Top 10 Golf Courses in Wisconsin for Travelers and Golfers
Estimated reading time: approximately 10 minutes
This guide highlights the top golf courses in Wisconsin, including locations, course details, and nearby destinations to help plan a complete golf travel experience across the state.
Introduction to Golf in Wisconsin
Golf has been part of American culture since the late 1800s, and Wisconsin quickly became one of the top regions for the sport due to its natural terrain, rolling hills, and lakefront landscapes. Many of the state’s courses are designed to reflect traditional links-style golf, similar to Scotland.
Today, Wisconsin attracts golfers from across the country with a mix of championship courses, scenic public layouts, and full golf resorts.
1. Whistling Straits
Address
Phone
+18442479140
Whistling Straits is one of the most iconic golf courses in the United States, located directly along Lake Michigan. Designed to resemble a Scottish links course, it offers a challenging layout with dramatic terrain and lake views. It has hosted multiple PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup, making it a must-visit destination for serious golfers.
Nearby destinations
- Kohler Village (5 minutes)
- Sheboygan (10–15 minutes)
- Lake Michigan shoreline
- O’Hare Int’l Airport (ORD)
Chicago, Illinois (142 miles) - General Mitchell Int’l Airport (MKE)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin(72 miles) - Austin Straubel Int’l Airport (GRB)
Green Bay, Wisconsin (58 miles)
2. Erin Hills Golf Course
Address
7169 County Rd O, Hartford, WI 53027 –
Phone
(262) 670-8600
Erin Hills is a highly ranked public course known for its wide-open layout and natural terrain. As the host of the 2017 U.S. Open, it offers a pure golf experience with no carts allowed, emphasizing walking play and strategy.
Nearby destinations
- Hartford (10 minutes)
- Milwaukee (45 minutes)
- Madison (1 hour)
3. Sand Valley Golf Resort
Address
1697 Leopold Way, Nekoosa, WI 54457
Phone
(888) 398-8671
Sand Valley is a modern golf destination offering multiple courses within one resort. Known for its minimalist design and natural sand-based terrain, it provides a unique golf experience across different course styles, making it ideal for multi-day golf trips.
Nearby destinations
- Wisconsin Rapids (15 minutes)
- Stevens Point (25 minutes)
- Lake Arrowhead area
4. Blackwolf Run
Address
1111 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044
Phone
(920) 457-4448
Blackwolf Run offers a more inland golf experience compared to Whistling Straits, featuring tree-lined fairways and river views. It has hosted major tournaments and is part of the Kohler golf destination, making it a popular stop for golfers visiting the area.
Nearby destinations
- Kohler (5 minutes)
- Sheboygan (10 minutes)
- Lake Michigan
5. The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
Address
1 Long Dr, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
The Bull is a championship-level course designed by Jack Nicklaus, known for its challenging layout and elevation changes. It offers a premium golf experience with well-maintained greens and strategic design.
Nearby destinations
- Sheboygan Falls (5 minutes)
- Kohler (15 minutes)
- Lake Michigan
6. University Ridge Golf Course
Address
9002 County Rd PD, Madison, WI 53593
Phone
(608) 845-7700
University Ridge is the home course for the University of Wisconsin and offers a balanced layout suitable for both experienced and casual golfers. Located near Madison, it combines accessibility with high-quality course conditions.
Nearby destinations
- Madison downtown (15 minutes)
- University of Wisconsin campus
- Verona
7. Geneva National Golf Club
Address
1221 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Phone
(262) 245-7000
Geneva National offers three courses designed by golf legends, providing a variety of playing styles in one location. It is a full resort destination with scenic lake views and luxury accommodations.
Nearby destinations
- Lake Geneva (10 minutes)
- Milwaukee (1 hour)
- Chicago (1.5 hours)
8. Lawsonia Links
Address
W2615 Valley View Dr, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone
(920) 294-3320
Lawsonia Links is a classic, historic golf course known for its wide fairways and strategic bunkering. It delivers a traditional golf experience at a more accessible price compared to many top-ranked courses.
Nearby destinations
- Green Lake (5 minutes)
- Fond du Lac (30 minutes)
- Ripon
9. SentryWorld Golf Course
Address
601 Michigan Ave N, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone
(715) 345-1600
SentryWorld is known for its unique layout and the famous Flower Hole, making it one of the most visually distinctive courses in the country. It combines beauty with a high-quality golf experience.
Nearby destinations
- Stevens Point (5 minutes)
- Wisconsin Rapids (20 minutes)
- Plover
10. Brown Deer Park Golf Course
Address
9480 W. Watertown Plank Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone
(414) 257-8024
Brown Deer Park is a historic public golf course that has hosted PGA Tour events. Located in Milwaukee, it offers a more accessible option while still providing a high-quality playing experience.
Nearby destinations
- Milwaukee downtown (20 minutes)
- Lake Michigan (15 minutes)
- Glendale
Planning a Golf Trip Across Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s golf destinations are spread across different regions, making travel planning important.
Key considerations
- distances between courses vary
- some locations are rural or resort-based
- peak season requires advance booking
Travel tips
- group courses by location
- plan overnight stays
- allow travel time between rounds
Travelers planning multi-course trips or group outings can simplify their experience by organizing transportation in advance. Coordinating travel between golf courses, hotels, and cities with Pharaohs Transportation helps ensure a smooth and well-organized golf trip across Wisconsin.
FAQs
What is the best golf course in Wisconsin?
Whistling Straits is widely considered the top course due to its major championship history.
Are these courses public?
Many are public or semi-private, including Erin Hills and Lawsonia Links.
What is the best time to golf in Wisconsin?
May through October offers the best weather conditions.
Can I visit multiple courses in one trip?
Yes, but planning routes is important due to distance between locations.
Do these courses require reservations?
Yes, most top courses require advance tee time booking.
Are golf resorts available?
Yes, Sand Valley and Kohler properties offer full resort experiences.




