting on. 

May in Wisconsin has more mood swings than....

 

EH won't feel pressed to open early, even if the weather gives them a break.  They will be most concerned with course conditioning and they won't have an issue getting in their requisite number of rounds.  Not saying it can't happen, but they aren't they type to push the season.

[tjl48]

1 hour ago, Phreddy said:

May in Wisconsin has more mood swings than....

 

EH won't feel pressed to open early, even if the weather gives them a break.  They will be most concerned with course conditioning and they won't have an issue getting in their requisite number of rounds.  Not saying it can't happen, but they aren't they type to push the season.

Yeah. From the MN so know all about the mood swings. Played EH in October 2020 and it started snowing the last few holes, but still loved it. Ha  Was just curious if it ever happens if the weather cooperates. Hopefully it does this year. 

Edited December 23, 2021 by tjl48

[sleuth]

Looking for some feedback.

 

I'm going to take my father in law on a small golf trip getaway to Wisconsin. I'm covering all costs for this trip, so fees are part of my consideration.

 

He's nearing 70, and can no longer play more than 18 holes each day. So traveling between courses is not a problem. Last year my friend and I played Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, both Lawsonia courses and Northern Bay. This is in fact, the reason why I'd like to return to Wisconsin. The courses are bountiful and fantastic.

 

The current route I have mapped would include the Club at Lac La Belle, Washington County, and then University Ridge Golf Course. It's essentially a 2 nighter - drive from Iowa and play the same day, and then play the morning of when we drive back home. What do you guys think? Have a better series of tracks to offer?

Edited December 25, 2021 by sleuth

[DavePelz4]

On 12/25/2021 at 4:55 PM, sleuth said:

Looking for some feedback.

 

I'm going to take my father in law on a small golf trip getaway to Wisconsin. I'm covering all costs for this trip, so fees are part of my consideration.

 

He's nearing 70, and can no longer play more than 18 holes each day. So traveling between courses is not a problem. Last year my friend and I played Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, both Lawsonia courses and Northern Bay. This is in fact, the reason why I'd like to return to Wisconsin. The courses are bountiful and fantastic.

 

The current route I have mapped would include the Club at Lac La Belle, Washington County, and then University Ridge Golf Course. It's essentially a 2 nighter - drive from Iowa and play the same day, and then play the morning of when we drive back home. What do you guys think? Have a better series of tracks to offer?

 

Have you two played TPC Deere Run and The General?

[ode1]

On 12/25/2021 at 4:55 PM, sleuth said:

Looking for some feedback.

 

I'm going to take my father in law on a small golf trip getaway to Wisconsin. I'm covering all costs for this trip, so fees are part of my consideration.

 

He's nearing 70, and can no longer play more than 18 holes each day. So traveling between courses is not a problem. Last year my friend and I played Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, both Lawsonia courses and Northern Bay. This is in fact, the reason why I'd like to return to Wisconsin. The courses are bountiful and fantastic.

 

The current route I have mapped would include the Club at Lac La Belle, Washington County, and then University Ridge Golf Course. It's essentially a 2 nighter - drive from Iowa and play the same day, and then play the morning of when we drive back home. What do you guys think? Have a better series of tracks to offer?

Sounds like a good list.  You might give Wild Rock in the Dells some consideration, although it would be out of the way a bit.

[sleuth]

On 12/28/2021 at 12:48 PM, DavePelz4 said:

 

Have you two played TPC Deere Run and The General?

We have both played TPC Deere Run quite a bit. Personally I play it once a year - drive out early, play 2 rounds, then drive back home. I really love that course. It's challenging yet super playable.

I have not had the privilege of playing The General yet. For me it's too out of the way, and haven't really found anyone who would consider a stay and play there. Is this something you're suggesting?

Edited January 5, 2022 by sleuth

[DavePelz4]

26 minutes ago, sleuth said:

We have both played TPC Deere Run quite a bit. Personally I play it once a year - drive out early, play 2 rounds, then drive back home. I really love that course. It's challenging yet super playable.

I have not had the privilege of playing The General yet. For me it's too out of the way, and haven't really found anyone who would consider a stay and play there. Is this something you're suggesting?

 

Eagle Ridge in Galena has awesome courses. If you wanted, you could easily play the General for 1 round and then either the North Course (easier) or South Course (much harder) the next day. You can stay in the lodge and it's pretty reasonably priced but it's about 10 minutes from downtown Galena which is just a fun experience with great restaurants and bars at rural prices.

[Phreddy]

Troy Burne is for sale if you have $7.5 million in your pocket looking for a home.  Being in Hudson (or actually Troy Wisconsin), and closer to Minneapolis than any metro area in Wisconsin, you don't often hear much about it in Wisconsin threads.  Yet, it is really a pretty exceptional course.  It asks the best of you on any given day and will eat you alive in the wind.

 

Phred

[Edaw68]

Hey I'm doing a trip to Sand Valley this August, and will try to tack Lawsonia on to it either to or from the airport. (Probably Madison, maybe Milwaukee.)  Any lodging suggestions in the area of Lawsonia?  I don't need anything super luxury, it's just me and my non golfing wife.  Something nearby for her to do would be a bonus, but if not she's perfectly happy on a lawn or a beach with a book.

[collje26]

3 hours ago, Edaw68 said:

Hey I'm doing a trip to Sand Valley this August, and will try to tack Lawsonia on to it either to or from the airport. (Probably Madison, maybe Milwaukee.)  Any lodging suggestions in the area of Lawsonia?  I don't need anything super luxury, it's just me and my non golfing wife.  Something nearby for her to do would be a bonus, but if not she's perfectly happy on a lawn or a beach with a book.

There's a little motel down the street called acorn motel. It's probably 5 minutes away. I would suggest Mapes Hotel, extremely nice, very reasonable price with places to eat as it's located down town. If you have any questions I live on the course so just PM me.

[TBone0576]

Does Lawsonia tend to open relatively early in the spring or it is going to be early to mid May?  I have never played and hoping to get up there with a buddy and possibly get 

around on both courses in one day.    Wasn't sure if they had spring rates like many places do. 

[Edaw68]

12 hours ago, collje26 said:

There's a little motel down the street called acorn motel. It's probably 5 minutes away. I would suggest Mapes Hotel, extremely nice, very reasonable price with places to eat as it's located down town. If you have any questions I live on the course so just PM me.

Excellent, thanks for the advice.