Superintendent Spotlight: Matt Shafer and the People Behind Great Golf
The first WGCSA Superintendent Spotlight features Matt Shafer of North Hills Country Club and highlights the people, leadership and passion behind great golf.
The Beloit Club: A Border Area Classic Beautifully Reborn
The Beloit Club is a great example of classic golf architecture thoughtfully reborn. With a full redesign by Craig Haltom, meticulous conditioning and a standout set of par threes, this private track is now a must-play for anyone who gets the chance.
The Wisconsin Country Club: North Milwaukee’s Best Kept Secret
The Wisconsin Country Club has become my most-played course this season – an underrated private club in Milwaukee with history, great greens and a welcoming membership.
Monroe Golf Club: A Community Stalwart, Revitalized
After nearly shuttering in 2022 due to financial difficulties, new ownership stepped in to save Monroe Golf Club, breathing new life into the community stalwart with significant investment to make it one of the area’s best-conditioned public layouts.
Evansville Golf Club: Southern Wisconsin’s Ultimate Hidden Gem
A charming countryside course just south of Madison, Evansville Golf Club checks all the boxes for a pure hidden gem, offering a challenging layout on compelling land, great course conditions and outstanding value.
Janesville Riverside: Municipal Excellence in the State’s Most Underrated Golf City
In my first visit to Janesville Riverside since high school, the standout municipal property and annual Ray Fischer Championship host venue was everything I remembered and then some, thanks to substantial community support and expert management by KemperSports.
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open: Musings from a First-Time Media Attendee
The U.S. Women’s Open pitted a talented field against a taxing yet magnificent Erin Hills, making my first tournament experience as a media photographer one to remember.
From Stakes to Cathedral: Zach Reineking & The Rise of Erin Hills
Zach Reineking’s professional journey has unfolded alongside the rise of Erin Hills, one of Wisconsin’s great championship-caliber public golf courses. Following the major success of the recent 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, he and his team continue to fine-tune this venue that has become one of the USGA’s most trusted hosts.
Snapping Birdies and Eagles: How to Take the Perfect Photograph at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills
Headed to Erin Hills for the 80th U.S. Women’s Open? Don’t just watch history – capture it. From lighting tips to where to stand, here’s how to take incredible golf photos during championship week.
Eagle Springs Golf Resort: Where Time Stands Graciously Still
Eagle Springs Golf Resort is more than just a great nine-hole course – it’s a living, breathing piece of golf history that has somehow remained a hidden treasure in Wisconsin’s golf landscape.
A Look Back at 2024: A Golf Season Well Traveled
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed 2024 as much as I did. Here are a few of my favorite memories from the season, and what we’re looking forward to in 2025.
Madison’s Top Ten Golf Courses
Looking for a place to play in Madison? Rest assured, the state’s capital offers plenty of great golf that’s sure to whet the appetite of the golf enthusaist.
Revitalizing a Legend: Geneva National Reimagines the Trevino Course
2025 will be the perfect time to experience the great energy and excitement at Destination Geneva National for yourself. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or first-time visitor, the Trevino Course’s transformation, in addition to everything else the resort offers, will be reason enough to plan your next visit to this legendary Midwest golf property.
Upper Deck Golf: Milwaukee’s “Most Unique Golf Course”
For the first time ever, the Upper Deck Golf experience visited American Family Field in Milwaukee this past weekend.
With a free Saturday on the calendar I had to combine a few of my favorite things: Golf, baseball and content creation.
My 5 Favorite Holes at Erin Hills
My top 5 favorite holes on my favorite golf course in the state of Wisconsin: Erin Hills.
Hawk’s View Barn Hollow: A Par Three Binge
The only par three course in Lake Geneva can be found at Hawk’s View Golf Club, featuring 18 challenging one-shotters that will thoroughly test your short game and iron play.
Old Hickory, Revisited: A Photography Mulligan
An early season trip to Old Hickory yielded some of my best photography of the year and also resulted in a stellar golf experience, once again.
Mulligan’s Aerial Productions: Because Great Rounds Should Live On
Looking for a way to make your bucket list round of golf last longer than 4 hours? Hire Mulligan’s Aerial Productions and enjoy the golf experience while they create the content.
Old Hickory Golf Club: Beaver Dam’s Hidden Treasure
One of the most challenging yet enjoyable rounds of my 2023 season came at the charming Tom Bendelow-designed Old Hickory, a tree-lined parkland test in the rolling countryside of eastern Wisconsin.
The Club at Lac La Belle: One of America’s Most Fun Courses
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.
The Trevino Course at Geneva National: Lake Geneva’s Dark Horse
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.…
Washington County: Revisiting the State’s Premier Municipal Gem
With fall right around the corner, I returned to re-shoot Washington County and found Arthur Hills’ brilliant municipal layout to be stunningly beautiful and in perfect condition in peak season.
Hawk’s View Como Crossings: Exhilarating Golf on the Slopes of Lake Geneva
My first visit to Hawk’s View in Lake Geneva vastly exceeded expectations, with the Como Crossings layout showcasing a scenic setting and outstanding modern architecture.
The Player Course: Geneva National’s Top Billing
Over the years, Geneva National Resort & Club has become one of my absolute favorite golf resorts in the state of Wisconsin, and when it comes to golf the Player course takes top billing in my book.
Back-to-Back ‘Ships Confirm the State’s Best Putter
Highlights from an exciting 2023 WSGA Wisconsin State Putting Championship, presented by Meridian Putters, on The Dance Floor at Geneva National Resort and Club.
A Par 3 Paradise: Wisconsin’s Top 33 Par Threes
Wisconsin’s top 33 par three holes (that I’ve played) leaves us only wanting more. For quality and diversity, this state is unrivaled.
Washington County: Wisconsin’s Best Muni?
An Arthur Hills-designed municipal gem, Washington County showcases a terrific setting near the Kettle Moraine, complete with playability, strategic options and top-notch conditioning.
Beauty vs. The Beast: Paige Spiranac and Jerry Kelly Go Low to Raise Big Dollars for Charity at Geneva National
On Sunday, June 5 at Geneva National Resort & Club thousands of spectators were treated to some of the best ball-striking and short games ever witnessed as the game’s top celebrity, Paige Spiranac, and PGA Champions Tour icon [and Wisconsin’s own] Jerry Kelly served up magic to the throngs, pouring in 16 total birdies and…
Wisconsin’s Road to Augusta Begins at the Beautiful Geneva National
Sunday, May 21’s Drive, Chip & Putt local qualifier at Geneva National was the 1st event of the program’s 2023 tournament season and 19 qualifiers’ 1st step on The Road to Augusta.
Geneva National Resort: A Great Wisconsin Winter Getaway
Whether during the golf season or Winter, if you’re looking for the perfect in-state getaway I can’t recommend Geneva National Resort & Club enough.
West Bend Country Club: The Best Front Nine in Wisconsin
Langford & Moreau’s front nine masterpiece at @westbendcc is an awe-inspiring trek across stunning post-glacial land with some of the best, most wonderfully constructed greens south of @lawsoniagolf, and is one of the #Milwaukee area’s finest golf experiences.
Strawberry Creek: Kenosha’s Modern Private Club Experience
Along with SentryWorld, Green Bay and Horseshoe Bay, Strawberry Creek provides one of the state’s premier modern golf experiences with an excellent new-age track and incredible amenities. The course is chocked full of challenge and intrigue, has superb conditioning and would be a delight to play on a regular basis.
The Wisconsin Dream 18: The State’s Best Golf Holes
While the idea behind this post is not original, it’s a fun practice and one I’ve tried a dozen or so times in the past but got too frustrated to finish. I decided to give it a go again, especially as I reflect on what was a great season of golf in Wisconsin and look…
2022 Illinois vs. Wisconsin Writer’s Cup Recap: Abbey Springs Delivers
This year’s Illinois vs. Wisconsin Writer’s Cup was a sporty battle at the beautiful, challenging and freshly renovated Abbey Springs.
Milwaukee Country Club: Wisconsin’s Ultimate Private Golf Experience
My first trip to Milwaukee Country Club shattered all expectations and proved why this is one of the most treasured properties in all of Wisconsin.
The Dance Floor: A Little Something-Something for Everybody at Geneva National
The state’s newest putting course, the Craig Haltom designed Dance Floor at Geneva National looks forward to hosting the WSGA State Putting Championship this coming Thursday, August 25.
Abbey Springs: Lake Geneva’s Hidden Gem
This scenic property on the south shore of Lake Geneva has undergone a terrific renovation, and will challenge golfers of all levels.
The Club at Lac La Belle: Craig Haltom’s Home Run
The Club at Lac La Belle is a textbook example of a complete redesign to save a classic, treasured Wisconsin gem made possible by a talented architect and passionate investor.
The Pond Might Be Good for You
Written by Gregg Thompson Ever dreamt of building your own backyard par 3 golf course? That’s exactly what Gregg Thompson is doing at his home in Kenosha.
Why Erin Hills is a Great Golf Course
In my first visit to play Erin Hills in 15 years, I re-discovered why it is one of the premier golfing destinations in the entire country.
Ozaukee Country Club: Langford/Moreau’s Mequon Masterpiece
One of the Milwaukee area’s top private golf clubs, the Langford/Moreau designed Ozaukee CC in Mequon enters its 100th year with its best days still to come.
Glen Erin Golf Club: Wisconsin’s Best Hidden Gem?
One of what I consider to be the state’s top hidden gems, the Greg Martin designed Glen Erin Golf Club in Janesville is a fantastic daily fee course with incredibly upscale design elements at an affordable price tag, and one of my top 25 public courses in Wisconsin.
North Hills Country Club: My Home Close to Home
My home course, North Hills is a wonderful Golden Age parkland gem with some of the best greens and conditions in the state.
Home of the country’s longest-running 2-day charity golf tournament, The Vince Lombardi Golf Classic, it’s a private club with a fun, golf-obsessed membership, great pace of play and perfect walkability.
Erin Hills Golf Course: A Legend at 15
When on-site, it’s almost impossible to comprehend that it’s just 15 years old. It’s got all the looks and feels of a historic property that’s been played and refined for centuries. Certainly, no course in America has changed and accomplished more in as short a period of time as Erin Hills, going under the knife…
Tuckaway Country Club
Last month I had the opportunity to revisit a course I haven’t played in a really long time: Tuckaway Country Club. Following my first round there in 2013, I remember liking the course but not being wowed. It was a long time ago, though, and a lot has changed since then. . Tuckaway’s done an…
Wanaki Golf Course: An Improved Golf Experience Under New Ownership
Under new ownership, Wanaki Golf Course in Menomonee Falls has a renewed, bright future, but yesterday’s round had me thinking mostly of the past at the course I learned to play on.
Geneva National Resort: Great Times and Golf in Wisconsin’s Top Summertime Destination
My wife and I recently spent a couple nights at Geneva National celebrating our 4-year anniversary.
The brand new Suites at Geneva National were the perfect home base for our weekend getaway, which involved outstanding golf, luxurious and comfortable accommodations, spa treatments and a tremendous culinary experience.
The Club at Lac La Belle: An August Morning Photo Shoot
Last month I had a 9 am tee time with my cousin, Frank, at The Club at Lac La Belle. I’d been there earlier in the season, and several other times for preview play and had a good idea of the shots – especially drone shots – I most wanted to get….
Here are some…
From 1 to 100: The State Open Returns to Blue Mound
This year’s 100th Wisconsin State Open is writhe with intrigue: Will Dan Woltman be the 1st to 3-peat? Will Harrison Ott stay hot after his impressive performance at Bandon? Will Longbella back up his State Am title? Will one of the streaky guys a way back, maybe Charlie Delsman, get hot and fire off something…
Wisconsin’s Top Private Golf Club: Milwaukee vs Pine Hills
I have always gone back and forth between Milwaukee and Pine Hills as the state’s top private club.
Why hasn’t the rest of the golfing world, even in-state, done the same?
Kenosha Country Club: Wisconsin’s Top Ross
One of two Donald Ross designed golf courses in the state of Wisconsin, Kenosha Country Club boasts an almost 100-year-old private course with a rather unique variety of hole layouts, thoughtful use of elevation and fun, tiny [but expanding] green complexes that my host, Gregg, described perfectly as “playful.”
The Club at Lac La Belle: A Preview of What’s to Come
A top 3-rated golf course design project in the world in 2020, June 20, 2020’s grand opening of The Club at Lac La Belle is sure to be a momentous occasion for the Oconomowoc course with roots to the 1890’s and some of the game’s greatest competitive players. Course architect Craig Haltom’s work is sure…
The University Club: A Bright Future for the old Tripoli
Located on the north side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The University Club is a challenging private course originally designed by Tom Bendelow and recently renovated by Andy Staples.
18 holes of challenging, country club golf highlight a terrific private club experience including its downtown sister location.
Blue Mound Golf and Country Club: Wisconsin’s Raynor Classic
One of the top private club experiences in the state of Wisconsin, Blue Mound Golf & Country Club boasts a top 200 golf course designed by one of the industry’s true legends, Seth Raynor.
Blue Mound’s 93-year-old course is highlighted by some fantastic Raynor/Macdonald template holes and especially by the area’s biggest and best…
Updated Golf Course Review: The Bog (linked)
It had been since March 2012 since I last played The Bog in Saukville, Wisconsin, and every year at the Milwaukee Golf Expo I’d see Andy and the guys and tell them I’ll find my way back to re-photograph and play the course in more ideal conditions. It’s been one of those reviews that bothered…
The Brute at Grand Geneva: Resort Golf on a Grand Scale
My updated review of the Brute course at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. A classic Midwest golf course with tons of history, Brute-ishly large design features and a new transportation option unique in Wisconsin: GolfBoarding.
Product Review: GolfBoards (Grand Geneva)
WiscoGolfAddict Contributing Writer John Ziemer and I checked out the new GolfBoarding experience on The Brute course at Grand Geneva
Big Things in the Works at The University Club (FKA Tripoli)
The University Club, fka Tripoli Country Club, and Andy Staples of Staples Golf Design, are in the process of making significant course renovations and adding in a world-class short game practice area.
Hidden Glen at Bentdale Farms: PB Dye-abolical
My first experience at Hidden Glen in Cedarburg, Wisconsin – one of the hardest first-time courses I’ve played in a looong time. Can’t wait to play it again, though!
The 117th US Open at Erin Hills: Preview
The 117th US Open at Erin Hills has been years in the making, and in just two days will tee off excitement and intrigue here in America’s heartland
Milwaukee Country Club Takes Back #1 Spot
Even though I was very impressed with the course the first time I played Milwaukee Country Club, I then played Pine Hills a handful of times since then and in my mind moved Pine Hills ahead of Milwaukee. It had been a few years since the last time I played Wisconsin’s most prestigious private golf…
Racine Country Club
Let’s start out by saying that I (and my fellow buddies from North Hills Country Club) loved the Racine Country Club experience. The course is classic with small, lightning-fast greens, and the clubhouse and facilities are beautiful. I don’t think I’ve seen a club in Wisconsin with better amenities, in fact. The food was fantastic. I got…
Golf Course Photography: Westmoor Country Club
With the Men’s Invitational being played at my home course of North Hills Country Club, I reached out to my friend, Joey, to play some golf at his home course, Westmoor Country Club, in Brookfield yesterday. We teed off at 10:27 and it was hot, but there was a nice breeze that kept things comfortable. The…
US Open Media Day: Erin Hills Golf Course
With the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay in the books, Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania is now on deck, and then Wisconsin’s very own Erin Hills is in the hole as upcoming sites of our nation’s greatest golf championship. Each year leading up to the 2017 US Open, Erin Hills Golf Course hosts the media day…
Golf Course Review: West Bend Country Club
Publisher’s Note: West Bend Country Club has been more recently reviewed as of 1/14/2023. The updated article can be found here: I’ve been wanting to play the course at West Bend Country Club for a lot of years, and finally got my opportunity this past weekend with a couple of buddies from North Hills. What…
Golf Course Review: Westmoor Country Club
Ever since I was a kid growing up in Hartland, I always wanted to play Westmoor Country Club. I passed by it every time I went to Brookfield Square or Milwaukee, and the view up the par three fifth and down the fairway of the adjacent fourth always whet my appetite to see what this…
Geneva National: The Perfect In-State Getaway
Yesterday, my friend, Ross, and I had the opportunity to head to Lake Geneva for an amazing day of golf and dining. Last year, Geneva National closed down their main on-site restaurant for major renovations, updating it to become the area’s premier steakhouse and a culinary destination for foodies from the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.…
Erin Hills Media Day: Counting Down the Years to the 2017 US Open
With almost exactly three years until the weekend of the 2017 US Open, Erin Hills Golf Course has come a long way! Following Martin Kaymer’s runaway victory at Pinehurst No. 2 this past weekend, you can be sure Mike Davis is readying Chambers Bay for a much tougher challenge – hopefully one that will not…
Milwaukee Country Club: Wisconsin’s Best Private Club?
Milwaukee Country Club Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #62 US top 100, #3 WisconsinGolfWeek: #54 US classic Designer: Charles H. Alison (1929) This past Wednesday, I had the wonderful privilege of being invited out to a course that very few get the opportunity to play: Milwaukee Country Club. MCC is the top-rated private course in the…
Golf Course Photo Gallery: Geneva National, Trevino Course
A few weekends ago, five friends of mine and I made the trip to Lake Geneva for a wonderful golf trip spent at Geneva National Golf Club. Nick, Mike, Kevin, me, Dan and Jeff at Geneva National GC That morning was my first time ever on the Trevino course at Geneva National. I had played…
Golf Course Photo Gallery: Tuckaway Country Club
This year, my friends Jeff and Mike both joined Tuckaway Country Club in Franklin, Wisconsin. I have always heard good things about Tuckaway, and seeing as it was the course that the Greater Milwaukee Open moved to after my home club of North Hills Country Club (before moving to Brown Deer, and then becoming the…
Golf Course Review: Hawks View Como Crossings
The night before Labor Day, my friend Eric and I decided we wanted to get a round in early on Monday morning. The problem was that most clubhouses were already closed, and those that weren’t either had minimal availability or else higher rates for the holiday weekend. So, as I do often, I went…
Golf Course Review: Morningstar Golfers Club
Morningstar is quite simply one of the best golf courses in southeast Wisconsin, and is one of my favorite places to enjoy a weekend round. The topography at Morningstar is beautiful, and elevation plays a big part in it. The highest area of the course’s property is the clubhouse, which is at one of…
Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course
Naga-Waukee Golf Course, located in Pewaukee, has long been one of the top county golf courses in the state of Wisconsin. Growing up in Hartland, it was one of my two home courses, along with Wanaki, and I played it frequently for their cheap county rates and great course conditions. The rates have gone…
Golf Course Review: Erin Hills
Erin Hills has been reviewed more recently (2021), and the updated course review can be found at this link: Erin Hills: A Legend in the Making . In rural Southeast Wisconsin is one of the state’s true golfing gems: Erin Hills. The rugged terrain of Erin Hills looks and feels like the most…
Golf Course Review: Fire Ridge
Fire Ridge is one of my favorite golf courses in the Milwaukee area, and is a must-play for anyone who is looking for a decent rate at a high-quality place without traveling more than 30 minutes from the city. The first thing you will notice about Fire Ridge is that it is obviously much closer…
Geneva National, Arnold Palmer Course
Golf season has come early this year, and that brings a lot of happiness to golf enthusiasts like myself. It also means an extended period of time for early-season rates, and one of the best early-season rates in the state can be found at Geneva National Golf Club, in Lake Geneva. Located an hour south…
The Brute Course at Grand Geneva
With massive features, the Brute course is a stern test of the game conveniently located between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Golf Course Review: The Bog
Please note that while this article is dated March 2012 (date of the original post), it was updated July 21, 2019 An Arnold Palmer Signature Course, The Bog is the Milwaukee area’s top rated public track, rolling through the Cedarburg Bog amid a hilly and stunningly beautiful landscape. Regularly playing host to some of the state’s…
Geneva National, Gary Player Course
Geneva National is a lot of things. First and foremost, it is a fantastic facility with three championship golf courses designed by three of golf’s all-time legends: Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino. Geneva National is also the most friendly golf course I have ever been to. Without provocation, I was bombarded with friendly conversation…
Washington County Golf Course
Washington County Golf Course has received huge acclaim since opening in 1997, and there is good reason why. Its world-famous course architect, Arthur Hills, is well known for creating tracks that reward the smart golfer, including Oakmont, Inverness, Chaska Town Course, and more locally, Nagawaukee and [interestingly enough] Wanaki. Washington County is a thinking man’s course,…
Brown Deer Park Golf Course
Born in 1934, this historic golf course was the site of the Greater Milwaukee Open, and later the US Bank Championship, and was the site of Tiger Woods’ first PGA Tour event. With much pageantry, Brown Deer is the Cadillac of Milwaukee’s county courses, and the primary reason any golf enthusiast in the Milwaukee area should own a county…
Broadlands Golf Club
When asked about the Broadlands and my thoughts on it, I can say that it is one of the most fun courses I have played. It is links style, and does not over-penalize for missing fairways, but makes up for it in length: 6,884 from the tips (6,272 from the white tees). It plays much…