Nine Scenic Wisconsin Golf Courses
Nestled in the rolling greenery of Wisconsin, you’ll discover course after course of world-class golf. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a novice on the links, there are plenty of charming options for all experience levels. Whatever your goal, make your next round a hole-in-one experience at one of these nine scenic golf courses.
Whistling Straights – Sheboygan
Grab your clubs and take a swing in Whistling Straits’ rugged and windswept terrain. A previous host of tournaments such as the PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open and Palmer Cup, these two dynamic courses carved into the Wisconsin coastline will surely make your drive down the fairway unforgettable. Ranked among the best in the United States, The Straits, home to the 43rd Ryder Cup, stretches across two miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline which provides a scenic swing at every approach. Or, spend a sunny afternoon on The Irish – a course that offers four entwining streams, rolling grass hills and sandy dunes that will make you feel like you’re putting in paradise for 18 holes.
Brown Deer Golf Course – Milwaukee
If you’re looking for a formidable course that will challenge your game, book a round at Brown Deer Golf Course. Enjoy the magic of a Wisconsin sunset at the number one public golf course in Milwaukee County with their Sunset Golf Special. Each hole is intricately designed to present a unique challenge with each swing – be sure to watch out for the 60 notorious sand-filled bunkers you might have to hack your way out of. After a full day of trekking across this course, put up your clubs and enjoy a refreshing drink in the rustic clubhouse – a designated historic site.
Geneva National Resort & Club – Lake Geneva
Located off the shores of Lake Como, Geneva National Resort & Club features 54 holes of golf across three different courses designed by the pros themselves. Golf legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino had a hand in the architecture of all three courses, ensuring an invigorating challenge. Not ready to pack up your clubs just yet? Extend your golf adventure with a stay and play package at the on-course Cottages & Suites and wind down with an award-winning meal at Hunt Club Steakhouse overlooking the fairways.
House on the Rock Resort – Spring Green
House on the Rock Resort’s 27-hole venture ebbs and flows with the surrounding rolling hills and lush greenery of Spring Green, Wisconsin. Your game is sure to be on par at this prestigious course designed by three masterful golf architects. Make a weekend out of your game with friends or your significant other with one of the packages offered at the House on the Rock Inn, swing on over to the on-site spa to loosen up for your next game with a relaxing massage or visit the 19th hole and settle up your bets at the 400 Springs Restaurant while enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Any way you slice it – though we hope you don’t – it’s sure to be a top course.
Sand Valley – Nekoosa
Sand Valley lives up to its name as you walk across the links located in the tumbling, prehistoric sand dunes of central Wisconsin. This course is sure to impress and was recently identified as “America’s Newest Hidden Gem” by Forbes and “Best New Golf Course” in 2017 by Golf Digest. Examine your game and choose one of the three expert courses: Mammoth Dunes, Sand Valley and The Sandbox. All three courses feature massive, exposed sand dunes and long fairways, so pack your favorite wedge and watch out for the sand traps on the back nine. Not a savvy golfer but want to get away with your buds? Reserve a room at one of the lodges and explore the variety of additional activities offered for a relaxing, memorable escape.
SentryWorld – Stevens Point
Does your game need a splash of color? Located in Stevens Point, SentryWorld is a hot-spot destination for a golf getaway. Sprinkled with stunning color and interesting landscapes, SentryWorld is the home of the iconic “Flower Hole” – a hole you won’t want to miss. With over 33,000 flowers lining the sloping green, enjoy a breathtaking view as you make your way across the links. This course is fit for all skill levels, so even if you’re not a golf pro, you can still enjoy the abundant greenery and crystal-clear water of SentryWorld Lake while you tee up.
University Ridge – Madison
The Madison area hosts University Ridge, less than 15 miles from downtown but a world away all at once. This serene course is separated by a glacial ridge that divides the course into hills and valleys that naturally move with the land, offering a scenic round for players of all skill levels. Each hole presents a different challenge, with some even weaving through dense woodland. Round up a fulfilling day of hitting the green and swing by the golf shop to order a Bucky Badger Headcover for one of your clubs – exclusive to University Ridge!
Blackwolf Run – Kohler
Blackwolf Run can be found tucked away in a river-carved glacier basin in Kohler, Wisconsin. Golfers have three courses to choose from: The River, Meadow Valleys and The Baths. The River has water or gorges sprinkled across the rolling greenery on 14 of the 18 holes, creating a stunning landscape for players. Meadow Valleys moves and flows with the land, reflecting the natural beauty of Wisconsin. For a shorter game, The Baths features a 27-acre 10-hole course, complete with four water “baths” for an extra challenge. After a day on the course don’t forget to check out the Blackwolf Run Restaurant and the Golf Shop – it was recently given a 2021 Platinum Award by the Association of Golf Merchandisers, making it one of the leaders in golf merchandise and apparel.
Erin Hills – Hartford
Just 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee, golfers can take a swing at Erin Hills, host of the 2017 U.S. Open. Erin Hills ranked in the top 50 courses in the United States by Golf Digest in 2017-2018, and it’s no secret why! The terrain is a mixture of surfaces including sand, small rock, rolling greenery and wetlands to make for a challenging yet stunning course. If you’re planning to stay at Erin Hills and looking to get in a few putts before sunset, check out the Kettle Loop, a five-hole course designed for a quick game. The Kettle Loop is reserved for overnight guests only, making it the perfect evening activity to round out a full day on the course before heading inside to unwind.
Looking to explore more of Wisconsin’s golf courses? Check out this roundup of destination courses in the state for your next trip.
