River Falls Golf Club

2120 E Division Street, River Falls, WI 54022
6,440 yards, Par 71 – 71.6/127

Wisconsin has been playing golf dating back as far as 1893 when the notorious Eagle Springs Golf Course came to be. Since then, golf has been part of so many small communities and big cities alike, propelling Wisconsin into being the best public golf state in the country (according to Golf Digest, 2024).

It goes without saying that it’s an exciting time to be part of the Wisconsin golf scene with all the new courses and established clubs alike. Sedge Valley and The Lido join TPC Wisconsin as newcomers who have opened their tee sheets to golfers in the past eighteen months alone, joining a list of elite courses that are nationally acclaimed as some of the best in the country.

Amidst this excitement, however, we mustn’t overlook the enduring charm of Wisconsin’s local clubs. Quiet, unassuming courses that have welcomed golfers for decades are dotted across all corners of the state. These courses are the cornerstone of Wisconsin golf, embodying the essence of our small towns and communities.

One such community is River Falls.  Nestled in the western side of Wisconsin straddling Pierce and St. Croix Counties, it’s renowned for its world-class fly-fishing river, the Kinnickinnic, affectionately known as The Kinni, and is home to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Its small-town allure embodies nostalgic Wisconsin at its core. Main Street bustles with bars and quaint shops, particularly lively on Friday nights. And like many small Wisconsin towns, just up the hill on Division Street, you’ll find its local gem: River Falls Golf Club.

The beginnings of River Falls Golf Club:

River Falls Golf Club has a charming origin story that dates back to 1928, when local farmer Joe Bjerstedt discovered his passion for golf. It all started with a few swings on the wagon-rutted road in front of his house, inspired by his brother-in-law. Joe’s love for the game grew rapidly, leading him to transform his father’s ten-acre cow pasture into a makeshift five-hole golf course. He crafted tin cups for holes and marked them with white rags on poles. The cows helped maintain the “course,” alongside a humble push mower.

Word of Bjerstedt’s unique golf course spread like wildfire, attracting businessmen and community members alike. It wasn’t long before a group of local enthusiasts joined Joe in purchasing land east of town, laying the foundation for what would become the River Falls Golf Club.

In April of 1929, the club debuted a nine-hole course with sand greens and a modest pull shed for a maintenance tractor. Playing nine holes cost just a quarter, while an all-day pass was a mere dollar. Soon, the course expanded to include a porch with tables and, eventually, a clubhouse.

Over nearly a century, River Falls Golf Club has blossomed into an 18-hole gem nestled amid the picturesque hilltops of farm country. While the clubhouse and several holes have been modernized and redesigned over the years, much of the original course layout remains unchanged from its inception 95 years ago.

The club was publicly governed by a board of directors until 2010, when Hanson Brothers Golf Holdings acquired it. Under their stewardship, the course has been meticulously maintained as one of the best in the St. Croix River Valley. They also brought the clubhouse into the modern era, adding a new bar and fully upgrading the facilities, ensuring River Falls Golf Club remains a beloved destination for golfers.

River Falls Golf Club today:

In 2023, the club changed hands once more, this time to the local Bloom family — Tony, Holly, and their children — who have deep roots in the local golf community; Holly’s family owns and operates Badlands Golf Course down the road in Roberts. The Blooms are passionate about both golf and community and have already begun revitalizing the historic club. They are renovating the clubhouse and enhancing the event space, attracting new memberships and leagues. Live entertainment and “pop-up kitchen” menus featuring local chefs are also being introduced, adding vibrancy to the outdoor patio space.

Tony Bloom shared his vision for potential changes with me during a recent chat amidst a storm delay. One exciting proposal includes re-routing the course so that the current fifteenth hole becomes the finishing hole, with the sixteenth hole transitioning to the tenth. This adjustment would naturally guide golfers past the clubhouse at the turn, eliminating the need to backtrack from nine to ten. Tony believes this change will create a more dramatic and exciting conclusion to the round, especially with the fifteenth green adjacent to the patio.

Additionally, the Blooms plan to commission local architect Gill Design Inc. on ideas for several potential modifications. From adding golf-encompassing patios and increasing parking area to enlarging practice greens, moving tee boxes, modifying holes, and even potentially adding a short course.  The short course would be focused on serving the new, youth, and recreational golf community. 

As a long-time patron of River Falls Golf Club, I’ve always enjoyed its pristine conditions and challenging layout, regardless of which tees are played. The upcoming changes are truly exciting and are sure to bolster the club’s popularity across the western side of the state.

This is every hole at River Falls Golf Club:

Hole 1 (Par 4, 371 yards, 5 hcp):

The opening hole at River Falls Golf Club holds a special place in my heart among all opening holes. It begins just off the clubhouse patio, playing uphill to a dogleg right. The wide fairway accommodates various shot shapes, from a draw to a fade, and can handle anything from a long iron to a driver.

To the right, the entire length of the hole is lined with trees separating the ninth fairway from the first. A strategically placed fairway trap waits at the inside corner of the dogleg, ready to catch errant shots attempting to cut the corner off the tee. The approach shot continues uphill, leading to a large, round green defended by three greenside traps. The green itself slopes gently from back to front.

Notably, the opening hole boasts four of the seventeen sand traps scattered across the course, more than any other individual hole.  One is also the only hole on the course with a fairway bunker. It’s a challenging, yet fair start that sets the tone for the round.

One memorable round with my dad stands out, about seven years ago when he started our match with an eagle on this very hole; holing out with a mid-iron after a striped tee shot — a moment I always cherish when playing here, and one he fondly reminds me of often.

Hole 2 (Par 3, 174 yards, 17 hcp):

The second hole is a downhill par 3 that plays over a raised bunker guarding the front of the green. Trees line the right side, with another trap on the right of the round green. The green slopes gently left and behind into thick rough, which is not an ideal miss as it runs away from both directions.

Hole 3 (Par 4, 346 yards, 13 hcp):

The tee shot on the third hole can be daunting for first-timers with the tee box nestled in the back corner of the course near the driving range. It plays toward a grove of tall trees left, with the fairway sweeping out to the right before curving left around the trees towards the green. Trees also come into play for shots that go through the fairway right.

Aggressive shots over the outer trees can cut off considerable distance, but the ideal play is a controlled shot to the middle or right side of the fairway. This sets up the best approach to one of the course’s more challenging greens, which slopes away from the approach and to the right. Birdie opportunities are scarce, especially when the pin is positioned on the right side of the green.

Hole 4 (Par 4, 339 yards, 9 hcp):

The fourth hole offers dramatic scenery as the tee shot plays from a hilltop down to a narrow valley fairway. Dense forests flank both sides, with a tree-covered hillside on the left. It’s a risk-reward hole where a precise tee shot is crucial.

The fairway ramps uphill before ending and rough leads to the green. A small grove of dogwood trees on the left hillside requires creative recovery shots to reach the green safely. The green itself is large and flat, sloping gently from back to front. Recent changes include the removal of a large oak tree and sand trap left of the green to improve sunlight exposure.

It was three years ago when playing with my brother and dad I decided to give driver a try, and hit a perfect drive that hopped onto the front of the green. It’s the only time I’ve ever gotten away with risking driver on this hole and one of the very few times I’ve made a two on a par four!

Hole 5 (Par 4, 325 yards, 11 hcp):

The fifth hole has stirred debate amongst the locals with its transformation from a challenging par 5 to a shorter par 4. Originally a sharp dogleg right, the hole now starts from the valley floor and ascends uphill to an elevated green. The fairway winds through dense woods between two large hillsides.

Formerly, the elevated tee shot provided a favorable setup for right-handed golfers who could slice around the corner. The recent tee box relocation has sparked discussion about potentially restoring the original tee that was abandoned a few years ago due to turf maintenance challenges. The approach shot plays uphill through a forested valley to a large green that slopes back to front.

Hole 6 (Par 3, 207 yards, 15 hcp):

The sixth hole tees off high above the fifth green, requiring a climb up a steep hill to the tee box. While the blue tees offer a longer play, the most common route is from the white tees at 152 yards. The hole plays uphill through the trees to a large round green with severe slopes back to front and left to right. Wind and elevation make it advisable to club up for the tee shot to secure par.

Hole 7 (Par 4, 433 yards, 1 hcp):

The longest par four on the course, the seventh hole runs alongside a hillside edge. The tee shot navigates a sweeping dogleg left fairway with a left-to-right tilt, demanding a draw for optimal positioning.

The entire hole is tree-lined, leading to one of the most challenging green on the course. It’s a bowl shaped green on it’s edge, sloping severely from back to front with breaks on the sides. The recent removal of trees above the fourth green enhances scenic views across the fields from the seventh green.

Hole 8 (Par 4, 402 yards, 3 hcp):

My personal favorite, the eighth is a lengthy par four that demands precision off the tee. A tee shot through a tree-lined chute leads to a spacious fairway before doglegging right toward the green. A large tree sits in the middle of the fairway, harassing tee shots that get too aggressive. The fairway’s sharp drop-off to the right at the dogleg prevents shortcuts.

An ideal tee shot is a long to mid-iron as there is more room short of the tree with a view of the green that appears. Taking too much risk brings the tree or the ravine into play.

The green is guarded by a greenside trap on the right, nestled into a small hill, with recovery shots challenging that miss this green. Anything above the hole withe a front pin is treacherous.

It’s a beautiful hole that once you figure out it’s secrets to scoring, it becomes a joy to play.

Hole 9 (Par 5, 484 yards, 7 hcp):

The first par five on the course, the ninth hole introduces the first driver tee shot for my round. A strong tee shot is key, navigating the blind, uphill fairway to a gentle left-turning dogleg. Small trees protect the left side, while the right side is shadowed by the first hole’s overhanging trees. An ideal draw ensures optimal positioning, as the fairway is forgiving of everything but the hardest slices.

The second shot descends to the green, flanked by a pond on the left and two traps on the right, with the clubhouse as the backdrop. The green is round and slightly crowned, accommodating long hybrids and mid-irons alike. A birdie here sets the stage for a positive front nine turn.

Hole 10 (Par 4, 378 yards, 14 hcp):

The back nine starts with a mid-length par four that plays straight ahead to an uphill blind landing area, then descends downhill towards the green. The severely sloped green from back to front is accompanied by a lone trap on the left. It’s a gentle start to the back nine, offering a chance for a confident start after the turn.

Hole 11 (Par 4, 428 yards, 6 hcp):

The eleventh is a lengthy par four that drives uphill to a dogleg left fairway. A strategic tee shot over the left trees near the forward tee provides an advantageous position for the approach shot.

The green is relatively flat, with a small trap protecting the back and a deep grass depression to the right posing challenges for recovery shots.

Hole 12 (Par 5, 480 yards, 12 hcp):

The twelfth hole, the second par five on the course, starts with an uphill blind tee shot over a hill to a spacious fairway. Favoring the right side sets up the best angle for the approach to the dogleg left fairway leading to the green. Trees line the left side of the narrowing fairway near the green and more trees right.

Tempting for long hitters, the risk of attempting a two-shot approach is high due to a large sand trap on the right front of the green and dense brush beyond. Although I know better, I always have grand visions of glory when in position and can’t resist the urge to go for the green in two. While I’ve tried many times, I cannot recall a time I was successful.

Hole 13 (Par 3, 139 yards, 18 hcp):

Serious consideration of wind and club selection is crucial on this par three. A sizable trap awaits short right of the punchbowl green, with thick rough runoff areas surrounding it. Par is commendable if reaching the green, while navigating up and down from anywhere off the green presents a challenge.

Hole 14 (Par 4, 392 yards, 10 hcp):

The fourteenth is a straight par four that plays slightly uphill, making the tee shot blind. Trees dot both sides of the rough leading to a green that’s notoriously difficult to manage. The sharply sloped green from back to front is one of the fastest on the course and needs to be managed with soft and confident hands to score well.

Hole 15 (Par 4, 371 yards, 8 hcp):

Despite its average length, the fifteenth hole feels longer due to its setup. Careful club selection from the tee is critical as the fairway ends abruptly, dropping into a ravine about 230 yards out. The fairway turns left and climbs uphill towards the green, bordered by trees on both sides and OB on the left.

A short or left-hugging tee shot often necessitates a layup on the second shot. Positioned atop a hill next to the clubhouse, this hole, despite its handicap rating, typically plays among the most challenging on the course. Discussions about a new routing propose making this the finishing hole, promising a grand conclusion.

Hole 16 (Par 4, 415 yards, 4 hcp):

Sixteen is a straight, lengthy par four that runs parallel to eighteen, separated by trees on the left and OB on the right. The tee position directs the ball toward the left side of the fairway as a row of tall trees chokes the right side and OB beyond.

The green is a two-tiered green with the left being the high side. Proper positioning on the green is essential for scoring well, as a missed approach can complicate the up and down.

Hole 17 (Par 3, 162 yards, 16 hcp):

The scenic seventeenth is a par three overlooking a ravine to a large green with a spine snaking through the putting surface. To avoid dense trees on the right, players often opt for the left side, which offers more room than perceived from the tee. The right does have a lot of room, but errant tee shots tend to kick off the hill towards the thick rough and trees.

The green is one of the largest on the course, yet one of the most severe. A spine through the middle tests precision, requiring a steady hand to position the ball close to the pin. Putting front the wrong side, especially towards the front, demands caution to prevent a quick run-off.

Hole 18 (Par 5, 495 yards, 2 hcp):

The longest hole on the course demands a substantial tee shot to reach the fairway. Positioned by the water tower from the tips, a drive over 200 yards is necessary to clear the uphill fairway. The entire right side is lined with OB, while large trees frame both sides.

The second shot gently descends towards the green, offering an opportunity for approach play. With three well-executed shots, players can close with a birdie. Only those playing from the white tees typically attempt reaching the green in two.

The approach shot crosses a pond guarding the front left of the green, ending at a round, crowned putting surface. This hole holds personal significance, having been the site of multiple eagles, including one memorable streak about eight years ago with back to back threes in consecutive rounds.

You won’t find River Falls Golf Club on any “Top 100” or “Best in State” publications, and that’s just fine by all those who meander its fairways in search of a quiet game among friends. Anyone who has played here, though, knows it’s a great course with even better people. I’d urge those who trek to Wisconsin to play the big nationally acclaimed destinations to take the time to enjoy a small town club that has paved the way for those big sand dune-scaped courses to be possible.

Small, unassuming local clubs embody Wisconsin and the courses that make it such a wonderful place. The St. Croix River Valley area is littered with great golf courses that unassumingly fly under the radar, and River Falls Golf Club is one of those hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.