Top Wisconsin Public Golf Courses

🏌️‍♂️ Top Wisconsin Public Golf Courses (Based on Wikipedia, Course Profiles & Golf Rankings)

Wisconsin has emerged as a bucket-list golf destination, thanks in part to major championships hosted at world-renowned courses like Whistling Straits. But beyond the marquee names, the Badger State boasts a wide array of public-access gems that span bluffs, lakeshores, and wooded northwoods landscapes. Whether you’re chasing PGA pedigree or rustic Midwestern charm, Wisconsin delivers.

1. Whistling Straits (Straits Course) – Pete Dye
   📍 Haven (Kohler)
   🌊 Dramatic links-style design along Lake Michigan
   🏆 Host of PGA Championships, U.S. Senior Open & 2021 Ryder Cup
   🎯 Bucket-list experience with fescue, wind, and oceanlike views
   🗒️ Course site

2. Sand Valley – Coore & Crenshaw
   📍 Nekoosa
   🏜️ Stunning sand dunes, minimalist architecture
   🌟 One of the top golf destinations in the U.S.
   🏌️‍♂️ Walk-only design with caddies enhances experience
   🗒️ Course site

3. Mammoth Dunes – David McLay Kidd
   📍 Nekoosa
   🏖️ Sister course to Sand Valley, featuring massive fairways
   🎯 Strategic and forgiving — fun for a wide range of players
   🌄 Breathtaking views and bold design features
   🗒️ Course site

4. Erin Hills – Hurdzan, Fry & Whitten
   📍 Erin
   🏆 Host of 2017 U.S. Open
   🌾 Natural prairie layout with dramatic elevation and wind
   🏌️‍♂️ Walking-only championship venue
   🗒️ Course site

5. Lawsonia (Links Course) – Langford & Moreau
   📍 Green Lake
   ⛳ Golden Age design with raised greens and bold bunkers
   🎯 Classic architecture revered by golf course aficionados
   💰 Exceptional value for world-class public golf
   🗒️ Course site

6. SentryWorld – Robert Trent Jones Jr.
   📍 Stevens Point
   🌸 Home of the iconic flower hole (#16)
   🏆 2023 U.S. Senior Open host
   💎 Recent renovation has elevated it to elite status
   🗒️ Course site

7. University Ridge – Robert Trent Jones Jr.
   📍 Madison
   🎓 Home course of the Wisconsin Badgers golf team
   🌳 Rolling terrain, woods, and open prairie
   🏌️‍♂️ Hosted the American Family Insurance Championship
   🗒️ Course site

8. The Bull at Pinehurst Farms – Jack Nicklaus
   📍 Sheboygan Falls
   🐂 The only Nicklaus Signature course in Wisconsin
   ⛳ Tough layout with forced carries and dramatic elevation
   🏌️‍♂️ Close to Kohler resort, makes a great side stop
   🗒️ Course site

9. Brown Deer Park Golf Course – George Hansen
   📍 Milwaukee
   🏆 Former PGA Tour stop (Greater Milwaukee Open)
   🌳 Historic parkland course with mature trees and character
   🎯 Public gem with affordable rates and solid challenge
   🗒️ Course site

10. Wild Rock Golf Club – Hurdzan & Fry
    📍 Wisconsin Dells
    🎢 Built near a ski resort with dramatic elevation changes
    🌲 Forests, rock outcroppings, and water features
    🎯 Very playable with great visuals
    🗒️ Course site

⛳ Why Golf in Wisconsin?

• 🏆 Home to major championship venues and architect-designed meccas

• 🌲 Diverse settings from lakefront cliffs to northwoods forests

• 💰 Strong value compared to other elite golf states

• 🍺 Pair your round with Wisconsin’s famous beers and cheese curds