Grass is Always Greener — Top-Rated Wisconsin Golf Courses

There are 500+ golf courses and more than 60 golf resorts in Wisconsin. While this abundance brings pleasure to those passionate pursuers of puttering on greens and fairways, it also invites comparisons. Whether you’re planning a golf tournament or just a round for the corporate execs, wouldn’t it be nice to know which courses offer a game that’s good, and which ones offer a golf experience that’s great? Here’s what we think and why:

Saint Croix National Golf + Event Center

What to expect: Just five minutes from Stillwater, the Saint Croix National Golf + Event Center lures golfers in with its pristine fairways, top condition greens, and amazing river valley scenery. Golf Digest gives it 4 stars, while Wisconsin Classic Golf Tour golfers ranks it #1 in Wisconsin.

Why we love it: Hands down, the scenery is one of the most amazing things about this course, and guests can appreciate it from the driving range that overlooks the Saint Croix River Valley. Also pretty amazing…the grounds where 250 guests can gather and the event center with spacious clubhouse. It’s the ideal spot for your tournie or corporate gathering.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

What to expect: Grand Geneva is a golf mecca for all who make it their mission to play at exceptional courses. With two championship courses, this golf club appears in an abundance of top 25 lists, including Business Journal, Golf Magazine, and Conde Nast Travelers. The 72-par Brute Golf Course lives up to its name with rolling greens and 68 bunkers. Originally designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, The Highlands Golf Course is beautifully landscaped with sparkling creeks and lush foliage.

Why we love it: Beautifully maintained, Grand Geneva’s courses each offer a different experience. In addition, they boast a top-rated golf pro shop, practice area, refreshment cart service, as well as the Links Bar + Grill for post play. The green certified resort itself is stunning with fitness center, sauna, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor pools, comfortable guest rooms, suites, or private villas, spa, dining, and a wide range of meeting and event spaces.

Cold Water Canyon Golf Course at Chula Vista Resort + Conference Center

What to expect: One of Wisconsin’s most historic golf courses, the 18-hole course originated with just 9 holes which were built in 1923. Link-style hills, moguls, and bunkers create a secluded fairway for an exceptional golf experience.

Why we love it: For as few as 16 players or as many as 160, a tournament at Cold Water Canyon is always unforgettable. Lush greens, canyon fairways, and stunning views make this a course everyone will enjoy. After the game, dining in the Tavern Restaurant is a must. And of course, the resort entices guests to enjoy 200,000 square feet of water parks and a world-class spa, as well as comfy guest rooms, suites, villas, and condominiums.

SentryWorld Sport Complex

What to expect: Removed from the hustle and bustle of urban areas, SentryWorld Sport Complex is a true countryside golf experience for players of every level.  Featuring an 18-hole world-class course, at more than 7200 yards it consists of rolling green fairways, sparkling water features, and impeccable white sands.  

Why we love it: SentryWorld is home to the iconic “flower hole” which features 35,000 flowers, a site that may tempt players to “stop and smell the roses,” so to speak. The Grand Hall banquet space can accommodate up to 600 and offers lovely vistas from its floor to ceiling windows, while the Fieldhouse seats up to 3000 guests, and the dramatic Atrium with its beautiful views can accommodate 130. 

Wild Rock Golf Club at Wilderness Resort

What to expect: Considered one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, Wild Rock Golf Club at Wilderness Resort harmonizes with nature to create a wonderful 18-hole championship golf course that was chiseled around and through a former quarry. With expansive, fast greens and five sets of tees, this impeccably-maintained course is designed for the golfer who embraces a challenge.

Why we love it: Designed by the legendary team of Dr. Mike Hurdzan and Dana Fry, on a clear day golfers are inspired by the 30-mile view from the elevated sixth tee. After your group has played a round, they can make a splash at the Wilderness Resort with indoor/outdoor waterparks, restaurants and cafes, spa, and of course, comfy accommodations in a lodge suite or a private villa. 

The Golf Courses of Lawsonia

What to expect: Known as one of the most scenic golf resorts in the area, the two 18-hole courses are magnificently designed, with breathtaking panoramic views, historical landmarks, and abundant wildlife. Ranked #60 in GolfWeek’s “Top 100 Classic Golf Courses in the US,” Lawsonia is one of Wisconsin’s very best golf destinations.

Why we love it: The Links course offers traditional links style golf in a gorgeous setting, while the Woodlands is carved out of long-standing forests, with a stunning view from atop hole #3, a 100-year old stone quarry at hole #2, and the iconic chimes of Judson Tower greeting players with whimsical notes across the course.  In addition, this peaceful club offers guests a wonderful pub in which to relax after a round, with outdoor patio seating and views of the lush courses.

Troy Burne Golf Club

What to expect: Troy Burne Golf Club is Wisconsin’s premier, upscale golf club with word-class design for a championship-caliber challenge. Carefully sculpted out of 420 acres of rolling St. Croix Valley hills, the course features over 120 bunkers and promises a memorable golf experience.

Why we love it: Sophistication abounds at this championship club with a spacious clubhouse, elegant banquet space, and accommodating staff.  The on-site bar and grill serve up a mouthwatering menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and salads for hungry golfers.

Of course, this is just a smattering of the courses out there that are on par with your tournament goals. We know choosing just one might be rough, but once you start researching your options, we think you’ll find your sweet spot.