The state of Wisconsin has well over five-hundred golf courses. With such a large quantity to choose from it can be hard to make a decision on where to play. We have gone ahead and made a list of what we consider the ten best public golf courses in the state with the hope of helping you make your decision a little easier. But they are all so unique and inviting that you’ll probably just want to play them all.

There is a driving force that is seeing thousands of golfers flock to Wisconsin especially in recent years. It can be attributed to three things which are the quality, quantity, and variety of golf courses on offer here. Golfers can even get on to and play the same golf courses that hold several professional tournaments every year.

High-end public golf courses is something Wisconsin does very well and with so many of them in such close vicinity to each other it gives golfers more bang for their buck when they are planning to go on a golf trip here. Imagine being able play a links-style course that makes you feel like you’ve been teleported to the British Isles or a dune course that feels like it you’re on the Oregon coast. This is exactly what playing golf in Wisconsin feels like and courses like this are within a few hours drive from each other. Golfers can do one single trip to Wisconsin and if planned right can play numerous world-class courses in only a matter of days.

It is no wonder such pure golf courses are found in a state where the world’s best architects have dominated course design. Pete Dye, Michael Hurdzman, Dana Fry, Ron Whitten, William Langford, and Theodore Moreau have all had a hand in creating these amazing facilities.

If you are looking for the best public golf courses to play in Wisconsin this list is full of heavy hitters. Maybe you have already played one or more of them or you are looking to bring your game to the best courses in the Badger state. Either way there is an abundance of amazing golf to be played here and hopefully this article will help you with planning a golf trip to Wisconsin.

When To Play Golf In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is no stranger to cold weather so it’s important to plan a golf trip here when the weather is at it’s best which is in the summer and fall. The fall is by far the most spectacular as the leaves start to change color. If golfers want to enjoy beautiful scenery as part of their golfing experience in Wisconsin it’s highly recommended to plan for a September or October golf trip.

What Airport To Fly Into For A Wisconsin Golf Trip

Flying in to Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is highly advised. It’s convenient location is within less then a three-hour drive of all the best public golf courses in Wisconsin on this list, bar one. This is the beauty of taking a golf trip to Wisconsin, not only can you play amazing golf courses but it is extremely easy to get to them in very little travel time once you have landed.

Renting A Car From Milwaukee Airport

Golfers will need to rent a car from MKE Airport to reach their desired destination. This airport is relatively small and the rental car companies are conveniently within walking distance. It’s recommended to pre-book your rental car so you can be on the road and heading your golf destination with no delays.

Best Public Golf Courses In Wisconsin

1. Whistling Straits (Straits Course)

The Straits Course at Whistling Straits has an interesting history. Originally the land was used the by the military from 1949 to 1959 as a training facility and airfield which was named Camp Haven. It was then abandoned for many years until 1970 when Wisconsin Electric purchased the property in the hopes to build a nuclear power plant, but is was apposed by the local community and never ended up getting built.

Fast forward to the early 1990’s and this is when the Kohler Company acquired the land of which is now called Whistling Straits. Herbert Kohler hired architect Pete Dye to design the golf course which took five-years to build. The landscape you see now at Whistling Straits is obviously much different then the flat airfield it once was. Kohler and Dye brought in around 800,000 cubic yards of dirt and sand to create this replica of an ancient seaside links golf course that you would expect find in Ireland or the likes.

The Straits Course features eight-holes running alongside the shore of Lake Michigan, and offers one of the most amazing settings for golf in the world. There is even a flock of Scottish Blackface Sheep grazing on the property. Nothing was over-looked when it came to the design that includes grass-topped dunes, deep pot bunkers, vast rolling greens, and three amazing stone bridges.

Whistling Straits has hosted the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, the U.S. Senior Open in 2007, and the Ryder Cup in 2021.

The Straits Course At Whistling Straits Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Whistling Straits (Straits Course) it will cost $180. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (855) 444 2838.

Stay At Destination Kohler

Destination Kohler offers a variety of accommodation from three to five star.

The American Club Resort Hotel is the best of the best boasting historic elegance and all the finest amenities one could want and need. This five-star diamond rated hotel has 241 rooms that range from standard to presidential, so you will be able to find the perfect one to suit your needs and budget. This resort is more aimed towards couples looking for intimate and romantic setting.

The American Club Carriage House offers a range of rooms and amenities where guests can enjoy personally curated experiences that include access to Kohler Waters Spa, a yoga studio, fitness equipment, and more. This option is perfect for guests looking for a wellness retreat or relaxing experience.

The Inn On Woodlake is the most popular of the accommodations here and is set on a picturesque lakeshore offering 138 boutique-style rooms with a variety of amenities including Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s, walking trails, private beach, and a putting green so you can practice some drills before hitting the course. The three-star diamond Inn provides great hospitality and the comforts one would expect from an Inn. This is a great place to stay on a men’s trip or if you are looking for the most budget friendly on site accommodation option.

If you want to experience a more secluded type of accommodation, Destination Kohler’s Cabin Collection is a great choice. From three-bedroom luxury to single room rustic cabins there is something that will surely tickle anyone’s fancy and offer an unforgettable experience. Some of the cabins even sit on the shore of beautiful Woodlake. This is a great option for families.

*Destination Kohler’s golf courses include Whistling Straits (Irish) and Blackwolf Run’s (River and Meadow Valleys). So these accommodation options are the same for these courses as well.

2. Erin Hills Golf Course

Erin Hills Golf Course has been referenced as “the most natural golf course in America” as it is routed over a glacial formed landscape in Wisconsin called Kettle Moraine. Kettle Moraine is a belt of irregular ridges and upland areas that extends for more than 120-miles across Southeastern Wisconsin.

The fairways and greens were mowed out of the original topography and apart from digging bunkers very little dirt was moved whilst building this golf course. The fairways are rollercoaster like with dry fescue, tall and native rough, along with smooth Bentgrass tees and greens.

There is truly no other golf course like it and architects Michael Hurdzman, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten did an exceptional job designing it.

Erin Hills Golf Course Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Erin Hills Golf Course it will cost $270 – $330. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (262) 419 3409.

Stay At Erin Hills Golf Course

Erin Hills Golf Course offer two accommodation options that include – The Lodge and The Cottages.

The Lodge at Erin Hills is a classic Irish-style Inn. It has a warm and rustic ambience making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the golf course. This luxurious accommodation consists of antique furnishings, Egyptian linen, down comforters and pillows, Wi-Fi, TV, and private baths.

Luxury cottages with four-bedrooms are also available on site. These Irish-style cottages come fully equipped with a fireplace, sitting area, wet bar, king beds, robes, down comforters and pillows, Egyptian linens, Wi-Fi, TV, ironing board and iron, as well as a safe.

3. Sand Valley Golf Resort (Sand Valley Course)

The Sand Valley Course at Sand Valley Golf Resort just seems like it shouldn’t exist in a place like Wisconsin. Rather somewhere like the Oregon coast or Cabo would be more fitting.

The Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design is marvelously routed through massive prehistoric sand dunes and consists of fast fairways, and challenging greens. Sand Valley definitely has the “wow” factor and has quickly become one of the most popular golf courses in the state. This is a huge feat considering it only opened in 2017.

Sand Valley Golf Resort – Sand Valley Course Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Sand Valley’s Sand Valley Course it will cost $175 – $235. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (888) 398 8671.

Stay At Sand Valley Golf Course

Sand Valley has a variety of on property accommodations that include lodge rooms, suites, and luxury cottages.

Lodge rooms are perfect for one to two people and include either one king bed or two queen beds. These rooms either overlook the par 3 course, Mammoth Dunes’ 18th hole, Sand Valley’s 18th hole, Mammoth Dunes’ 1st hole, or a combination of them.

The suites are spacious and have refrigerators, wet bars, easy outdoor access, two separate vanity sinks, and large tubs. The views from the suites are fantastic and look directly down Mammoth Dunes’ first hole.

The cottages are available in one, four, and eight bed options and include all the amenities you would find in a house. Large windows and porches offer stunning views of the property and its golf courses. These are luxury accommodations that will make you feel like you never want to leave.

4. Blackwolf Run (River Course)

Blackwolf Run’s River Course meanders along the beautiful Sheboygan River and through the surrounding hills. There is an enormous amount of natural beauty in and surrounding this course. The River course is definitely over shadowed by it’s sister course Meadow Valleys but don’t be fooled it’s an amazing course.

This Pete Dye designed golf course has target style landing areas, elevated tee boxes, multiple doglegs, mounds, undulating greens, and some large fairway bunkers. A playable but challenging golf course non the less.

Blackwolf Run River Course Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Blackwolf Run’s (River Course) it will cost $320. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (855) 444 2838.

5. Whistling Straights (Irish Course)

The Irish Course at Whistling Straits is much like that of its counterpart ”The Straits Course” however, you need to take Lake Michigan out of the equation.

The inland dune-style layout is an 18-hole track consisting of subtle elevation changes, contoured greens, large mounds, numerous water hazards, and many bunkers.

This Pete Dye designed golf course opened in 2000 and is a must play in Wisconsin.

The Irish Course At Whistling Straits Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Whistling Straits (Irish Course) it will cost $180. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (855) 444 2838.

6. SentryWorld Golf Course

SentryWorld Golf Course offers a very unique golfing experience in Wisconsin. What makes SentryWorld unique it’s five-acres of colorful flower beds, spring-fed lakes, native Birch trees, and tall pines that accentuate the landscape.

This 18-hole parkland style golf course was designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr in 1982. Jones also redesigned the course in 2013 – 2015 which involved removing trees to widen fairways, refurbishing bunkers, changing of green complexes, along with new irrigation and cart paths. The grass here is a beautiful shade of green, the bunkers white as snow, and water a glistening blue. What more could you want in a golf course?

There are even more enhancements being completed here in advance of hosting the U.S. Senior Open Championship here in 2023.

SentryWorld Golf Course Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at SentryWorld it will cost $275. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (866) 479 6753.

Stay At SentryWorld Golf Course

Stay and Play packages are available in luxurious accommodations at The Inn at SentryWorld. There are options for single or double occupancy, 18-holes of world-class golf with GPS equipped golf cart and full access to the course hospitality stations starting at $375.

The Inn at SentryWorld is an on site hotel that sits just off the 18th fairway and provides stunning views. The rooms offer everything you need for a comfy stay including king or queen size beds, private terraces, TV’s, cozy furnishings, and fairly spacious floor plans.

7. Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valleys Course)

Pete Dye’s River Course is definitely the highlight of the Blackwolf Run however, Meadow Valleys is still an equally impressive golf course.

It features rolling meadows and ravines that reflect natural Wisconsin terrain very well. It is less demanding then some of its counterparts which makes it much more enjoyable for higher handicap golfers. If this isn’t your first choice when heading to Destination Kohler consider spending an extra day and playing here. You will be pleasantly surprised at how good it actually is.

Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valley Course) Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Blackwolf Run’s (Meadow Valleys) it will cost $180. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (855) 444 2838.

8. Troy Burne Golf Club

Although Troy Burne Golf Club is in Wisconsin it is so close to the border and Twin Cities that Minnesotan golfers have claimed it as their own.

Opening in 1999, the Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Tom Lehman designed golf course offers a fun but challenging layout. There are over 120 elaborate bunkers, strategically incorporated streams and ponds, Bentgrass fairways, and undulating greens.

The front 9 is more of a prairie like setting and is a little more exposed to the elements compared to the back 9. The back 9 meanders through more woodland type areas and is less open.

Just a thirty minute drive from St Paul, Minnesota is where you will find this very well maintained golf course.

Troy Burne Golf Club Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Troy Burne Golf Club it will cost $96 walking or $118 with a cart. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (751) 381 9800.

Hotels Near Troy Burne Golf Club

Troy Burne Golf Club doesn’t offer any on site accommodations however, there are a variety of hotels nearby. We recommend any of the following listed below.

• Hampton Inn & Suites (Hudson)
• Comfort Suites Hudson I-94 (Hudson)
• Radisson Hotel (River Falls)
• The Saint Paul Hotel (St Paul)
• Drury Plaza Hotel (St. Paul Downtown)

9. Lawsonia (Links Course)

The Links Course at Lawsonia is reminiscent of a classic British Isles links and for good reason. Many of the holes are replicas from famous English and Scottish links courses. There are little to know trees through the layout, deep bunkers, wide rolling fairways, along with fast, hard, and some elevated greens.

This golf course can definitely be more of a challenge when the wind is blowing due to how open it is. There has been some restoration work over the years but the William Langford and Theodore Moreau 1930’s design remains virtually unchanged.

Lawsonia Links Course Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Lawsonia Links Course it will cost $95. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (920) 294 3320.

Stay At Lawsonia Golf Course

If you are looking for the full Lawsonia experience they offer a variety of accommodation options.

Dawson House (next to the golf course and clubhouse)
Featuring three bedrooms, two and one half baths, screened porch, flat-screen TV, WiFi and fireplace
Capacity: 12 (12 single beds)

Moreau House (Option 1)
Featuring one single suite, one bath, flat-screen TV and WiFi
Capacity: 2 (2 single beds)

Moreau House (Option 2)
Featuring a double suite, one bath, flat-screen TV and WiFi
Capacity: 4 (2 double beds)

Birches House (with fantastic views of The Links)
Featuring five bedrooms, three baths, flat-screen TV and WiFi
Capacity: 12 (12 single beds)

10. Wild Rock Golf Club

Wisconsin Dell’s Wild Rock Golf Course was designed by the same architects who designed Erin Hills, Michael Hurdzman and Dana Fry.

The golf course was built on an old rock quarry so it exhibits unique topography such as rocky mounds, intense elevation changes, amazing vistas, but also offers a woodland area with a stream and beautiful sandstone ridges that Wisconsin Dells is known for.

There is even a well preserved iconic red farm style barn just to add to the epitome of the area. With fast and true greens, and well maintained Bentgrass fairways Wild Rock is a great golf course to play.

Wild Rock Golf Club Rates

To play an 18-hole round of golf at Wild Rock Golf Course it will cost $89. Reservations can be made online or by phone at (608) 253 4653.

Stay At Wild Rock Golf Club

Wild Rock Golf Club offer some great lodging accommodations that range from standard hotel rooms to luxurious three, four or five bedroom golf cabins to suit all budgets. Their cabins feature full kitchens, patios with gas grills and all the amenities of home and a great for large groups or families. See all accommodation options here or phone (800) 867 9453.

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