This blog post is to count down the best Wisconsin golf courses of 2019 that I played. I posted the countdown each day on my GolfWisely Instagram account leading up to New Years Eve. Follow me for more content!
The best course list focused on two main characteristics; 1) must be a Wisconsin golf course and 2) must be available to play by the public. I had the opportunity to play top notch golf courses throughout 2019 as the countdown will show.
Now, without further ado, we will start with number 10.
Courses 10 Through 8
At number 10, Viroqua Hills golf course and its rolling landscape in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin make my list. The dramatic landscape coupled with its annual Viroqua Open event and the entire experience is one worth mentioning. The greens at Viroqua Hills are some of the best I played all year. Firm, fast and true. Do not sleep on this course or let the scorecard persuade you. At less than $40 for 18 holes walking, Viroqua Hills is well worth the trip. Read the full review here.
Coming in at number 9 in 2019 is Hawks Landing Golf Club located in Madison, WI. The course requires precise shot-making with multiple-tiered greens and winding fairways. The rates are on the high side and the expanding cityscape around the course is noticeable – dropping it down in my list.
Trappers Turn and its 27-hole course in Wisconsin Dells is a fun, challenging course for a weekend (or day) trip. At my number 8 course, you will enjoy this Andy North designed venue. The three 9-hole courses; Canyon, Arbor and Lake will offer a nice variety. The grounds are always well kept and golfers will love the picturesque tee shots throughout the course. With a short course under construction, Trappers Turn and Wisconsin Dells is quickly turning into a golf destination. Read my reviews on Trappers Turn and the upcoming short course.
Courses 7 Through 5
University Ridge golf course, home of the Wisconsin Badgers, is a wonderful test of golf and finds itself at my 7th ranked course in 2019. The course is a tale of two nines with the first being a strategic set of holes and the second weaving between well manicured tree-lined holes. The Champions Tour stops here each year in June for the AmFam Championship and is in amazing condition both before and after. Go play where the pros play!
Wild Rock Golf Club, located in Wisconsin Dells, is one of the state’s unknown great courses and comes in at my number 6 ranked course in 2019. The golf course is situated on some of the most interesting terrain in Wisconsin with large rock formations and ravines weaving through the holes. The golf holes require strategy and shot-making but low scores can be found on this fun course. Make your way to Wisconsin Dells for BOTH Wild Rock and my no. 8 course; Trappers Turn.
Lawsonia Links has been receiving great press as of late and for good reason. At my number 5 ranked course, Lawsonia Links and its elevated greens, will delight all golfers who visit. The golf course, located remotely in Green Lake, WI, was recently restored by the Oliphant Group to its original design by Langford and Moreau. For about $90 to walk 18 holes, this gem is considered a must-see for all golfers visiting Wisconsin. Read my full course review here.
Courses 4 Through 2
Kicking off the final few courses of my best Wisconsin golf courses, The Irish at Whistling Straits comes in at my number 4 course. The Irish does not always get the attention it deserves. Typically an afterthought for golfers visiting the Whistling Straits golf course grounds. The Irish delivers a true test of golf with its links style course and design. Pete Dye touches are found all throughout and will challenge even the best ball strikers. Read my course review of The Irish found on GolfWisely.com.
Sand Valley golf course can no longer fly under the radar and comes in at my number 3 course. The famous design team, Coore and Crenshaw, has Sand Valley firmly on the golfing map. Sand Valley is quickly becoming a destination. The SV course is an absolute thrill from the first tee shot to the last putt. Golfers will have a myriad of golf shots to play as they walk this beautiful course. The vastness of the Sand Valley property cannot be understated and should be seen in-person. Full course review can be found on GolfWisely.com.
The Straits course at Whistling Straits will be in the spotlight for the 2020 Ryder Cup and is my number 2 course in 2019. Host to three PGA championships and now the Ryder Cup this course comes with some prestige. The routing takes golfers by the shoreline with spectacular views for 12 of the 18 holes. For a handful, the greens look like they are hanging on the edge of the water. From tee to green the course is in amazing condition and should be experienced in a golfer’s lifetime. Read my blog on the course and the Whistling Straits experience. Top notch!
Top Rated Course in 2019
Erin Hills comes in at number 1 on my countdown for courses I played in 2019. I love everything about this place from the stunning golf course, The Drumlin, clubhouse and the Caddie Barn! The elevation changes from tee to green will be the biggest surprise to anyone that has not played this course. Each hole demands attention and shot-making making it a wonderful challenge to all players. Go make Erin Hills a bucket list course for yourself in 2020! Full course review can be found at GolfWisely.com
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my best Wisconsin golf courses list for 2019. It was certainly a thrill playing all of them. Now, onto 2020!
2 Comments
Joe B · January 18, 2020 at 2:43 am
So what’s on tap for 2020? Have your list formed yet?
dwise · January 18, 2020 at 2:41 pm
In an homage to Pete Dye, I feel the need to round out the playing of all of his Wisconsin courses leaving me the Highlands @ Grand Geneva and both courses at Black Wolf Run. Would love for you to join!
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