When my brother and his wife bought me a golf ball cabinet about 14 years ago, I started collecting logo balls from all the different courses I played.
I’ve always been a collector. Sports cards and memorabilia, especially, and of course lots of golf things – logo balls, markers, shirts from the courses I play and so on.
Back in 2017 I built my own golf ball cabinet to hold over 200 golf balls, which I chronicled in an article for others hoping to do the same (link to article 1/2). Over time I’ve filled it out, other than the tees that I didn’t get in straight enough to hold balls (I still need to fix those), and have been replacing with better courses as I’ve gone along.
I love rankings. I know I’m not “right” – rankings are entirely opinion-based – but these are the top 100 courses that I’ve played.
Architect: Tom Doak (2001)
Yardages: Black-6633, Green-6142, Gold-5775
Slope/Rating: Black-142/73.0, Green-133/70.7, Gold-129/68.6
Pacific Dunes Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #2 US public, #18 US top 100, 18 toughest, #1 OregonGolfWeek: #2 US modern, #1 US resort, #1 OregonGolf.com: #1 US public, #20 world, #12 US top 100, #1 Oregon Designer: Tom Doak (2001) While the course measures only 6,633 yards from the tips, extreme thought should be put…
Architect: Tom Doak & Brian Schneider (2023), CB Macdonald, Seth Raynor & Alister McKenzie (1917)
Yardages: Black-7387, Navy-7027, White-6535
Slope/Rating: Black-153/76.5, Navy-148/74.5, White-144/72.1
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?
Architect: Pete Dye (1991)
Yardages: Tournament-7356, Ocean-6779, Dye-6475
Slope/Rating: Tournament-144/77.3, Ocean-138/73.6, Dye-134/72.0
After 22 years since my first visit to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, I finally returned to play Pete Dye’s breathtaking masterpiece this spring.
Architect: David McLay Kidd (1999)
Yardages: Black-6759, Green-6247, Gold-5751
Slope/Rating: Black-130/73.6, Green-129/71.1, Gold-122/68.7
My first trip to Bandon Dunes confirmed what I had heard all along – that it is among the very best places for golf on the planet. By Brian Murphy.
Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr (2007)
Yardages: Teal-7585, Navy-7165, Sand-6513
Slope/Rating: Teal-142/76.8, Navy-139/75.6, Sand-135/72.4
Chambers Bay Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #26 US public, #2 Washington GolfWeek: #29 US modern, #1 Washington public Golf.com: #64 US top 100, #17 US public Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (2007) I had the opportunity to play Chambers Bay for the second time last month. Host of next year’s 2015 US Open, Chambers Bay…
Architect: Seth Raynor (1921)
Yardages: Black-6530, Raynor-6309, Green-5457
Slope/Rating: Black-133/71.4, Raynor-130/70.4, Green-120/66.5
Architects: Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry & Ron Whitten (2006)
Yardages: Black-7800, Blue-7174, Green-6754
Slope/Rating: Black-145/77.9, Blue-139/75.0, Green-135/73.2
My top 5 favorite holes on my favorite golf course in the state of Wisconsin: Erin Hills.
Architect: Pete Dye (1998)
Yardages: Black-7362, Blue-6909, Green-6459
Slope/Rating: Black-151/76.7, Blue-144/74.2, Green-137/71.9
Few golf experiences match a late afternoon or early morning round on the Straits Course. Whether it’s while photographing the sunrise over the shoreline, standing on the 17th tee as waves crash below or finishing 18 with a cocktail at their newly installed gas fire pits, every moment spent at Whistling Straits is indelible.
Architects: Rob Collins, Tad King (2022)
Yardages: Red-7200, White-6775, Green-6440
Slope/Rating: Red-138/74.7, White-132/72.8, Green-130/71.3
Located half-way to or from the Sand Hills of Nebraska from Milwaukee, Landmand has quickly risen into the top 20 public courses in the country as an ingenious King/Collins golf experience you’ll need to see to believe.
Architect: Tom Doak & Jim Urbina (2010)
Yardages: Black-6944, Green-6320, Gold-5658
Slope/Rating: Black-133/74.1, Green-127/71.3, Gold-119/68.2
A throw-back masterpiece designed by Tom Doak and Jim Urbina, Old Macdonald is challenging links golf on one of the most beautiful plots of land you’ll find in America.
Architect: Pete Dye (2009)
Yardages: Gold-8102, Black-7254, Blue-6701
Slope/Rating: Gold-148/80.0, Black-139/76.2, Blue-135/73.3
Course Overview: Golf course: French Lick Resort, The Dye CourseLocation: French Lick, INDesigner: Pete Dye (2009)Classification: Public/ResortCourse website: Link to French Lick Resort’s website Month/year of shoot: June 2024Photographer: Paul Seifert WiscoGolfAddict.com articles: Coming soon Photo gallery:
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2005)
Yardages: Black-6759, Green-6247, Gold-5751
Slope/Rating: Black-130/73.6, Green-129/71.1, Gold-122/68.7
This Coore/Crenshaw marvel is the only inland course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, an epic journey through nature complete with compelling architecture.
Architect: Donald Ross (1921)
Yardages: Blue-6522, White-6079, Green-5532
Slope/Rating: Blue-130/71.6, White-128/69.5, Green-121/66.7
Probably my personal favorite of the 5 exceptional courses we played in Pinehurst, Mid Pines is a Golden Age, Donald Ross-designed delight that tugs at the heart strings.
Architect: Mike Strantz (1998)
Yardages: Ripper-6557, Disc-6317, Plow-5886
Slope/Rating: Ripper-145/72.5, Disc-143/71.3, Plow-132/69.4
While this Mike Strantz charmer in the Carolina sandhills may have taken some time to grow in stature and notoriety, it’s arrived. Very few, if any, courses in the country possess the cache it is so thickly steeped in these days, and the playing experience more than backs it up.
Architect: Harry Smead (1928)
Yardages: Blue-6481, White-6151, Silver-5817
Slope/Rating: Blue-132/72.3, White-128/70.7, Silver-125/69.3
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).
Architect: C.H. Alison (1929)
Yardages: Back-7094, Middle-6444, Forward-5856
Slope/Rating: Back-136.74.6, Middle-130/71.9, Forward-125/69.5
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.
Architect: Pete Dye (1988)
Yardages: Black-7404, Blue-6865, Green-6507
Slope/Rating: Black-151/76.2, Blue-144/73.7, Green-139/72.1
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.
Architect: Arthur Hills (1997)
Yardages: Brown-6845, Purple-6427, Orange-6228
Slope/Rating: Brown-146/74.3, Purple-143/72.1, Orange-142/70.9
The crown jewel of the BOYNE Golf portfolio, the Links/Quarry Course at Bay Harbor Golf Club beautifully blends coastal links and inland quarry golf course architecture.
Architect: Gil Hanse (2017)
Yardages: Green-7320, Black-6747, Silver-6226
Slope/Rating: Green-135/74.7, Black-130/72.0, Silver-125/69.5
A unique par 73 layout fraught with drama and unique minimalistic design, the 2017 addition of the Black course at Streamsong gives this world-class resort a course for all golf enthusiasts.
Architect: Seth Raynor (1926)
Yardages: Black-6667, Blue-6313, White-5632
Slope/Rating: Black-131/72.1, Blue-127/70.6, White-124/72.5
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…
Architect: Tom Doak (2024)
Yardages: Back-5829, Middle-4777, Front-3753
Slope/Rating: Back-129/68.3, Middle-118/67.8, Front-99/60.2
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.
Architect: Kyle Franz (2024)
Yardages: Yellow-7237, Black-6817, Green-6316
Slope/Rating: Yellow-133/75.3, Black-131/72.5, Green-125/70.2
Wonderfully designed by young up-and-coming architect Kyle Franz, the Karoo course is the centerpiece of Cabot Citrus Farms and will quickly become a must-play bucket list course for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Architect: Mike DeVries (2005)
Yardages: Black-6828, Grey-6537, White-5908
Slope/Rating: Black-144/73.0, Grey-138/70.7, White-130/68.2
Saturday morning of our U.P. golf trip began with a delicious two dollar breakfast at the Firekeeper’s Lounge in The Island Resort and Casino. Our golf package included a plethora of coupons which could be used for one meal per day, a drink and five dollars in slot credits per day. After breakfast, Mitch and…
Architect: Tom Lehman (2010)
Yardages: Tour-8073, White-7525, Blue-7099
Slope/Rating: Tour-135/75.0, White-133/72.4, Blue-128/71.7
The Prairie Club, Dunes Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #35 US public, #3 NebraskaGolfWeek: #82 US modern, #2 Nebraska public, #21 US resortGolf.com: #74 US public, #1 Nebraska public Designer: Tom Lehman (2010) The 86th rated overall course in the country, the Dunes course at The Prairie Club is the pinnacle of semi-private golf in the…
Architect: Rees Jones (2000)
Yardages: Black-7249, Gold-6875, Silver-6437
Slope/Rating: Black-148/75.3, Gold-143/73.1, Silver-137/70.7
A deserving top 100 public golf course in the country, and top 3 in the state of Arizona, Quintero Golf Club in Peoria features desert golf at its finest: Challenging and strategic target golf with impeccable conditions, beautiful scenery and some of the most memorable par threes anywhere.
Architect: Tom Doak (2012)
Yardages: Green-7176, Black-6698, Silver-6285
Slope/Rating: Green-131/74.1, Black-127/72.0, Silver-123/69.7
Streamsong Blue stole my heart on a trip filled with great golf – a playable, dramatic and engaging layout loaded with the hallmarks of Tom Doak’s architectural brilliance.
Architect: Donald Ross (1917)
Yardages: Gold-7030, Bronze-6517, Black-5950
Slope/Rating: Gold-149/75.7, Bronze-146/73.0, Black-139/70.4
Course Overview: Golf course: The Donald Ross Course at French Lick ResortLocation: French Lick, INDesigner: Donald Ross (1917)Classification: Public/ResortCourse website: Link to French Lick Resort’s website Month/year of shoot: June 2024Photographer: Paul Seifert WiscoGolfAddict.com articles: Coming soon Photo gallery:
Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1992)
Yardages: One-7073, Two-6581, Three-6069
Slope/Rating: One-138/74.0, Two-133/71.9, Three-129/69.6
My review of Jack Nicklaus’s beautiful Great Waters course at Reynolds Plantation Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. The back nine features some of the most picturesque holes in the Southeast.
@reynoldsgolf
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2017)
Yardages: Tips-7161, Black-6899, Orange-6520
Slope/Rating: Tips-135/74.7, Black-134/73.2, Orange-130/71.4
The original Sand Valley Course is my favorite at this world-class Wisconsin golf resort that in just 5 short years has made a significant impact on golf in the state of Wisconsin. And this is just the beginning.
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2012)
Yardages: Green-7148, Black-6584, Silver-6094
Slope/Rating: Green-130/74.2, Black-125/71.7, Silver-119/69.4
Streamsong Resort, Red Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #18 US public, #100 US greatest overall, #4 FloridaGolfWeek: #30 US modern, #2 Florida public, #12 US resortGolf.com: #52 US top 100, #12 US public, #2 Florida public Designer: Bill Coore, Ben Crensaw (2012) From the moment you turn on to the several mile long driveway of the extensively…
Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr (2013)
Yardages: Black-7237, Blue-6711, White-6110
Slope/Rating: Black-139/75.1, 131/72.6, White-125/69.8
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.
Architect: Tom Doak (2013)
Yardages: Back-6994, Club-6334, Forward-4830
Slope/Rating: Not available
Some golf courses challenge your game. Others challenge your soul. The Red Course at Dismal River does both, and it does so in the most breathtakingly remote corner of Nebraska’s Sand Hills.
Architect: William Langford & Theodore Moreau (1930)
Yardages: Blue-6853, White-6494, Gold-6022
Slope/Rating: Blue-130/73.0, White-128/71.5, Gold-124/68.8
This Golden Age masterpiece that has undergone a highly successful restoration should be on every Wisconsin golfer’s bucket list. One of the best public golf deals in the state, Lawsonia Links is widely regarded as one of Langford and Moreau’s finest works.
Architect: Keith Foster (2000)
Yardages: Black-7365, Blue-6840, White-6430
Slope/Rating: Black-140/76.0, Blue-132/73.1, White-128/70.8
The Harvester Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #42 US public, #1 Iowa GolfWeek: #99 US modern, #1 Iowa public Golf.com: #55 US public, #1 Iowa public Designer: Keith Foster (2000) This past summer, Brian Weis (owner/operator of GolfTrips, GolfWisconsin and 40-plus other golf-related websites) and I had the magnificent opportunity to attend a market trip to The…
Architect: Larry Packard (1968), Craig Haltom (2020)
Yardages: Black-6916, Blue-6567, White-6167
Slope/Rating: Black-141/74.3, Blue-137/72.8, White-129/71.4
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.
Architect: Scott Miller (2001)
Yardages: Cholla-7225, Purple-6740, White-6114
Slope/Rating: Cholla-138/73.4, Purple-133/70.7, White-119/67.5
Course Overview: Golf course: We-Ko-Pa, Cholla CourseLocation: Fort McDowell, AZDesigner: Scott Miller (2001)Classification: PublicCourse website: Link to We-Ko-Pa, Cholla Course website Month/year of shoot: March 2021Photographer: Paul Seifert WiscoGolfAddict.com articles: N/A Photo gallery:
Architect: Bob Cupp (1992)
Yardages: Black-7015, Blue-6506, White-6000
Slope/Rating: Black-142/74.9, Blue-140/72.4, White-132/69.9
Pumpkin Ridge, Witch Hollow Rankings: Golf Digest: #8 OregonGolfWeek: #151 US Modern Courses Designer: Bob Cupp (1992) Most golf enthusiasts are familiar with the Witch Hollow course at Pumpkin Ridge for a number of reasons: It opened in 1992 as one of the top two new courses in the country; it still hosts an annual…
Architect: Scott Hoffman, Geoffrey Cornish, John Harris & Warren Rebholz (1996)
Yardages: Tour-7102, Black-6717, Blue-6438
Slope/Rating: Tour-145/75.6, Black-141/73.9, Blue-134/72.1
Madden’s Resort, Classic Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #63 US public, #10 Minnesota GolfWeek: #8 Minnesota public Golf.com: #5 Minnesota public Designer: Scott Hoffman, Geoffrey Cornish, John Harris, Warren Rebholz (1996) With overall golf rounds down across the Midwest, most courses lean heavily on cart rentals as their top profit generator. Glenn Hagberg, Head PGA Golf…
Architect: Ron Garl (2001)
Yardages: Bear-6794, Wolf-6478, Musky-6093
Slope/Rating: Bear-145/73.5, Wolf-140/72.2, Musky-133/70.0
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.
Architect: Jeffrey Brauer (2004)
Yardages: Gold-7207, Blue-6772, White-6147
Slope/Rating: Gold-142/75.3, Blue-137/73.2, White-131/70.4
Architect: David McLay Kidd (2018)
Yardages: Black-6935, Orange-6563, Sand-6027
Slope/Rating: Black-132/72.4, Orange-124/70.5, Sand-117/68.0
David McLay Kidd has designed some of the most vast, fun-filled golf courses of the 21st Century. Beginning with the break-through of all break-throughs, Bandon Dunes in 1999, Kidd has led developments at Nanea Golf Club in Hawaii (2003), the Castle Course at St Andrews (2008), Tetherow in his now home town of Bend, Oregon…
Architect: Donald Ross (1919), Gil Hanse (2018)
Yardages: Orange-7227, Blue-6961, White-6428
Slope/Rating: Orange-138/74.9, Blue-135/73.7, White-131/70.8
After an ingenious makeover by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, Pinehurst No. 4 makes a strong case as one of the best layouts in the Carolina Sandhills, and is a must-play on a Pinehurst golf trip.
Architect: Donald Ross (1921)
Yardages: Blue-6530, White-6277, Gold-5680, Red-5107
Slope/Rating:Blue-130/71.9, White-127/70.8, Gold-122/67.9, Red-121/69.4
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.”
Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2006)
Yardages: Tips-7368, Members-6638, Forward-4965
Slope/Rating: Tips-149/77.0, Members-139/73.2, Forward-135/69.6
The Jack Nicklaus designed White Course at Dismal River sets players in the Sand Hills wilderness with hole layouts distinctly in their own environments and with all the quirks one could ask for – and I’m here for it.
Architect: Tom Bendelow (1925), Tom Doak (2014)
Yardages: Gold-6895, Silver-6667, White-6213, Green-5505
Slope/Rating: Gold-136/73.3, Silver-134/72.3, White-129/70.2, Green-128/70.0
My favorite of the three courses at Medinah Country Club, Course 1 features great design, terrific routing and the best of all worlds: A lot of wide, forgiving fairways with strategic playability, great par 3’s and 5’s and a little bit of tree-lined parkland style thrown in for good measure.
Architect: Roger Packard (1977)
Yardages: 4-Star-6820, 3-Star-6434, 2-Star-6006
Slope/Rating: 4-Star-141/73.7, 3-Star-136/71.9, 2-Star-131/69.7
The crown jewel of Eagle Ridge Resort’s four golf courses, The General delivers high drama with a thrilling layout.
Architect: Pete Dye (1989)
Yardages: Black-7165, Blue-6735, White-6236
Slope/Rating: Black-144/74.6, Blue-138/72.6, White-132/70.1
As I wrote in my recent stream-of-consciousness entry “The State of the Game of Golf in Wisconsin,” destination golf in the Badger State began in earnest at Blackwolf Run. Development of its Original Championship course marked the start of a long and successful partnership between Herb Kohler and Pete Dye, and proved to be the…
Architect: Tom Bendelow (1928), Rees Jones (2009)
Yardages: Gold-7657, Silver-7007, White-6629
Slope/Rating: Gold-152/78.3, Silver-147/75.3, White-142/72.3
Following a tour of the newly renovated No. 2 course with Rees Jones, we were treated to an out-of-this-world golf experience at Medinah Country Club’s Course 3 – one of the country’s greatest major event hosts.
Architect: Jerry Pate (1995)
Yardages: Gold-7092, Blue-6454, White-5849
Slope/Rating: Gold-132/73.9, Blue-129/70.8, White-119/67.8
Kiva Dunes’ challenging layout, awesome green complexes, windswept topography and beachside property lend it a memorable coastal vibe that’s everything I dream of when visiting down south, and its links-like design makes it truly unique to the region.
Architect: Robert Trent Jones (2006)
Yardages: Black-8191, Purple-7446, Orange-6783
Slope/Rating: Black-135/78.5, Purple-127/74.9, Orange-118/71.3
After staying at the Marriott Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham/Hoover, AL this week, I took the opportunity to stay an extra day to check out my first Robert Trent Jones golf course: RTJ at Ross Bridge. This is a phenomenal golf course – long, too, at 8,191 yards from the tips! It’s actually…
Architect: Mike Strantz (1998)
Yardages: Black-7126, Blue-6812, White-6375
Slope/Rating: Black-145/74.3, Blue-141/72.8, White-127/70.1
A course filled with classic Mike Strantz genius/madness including massive expanses of sandy blowouts, a horseshoe par 5 around the lake, great greens and tons of fun, challenging but beautiful layouts like the world-famous par three 3rd, True Blue is a can’t-miss in the Myrtle Beach area.
Architect: Bill Newcomb (1989)
Yardages: Brown-6814, Purple-6563, Orange-6233
Slope/Rating: Brown-143/73.9, Purple-140/72.3, Orange-145/71.4
From the resorts to the dining, lodging and above all the golf, BOYNE Golf is a big-time golf trip that is not talked about nearly enough!
Architect: Dick Nugent (1995)
Yardages: Black-7097, Blue-6697, Gold-6272
Slope/Rating: Black-141/74.2, Blue-135/71.9, Gold-131/70.3
I knew I was in for a treat when I was asked to play Green Bay Country Club, but I had no idea how much of a treat that was going to be.
Green Bay CC is one of the top 3 private golf courses I’ve played in the state.
There’s not a more…
Architect: David Esler (2001)
Yardage: Holes 1-18: Black-7111, Grey-6732, White-6463; Holes 1-9, 19-27: Black-6930, 6659, 6382; Holes 10-27: Black-7107, Grey-6729, White-6519
Slope/Rating: Holes 1-18: Black-74.7/137, Grey-72.7/133, White-71.5/130; Holes 1-9, 19-27: Black-73.5/134, Grey-72.1/132, White-70.8/129; Holes 10-27: Black-74.6/135, Grey-72.6/132, White-71.7/130
One of the top 100 overall golf courses in the country, Black Sheep Golf Club outside of Chicago, Illinois, is a men’s only private club with a fantastic logo and an even better golf course.
Boasting 27 holes of linksy David Esler designed golf, owner Vince Solano has successfully developed an out-of-this-world-good golf experience with…
Architect: Rees Jones (2002)
Yardages: One-7029, Two-6732, Three-6294
Slope/Rating: One-137/73.5, Two-134/72.1, Three-128/70.0
My review of The Oconee Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA.
I’m told the best time to visit Reynolds is paired with a trip to The Masters – I hope to do that someday!
The Oconee and Great Waters courses are truly travel-worthy tracks at this Georgia gem.
Architect: Pete Dye (2000)
Yardages: Black-7201, Blue-6750, Green-6366
Slope/Rating: Black-146/75.6, Blue-141/73.5, Green-137/72.0
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.
Architect: Unknown (1896), Craig Haltom (2020)
Yardages: Black-6906, Blue-6321, White-5870
Slope/Rating: Black-133/72.6, Blue-128/70.1, White-125/67.9
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.
Architect: Donald Ross (1916)
Yardages: Green-7184, Blue-6744, Gold-6286
Slope/Rating: Green-139/75.3, Blue-134/73.2, Gold-129/71.1
Architect: Graham Marsh (2010)
Yardages: Black-7403, White-6824, Green-6080
Slope/Rating: Black-134/75.0, White-128/72.4, Green-115/69.4
A perfect hybrid between prairie links and parkland style, the Pines course at The Prairie Club is the resort’s most playable and fun golf course.
Architect: William P. Bell, Sr (1957), Rees Jones (2001)
Yardages: Black-7628, Blue-7051, White-6628
Slope/Rating: Black-143/78.1, Blue-139/76.1, White-136/74.3
Course Overview: Golf course: Torrey Pines, South CourseLocation: La Jolla, CADesigner: William F. Bell (1957)Classification: Public/MunicipalCourse website: Link to Torrey Pines website Month/year of shoot: January 2012Photographer: Paul Seifert WiscoGolfAddict.com articles: Behind the Scenes at the Farmers Insurance Open/Zurich Pro-Am (2012) Photo gallery:
Architect: William Langford (1928)
Yardage: Black-6785, Blue-6516, White-5639, Red-5372
Slope/Rating: Black-135/72.5, Blue-132/71.5, White-124/67, Red-125/71.2
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.
Architect: Rick Jacobson (2006)
Yardage: Black-7113, Gold-6658, Blue-6157
Slope/Rating: Black-136/74.8, Gold-131/72.8, Blue-126/70.5
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.
Architect: Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (2008)
Yardages: Quartzite-7414, Granite-6953, Shale-6393
Slope/Rating: Quartzite-141/76.5, Granite-135/74.5, Shale-134/70.8
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.
Architect: Gary Player (1994)
Yardage: Black-7008, Gold-6417, White-6014
Slope/Rating: Black-141-74.3, Gold-133/71.5, White-130/69.7
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.
Architect: Arthur Hills (2009)
Yardages: Black-7490, Gold-7066, Blue-6580
Slope/Rating: Black-141/76.4, Gold-136/74.2, Blue-132/72.1
Packers vs. Bears. Brewers vs. Cubs. Badgers vs. Fighting Illini. Tollways and terrible traffic vs. free highways and backroads. Wisconsin and Illinois folks don’t always get along, but we do all love golf. For the past twenty years, golf writers from Wisconsin have contested golf writers from Illinois in the annual “Writer’s Cup,” a 27-hole…
Architect: William Langford & Theodore Moreau (1922)
Yardages: Blue-6765, White-6381, Gold-5806
Slope/Rating: Blue-130/72.9, White-125/71.0, Gold-121/68.5
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.
Architect: Joseph Lee & Dick Wilson (1964), Rees Jones (2008)
Yardages: Black-7554, Gold-7144, Blue-6750
Slope/Rating: Black-151/77.8, Gold-144/75.8, Blue-138/73.9
Former host of the BMW Championship and Western Open, Cog Hill No. 4 Dubsdread is one of the most challenging courses in the Midwest.
Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr (1991)
Yardages: Black-7259, Blue-6610, White-6053
Slope/Rating: Black-144/74.9, Blue-139/72.9, White-129/69.3
Home of the Wisconsin Badgers golf team, University Ridge features some of the most remarkable golf holes in the state. Designed and built in 1991 by one the country’s most well-known and beloved course designers, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course sits atop a several million year old glacier. Located in the Verona suburb of Madison, the course…
Architect: Leonard Macomber (1930)
Yardage: Black-6530, White-5794, Green-5246
Slope/Rating: Black-132/73.2, White-125/67.9, Green-118/65.4
I had the privilege of being invited up to North Shore Golf Club in Menasha, Wisconsin, last month, and was not disappointed! This 1930 Leonard Macomber track is one of the state’s true hidden gems, featuring great golf and conditions, beautiful scenery alongside Lake Winnebago and a wonderful Golden Age course design.
Architect: Arthur Hills (1995)
Yardages: Brown-7312, Purple-6919, Orange-6352
Slope/Rating: Brown-144/75.4, Purple-140/73.3, Orange-132/70.3
From the resorts to the dining, lodging and above all the golf, BOYNE Golf is a big-time golf trip that is not talked about nearly enough!
Architect: D.A. Weibring (2000)
Yardage: John Deere-7258, Black-7075, Blue-6530
Slope/Rating: John Deere-144/75.8, Black-141/74.4, Blue-135/71.9
TPC Deere Run Course Rankings: Golf Digest: #25 IllinoisGolfWeek: #6 Illinois publicGolf.com: #4 Illinois public Designer: DA Weibring (2000) Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend Media Day at TPC Deere Run in Moline, Illinois, to kick off the one month ramp-up to the 2013 John Deere Classic. Last year’s tournament ended in spectacular fashion,…
Architect: John Barr (1929)
Yardage: Black-6715, Blue-6424, White-6208
Slope/Rating: Black-133/73.2, Blue-130/71.9, White-127/70.7
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.
Architect: Bob Cupp (1992)
Yardage: Black-6839, Blue-6386, White-5921, Red-5111
Slope/Rating: Black-147/74.5, Blue-139/72.1, White-136/69.8, Red-132/71
Located less than 30 minutes northwest of Portland’s city center, Pumpkin Ridge is a beautiful golf venue that has played host to many big-time championship golf moments throughout the years, including David Duval’s win in the 1993 Nike Tour Championship, Tiger Woods’ final amateur championship and others including the Safeway Classic, Women’s Open Championship, US Girls’ Junior Championship, the US…
Architect: Davis Love III (2002)
Yardages: Snapping-7024, Leatherback-6531, Hawksbill-6010
Slope/Rating: Snapping-134/73.8, Leatherback-129/71.2, Hawksbill-119/69.2
One of the top handful of golf courses in the state of Mississippi, Shell Landing is a gorgeous parkland track with terrific strategic playability, great shot values and long, beautiful site lines.
Architect: Richard Robbins (2000)
Yardage: Black-7101, Blue-6601, White-6117
Slope/Rating: Black-139/74.5, Blue-134/72.1, White-130/70.0
Having spoken with a handful of friends who have already played this private course in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, I knew I was in for a treat when asked to join for a round at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club. This course is everything a country club should be and much more: Fantastically manicured with gorgeous hole…
Architect: Austie Claeyssens (1922), Samuel Beckman (2022)
Yardage: Back-6602, Middle-N/A, Front-N/A
Slope/Rating: Back-136/71.7, Middle-N/A, Front-N/A
One of the top hidden gems I’ve found in a while, Glen Flora in Waukegan, IL is emerging as one of the top private club options on the North Shore of the Greater Chicago area, thanks to a thoughtful renovation led by Samuel Beckman of Emergency 9 Golf.
Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1999)
Yardage: Black-7031, Brass-6631, Silver-6124
Slope/Rating: Black-137/74.1, Brass-133/72.3, Silver-128/69.9
As all of my golf buddies know, maybe my favorite course within an hour of the Milwaukee area is ThunderHawk, located within minutes of the Wisconsin/Illinois border in Beach Park. It seems like every time I have the opportunity to play ThunderHawk, it is either early Spring or late Fall, so being a little earlier…
Architect: AG Spaulding (1893)
Yardage: White-2814, Red-2309
Slope/Rating: White-113/66.6, Red-109-66.0
Course Overview: Golf course: Eagle Springs Golf ResortLocation: Eagle, WIDesigner: AG Spaulding (1893)Classification: Public/9-Hole Month/year of shoot: October 2024Photographer: Paul Seifert WiscoGolfAddict.com Articles: Eagle Springs Golf Resort: Where Time Stands Graciously Still (Paul Seifert, 2025) Featured Social Media Content: Photo gallery:
Architect: Charles W. Wagstaff (1923), Greg Martin (2018)
Yardage: Tournament-7015, Black-6631, Blue-6213
Slope/Rating: Tournament-142/74.1, Black-138/72.4, Blue-134/70.6
Golf Course Review: The Preserve at Oak Meadows (IL).
Greg Martin’s recently reopened redesign of Oak Meadows (fka “Soaked Meadows”) plays a terrific role in water retention/utility… While being an awesome Illinois golf course.
Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2003)
Yardages: Black-7354, Blue-6867, Green-6424
Slope/Rating: Black-147/76.3, Blue-144/73.8, Green-138/71.7
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.
Architect: George Hansen (1929)
Yardage: Blue-6,759, White-6,342
Slope/Rating: Blue-72.9/133, White-129/70.8
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…
Architect: Jerry Matthews (1997)
Yardage: Forest-6937, Boulder-6533, Timber-5836
Slope/Rating: Forest-148/75, Boulder-144/72.9, Timber-135/69.8
Sunday morning of our U.P. golf trip came early, and so did my departure to TimberStone at Iron Mountain. The area’s only five-star golf course, TimberStone is about a 50-minute drive from Harris and is on the way back to Wisconsin and what my friends considered to be the “Real world.” I parked in the…
Architect: Donald Ross (1916)
Yardage: White-6423, Gold-5946, Red-5607
Slope/Rating: White-129/71.4, Gold-126/70.3, Red-129/73.4
Architect: Tom Bendelow (1925)
Yardage: Gold-128/71.5, White-125/70.0, Green-124/72.0
Slope/Rating: Gold-6469, White-6033, Green-5376
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.
Architect: Lloyd Fitzgerald (1926), William Langford (~1950)
Yardage: Black-7010, Copper-6555, Hybrid-6209
Slope/Rating: Black-135/74.6, Copper-131/72.6, Hybrid-128/70.9
Course Overview: Golf course: Westmoor Country ClubLocation: Brookfield, WIDesigner: Lloyd Fitzgerald (1926), Langford & Moreau (1950’s)Classification: PrivateCourse website: Link to Westmoor Country Club website Month/year of shoot: June 2024Photographer: Paul Seifert Featured Intagram Content: WiscoGolfAddict.com articles: Golf Course Review: Westmoor Country Club (Paul Seifert, 2015) Photo gallery:
Architect: Arthur Hills (1997)
Yardage: Black-7048, Blue-6587, White-6198
Slope/Rating: Black-134/73.6, Blue-130/71.5, White-126/69.7
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.
Architect: John Harbottle III
Yardage: Maroon-7227, Black-6678, Member-6330
Slope/Rating: Maroon-134/74.8, Black-129/72.3, Member-125/70.9
Is Hawk’s Landing the state’s best conditioned golf course? If it’s not, it’s right up there.
Architect: Arnold Palmer (1991)
Yardage: Black-7171, Gold-6638, White-6057
Slope/Rating: Black-140/74.7, Gold-134/72.2, White-128/69.4
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…
Architect: Paul Albanese (2008)
Yardage: Black-7275, Blue-6829, White-6439
Slope/Rating: Black-143/75.2, Blue-137/73.3, White-71.3/134
You have probably seen Sweetgrass commercials on tv, and for good reason: A considerable portion of all of these courses’ clientele comes from Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee area. I met with Dave Douglas, the Director of Golf at Sweetgrass, and was impressed with his passion for the course and was excited to check out their…
Architect: John Sanford (2008)
Yardage: Viking-7236, Platinum-6729, White-6269
Slope/Rating: Viking-143/75.4, Platinum-139/72.6, White-130/70.4
Juliette Falls Course Rankings: GolfWeek: #18 Florida public Designer: John Sanford (2008) Southwest Airlines has a bags-fly-free policy, which includes golf bags, and it was certainly my intention during a recent family dive trip to Florida to take advantage of it. Staying at a vacation rental home on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, I was…
Architect: Joseph Roseman (1909)
Yardage: Blue-6656, White-6477, Gold-5735
Slope/Rating: Blue-133/73.2, White-130/71.7, Gold-125/68.8
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…
Architect: Robert Bruce Harris (1968)
Yardage: Blue-7,085, White-6,554, Red-5,244
Slope/Rating: Blue-136/73.8, White-131/71.9, Red-129/70.0
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.
Architect: Bill Newcomb (1972)
Yardages: Brown-7045, Purple-6875, Orange-6501
Slope/Rating: Brown-140/73.6, Purple-138/72.5, Orange-134/70.9
From the resorts to the dining, lodging and above all the golf, BOYNE Golf is a big-time golf trip that is not talked about nearly enough!
Architect: Ken Killian, Dick Nugent, Bob Lohmann, Michael Bunkusky (1967)
Yardage: V-7218, IV-6699, III-6398
Slope/Rating: V-137/74.7, IV-131/72.2, III-127-70.3
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…
Architect: Ray Hearn (1999)
Yardage: Tournament-7040, Gold-6836, Black-6639
Slope/Rating: Tournament-144/74.7, Gold-141/73.3, Black-138/72.1
The journey of Mistwood Golf Club over the past 20 years has been well documented and for good reason: This is a fantastic public golf destination and an incredibly well run operation. The first thing you’ll notice at Mistwood is its facilities. The bag drop is just outside the pro shop, downstairs from their Scottish-style…
Architect: Gary Player (1974)
Yardage: Tournament-6875, Cougar-6503, Player-6212
Slope/Rating: Tournament-138/74.0, Cougar-127/71.6, Player-123/69.8
My review of the beautiful Gary Player designed (and recently redesigned) Cougar Point golf course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, SC.
Architect: Joel Goldstrand (1990)
Yardage (Lakes to Woods): Green-6983, Blue-6526, White-6185
Slope/Rating (Lakes to Woods): Green-140/74.2, Blue-137/72.2, White-134/70.6
Designed by Minnesota-based architect Joel Goldstrand and debuted in 1990, The Pines course is Grand View Lodge’s premier golf experience and currently weighs in at #4 on GolfWeek’s Top Public Courses in Minnesota rankings.
Architect: Dick Nugent (1995)
Yardages: Tournament-7123, Championship-6589, Regular-5977
Slope/Rating: Tournament-137/74.6, Championship-131/72.1, Regular-125/69.2
The Harborside International Golf Center is a fantastic prototype for municipal metropolitan golf, featuring links-style Dick Nugent designs on the Port and Starboard courses.
Architect: Roger Packard (1977)
Yardage: Black-6875, Gold-6386, Jade-5578
Slope/Rating: Black-132/73.2, Gold-127/70.9, Jade-125/72.1
Designed by Roger Packard, the North Course at Eagle Ridge provides an absolute rollercoaster ride full of golf holes.
Architect: Rees Jones (1991)
Yardages: Gold-6840, Blue-6534, White-6007
Slope/Rating: Gold-132/72.4, Blue-129/70.4, White-121/68.4
The New Course at Talamore is a perfect introduction to the Sandhills of North Carolina for first-time visitors: A course with beauty, challenge and score-ability all rolled into one.
