[schlebrock]

Hey everyone,

I'm traveling to Wisconsin in August (Madison, Green Bay & Milwaukee areas) so I'm hoping I can get some recommendations on which course I should play.

My first two options are:

1) Whistling Straits - Straits Course ($420 per person w/caddie, which is required on this course)
2) Blackwolf Run - River Course ($310 per person w/caddie or $248 w/cart)

The problem is that they require a minimum 2-night stay at the resort to book a tee-time longer than 14 days in advance. That's not possible so I'm going to have to wait until 14 days before my playing date to see it there's availabilty. So far, the date I had in mind is filling up rapidly so it's not looking good for either of these courses.

Therefore, I want to setup a contigency plan to ensure I get on a good course. That said, I was considering these other options based on what little I know about Golf in Wisconsin because I can make reservations now for my August date. My top three choices are:

A) Blackwolf Run - Meadow Valleys Course ($245 per person with caddie or $183 w/cart)
B) Whistling Straits - Irish Course ($245 per person with caddie or $183 w/cart)
C) Erin Hills - ($184 per person w.cart)

I included prices but price is really not my major concern as I'm looking for a great golf experience and not necessarily a good golf value. The most imporatnt thing to me is a good test of golf with superb paying conditions. So, do any of these last three choices stand above the rest or is there another course I should consider?

All opinions are welcome and any help would be appreciated.

[Big A HG]

Been to all of them except Erin Hills....lived about 5 minutes from Whistling, 10 from Blackwolf.

Straits course is a must if there is any way that you can get on. I would definitely give Erin Hills a go if you can't play the Straits at all. Erin Hills is a new course that is very likely (almost certain) to get the 2017 US Open. The USGA is looking to have a permanent midwest course in their rotation, and this one fits the bill...especially since they have double-black tees that stretch to around 8100 yards. A few tour pros played it before their official opening, and it was the only course to get a USGA event before it was even seeded (Women's Publinx). I don't know for sure, I even belive a US Amateur will be held there around 2011 or 2012.

The River course is a great course as well. You can't go wrong with any of them. Another choice that's right across the street from Blackwolf Run is The Bull, a Jack Nicklaus design that has very good character and lots of water/ravines that come into play. It costs somewhere between 125 and 150 I believe.

My choices in order:

1) WS-Straits
2) Erin Hills
3) BWR-River
4) WS-Irish
5) The Bull
6) BWR-Meadow Valleys

The 1998 Womens US Open along with some NEC events or something were held at Blackwolf Run in the late '90s. The course they used was actually the orginal 18, which was a combination of what is now the River and Meadow Valleys course, so that one has some great holes as well.


The area is one of the best in the world when it comes to first class golf. You can't beat any of them. Lastly, if you have time, there is a course about 20 minutes northwest of the Sheboygan area (which is where these all reside except Erin Hills) called Autumn Ridge. It's a great track for about 40-50 bucks, and depending on the day you can get even better deals. Definitely worth the price.


Hope this helps and have a ton of fun....don't forget to have a brat and a beer while there!

[schlebrock]

Hey Big A HG,

I'll definitely have a brat and a beer (several to be exact) and thanks for the information.

I heard great things about Erin Hills and the possibility of getting the Open there but the pictures that I saw here on Golfwrx led me to believe that the course isn't maintained very well. Can anyone else chime in regarding the conditions at Erin Hills?

[Big A HG]

You have to remember that the course is VERY young and just opened recently. I never saw the pictures of Erin Hills posted, but I find it hard to believe that by August of it's second full year it will be in bad shape. I highly doubt you'd be disappointed. Wisconsin golf in August is the perfect time of year!

[g0lf18]

I'm not sure if you're looking for a course in each area that your visiting (Madison, Green Bay & Milwaukee areas) but any of these will provide a good test of golf:

Green Bay area: Whisling Straits courses http://www.destinati...s/ws_index.html, Black Wolf Run Courses, The Bull http://www.golfthebull.com/

Milwaukee area: Erin Hills http://www.erinhills.com/, Brown Deer (the muni that theU.S. Bank Championship is played at) http://www.browndeergolfclub.org/

Madison area: University Ridge http://www.universit...ge/204-6709.htm, The Oaks http://www.golftheoaks.com, Hawks Landing (A private club that allows some public tee times) http://www.hawkslandinggolfclub.com/


If you want some one to golf with when you get in the Madison area hit me up.

[illinikyle]

For public golf in WI I'd say...

1) Whistling Straits
2) Lawsonia Links
3) Blackwolf Run River
4) Erin Hills

[schlebrock]

g0lf18, on Jun 17 2008, 03:38 PM, said:

I'm not sure if you're looking for a course in each area that your visiting (Madison, Green Bay & Milwaukee areas) but any of these will provide a good test of golf:

Green Bay area: Whisling Straits courses http://www.destinati...s/ws_index.html, Black Wolf Run Courses, The Bull http://www.golfthebull.com/

Milwaukee area: Erin Hills http://www.erinhills.com/, Brown Deer (the muni that theU.S. Bank Championship is played at) http://www.browndeergolfclub.org/

Madison area: University Ridge http://www.universit...ge/204-6709.htm, The Oaks http://www.golftheoaks.com, Hawks Landing (A private club that allows some public tee times) http://www.hawkslandinggolfclub.com/


If you want some one to golf with when you get in the Madison area hit me up.

Thanks g0lf18,

I'll be in Madison the majority of the week so I may be able to get away late in the afternoon sometime mid-week. I'll shoot you a PM in August if I do.

On another note, I read an article about Erin Hills by a Milwaukee Journal reporter (May 2008) that leads me to believe that the course conditions are not in good shape. He talks about how the golf carts are hurting the fairways (fescue grass) but the course is in such need of revenue that they're still allowing carts at this time.

It may be a wonderful layout and someday might host the U.S. Open in 2017 but if the grass is in poor shape, I'd rather play at one of the Kohler courses. Maybe they'll get it worked out by August?

[kchrist]

Lawsonia Links. Play all day for under 100. Best deal by far in WI. All others are great too

[schlebrock]

Lawsonia Links?

I'll have to look into that one too.

Thanks illinikyle and kchrist!

[g0lf18]

I agree, Lawsonia is a hidden gem, just not as near any of his three destinations as the other suggestions, (I like the Woodlands course better than the Links, even though the last time I played it, it beat me up pretty bad...lol). http://lawsonia.com/lawsonia/index.htm

[illinikyle]

The Links at Lawsonia is easily the better course. It is definitely in the top 100 in the country.

[rlheiman]

I've played them all on the list.

The best by far is Whistling Straits.

I really like the Irish course. It is a solid track. Anywhere else in the country it would be rated really high.

Skip Meadow/Valley, not that great overall. about 8 great holes, 10 so-so.

River course is awesome and tough.

Erin Hills is great, but as was said above conditions in the spring were not ideal, but I do believe by August it will be in great shape.

If you want to get 36 in, there is nothing better than Lawsonia. Both courses are awesome, usually not too busy and conditions are second to none.

My choice would be.

1. Straits
2. Erin Hills
3. Irish
4. Lawsonia-Links
5. Blackwolf- River
6. Lawsonia-Woodlands
7. Blackwolf -Meadow/Valley

[g0lf18]

illinikyle, on Jun 17 2008, 10:39 PM, said:

The Links at Lawsonia is easily the better course. It is definitely in the top 100 in the country.

Yes the links is the better course, I just prefer the woodlands for some reason.

[mjm1]

The River course is currently half under water, and the Straits had some bad kill on the fairways...so Kohler is in rough shape this year.

Erin Hills has perfect greens. Perfect. Way better than any of the Kohler courses. The fairways may be spotty in places - but keep in mind that this course will never be the lush, green, perfectly manicured type of golf course. It will look more like a British Open course in terms of conditioning than it ever will an Augusta National. It is also far more FUN to play than the Kohler courses. Plus, paying $400+ for a round of golf is just plain stupidity.

Another opinion - the Meadow Valleys course at BW is better than the River with really no bad holes. River #2, #15-16 and #18 are all pretty lackluster.

Lawsonia is sweet, unique, and always in great shape.

Play Erin & Lawsonia, have just as much fun...and just as good of a golf experience, and save yourself a boatload of cash.

[ramylson]

Here are several reviews I've done for this site:

Erin Hills - Click me.
Blackwolf Run (River Course) ..I know that I need to update it, but I just haven't had the time to do it properly.. - Click me.
Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valley) - Click me.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms - Click me.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a few more up prior to your trip (The Irish Course, Lawsonia, and Bergamont) to help..

Anyway, I won't worry about the conditions as much as you are. It was a hard winter here in the midwest with a lot of snow and severe cold. So, it's taken a bit for the courses to bounce back. Unfortunately, a lot of that has been compounded with biblical rains lately which has been unbelievable (seriously). After a typical summer, things will be near perfect for when you're in the area. I have a friend that's a caddy up at Kohler/Blackwolf, so I know that things are improving. But, right now, are nowhere close to what they would like to, or typically, see. It's just going to take a bit of time, but it's something that shouldn't really come into your decision making process.

How long are you going to be in the area, and how many courses are you trying to play?

I agree with mjm1 that some of the prices are insane for what you get (ie, Straits course or River course). But, they're still nice tracks. Only, there are better times to play them then the "normal" season, where you can get a break on the price. Of the Kohler courses (Blackwolf and Straits), I would rank them accordingly: Straits, River, Meadows, Irish. While they're all very nice and worth a play, there are definitely weaker tracks than others. The Bull (just across the street from Blackwolf, literally) is also a wonderful track that shouldn't be missed. Given that it's a better value that a few of the Kohler courses, I'd say don't miss it. You can get a break if you play it during the weak after 2pm (twilight), so it could be something that you double up a round at given it's location to the other Kohler courses. Lawsonia is a great experience, and is a steal for their combined play rate. If you're looking to play something around Madison, look into University Ridge and The Legend of Bergamont. Easily the two better public play courses there with wonderful conditioning a layouts. The end though, don't miss out of playing Erin Hills. It's an amazing course with the associated links conditions that it should have. It might be a bit rough around the edges yet, but the layout is amazing. I just think people go into it thinking that everything should be perfect, but that's not their focus. It's a link course, set-up like a link course should be. Hard and fast, and the greens are some of the best I've ever been on. Don't miss out if you have the chance.

I'll have to think about the order I'd put all of these courses and get it up later..

[schlebrock]

ramylson, on Jun 18 2008, 03:22 PM, said:

Here are several reviews I've done for this site:

Erin Hills - Click me.
Blackwolf Run (River Course) ..I know that I need to update it, but I just haven't had the time to do it properly.. - Click me.
Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valley) - Click me.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms - Click me.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a few more up prior to your trip (The Irish Course, Lawsonia, and Bergamont) to help..

Anyway, I won't worry about the conditions as much as you are. It was a hard winter here in the midwest with a lot of snow and severe cold. So, it's taken a bit for the courses to bounce back. Unfortunately, a lot of that has been compounded with biblical rains lately which has been unbelievable (seriously). After a typical summer, things will be near perfect for when you're in the area. I have a friend that's a caddy up at Kohler/Blackwolf, so I know that things are improving. But, right now, are nowhere close to what they would like to, or typically, see. It's just going to take a bit of time, but it's something that shouldn't really come into your decision making process.

How long are you going to be in the area, and how many courses are you trying to play?

I agree with mjm1 that some of the prices are insane for what you get (ie, Straits course or River course). But, they're still nice tracks. Only, there are better times to play them then the "normal" season, where you can get a break on the price. Of the Kohler courses (Blackwolf and Straits), I would rank them accordingly: Straits, River, Meadows, Irish. While they're all very nice and worth a play, there are definitely weaker tracks than others. The Bull (just across the street from Blackwolf, literally) is also a wonderful track that shouldn't be missed. Given that it's a better value that a few of the Kohler courses, I'd say don't miss it. You can get a break if you play it during the weak after 2pm (twilight), so it could be something that you double up a round at given it's location to the other Kohler courses. Lawsonia is a great experience, and is a steal for their combined play rate. If you're looking to play something around Madison, look into University Ridge and The Legend of Bergamont. Easily the two better public play courses there with wonderful conditioning a layouts. The end though, don't miss out of playing Erin Hills. It's an amazing course with the associated links conditions that it should have. It might be a bit rough around the edges yet, but the layout is amazing. I just think people go into it thinking that everything should be perfect, but that's not their focus. It's a link course, set-up like a link course should be. Hard and fast, and the greens are some of the best I've ever been on. Don't miss out if you have the chance.

I'll have to think about the order I'd put all of these courses and get it up later..

Going up on a business trip so I only get to play once. If I'm lucky, I may be able to sneak out of the office sometime during the week in the Madison area but that's not certain at this point. That's why I'm not interested in the price/value but rather the golfing experience itself. $400+ is OK with me as long as it's a golfing experience.

As I stated in my original post, Whistling Straits is my clear #1 choice. However, it may be difficult to obtain a tee time since I'm not staying at the resort and the soonest I can reserve a tee time would be 14 days in advance. So, that's why I'm looking for a contingency plan where I book a reservation now.

Based on all the reviews/opinions it looks like Erin Hills is the clear winner as my backup course. I was a little concerned about the playing conditions but as long as the greens are in great shape, I'm OK with that. Plus, it looks to be a special track based on all the publicity it has received in the 2 years since it opened.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with their thoughts, I sincerely appreciate it.

[Big A HG]

I'm not sure what the one poster was thinking when he said that the Kohler courses aren't in that good of shape. They are constantly rated as some of the best courses for condition in the country. Erin Hills probably has even better greens since they aren't getting played as much.

[ramylson]

The Kohler courses currently are in poor shape (in comparison to what they should be, or normally are). MJM1 played them during this years Kohler cup, and it was really bad (I've heard it from several people that played the event, and all have said the same thing). Also, a lot of that information is from the guy that we both know that caddies there (we play in a league together). I actually had a chance to sit and talk with him last night about it. With those rains, currently the Straits courses are the only ones open since both the River and Meadow Valley courses over at Blackwolf are still under water. Irish has been alright but still has a lot of "damage" from the storms, and the Straits course still hasn't completely come back from winter. It's a lot better, but still not what it should be.

In either case, it really doesn't matter all that much since there are still two months between now and when the original poster would be playing the courses. I'm sure that you wouldn't even be able to tell there were any issues (either winter or the floods) around that time.

Anyway, you really can't go wrong with Erin Hills. They're currently playing the Womens' Pub Links there this week (I keep meaning to try to get over there and watch a bit, but it's been crazy at work). It get's the Mens Amature in 2011, and has a great chance of actually getting an open in 2017. It's a wonderful track that can be a stern test. Conditions should be top notch when you're planning on coming through the area.

If you do get a chance to play a round in Madison, I would highly recommend either University Ridge (just west of the city) or the Legend of Bergamont (just south of the city). You can't go wrong with either..

[FairwayFred]

I would highly recommend getting out to Erin Hills and Lawsonia. I personally think that all the Kohler courses are vastly overrated especially when you consider the money it takes to play them. Erin Hills is one of the up and coming new courses in the country and all the praise is highly deserved imo. Lawsonia is one of the hidden gems of the country and a course that will greatly exceed your expectations.

[schlebrock]

Maybe I re-think my #1 overall choice based on what ramylson and Ari said and just play Erin Hills?

Money isn't really an issue but saving $200 by playing Erin Hills rather than the Straits course would certainly allow me to buy more beer, cheese and brats! yum!

[highboy]

Thanks for the information on the Kohler courses. I have been planning a solo golf trip to Kohler for the last week of July. Luckily I haven't made any travel arrangements. Do you have any idea if the conditions have improved? I will call the courses directly and get their assessment.

[ramylson]

Unfortunately, I didn't talk to him regarding the courses this past week, but I know that the Blackwolf courses are open with minimal damage. Not sure of the current conditons, but I can ask him if I see him in the next couple of days. For sure this Wednesday. He should have a good idea following this weekend, and the amount of loops he's been doing..

[schlebrock]

FYI, I chose Erin Hills and I'm playing Sunday, August 10th. I'll post a review after the round.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

[AUDuffer]

I'll be playing there this Wednesday--no marathon drive then play ala Arcadia Bluffs last year (11 hours from DC to Arcadia and the played 18) so that'll be nice. Can't wait!

[SteveL1]

I've played both Whistling Straights and the River course at Black Wolf Run. No contest for me. WS is one of the top 5 courses I've ever played and probably the closest I'll ever get to a true links course. My caddie was a college kid that played to a 5 and within 3 holes knew exactly what club I needed and where to hit it. Would definitly like to go back again! Hmmmmm, it was only $300 when I played about 4 years ago. Glad my company was paying for the trip as we stayed at the America's Inn which was very nice.

Story has it that they burried 97 rail cars when they built the course to get the mounds between the holes. You literaly feel as if you have the course to yourself the way it's designed. Oh, and the heard of sheep wandering the course is pretty cool to.

[bseal]

AUDuffer, on Jul 5 2008, 07:07 PM, said:

I'll be playing there this Wednesday--no marathon drive then play ala Arcadia Bluffs last year (11 hours from DC to Arcadia and the played 18) so that'll be nice. Can't wait!

Erin Hills is a great course, I can't speak to the condition as I've only played it once and it was the second week it was open. The River course is the favorite of mine for the Kohler courses...How did you like Arcadia? I played there two years ago and absolutely loved it...

[erockdahizzo]

As far as the course conditions for Erin Hills. I just played there yesterday morning at 7:30AM. The conditions were near perfect. The greens were rolling 13!! on the stimp according to my friend who works there. And I don't know how truthful that was, but they were like putting on granite. Everything else from tee to green was in very good condition. I absolutely love this track, the only downfall I hear from most first timers are the blind shots.

I also would do Straits first, then E.H. second.

[schlebrock]

I decided to go with Erin Hills this time since it looks like I won't be able to get up to Kohler and Whistling Straits during this trip due to scheduling conflicts.

That said, is it worth it to get a caddie for the first-timer at Erin Hills or will my sky-caddie and an electric cart do the trick?

Please advise.

[ramylson]

First, glad to hear that you're going to be giving Erin a go. Make sure you post something afterwards..

Now, as for a caddie or sky-caddie. The caddie will be a really nice touch, as the course can have a lot of blind shots if you don't hit into the right areas, etc. Local knowledge will be helpful, since this is your first time on the course. You'll get a yardage book for free (part of the green fees), but even that isn't enough. If you have the means, it'll only improve your impressions..

[schlebrock]

Caddie it is!

Why not? It's still $200 cheaper than Whistling Straits, which I was prepared to play if my business travel plans didn't preclude me from getting into the Kohler area when I was planning to play.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

[ramylson]

schlebrock, on Jul 5 2008, 12:58 PM, said:

FYI, I chose Erin Hills and I'm playing Sunday, August 10th. I'll post a review after the round.

Inquiring minds want to know..

..how was the trip?