Courses between Erin Hills and Whistling Straits

[adamjstl]

For everyone who has played either of these courses, what are some good public options nearby that won't break the bank? We are playing Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and Erin Hills, and want to add 2 other under $100 options as well.

[CactusGolf]

I'm originally from Milwaukee and was actually back visiting this past August. We got to play Erin and it was worth every penny.

Given that you'll basically be on I-94 and I-43, you definitely opened yourself up to some golf!

In Hartford, you'll have Washington County Golf Course (http://www.golfwcgc.com/). If you're a non-resident of the county, it's only $50 with a cart. Well worth it.

There's also The Bull in Sheboygan Falls, WI, right up I-43 (http://www.golfthebull.com/). IIRC, the October rates are right around $75.

The Broadlands is also a pretty decent choice if you wanted to save a little cash (www.broadlandsgolfclub.com).

Fire Ridge is also an option too in Grafton (http://www.fireridgegc.com/).

[D^2]

[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1413559632' post='10304955']
For everyone who has played either of these courses, what are some good public options nearby that won't break the bank? We are playing Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and Erin Hills, and want to add 2 other under $100 options as well.
[/quote]

Washington County, http://www.golfwcgc.com/

Fire Ridge, http://www.fireridgegc.com/

The Bog, https://www.golfthebog.com/

[CactusGolf]

[quote name='D^2' timestamp='1413560466' post='10305035']
[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1413559632' post='10304955']
For everyone who has played either of these courses, what are some good public options nearby that won't break the bank? We are playing Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and Erin Hills, and want to add 2 other under $100 options as well.
[/quote]

Washington County, [url="http://www.golfwcgc.com/"]http://www.golfwcgc.com/[/url]

Fire Ridge, [url="http://www.fireridgegc.com/"]http://www.fireridgegc.com/[/url]

The Bog, [url="https://www.golfthebog.com/"]https://www.golfthebog.com/[/url]
[/quote]I have to disagree with you on The Bog...

I'd rather play twice at Washington County over there.

[Argonne69]

+1 on The Bull. 'Very tough Jack Nicklaus course.

I didn't particularly care for The Bog. I don't think I've ever seen a course with more wetlands, red stakes, and blind shots. I should have played Washington County.

[CactusGolf]

Or you could play Erin twice!

[jimwgt26]

If your traveling through Milwaukee, I really like Brown Deer. I give the Bog a big thumbs down, I'd play any of the others a second time before I'd play there.

[zer0]

Another vote for Washington County. Great course, amazing price, really nice people working there.

[exgolfpro]

[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1413559632' post='10304955']
For everyone who has played either of these courses, what are some good public options nearby that won't break the bank? We are playing Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and Erin Hills, and want to add 2 other under $100 options as well.
[/quote]

When I played Erin HIlls (name drop, sorry), I asked the caddy what else around was worth playing. The only course he recommended was Washington County.....now that is not counting what is up in Sheboygan. I am playing Erin Hills on my next trip, but will play Whistling Straits-Irish and The Bull at Pinehurst Farms on my next trip. (already played The Straits and both Blackwolf Run courses).

[ocburg17]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Bog was way over rated. You really need to play the course twice since the first round you really have no clue the distance or direction to hit your ball off the tee.

The Broadlands and Fire Ridge are both good deals for quality courses. I played Fire Ridge last week for $24 with cart and you can find a similar fall deal for Broadlands.

[Colby327]

I'm probably not adding much, but here's where I'd rank your options.

1.) Washington county
2.) The Bull
3.) Fire Ridge
4.) Brown Deer
5.) Mee-Kwon (a lesser course than those mentioned above, but still fun, cheap, and under rated IMO)

Also, if you weren't planning on playing the Irish course at WS, add that in as well.

[CactusGolf]

[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414075757' post='10338277']
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Bog was way over rated. You really need to play the course twice since the first round you really have no clue the distance or direction to hit your ball off the tee.

The Broadlands and Fire Ridge are both good deals for quality courses. I played Fire Ridge last week for $24 with cart and you can find a similar fall deal for Broadlands.
[/quote]Overrated and overpriced!

Don't they want close to $100 for it?

IIRC, they have been trying to sell The Bog for years at a fraction of what the total cost to build the place was.

[johnnylongball]

Great thread. We are putting together our trip for next year and we're going back to Kohler for the 3rd time. We've played all the usual suspects (the four Kohler courses, Erin, Bog, Bull, Brown Deer). Lots of really good courses in the area.

We're looking to add a couple of new ones to the list this year in addition to playing some old favorites. We are not price sensitive. Really like some of the suggestions on this list. I checked the Boxgroove website and these courses are listed. Curious of your opinions and how these rate in comparison to the ones already listed in the thread:

North Shore and River Club, both in Mequon
Pine Hills in Sheboygan
Hidden Glen in Cedarburg
North Hills in Menomonee Falls

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Colby327]

[quote name='johnnylongball' timestamp='1414079649' post='10338703']
Great thread. We are putting together our trip for next year and we're going back to Kohler for the 3rd time. We've played all the usual suspects (the four Kohler courses, Erin, Bog, Bull, Brown Deer). Lots of really good courses in the area.

We're looking to add a couple of new ones to the list this year in addition to playing some old favorites. We are not price sensitive. Really like some of the suggestions on this list. I checked the Boxgroove website and these courses are listed. Curious of your opinions and how these rate in comparison to the ones already listed in the thread:

North Shore and River Club, both in Mequon
Pine Hills in Sheboygan
Hidden Glen in Cedarburg
North Hills in Menomonee Falls

Thanks in advance for any advice.
[/quote]

These are definitely good courses (especially Pine Hills) but they're also private. If you have a way to get on, go for it.

[zer0]

[quote name='johnnylongball' timestamp='1414079649' post='10338703']
Great thread. We are putting together our trip for next year and we're going back to Kohler for the 3rd time. We've played all the usual suspects (the four Kohler courses, Erin, Bog, Bull, Brown Deer). Lots of really good courses in the area.

We're looking to add a couple of new ones to the list this year in addition to playing some old favorites. We are not price sensitive. Really like some of the suggestions on this list. I checked the Boxgroove website and these courses are listed. Curious of your opinions and how these rate in comparison to the ones already listed in the thread:

North Shore and River Club, both in Mequon
Pine Hills in Sheboygan
Hidden Glen in Cedarburg
North Hills in Menomonee Falls

Thanks in advance for any advice.
[/quote]

Since you've done this trip so many times its time for you to venture a little to the west and hit up Lawsonia in Green Lake. Or go to Madison and play U Ridge.

[ocburg17]

[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1414077855' post='10338489']
[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414075757' post='10338277']
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Bog was way over rated. You really need to play the course twice since the first round you really have no clue the distance or direction to hit your ball off the tee.

The Broadlands and Fire Ridge are both good deals for quality courses. I played Fire Ridge last week for $24 with cart and you can find a similar fall deal for Broadlands.
[/quote]Overrated and overpriced!

Don't they want close to $100 for it?

IIRC, they have been trying to sell The Bog for years at a fraction of what the total cost to build the place was.
[/quote]

Even with a golfnow deal of about $70, I still thought it was overpriced. I did also just read that they have been trying to see for over a year at a lower price than it's worth.

It has some potential to be a nicer course and there are some cool holes, but it is just too demanding from tee to green. It's a "I'm going to trick you" type of demanding rather than being rewarded for good shots and penalized for really poor shots. I hope it gets sold, changes are made to improve the playability and cost is more appropriately set. Someone give me millions and I can start working on this in my free time.

[CactusGolf]

[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414085015' post='10339271']
[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1414077855' post='10338489']
[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414075757' post='10338277']
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Bog was way over rated. You really need to play the course twice since the first round you really have no clue the distance or direction to hit your ball off the tee.

The Broadlands and Fire Ridge are both good deals for quality courses. I played Fire Ridge last week for $24 with cart and you can find a similar fall deal for Broadlands.
[/quote]Overrated and overpriced!

Don't they want close to $100 for it?

IIRC, they have been trying to sell The Bog for years at a fraction of what the total cost to build the place was.
[/quote]

Even with a golfnow deal of about $70, I still thought it was overpriced. I did also just read that they have been trying to see for over a year at a lower price than it's worth.

It has some potential to be a nicer course and there are some cool holes, but it is just too demanding from tee to green. It's a "I'm going to trick you" type of demanding rather than being rewarded for good shots and penalized for really poor shots. I hope it gets sold, changes are made to improve the playability and cost is more appropriately set. Someone give me millions and I can start working on this in my free time.
[/quote]That's how I feel about it.

I played a few high school matches up there and everyone hated it.

The problem is that it isn't really near anything. Not worth the drive up there.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1414085296' post='10339293']
[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414085015' post='10339271']
[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1414077855' post='10338489']
[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1414075757' post='10338277']
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Bog was way over rated. You really need to play the course twice since the first round you really have no clue the distance or direction to hit your ball off the tee.

The Broadlands and Fire Ridge are both good deals for quality courses. I played Fire Ridge last week for $24 with cart and you can find a similar fall deal for Broadlands.
[/quote]Overrated and overpriced!

Don't they want close to $100 for it?

IIRC, they have been trying to sell The Bog for years at a fraction of what the total cost to build the place was.
[/quote]

Even with a golfnow deal of about $70, I still thought it was overpriced. I did also just read that they have been trying to see for over a year at a lower price than it's worth.

It has some potential to be a nicer course and there are some cool holes, but it is just too demanding from tee to green. It's a "I'm going to trick you" type of demanding rather than being rewarded for good shots and penalized for really poor shots. I hope it gets sold, changes are made to improve the playability and cost is more appropriately set. Someone give me millions and I can start working on this in my free time.
[/quote]That's how I feel about it.

I played a few high school matches up there and everyone hated it.

The problem is that it isn't really near anything. Not worth the drive up there.
[/quote]

On top of all that, they probably have the worst hamburger of any 19th hole I've eaten in. Blech!

[ocburg17]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1414096718' post='10340403']
On top of all that, they probably have the worst hamburger of any 19th hole I've eaten in. Blech!
[/quote]

Ha. I did have a burger but I was so frustrated at the round/course that I probably ate it in 3 bites. Just wanted to get the f out of there.

[Zachman]

Want to slightly revisit this tread. NEVER play fire ridge. The course was in nice shape about 2 years ago, but I played there at least 3 times this year and it was in awful shape. In addition, Im not a huge fan of the design. Sorry about the slight rant, but it seemed to be getting way too much credit from the posts I read.

[ocburg17]

Yes fire ridge was in worse shape this year than last year but still a course worth playing. It is a good scramble course too which i do yearly with the company I work for.

Anyone have opinions on Fox Hills? I have a spring 3 day trip out there. For the total price I know it wont be great but the group im going with has been going for 4-5 years so it cant be awful.

[ode1]

[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1418494286' post='10588349']
Yes fire ridge was in worse shape this year than last year but still a course worth playing. It is a good scramble course too which i do yearly with the company I work for.

Anyone have opinions on Fox Hills? I have a spring 3 day trip out there. For the total price I know it wont be great but the group im going with has been going for 4-5 years so it cant be awful.
[/quote]

I'm close to Fox Hills and its nothing special; there is the red, white, and blue 9's, pretty average muni. parkland style 27... nothing tricky and pretty open; The National is their nicer course and it's links style...I played it last year it was not in great shape, fwy's were not kept up, nor were the tee boxes...looked liked they hadn't been mowed in a week. There are a few signature type holes that are fun, but other than that it's just an ok course. I was surprised re: the condition, as its typically in better shape.

I'm not picky and will play just about anywhere and try to get to the National once per year and I'll typically play one or two of the other 9's in spring as they typically open up early. Have fun and if you plan on venturing elsewhere for a round, lmk and I could give you some suggestions.

[AMATEUR_GOLFER79]

Washington county!!! For the win!

[AMATEUR_GOLFER79]

Washington county
Morning star

Broadlands had terrible greens almost all season to have such a nice layout. Bumpiest greens I've played on in a long time.

[CactusGolf]

[quote name='AMATEUR_GOLFER79' timestamp='1418513737' post='10589483']
Washington county
Morning star

Broadlands had terrible greens almost all season to have such a nice layout. Bumpiest greens I've played on in a long time.
[/quote]That's too bad. Definitely a good layout. One of the few courses with a par 3 finishing hole.

Morning Star wasn't worth the cost. IIRC, close to $65.

[AMATEUR_GOLFER79]

I played a league on Thursdays at Broadland. When I first seen the course there was so much potential till I reached the greens. Worst ball marks ever. Bumpiest greens. It took till late August for the greens to smooth out.

To me Morningstar is worth the cash to play. I love that course. Another great course to play is Naga-waukee.
It is one of my favorites and the price is excellent for a course that is as well kept as it

[ocburg17]

[quote name='ode1' timestamp='1418501549' post='10588691']
[quote name='ocburg17' timestamp='1418494286' post='10588349']
Yes fire ridge was in worse shape this year than last year but still a course worth playing. It is a good scramble course too which i do yearly with the company I work for.

Anyone have opinions on Fox Hills? I have a spring 3 day trip out there. For the total price I know it wont be great but the group im going with has been going for 4-5 years so it cant be awful.
[/quote]

I'm close to Fox Hills and its nothing special; there is the red, white, and blue 9's, pretty average muni. parkland style 27... nothing tricky and pretty open; The National is their nicer course and it's links style...I played it last year it was not in great shape, fwy's were not kept up, nor were the tee boxes...looked liked they hadn't been mowed in a week. There are a few signature type holes that are fun, but other than that it's just an ok course. I was surprised re: the condition, as its typically in better shape.

I'm not picky and will play just about anywhere and try to get to the National once per year and I'll typically play one or two of the other 9's in spring as they typically open up early. Have fun and if you plan on venturing elsewhere for a round, lmk and I could give you some suggestions.
[/quote]

Thanks for the response. I didn't expect much based on the price which included lodging and some cash towards the bar. It is a 3 day event (36 holes, 36 holes, 18 holes I believe) with 16 guys. I believe we play all the courses and you play your own ball throughout, but beyond that, not sure the rules. I'm just looking forward to being able to play again, and that is 6 months away still.

My buddy's family just bought a lake house on the east side of Winnebago so I'm sure we will be golfing a few times up that way.

[ckostrewa]

[quote name='johnnylongball' timestamp='1414079649' post='10338703']
Great thread. We are putting together our trip for next year and we're going back to Kohler for the 3rd time. We've played all the usual suspects (the four Kohler courses, Erin, Bog, Bull, Brown Deer). Lots of really good courses in the area.

We're looking to add a couple of new ones to the list this year in addition to playing some old favorites. We are not price sensitive. Really like some of the suggestions on this list. I checked the Boxgroove website and these courses are listed. Curious of your opinions and how these rate in comparison to the ones already listed in the thread:

North Shore and River Club, both in Mequon
Pine Hills in Sheboygan
Hidden Glen in Cedarburg
North Hills in Menomonee Falls

Thanks in advance for any advice.
[/quote]
I also highly recommend playing both Lawsonia courses in Green Lake. If you want to head west, Lake Arrowhead has two great courses and you can actually drive off-road and look at the site for the new Sand Valley course that Mike Keiser is building & Coore/Crenshaw architect.

[AMATEUR_GOLFER79]

Washington county

[PooN]

Depends what you want to play.

Broadlands, Morningstar, Fire Ridge, Washington County, Lawsonia (Links) are all links style courses.
Brown Deer, Lawsonia (Woodlands), The Bull, are more woodsy.

Don't forget about Wild Rock or Trappers Turn in Wisconsin Dells. Also University Ridge in Madison.

I would shoot for Lawsonia if I were you. It's a bit more expensive, but such nice courses. The Bull was nice as well, but also expensive.
If you're looking for quick and inexpensive, there's always Kettle Hills. It's like 15 minutes West of Erin Hills and a really fun track. (two 18's and a 9). Heck, you could play all three for under $100.