Public golf courses
Just down the block from the world-famous Keiser-developed Sand Valley Golf Resort is Rome/Nekoosa's original golf destination: Lake Arrowhead. While the Pines gets most members' vote for best course on-property, it's the Lakes that spoke most to me.
My first visit to The Bull at Pinehurst Farms was a reminder that fall golf is unpredictable, as an unexpected late-season visit to the superb Jack Nicklaus layout turned out better than I could have ever hoped.
The Club at Lac La Belle was recently named as one of the most fun courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest, and in a visit to the property on its closing day for the season I was reminded why it is such a joy to play.
With two well-designed parkland courses and terrific conditions, an incredibly friendly and hospitable staff, excellent food and beverage, a fun atmosphere and affordable rates, Lake Arrowhead provides a great tack-on golf experience for all visitors to Sand Valley and Central Wisconsin, and is well worth the drive for all in-state golf enthusiasts.
Little brother to the world-famous Straits Course, Whistling Straits' Irish Course often flies under the radar, but Pete Dye's final work at Kohler holds its own and should not be overlooked.
Geneva National Resort & Club is well-known across the Midwest as a great summertime destination with fun programming for the entire family and fantastic golf. While the Gary Player and Arnold Palmer designed courses tend to garner the majority of attention in that last regard, it's the Lee Trevino design that I'd consider its sleeper.
