When the Wisconsin golf community is asked the next course to play, the response of Troy Burne is overwhelming. On a windy day in May, I had the opportunity to play Troy Burne Golf Club while passing through on my way to Minneapolis. After playing, I can see why Troy Burne golf course has the attention of golfers across the state of Wisconsin (and Minnesota).
Course Background
Designed by famed golfer, Tom Lehman, Troy Burne golf course flaunts its 120+ bunkers to all challengers. Tom Lehman worked with the golf architecture team of Hurdzan-Fry. These architects have other Wisconsin golf courses on their resume you might have heard of including Erin Hills and Wild Rock.
Opening in 1999, Troy Burne takes advantage of the St. Croix Valley hills and topography. Water comes into play on 8 of the 18 holes making good use of the word “Burne” in the name.
Playability
I found Troy Burne to be very playable at all skill levels with minimal forced carries or unnaturally difficult shots. Multiple tee options and combos provide golfers with options to maximize the enjoyment from Troy Burne golf course.
The golf course conditions were top notch (even for May) with consistent green speeds and tight fairway lies. Course experience is critical at Troy Burne as many greens include mounding to push a golf ball to certain sections of the greens. If I were being honest, I felt some of the green complexes were out of place at Troy Burne and did not flow with the rest of the golf course. They seemed “over-cooked”.
As a final remark on the golf course playability, Troy Burne was not set up to be walked. I found this to be a disappointment. The distance from green to tee was out of range enough with cart paths being the obvious method of transition. As a disclaimer, I do not expect everyone to walk a golf course, but I lean towards golf courses where there is an option. Unfortunately, walking Troy Burne cloud impact pace of play.
Troy Burne Experience
I played Troy Burne on a Friday morning in May. The tee sheet was light and pace of play good. One thing is obvious when playing Troy Burne golf course. Golfers visit by choice. Troy Burne is not nestled within a populous community, but rather tucked out of the way in northwestern Wisconsin. I assume there are locals providing a steady stream of play, but my money would be on that most golfers drove over 30 minutes to Troy Burne.
After the round, we stopped in the clubhouse for a drink and a quick bite. Walking through to the dining area was a small pro shop with minimal golf apparel or brands. Most of the clothing options were jackets and sweaters which would make sense. As a recommendation, Troy Burne should update their logo. The wispy lines that make out a golf flag does not sell merchandise.
Before we get to the golf course, I need to discuss the dining. As mentioned, golfers are traveling 30+ miles to visit Troy Burne, so a complete lunch and dinner menu is valued. Unfortunately, this is not the case at Troy Burne. Come to Troy Burne for the golf, not the food.
Memorable Holes
The first nine holes were fine. Good bunkering, strategic shot-making and consistent greens. However, the golf holes felt to be on repeat. Serpentine-like fairways peppered with bunkers leading to a perched green. Again, they were fine, but blended together. While playing I mentioned the first nine holes felt like Wild Rock only to find out later they shared the same architect. This made a lot sense.
The second nine started out the same with water along the left. Nice hole. Then we drove to hole 11.
Hole 11 – Par 3 150 yards
I found Troy Burne on this hole. This is why golfers love it here. A short par 3 with a green framed by towering pines. Through the trees you catch a glimpse of another green and then another in the distance. Golfers remember this hole. While not a difficult, hole 11 will leave a golfer intrigued as to what comes next. A walk straight from tee to green would be spectacular, but we were forced to hop in our carts and drive along the side of the hole on the path.
Hole 12 – Par 5 452 yards
I love a reachable par 5. Especially with water. This par 5 introduces water on both the tee shot and approach giving the golfer something to think about. Golfers need to pick an aggressive target line to have a mid to long iron in hand on the approach. A green anchored by bunkers present the final challenge with hopefully a moderate birdie putt awaiting.
Hole 14 – Par 4 420 yards
A healthy par 4 brings you back along the water. An uphill approach to a green flanked by a creek and waterfall set the scene. The green is very deep making club selection very important if seeking a birdie.
The next few holes include a short par 3, long par 5 and another par 4 around water. These are fine golf holes with bunkers peppering the edges and undulation on the greens. But only fine.
Conclusion
I liked Troy Burne. I can see why golfers enjoy playing here. Troy Burne golf course gave me major Wild Rock vibes (same architecture team too). The feeling I had leaving the golf course was “I would definitely play here again” but I could not put my finger on why. Very fine golf course. Solid challenge from tee to green. Really enjoyed it.
