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 most recent WiscoGolfAddict.com articles about Wisconsin golf:
A New Nakoma: Craig Haltom’s Transformation of a Classic Gem
After more than two decades of work with Nakoma Golf Club, Craig Haltom and his team at Oliphant Golf Management are implementing a major renovation of Nakoma’s bunkers, fairway surrounds and water features, joining the ranks of classic courses across the country making big investments to restore their Golden Age appeal.
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.
Pleasant View: A Major Upgrade for Middleton’s Muni
With 36 holes of challenging and scenic golf on Madison’s far west side, Pleasant View has long been a favorite spot for locals, and its 2023 renovation has helped elevate its golf experience in a big way.
Diamonds in the Rough: Menomonie Golf & Country Club
Nestled along the Pensaukee River in Abrams, Pine Acres Golf Course surprises with superb greens, fast fairways, and Northwoods charm just 20 minutes north of Green Bay.
The Meadows of Sixmile Creek: Madison’s Best Value Play
Featuring a creative routing through a sublime marshland setting, The Meadows of Sixmile Creek is a shining example of a water-dominated property done right, and at an excellent price point it has always been a go-to Madison-area public venue going back to my youth.
Diamonds in the Rough: Pine Acres in Abrams, WI
Nestled along the Pensaukee River in Abrams, Pine Acres Golf Course surprises with superb greens, fast fairways, and Northwoods charm just 20 minutes north of Green Bay.
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.
The Commons: Sand Valley’s Un-Common New Golf Experience
Built for fun and flexibility, The Commons at Sand Valley is a quick, 12-hole walk where creative greens and risk/reward decisions keep every shot interesting.
Towne Country Club: A Historic Gem Worthy of Wisconsin’s Victorious Ryder Cup Captain
Towne Country Club in Edgerton, Wisconsin blends historic charm with modern variety across its two contrasting nines. Known as the boyhood course of 2021 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker, TCC offers quirky short par fours, demanding long par threes, and excellent value just 30 minutes from Madison.
Sam Weber: Growing Sedge Valley from Sand to Signature
Superintendent Sam Weber has overseen Sedge Valley’s transformation from sand to one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive golf courses. Learn how he guided the grow-in, managed fine fescue and helped shape Sand Valley’s newest strategy-rich design into a unique and memorable golf experience.
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.
The 2025 Rolex AJGA Girls Junior Championship at SentryWorld: Top Talent on Full Display
I spent three unforgettable days covering the 2025 Rolex AJGA Girls Junior Championship at SentryWorld – one of junior golf’s premier events, hosted at one of the Midwest’s most spectacular venues.
This Week at SentryWorld: 6 Holes That Will Challenge the World’s Top Junior Girls
Want to see the future of women’s golf? Head to SentryWorld this week for the Rolex Girls Junior Championship and check out the 6 holes most likely to decide the winner.
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.
University Ridge: Bucky’s Marvelous Modern Playground
After a series of great golf experiences at University Ridge over the course of my playing days, Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s remarkable University Ridge has remained my favorite place to play in the Madison area.
Whistling Straits vs. Bay Harbor Golf Club: A Great Lakes Golf Showdown
Whistling Straits vs Bay Harbor Golf Club – two of the Midwest’s most scenic public courses go head-to-head in this Great Lakes golf showdown.
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.
Brian’s 2024 Season Recap: All In
30 courses shot, 23 articles written and a treasure trove of great golf experiences. What a season it’s been!
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.
Hawks Landing Golf Club: A Meticulously Curated Golf Experience
This summer I re-visited one of my favorite golf properties in the Madison area, Hawks Landing Golf Club, known for its dramatic layout and dialed in conditioning.
Carl’s Place: Bring Your Favorite Course to the Simulator Screen
How closely can a simulated golf experience on GSPro compare to the real deal? Jon Holzbauer breaks it down with University Ridge, in real life and as created by Carl’s Place.
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.
The Langford Shield at Lawsonia Links: Fall Golf at its Best
This year’s Langford Shield turned out to be everything I hoped for based on past events – fun, engaging golf with like-minded people who love the game at one of the state’s best classic gems.
My 5 Favorite Holes at Erin Hills
My top 5 favorite holes on my favorite golf course in the state of Wisconsin: Erin Hills.
Stoughton Country Club: A Classic/Modern One-Two Punch
As a tale of two nines, Stoughton Country Club weaves its modern and classic nines together in an unusual yet imaginative way to yield an enjoyable and cohesive golf experience.
Minocqua Country Club: The Northwoods’ Best Golf Experience
There are very few more unique and exceptional golf experiences in Wisconsin than at Minocqua Country Club – one of the state’s best in one of its most remote areas.
Eau Claire Country Club: A Tradition Reimagined in the Chippewa Valley
Eau Claire Golf & Country Club stands alone as the premier private golf experience in the Chippewa Valley region, with the nearest comparable club over an hour and a half away.
Let’s Talk Wisconsin Golf!
Over the past couple months I’ve started getting more requests to appear on podcasts and radio shows, and when Golfer’s Anonymous got in touch about previewing their upcoming Wisconsin trip I had to say yes.
Bishops Bay Country Club: Superb Golf on the Shores of Lake Mendota
Featuring an immaculate layout over rolling, scenic terrain and an epic lakefront clubhouse, Bishops Bay Country Club offers one of Madison’s most exceptional golf experiences.
The Sandbox: 17 Greens, 17 Thrills
Boasting a collection of world-class, ingenious Coore/Crenshaw-designed greens, The Sandbox at Sand Valley continues to dazzle alongside its big course neighbors.
Sedge Valley: Out of the Ordinary, Pure Sand Valley
When it comes to golf, give me unconventional all day – and there’s nothing more out of the ordinary than Tom Doak’s new Central Wisconsin masterpiece: Sedge Valley.
The Legend at Bergamont: Madison’s Publicly-Accessible Private Golf Experience
Madison’s newest 18-hole golf course, The Legend at Bergamont, offers a private-caliber golf experience with a fun and playable layout.
River Falls Golf Club: New Life Blooms at a Small Town Club
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.
La Crosse Country Club: A Serene Gem in Onalaska
Played in the 2024 Wisconsin State Am qualifier, La Crosse Country Club is a 1990’s Arthur Hills gem that feels like a historic private classic.
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.
Troy Burne Golf Club: The Best of the Twin Cities
My home course in Hudson, Troy Burne is a perennially top-rated course in the state of Wisconsin while somehow still flying under the radar.
TPC Wisconsin: Eric Leonard’s Crash Course in Course Renovations
One of the year’s most exciting golf projects in the Midwest, the reimagined TPC Wisconsin in Madison was a massive renovation that will culminate in its hosting the American Family Insurance Championship starting in ’25.
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.
Pine Hills Country Club: One of the State’s Best Keeps Getting Better
Nestled amidst the Kohler-area golf mecca, Pine Hills has always flown a little under the radar – even for a course I consider to be the state’s best private club (and it’s only getting better).
The Lido: An American Masterpiece, Once More
The hottest golf course in the world right now, The Lido debuted in its opening 2023 season as the #68 ranked golf course in the world. Is that ranking deserved?
The River at Blackwolf Run: Kohler’s Dye-namic Parkland Playground
In a state rife with exceptional public golf courses, there is no better modern parkland option than the River at Blackwolf Run. Especially in the fall.
Brian’s Season Recap: A Content Creation Crash Course
My 2023 golf season has been a banner year, featuring significant growth in my content creation abilities and a wealth of great golf experiences across the state and beyond.
The Pines: Lake Arrowhead’s Intimate Golf Experience
A must-play in the Central Wisconsin area, the Pines course at Lake Arrowhead features 18 holes of fun and challenging parkland golf.
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 Lakes at Lake Arrowhead: Beautiful Modern Central Wisconsin Golf Steps from Sand Valley
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.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms: A Fall Adventure at the State’s Top Sleeper
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.
“SentryWorld, Matt Smith Shine at the US Senior Open”
My article for Grass Roots Magazine on SentryWorld and their world-class Superintendent Matt Smith, chronicling their path leading up to and executing on the wildly successful 2023 US Senior Open.
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.
Lake Arrowhead: Rome’s Original Golf Destination
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.
The Irish Course: Pete Dye’s Final Kohler Act
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.
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.…
Stevens Point: One of Wisconsin’s Most Diverse High-End Golf Destinations
Nowhere in Wisconsin will you find a better one-two punch of high-end courses that couldn’t be more aesthetically opposite than SentryWorld and Stevens Point Country Club.
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.
Wild Rock: Wisconsin’s Most Underrated Public Golf Course
Every time I’ve played Wild Rock in the Dells I’ve walked away impressed. Every time I’ve been wowed, in fact, but I still never see it on anybody’s top 10 public courses in Wisconsin lists.
That’s changed for me.
The Oaks Golf Course: A Soul-Stirring Morning of Photography
The Oaks Golf Course, one of Madison’s top public courses, turned 20 this year and I visited the property at sunrise to capture its dramatic beauty this summer.
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.
Nakoma at 100: Madison’s Classic Gem Shines Brighter than Ever
Nakoma in Madison is the latest Wisconsin Golden Age classic golf course to hit its centennial, and the property is looking better than ever after 100 years of exceptional stewardship.
Hometown Favorites Shine in Round 3 of the US Senior Open at SentryWorld
A day filled with excitement at the US Senior Open at SentryWorld leads to a highly-anticipated round four today that will feature Wisconsin’s two greatest golf icons, Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly, in the final pairings.
An Interview with Mark Rolfing: SentryWorld a US Open-Like Championship Venue
Late last month I had the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with NBC analyst and broadcaster Mark Rolfing. Mark will be covering the US Senior Open at SentryWorld this weekend and allowed me to pick his mind about all things golf while focusing on the USGA tournament venue and general state of the game, especially…
Wisconsin Dells: The State’s Top Destination for Summertime Fun
When it comes to summertime in Wisconsin, one destination holds the crown as “Wisconsin’s Playground” and “The Water Park Capital of the World”: Wisconsin Dells.
The Seifert family recently visited The Wilderness to enjoy all this great town and water park resort have to offer.
SentryWorld: Primed and Ready for the U.S. Senior Open
After experiencing SentryWorld firsthand at the U.S. Senior Open Media Day this spring, it’s clear that the top-notch public venue has its sights set on being one of the best hosts in the championship’s rich history.
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.
“Wisconsin Captured” Tees Off at SentryWorld
Last summer I was invited to take part in the WSGA’s big 2023 Marketing initiative: Wisconsin Captured.
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.
Plum Lake Golf Club: A Historic Northwoods Treasure
This past summer I re-discovered Plum Lake, a Golden Age delight tucked away in the Northwoods, and one of the best 9-hole properties in the state.
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.
Stevens Point Country Club: Wisconsin’s Ultimate Hidden Gem
Following an ingenious renovation project led by architect Craig Haltom, Stevens Point Country Club is unlike any other private club in the state, and – for the time being – is Wisconsin’s very best hidden gem.
Brian’s 2022 Season in Review: The Search for the Great Golf Course
This year, my journey into the world of golf writing has taken me to compelling venues across the state and country, where I saw firsthand what makes a golf course great.
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…
Nakoma Golf Club: The Ideal Everyday Course
My home course, Nakoma Golf Club, one of Tom Bendelow’s finest original designs in Wisconsin, has embraced continuous improvement to promote an optimal everyday golfing experience.
The Oaks Golf Course: A One-of-a-Kind Experience on Madison’s East Side
The Oaks has long been one of my favorite local courses, and it’s become even better after a successful renovation effort under the direction of its original course architect Greg Martin.
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.
Minocqua Country Club: The Crown Jewel of Northwoods Golf
One of Wisconsin’s very best private clubs, Be sure to bring your A-game and camera for this majestic ride through the forest at Minocqua Country Club.
The Lido: America’s Next Great Golf Course, Again
The most highly anticipated course development of our time just might be The Lido, a private club adjacent to Sand Valley Golf Resort that’s being built as a carbon copy of the world’s greatest ever NLE golf course.
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.
“Wisconsin Captured”: Summer’s Sunrise Over Whistling Straits
For years I’ve dreamt of flying a drone over Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin, and last month finally got the opportunity as part of the WSGA’s Wisconsin Captured project.
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 Glen Golf Park: A Model of Inclusivity and Accessibility
The Glen Golf Park has been re-imagined into a much more fun track than than the one I played growing up, and has given Madison municipal golf a shot in the arm.
The Flower Hole: Robert Trent Jones, Jr’s Mona Lisa at SentryWorld
Over 30,000 annuals are planted every Spring on the famed Flower Hole at SentryWorld, and the result is mesmerizing.
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.
2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits: Photo Gallery
The 2020 (in 2021) Ryder Cup was a shot in the arm for the state of Wisconsin, Team USA and our entire country. Let these spectacular event photos by Contributing Writer Troy Giljohann be the shot in your arm, too!
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.
Oneida Golf and Country Club
An old-school course in a beautiful setting with fantastic greens complexes, Oneida is one of the top private courses in the state.