Trappers Turn Golf Club is located centrally in Wisconsin in the town of Wisconsin Dells. “The Dells”, as it is commonly called by the locals, is most widely known for its water parks, both indoor and outdoor, with almost 4 million visitors annually. However, in my opinion, the golf is the real attraction in this area with Trappers Turn golf course being a must-see. A lot can be said for the terrain in this area with the word ‘Dells” coming from the French word ‘dalles’ meaning “layers of flat rock”. The golf course at Trappers Turn takes advantage of the unique landscape carving out brilliant holes in the terrain. Let’s take a deeper look at Trappers Turn in this golf course review.
Architects Andy North and Roger Packard designed 18 spectacular holes opening in 1991 and another 9 holes opening in 1998 totally 27 holes. The course has played host to several Wisconsin PGA events and was originally called Trappers Canyon. Steve Stricker, Wisconsin native, holds the 18 hole course record of 64. Since 2007, ownership has been held by Kalahari Resorts with several amenity and course enhancements taking place.
There are three distinct 9-hole courses at Trappers Turn; Lake, Arbor and Canyon. The three courses have defining features making them memorable and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at each of the Trappers Turn courses calling out a few highlights on each in this golf course review.
Canyon Course at Trappers Turn
The Canyon course epitomizes the local terrain with several holes showcasing the rock dells that make the area unique. The Canyon is also my favorite of the three courses with significantly memorable holes. These holes include numbers 1, 7 and 9.
Hole 1 at the Canyon – Par 4 397 Yards
The tee shot requires precision. Too far right and the golfer will have over 250 yards into the elevated green. A creek runs along the left of the fairway before crossing over in front of the green. Great opening hole on this nine.
Hole 7 at the Canyon – Par 3 143 Yards
A flip wedge can reach the green but maybe not the pin. The green runs deep so the right club must be selected. Room for error: zero. View from the tee: picture perfect.
Hole 9 at the Canyon – Par 5 525 Yards
Relatively short par 5 running mostly down hill. There is a speed slot at 250 yards in the fairway which can give golfers another 50 yards if hit. The fairway then dips down and back up to a slightly elevated green. The creek from hole 1 runs through this fairway as well and ends up along the left of the green. Enjoy this finishing hole!
Arbor Course at Trappers Turn
The Arbor course is the most wooded of the three courses requiring strategy from the golfer. This set of holes will change drastically in elevation setting the stage for some dramatic tee shots.
Hole 1 at the Arbor – Par 4 343 Yards
The first hole is a straight ahead par 4 allowing the golfer an early shot at birdie. Grab as many birdies as you can on the first three holes because long par 4s await.
Hole 2 at the Arbor – Par 5 488 yards
On the scorecard, this par 5 looks like as easy birdie. However, the tee shot here is critical as the aggressive player will take on the marsh on the left giving them a good angle into this hidden green. A unique table top formation is on the right as you approach the green.
Hole 9 at the Arbor – Par 4 415 Yards
The final hole on the Arbor course is my absolute favorite. A demanding tee shot on this dog leg right sets up a mid to long iron into the green. The approach shot is a club or two shorter due to the downhill nature with accuracy required. Great views from this spot on the course with the main golf course lake as the backdrop.
Lake Course at Trappers Turn
At the Lake Course, golfers can expect the obvious hazards; water. The water comes into play on four holes and can bring bogey or worse if not respected. Again, the first and last hole of this course are my favorite shedding light onto Andy North’s architecture. The commonality throughout the 27 holes at Trappers Turn are the awe-inspiring design of the first and last holes. Well done!
Hole 1 at Lake Course – Par 4 423 Yards
The first tee shot on the Lake course requires the golfer to both clear the water and then find the fairway between rocks and more water. The smart play is a long iron or 3-wood. However, this choice will leave about 200 yards into the green making par a great score. Great opening hole!
Hole 9 at Lake Course – Par 5 495 Yards
The last hole at the Lake Course is the most visible from the expansive clubhouse at Trappers Turn. A par 5 at less than 500 yards seems like a good birdie chance, but it all depends on the angle of the tee shot. With an aggressive line, the longer hitting golfer can reach in two shots. However, the defense of the hole is a shallow, elevated green with a creek running across the fairway in front. Be precise!
Conclusion
As a review, I am bullish on Trappers Turn. The golf course quality has a direct relation to the rates to play. Golfers will find the experience to be a good value. The expansive clubhouse serves delicious meals and includes a large bar for after the round. Highly recommend trying both!
If I were to offer any feedback to Trappers Turn it would be to embrace the walking golfer. The course, the experience and the pricing all lean towards taking a golf cart. There is a shift happening golf right now with a preference towards walking. Trappers Turn should start making design and operational decisions to adopt this movement.
In summary, a trip to Trappers Turn is well worth the time it takes to travel. About 45 minutes north of Madison, the well-architected holes and beautiful landscape of Wisconsin Dells make for a terrific round of golf. Golfers traveling to Wisconsin for places like Sand Valley should seek out Trappers Turn to round out the long weekend trip. Trappers Turn does not disappoint!
