Wisconsin, a picturesque Midwestern state known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities, is also home to some of the nation’s most impressive golf courses. From world-renowned championship courses to hidden gems tucked away in quaint towns, there’s a perfect golfing destination for every level of golfer in this beautiful state. Each course offers its unique blend of scenic beauty, challenging obstacles, and top-notch amenities that are sure to leave you with a memorable golfing experience.
But with so many great options, it’s no small feat to narrow down Wisconsin’s top golf courses. One notable top-ranked course is the Whistling Straits, a stunning Pete Dye design located in Sheboygan. The course has hosted multiple PGA Championships and offers golfers an unparalleled experience with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Another highly regarded course, Sand Valley, has made its mark on the Wisconsin golf scene with its uniquely crafted Mammoth Dunes and stunning Nekoosa landscape.
In this article, we will explore some of the best golf courses Wisconsin has to offer. Whether you’re a local or planning a golf getaway to this charming state, get ready to discover unforgettable fairways, greens, and scenic vistas that will have you eager to tee up again and again.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Wisconsin
Whistling Straits
Whistling Straits is an exceptional golf course located in Sheboygan, and it is considered one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. The course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of Lake Michigan. Whistling Straits has hosted PGA Championships, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
Blackwolf Run
Blackwolf Run, located in Kohler, offers two stunning courses, the River course and the Meadow Valleys course. Both courses are praised for their challenging layouts and beautiful natural settings.
Erin Hills
Erin Hills is a magnificent golf course located in Erin, Wisconsin. It has hosted the U.S. Open Championship and is recognized for its challenging design and impressive views of the rolling countryside.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms is a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course located in Sheboygan Falls. Known for its strategic course layout and natural beauty, The Bull provides an incredible golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Thanks go to Dan Perry for providing the image of The Bull Golf Course.
Sand Valley
In the heart of Wisconsin, Sand Valley offers two world-class courses, Sand Valley Course and Mammoth Dunes Course. With stunning dunes and unique terrain, these courses provide both challenging and enjoyable experiences for golfers.
SentryWorld
SentryWorld is a highly-rated golf course located in Stevens Point. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is renowned for its versatile design, presenting a challenge to golfers of all skill levels.
Lawsonia
Lawsonia, located in Green Lake, features two amazing courses – The Links Course and The Woodlands Course. With a combination of classic golf course design and beautiful scenery, Lawsonia offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
University Ridge
University Ridge is a top-rated golf course in Verona, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Home to the University of Wisconsin golf team, this course offers a fantastic mix of challenging holes, beautiful landscapes, and well-maintained greens.
Meadow Valleys
Meadow Valleys is another remarkable course located at Blackwolf Run in Kohler. Offering a variety of holes and strategic challenges, Meadow Valleys is a must-play for any avid golfer visiting the state.
Troy Burne
Troy Burne is a popular golf course situated in Hudson, just across the border from Minnesota. Known for its exceptional design, challenging holes, and beautiful landscapes, Troy Burne is a must-visit golf course for anyone playing in Wisconsin.
Famous Golf Course Designers
Wisconsin is home to several world-class golf courses, crafted by some of the most renowned golf course designers in the industry.
Pete Dye is a legendary figure in golf course design, responsible for creating the spectacular Whistling Straits (Straits) in Haven. This masterpiece has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2004, 2010, and 2015 PGA Championships.
C.H. Alison is another influential designer who has left his mark on Wisconsin’s golf scene. Among his creations is the Milwaukee Country Club’s course, which ranks second in the state of Wisconsin, according to Top 100 Golf Courses.
William Langford is yet another respected name in golf course design, having co-designed the Lawsonia (Links) in Green Lake. This course is ranked fourth on the Top 100 Golf Courses list in Wisconsin, showcasing Langford’s ability to create engaging and challenging courses.
Robert Trent Jones II, son of the legendary golf course designer Robert Trent Jones, collaborated with the team of Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten to design Erin Hills Golf Course. Located in Hartford, this course has gained widespread acclaim and even hosted the U.S. Open.
The design duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw has also graced Wisconsin with their presence. They designed the Sand Valley (Sand Valley) course located in Nekoosa. According to the ranking by Top 100 Golf Courses, their course currently sits in third place among Wisconsin’s golf courses.
David McLay Kidd designed another course at the Sand Valley Golf Resort, called Mammoth Dunes. This course is praised for its unique layout, stunning visuals, and challenging play, ultimately securing sixth place in Wisconsin’s Top 100 Golf Courses rankings.
Each of these designers has contributed significantly to Wisconsin’s rich golf legacy, shaping courses that are beloved by amateurs and professionals alike. Their passion and talent for crafting outstanding golf experiences ensure that Wisconsin remains a prime destination for enthusiasts of the sport.
Golf Courses in Key Locations
Sheboygan
In Sheboygan, the Pine Hills Country Club offers a beautiful course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. This top-ranked venue is known for its well-maintained greens and picturesque layout.
Nekoosa
Nekoosa boasts two fantastic golf courses located within the Sand Valley Golf Resort:
- Sand Valley Course: A beautiful and challenging course, Sand Valley was Golf Digest’s Best New Course of 2017.
- Mammoth Dunes: The second course at Sand Valley Golf Resort, Mammoth Dunes is praised for its unique design and breathtaking views.
Milwaukee
Golf enthusiasts visiting Milwaukee can check out Brown Deer Golf Course, a premier public course in the area. Known for hosting annual PGA Tour events, Brown Deer provides an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all abilities.
Wauwatosa
Blue Mound Golf and Country Club is an excellent choice for golfers in Wauwatosa. Designed by Seth Raynor, this well-loved course features strategic bunkering and a variety of hole types, offering an enjoyable challenge for players at any skill level.
Hartford
Erin Hills Golf Course, located in Hartford, hosted the US Open in 2017 and is known for its rolling hills and challenging layout. The links-style course can provide a test for even the most skilled golfers.
River Hills
River Hills is home to The River Course at Blackwolf Run, a visually stunning and challenging course that features Pete Dye’s exciting hole designs. The Sheboygan River adds a serene backdrop to this top-rated course, which is perfect for golfers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Washington County
West Bend Country Club, situated in Washington County, is another great course to check out in Wisconsin. Known for its immaculate condition and well-designed holes, it appeals to golfers of all skill levels seeking a memorable round.
World-Class Golf Events in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has become a premier destination for major golf tournaments, earning a reputation for hosting world-class events. The state’s challenging, picturesque courses have drawn some of the most prestigious golf competitions in recent years.
- The Ryder Cup is set to take place at the breathtaking Whistling Straits in Sheboygan. This 1998 Pete Dye-designed course offers a stunning Lake Michigan backdrop and has previously hosted three PGA Championships.
- PGA Championships have occurred at Wisconsin golf courses such as Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Whistling Straits hosted the major championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015.
When it comes to the U.S. Open, Wisconsin has also left its mark.
- Erin Hills was the proud host of the 2017 U.S. Open. This unique course was designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, offering a par-72 layout that stretches up to 7,731 yards.
For senior golfers, the state has not hesitated to roll out the red carpet.
- The U.S. Senior Open was held at the Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa. This top-notch course has also secured a coveted spot on Golf Digest’s ranking of best golf courses in Wisconsin.
With its combination of both natural beauty and challenging design, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin has become a go-to destination for world-renowned golf events like the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open.
Golf Course Rankings and Awards
Wisconsin is home to some fantastic golf courses that have received recognition from various publications and organizations. Among them, the Golf Digest rankings provide an excellent glimpse into the top courses in the state. Golf Digest’s course-ranking panelists score courses based on seven different criteria to determine their rankings.
Top 100 Courses in Wisconsin
The Straits course at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin, has earned a distinguished spot among the top 100 courses in the U.S. It is praised not only for its playing conditions but also for the stunning views offered by the course.
The River course at Blackwolf Run is another Wisconsin gem that ranks among the best golf courses in the state. The public can access both the River and Straits courses, making them popular options for golf enthusiasts visiting the area.
Golf Digest Panelists’ Awards
When it comes to awards, several Wisconsin golf courses stand out. Golf Digest panelists have recognized courses such as the Milwaukee Country Club and Blue Mound for their excellence. These courses excel in a variety of factors, including layout, scenery, and overall golfing experience.
Golfers’ Choice also listed some of the best golf courses in Wisconsin for the year 2022. The list, compiled by the Golf Advisor community, takes into account ratings and reviews submitted by members through the year. Some noteworthy mentions include Erin Hills, a challenging course known for its length and demanding short holes.
In conclusion, Wisconsin offers a variety of top-notch golf courses perfect for golfers at all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to take in the views at Whistling Straits or challenge yourself at Erin Hills, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in the state’s golf scene.
Unique Course Features and Experiences
Wisconsin is widely known for its diverse and picturesque golf courses that offer unique experiences to golfers of all levels. From the stunning shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling landscapes of the state, each course has its own distinctive qualities.
Nearby the Whistling Straits lies the Irish Course, which provides golfers with a taste of traditional Irish links-style golf. Blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the course includes dense grasslands, dunes, and deep pot bunkers that create a visually stunning and challenging round of golf.
Another noteworthy course is the Blackwolf Run (River) course, nestled along the Sheboygan River. This course showcases beautiful natural features, such as the river, wetlands, and thick forests. Golfers will encounter a signature “Flower Hole,” where more than 40,000 flowers bloom, creating a delightful setting for a truly memorable round.
For those looking for a more varied golf experience, the Meadow Valleys Course at Blackwolf Run provides a mix of terrain and challenges. With holes that traverse the Onion River and meander through large meadows, the course offers varying levels of difficulty to suit golfers of all skill levels.
Finally, the Highlands course in Wisconsin offers a completely different landscape. It is set amidst the glaciated terrain of the state, with dramatic elevation changes and rolling hills. This course presents unique challenges, as golfers must navigate through tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
In summary, Wisconsin’s golf courses offer a variety of unique features and experiences, catering to all golf enthusiasts. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the Highlands, each course promises unforgettable memories on the green.
Other Notable Wisconsin Golf Courses
Milwaukee Country Club
Milwaukee Country Club, located in River Hills, is an exclusive and prestigious golfing destination. This classic course offers a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels. The club’s stunning location along the Milwaukee River adds an element of natural beauty to the golfing experience.
Blue Mound
Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa is known for its well-manicured greens and challenging course design. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Seth Raynor, Blue Mound offers golfers a chance to enjoy a traditional layout with outstanding course maintenance and conditions.
The Club at Lac La Belle
The Club at Lac La Belle, located in Oconomowoc, is a historic golf course that has been part of the Wisconsin golf scene since the early 1890s. The club underwent a significant renovation in recent years to modernize the course while still embracing its classic design. Golfers of all skill levels can appreciate the course for its playability, picturesque landscapes, and rich history.
Eagle Springs
Dating back to 1893, Eagle Springs Golf Resort in Eagle is known as Wisconsin’s oldest golf course. Its charming layout includes unique holes and scenic views that create an enjoyable golf experience for players of all abilities. The course’s rustic feel, along with its fascinating history, adds to the golfing appeal of Eagle Springs.
The Bog
Designed by the renowned Arnold Palmer, The Bog in Saukville is a challenging yet enjoyable golf course that appeals to golfers of varying skill levels. The course layout features elevation changes, distinctive holes, and beautiful natural scenery, making it a memorable golfing destination in Wisconsin.