Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[Opie Winston]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

 

Lawsonia's twilight rate on Thursday is $50 (3p.m.). Highly recommend.

 

We decided on Lawsonia, but instead of the Links, we went with the Woodlands.

 

Myself and another guy have already played the Links a couple times and want to experience the other 18.

 

I don't hear much love on this forum for the woodlands.... any reason why?

 

Mostly due to the love for the Links, the Woodlands gets overlooked a bit....but it is a nice course and I always enjoy playing it. Enjoy.

 

We played Lawsonia Woodlands on thursday and it was fun. We played the back tees. Mainly target golf and the first two holes are very tough! I did get a hole in one on #3 from 155 with a 9 iron which obviously was my highlight of the trip. Bunkers were in horrible shape, but otherwise the course was great. Very surprising a course like Lawsonia would just give up on maintaining their bunkers.

 

If I did it all over again, I'd for sure play the links, assuming they actually maintain the bunkers on that course.

 

On friday we played Timberstone, Saturday Greywalls and Sunday Sweetgrass.

 

All courses were great and in good condition. Greywalls was the most difficult, most unique and had the best views.

 

Greywalls first 16 holes are probably my favorite holes I've played to date. Then I feel like they ran out of money. #17 is a basic 130 yard par 3. #18 is a wide open 550 downhill par 5 with no trouble on the approach. I hit driver, 3 hybrid, putter. Very basic. Front 9 is absolutely amazing.

[zer0]

Driving up from Madison to Island Resort and Casino next weekend to do the stay and play package (Sweetgrass, Greywalls, Timberstone). We want to play somewhere on the way up, thursday afternoon.

 

I think my options are:

Thornberry $39

Lawsonia $80

Sentry World $110

 

Any courses I'm overlooking, on the way from Madison to the U.P.?

 

I'm thinking Thornberry is the pick based on their twilight rate.

 

Lawsonia's twilight rate on Thursday is $50 (3p.m.). Highly recommend.

 

We decided on Lawsonia, but instead of the Links, we went with the Woodlands.

 

Myself and another guy have already played the Links a couple times and want to experience the other 18.

 

I don't hear much love on this forum for the woodlands.... any reason why?

 

Mostly due to the love for the Links, the Woodlands gets overlooked a bit....but it is a nice course and I always enjoy playing it. Enjoy.

 

We played Lawsonia Woodlands on thursday and it was fun. We played the back tees. Mainly target golf and the first two holes are very tough! I did get a hole in one on #3 from 155 with a 9 iron which obviously was my highlight of the trip. Bunkers were in horrible shape, but otherwise the course was great. Very surprising a course like Lawsonia would just give up on maintaining their bunkers.

 

If I did it all over again, I'd for sure play the links, assuming they actually maintain the bunkers on that course.

 

On friday we played Timberstone, Saturday Greywalls and Sunday Sweetgrass.

 

All courses were great and in good condition. Greywalls was the most difficult, most unique and had the best views.

 

Greywalls first 16 holes are probably my favorite holes I've played to date. Then I feel like they ran out of money. #17 is a basic 130 yard par 3. #18 is a wide open 550 downhill par 5 with no trouble on the approach. I hit driver, 3 hybrid, putter. Very basic. Front 9 is absolutely amazing.

 

First off, congrats on the ace! And to do it on such a great par 3 like #3 is really special.

 

As for the bunkers, they are in much better shape on the Links. There are 2 GUR bunkers on #11, but I think that's it. The staff is aware of the problem with several of the bunkers on the woods and I've been told it is next on the list of improvements they are planning to make to the facility.

[chrisisoutrunning]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

[zer0]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

 

yea, if you don't have course knowledge or are lucky enough to have someone in your 4some who knows the course it can be real tough to figure out where to go on several shots on the links. I play as a single out there most of the time and end up playing the role of "course sherpa" when Im paired up with people who don't know the property. Starter will always tell them they're in luck having me with them.

 

Woodlands #1, #7 and even #11 would definitely call for something other than driver if you hit the ball any sort of length.

[chrisisoutrunning]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

 

yea, if you don't have course knowledge or are lucky enough to have someone in your 4some who knows the course it can be real tough to figure out where to go on several shots on the links. I play as a single out there most of the time and end up playing the role of "course sherpa" when Im paired up with people who don't know the property. Starter will always tell them they're in luck having me with them.

 

Woodlands #1, #7 and even #11 would definitely call for something other than driver if you hit the ball any sort of length.

 

Definite was 7 and 11. Pretty sure I still hit driver on 1. (I had played so frustratingly poorly on the Links that I needed to take out some frustration.) Worked out really well, but still managed to butcher my way to a par.

 

Forgot to mention, there seemed to be a ton of GUR bunkers on Woodlands. More so than just one hole. I can understand it being "on the list", but not keeping things in decent shape until the work gets done seems... lazy at best. Also, the amount of rocks in the bunkers that I ended up in was excessive at best.

[Opie Winston]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

 

yea, if you don't have course knowledge or are lucky enough to have someone in your 4some who knows the course it can be real tough to figure out where to go on several shots on the links. I play as a single out there most of the time and end up playing the role of "course sherpa" when Im paired up with people who don't know the property. Starter will always tell them they're in luck having me with them.

 

Woodlands #1, #7 and even #11 would definitely call for something other than driver if you hit the ball any sort of length.

 

Forgot to mention, there seemed to be a ton of GUR bunkers on Woodlands. More so than just one hole. I can understand it being "on the list", but not keeping things in decent shape until the work gets done seems... lazy at best. Also, the amount of rocks in the bunkers that I ended up in was excessive at best.

 

I thought the same thing. Absolutely no excuse to neglect a complete course element.

 

I would not play woodlands again until they start maintaining the bunkers. Even muni's will rake their bunkers and remove large rocks.

 

They don't need to be "improved", they simply need to be maintained.

[ode1]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

 

yea, if you don't have course knowledge or are lucky enough to have someone in your 4some who knows the course it can be real tough to figure out where to go on several shots on the links. I play as a single out there most of the time and end up playing the role of "course sherpa" when Im paired up with people who don't know the property. Starter will always tell them they're in luck having me with them.

 

Woodlands #1, #7 and even #11 would definitely call for something other than driver if you hit the ball any sort of length.

 

#6 Links is a good example, you really can't see the landing area and depending where the tees are you may not want to hit driver.....I hit what I thought was a perfect drive, but when I got to my ball it rolled into and out.of the bunker and to the upslope, ugh....dumb mistake on my part as the tees were up and it didn't register. Made a great shot just over and chipped past the hole (back right pin) and made a 10 footer for par?

[zer0]

Driving back from 36 at Lawsonia today.

 

Played the Links right away without any warmup. Beautiful, but damn, that was tough. If you don't put the ball in the right spot, you're in for a long day. Seems like a yardage book or green guide would be a good thing to have in the Pro Shop.

 

Woodlands went much better for me in the afternoon. Majority target golf as has been mentioned. I think I hit hybrids off the tee on two par 5s. Can't say I ever recall doing that before, but there was no point in hitting anything longer.

 

Definitely worth the trip. Would love to get a few more rounds on the Links to better understand the angles and green complexes.

 

yea, if you don't have course knowledge or are lucky enough to have someone in your 4some who knows the course it can be real tough to figure out where to go on several shots on the links. I play as a single out there most of the time and end up playing the role of "course sherpa" when Im paired up with people who don't know the property. Starter will always tell them they're in luck having me with them.

 

Woodlands #1, #7 and even #11 would definitely call for something other than driver if you hit the ball any sort of length.

 

#6 Links is a good example, you really can't see the landing area and depending where the tees are you may not want to hit driver.....I hit what I thought was a perfect drive, but when I got to my ball it rolled into and out.of the bunker and to the upslope, ugh....dumb mistake on my part as the tees were up and it didn't register. Made a great shot just over and chipped past the hole (back right pin) and made a 10 footer for par

 

I'm such a short hitter my only concern on #6 is carrying the grass cross bunker 150 yards out. Its been a couple years since I was able to reach that bunker on the left that you're talking about.

[games]

For anyone in the Milwaukee suburbs, the Dunham's in Brookfield still has about 10 dozen Nike RZN Platinum practice balls for $8 each.

[ode1]

For anyone in the Milwaukee suburbs, the Dunham's in Brookfield still has about 10 dozen Nike RZN Platinum practice balls for $8 each.

 

Lol

[games]

We spend a lot of time on this thread talking about Erin Hills, Kohler and Lawsonia. I thought this course was worth a mention, if for anything else, the incredible value it presents. I'm going to try to go back today for another nine.

 

Yesterday, I played Preserve at Deer Creek in New Berlin. The Preserve is a 9-hole public course that plays 3,200 yards from the tips. In full context, after GolfNow fees, I paid $13.50 for 9 holes with a cart. When I got to the course for a noon tee time, there were five or six cars in the lot.

 

Prior GolfNow reviews are consistent with my previous experience: Course conditions are not great. Yesterday, I thought the tee boxes were good, but 2-3 fairways had whole sections that were more clover and dirt than bluegrass. A few greens had open bare dirt / sand spots. I moved my ball from bare lies to grass twice on fairways and twice on greens. I thought footgolf holes were also a bit of a distraction.

 

Aside from the conditioning issues, the layout is really good. A few forced carries on the opening holes; a couple of long par 5s and a couple of challenging par 3s. It was a lot of fun to play. Plus, I was off the course in two hours.

 

If you're not from Milwaukee, this course is probably not worth a stop. But, for those that live around Milwaukee, this course presents a GREAT value if you're willing to overlook conditions and less than pleasing aesthetics on a few holes.

[games]

Thursday, I played a scramble at The Broadlands in North Prairie, a "farmland" style course that was a forerunner to Erin Hills. Our foursome remarked that if the wind we had Thursday had been at the US Open at Erin Hills, it would not have been the pushover course it was portrayed.

 

The course is only about 20 minutes from the games estate, but I haven't played it in five years. I am always tempted by their GolfNow times, but they always seemed a little pricey.

 

Anyway, the next time I see a hot deal for the Broadlands on GolfNow, I am going to scoop it up. I was impressed with the course conditions and the overall experience. In my mind, the Broadlands presents a much better value than Washington County.

 

For those looking for a warmup course before playing Erin Hills, the Broadlands is definitely worthy of consideration.

[TheBear95]

Thursday, I played a scramble at The Broadlands in North Prairie, a "farmland" style course that was a forerunner to Erin Hills. Our foursome remarked that if the wind we had Thursday had been at the US Open at Erin Hills, it would not have been the pushover course it was portrayed.

 

The course is only about 20 minutes from the games estate, but I haven't played it in five years. I am always tempted by their GolfNow times, but they always seemed a little pricey.

 

Anyway, the next time I see a hot deal for the Broadlands on GolfNow, I am going to scoop it up. I was impressed with the course conditions and the overall experience. In my mind, the Broadlands presents a much better value than Washington County.

 

For those looking for a warmup course before playing Erin Hills, the Broadlands is definitely worthy of consideration.

 

I'm a fan of Broadlands. Very solid layout and the front 9 is quite challenging. Love the par 5 2nd. Conditions have always been good when I've played it. My quibbles with the course are issues with pace of play and I don't like #18 being a par 3. Otherwise, very good track. That said, I think Washington County is better.

[ldchristopher]

Thursday, I played a scramble at The Broadlands in North Prairie, a "farmland" style course that was a forerunner to Erin Hills. Our foursome remarked that if the wind we had Thursday had been at the US Open at Erin Hills, it would not have been the pushover course it was portrayed.

 

The course is only about 20 minutes from the games estate, but I haven't played it in five years. I am always tempted by their GolfNow times, but they always seemed a little pricey.

 

Anyway, the next time I see a hot deal for the Broadlands on GolfNow, I am going to scoop it up. I was impressed with the course conditions and the overall experience. In my mind, the Broadlands presents a much better value than Washington County.

 

For those looking for a warmup course before playing Erin Hills, the Broadlands is definitely worthy of consideration.

 

I'm a fan of Broadlands. Very solid layout and the front 9 is quite challenging. Love the par 5 2nd. Conditions have always been good when I've played it. My quibbles with the course are issues with pace of play and I don't like #18 being a par 3. Otherwise, very good track. That said, I think Washington County is better.

I agree with Bear. Broadlands has an excellent layout with plenty of variety on the par 4s and 5s. The front has some real teeth as it plays over 3500 yards and it has a lot of modern course staples (wide fairways with narrow approach shots, driveable par 4 mixed with long par 4s, etc.). It's also really cheap, which gets bonus points from me. However, it's not managed well so pace is a problem. I've found that if I want to get done in under 4 hours I need to have one of the first three tee times. Also, the last time I played it every par 3 was playing between 180 and 190. That gets a bit repetitive. I dont feel it's as good as Washington County but it's better than nearby courses like Evergreen.

[collje26]

As a Wisconsin golfer myself I'm following this thread. If anyone wants to meet up and play a couple courses mentioned I'm in! Also originally from the UP so I have some experience playing courses up there.

[games]

As a Wisconsin golfer myself I'm following this thread. If anyone wants to meet up and play a couple courses mentioned I'm in! Also originally from the UP so I have some experience playing courses up there.

 

Awesome! I vote Wisconsin annexes the UP so we get Timberstone, Greywalls, and Sweetgrass!

[zer0]

FYI, Lawsonia is aerating the Woodlands 10/2-10/4 and the Links 10/16-10/17.

[ode1]

FYI, Lawsonia is aerating the Woodlands 10/2-10/4 and the Links 10/16-10/17.

 

Thx that is good to know!

[St Jimmy]

Played Hawk's View in Lake Geneva this morning. I've always liked the course, but the greens were a disappointment this time. They were much slower than I remembered them being. Other than that, it was a great time.

[duffer987]

Drove over from Sand Valley to play at Whistling Straits Monday. Played the Irish course and it was in excellent shape. We typically play during Memorial Day weekend, so this is the best shape I've ever seen it in. The greens ran so true and apart from the first two holes - where the fairways were still a bit squishy - the fairways were good too.

 

Teed off first at 9am and got around in 2:50, with some picture taking and leisurely putt reading with my awesome caddie Jason80. Enjoyed the fabulous weather, to the point I was 1/2 thinking about changing my flight and spending to more days in Wisconsin. The current $75 deal on the Irish was just too good to pass up. If any locals were thinking of playing, I'd definitely head over there.

 

A couple pics:

 

 

 

 

[rtraudt]

Drove over from Sand Valley to play at Whistling Straits Monday. Played the Irish course and it was in excellent shape. We typically play during Memorial Day weekend, so this is the best shape I've ever seen it in. The greens ran so true and apart from the first two holes - where the fairways were still a bit squishy - the fairways were good too.

 

Teed off first at 9am and got around in 2:50, with some picture taking and leisurely putt reading with my awesome caddie Jason80. Enjoyed the fabulous weather, to the point I was 1/2 thinking about changing my flight and spending to more days in Wisconsin. The current $75 deal on the Irish was just too good to pass up. If any locals were thinking of playing, I'd definitely head over there.

 

A couple pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought the $75 irish deal didn't start for a week or two? Did you call to book it a while ago, or just call right before and book? Just curious, as I might try to get a round in this Friday/weekend if possible...

[duffer987]

Drove over from Sand Valley to play at Whistling Straits Monday. Played the Irish course and it was in excellent shape. We typically play during Memorial Day weekend, so this is the best shape I've ever seen it in. The greens ran so true and apart from the first two holes - where the fairways were still a bit squishy - the fairways were good too.

 

Teed off first at 9am and got around in 2:50, with some picture taking and leisurely putt reading with my awesome caddie Jason80. Enjoyed the fabulous weather, to the point I was 1/2 thinking about changing my flight and spending to more days in Wisconsin. The current $75 deal on the Irish was just too good to pass up. If any locals were thinking of playing, I'd definitely head over there.

 

A couple pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought the $75 irish deal didn't start for a week or two? Did you call to book it a while ago, or just call right before and book? Just curious, as I might try to get a round in this Friday/weekend if possible...

 

I rang Sunday night for a Monday morning teetime.

I asked about the rates and when she gave me the inseason rack rate for the Irish, I asked her to check again and she said - oh wait, yes if you book inside 72hrs it's $75.

Or at least that is what I heard, I was using Skype from SV, so it was a bit choppy of a call.

[ctfuzz21]

Looking at playing Lawsonia this weekend, but based on an earlier post, it looks like they may have punched the greens this week. Anybody have any insights or thoughts on making a drive up there to play freshly punched greens?

[rtraudt]

Looking at playing Lawsonia this weekend, but based on an earlier post, it looks like they may have punched the greens this week. Anybody have any insights or thoughts on making a drive up there to play freshly punched greens?

 

Honestly, to me the greens are the crown jewel of that course (love so much about it, but the greens most of all), so I would probably pass and wait. Putting on those greens was just such a blast (albeit a challenging blast) the times I've been there that it would really change my experience if they were significantly affected.

[ode1]

Drove over from Sand Valley to play at Whistling Straits Monday. Played the Irish course and it was in excellent shape. We typically play during Memorial Day weekend, so this is the best shape I've ever seen it in. The greens ran so true and apart from the first two holes - where the fairways were still a bit squishy - the fairways were good too.

 

Teed off first at 9am and got around in 2:50, with some picture taking and leisurely putt reading with my awesome caddie Jason80. Enjoyed the fabulous weather, to the point I was 1/2 thinking about changing my flight and spending to more days in Wisconsin. The current $75 deal on the Irish was just too good to pass up. If any locals were thinking of playing, I'd definitely head over there.

 

A couple pics:

 

 

 

 

 

Drove over from Sand Valley to play at Whistling Straits Monday. Played the Irish course and it was in excellent shape. We typically play during Memorial Day weekend, so this is the best shape I've ever seen it in. The greens ran so true and apart from the first two holes - where the fairways were still a bit squishy - the fairways were good too.

 

Teed off first at 9am and got around in 2:50, with some picture taking and leisurely putt reading with my awesome caddie Jason80. Enjoyed the fabulous weather, to the point I was 1/2 thinking about changing my flight and spending to more days in Wisconsin. The current $75 deal on the Irish was just too good to pass up. If any locals were thinking of playing, I'd definitely head over there.

 

A couple pics:

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a great fall for golf in NE Wisconsin, another day in the 70's.....courses are mostly in great shape, less any aeration. A pic from the Irish in summer, my phone pieced together a few shots and made a panoramic-

 

 

[rtraudt]

 

Thanks for the heads up on the deal! Was a perfect day to get out on the Irish, and today I shot my best score of the several rounds I've played there.

[duffer987]

Good stuff! :)

Funnily enough I had my best score going, until some unpleasantness on 16.

[ode1]

Good stuff! :)

Funnily enough I had my best score going, until some unpleasantness on 16.

 

16 is all about hitting a decent tee shot, from there a fairly straight forward don't go right:); 15 is a beast if a hole, fairly tough driving hole and really tough approach......tough stretch of holes 15-18.....17 not a biggie, but there is trouble looming on the left and 18 is the dumbest layup option on the planet!

[duffer987]

Good stuff! :)

Funnily enough I had my best score going, until some unpleasantness on 16.

 

16 is all about hitting a decent tee shot, from there a fairly straight forward don't go right:); 15 is a beast if a hole, fairly tough driving hole and really tough approach......tough stretch of holes 15-18.....17 not a biggie, but there is trouble looming on the left and 18 is the dumbest layup option on the planet!

 

18 is easily my least favorite finishing hole on a course I like. Players don't like it. Caddies don't like it. You'd think after all these years they might think about a redesign.

[Phreddy]

Lawsonia has a near cult following here, and it is pretty well deserved. If you are a card carrying member you might find the attached article to be of interest:

 

http://www.wisconsin...2e8e255061.html