Best golf courses in Wisconsin 2024: Whistling Straits to Erin Hills

Wisconsin offers a wealth of wonderful places to play golf.

In fact, The Badger state is home to some of the finest courses in America, so we’ve taken a swing at what we believe are the 10 best golf courses in Wisconsin, each of them offering a different, but equally unforgettable, experience. Wisconsin’s varied geography is the perfect backdrop for golf, with lush forests, rolling hills and a picturesque coastline along Lake Michigan.

The whole state shares a commitment to preserving that incredible natural beauty and that extends to the best golf courses in Wisconsin too. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Wisconsin is bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, and the Mississippi River to the west.

So now you know a bit about this place, where do you go to play golf? Well, let’s look at the 10 best golf courses in Wisconsin.

1. Whistling Straits: Straits Course

Where else could we begin our journey through the best golf courses in Wisconsin, but at the world-renowned Straits Course? Despite its location, this Pete Dye masterpiece is reminiscent of Ireland’s great links. Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, golfers are treated to breath-taking views and a fearsome test of golf, with more than 1,000 bunkers, some incredibly dramatic lakeside greens and some wonderful changes in elevation. It’s open and windswept, like a links, and it’s rugged too and yet it is not in Scotland or Ireland but sculpted on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It has hosted numerous major championships and the 43rd Ryder Cup, of course.

Whistling Straits Golf — The Straits course sits on two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Credit: Kohler Golf

2. Milwaukee Country Club

Founded in 1894, the Milwaukee Country Club is a magical members-only establishment which combines history, tradition with what can only be described as a truly stupendous golf course. It’s a place of natural beauty and wonder, with the kind of terrain that might feel more at home in County Kildare in Ireland, rather than in Wisconsin. It’s unquestionably one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, with the front nine weaving its way along the western side of the splendid clubhouse, while the back nine weaves intricately along the Milwaukee River and provides the golfer with one memorable moment, after another.

3. Erin Hills Golf Course

It says everything about the quality of golf in this state, that Erin Hills comes in at No 3 in our list of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. This is, after all, a course which was built to host the 2017 US Open venue and a golf course like few others. The site itself, which measures 652 acres, is vast and the golf course threads itself through wetlands and glacial topography that makes it feel like few others. You’ll find bent grass greens and fairways and a walk around Erin Hills, feels like a true escape, a step back in time and a welcome break from the modern world. It’s also a place which boasts incredible off-course facilities so you can stay, play, eat and drink to your heart’s content. At Erin Hills, there is a real blend of the modern and the traditional, but what is certain is that this is a championship test of golf in every sense of the word.

Sand Valley Golf Sand Valley Course — Sand Valley is fun and playable, but is also a serious test of golf. Credit: Sand Valley

4. Sand Valley Golf Resort: Sand Valley

Another stunning test of golf, this would be No 1 in most other states in America but on our list of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, Sand Valley comes in at No 4. The Sand Valley course, designed by the renowned team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is a blend of expansive sand dunes, incredible natural beauty, and undulating greens. Coore and Crenshaw have let the land speak for itself here and their minimalist design accentuates the work done by Mother Nature. It’s a genuinely pure and captivating experience.

Blackwolf Run River Course — The River is the best of the three courses at Blackwold Run: Credit: Kohler golf

5. Blackwolf Run: River

Situated in Kohler, Blackwolf Run’s River Course, designed by Pete Dye, is a natural beauty and certainly one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. The layout meanders along the Sheboygan River, with water or stunning natural gorges on 14 of the 18 holes. The greens are huge and the landing areas that you’ll need to find, mean this can be a real game of target golf. It has hosted multiple championships, including the US Women’s Open. It’s an absolute must play golf course.

6: Sand Valley: Mammoth Dunes

Mammoth Dunes is another wonderful golf course at the Sand Valley Golf Resort, this time designed by David McLay Kidd. True to its name, this course features massive, sprawling sand dunes that create one wow moment after another. The fairways tend to be generous, the bunkering intricate and there are plenty of dramatic elevation changes too. It is certainly one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin and a genuinely captivating experience.

7: The Golf Courses of Lawsonia: Links

There are two courses at Lawsonia but the Links Course stands – in fact, it’s nothing short of exceptional and certainly one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin. Originally laid out by William Langford in 1930, Lawsonia Links has stood the test of time and offers some wonderful panoramic views of Green Lake. It’s a real classic.

8. Blue Mound Golf & Country Club

Founded in 1903, Blue Mound Golf & Country Club is a private club located just outside the biggest city in the state, Milwaukee. When conversation turns to the best golf courses in Wisconsin, Blue Mound should always be in the mix. The course, designed by Seth Raynor, is a real strategic test of golf, while the historic clubhouse adds an additional sprinkling charm.

9. SentryWorld Golf Club

SentryWorld, located in Stevens Point, is a place which celebrates nature and artistry. The course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., underwent a renovation in 2013, while on the course, the “Flower Hole” features a 35,000-square-foot flower bed, adding a burst of colour to the round.

10. Whistling Straits: Irish Course

Rounding out our list of the best golf courses in Wisconsin is another from the Whistling Straits collection: the Irish Course. Although not as formidable as The Straits, the Irish Course offers its own set of challenges and scenic beauty. Golfers can expect rolling terrain, picturesque landscapes, and a truly memorable round.

Wisconsin’s golf landscape is a tapestry woven with history, natural beauty, and world-class design. The top 10 golf courses in the Badger State are world-class, regularly hosting major championships. From the rugged shores of Lake Michigan to the serene banks of the Sheboygan River, each place is a unique opportunity to enjoy our game amid some of the most incredible natural wonder you’ll find anywhere in America.

So, grab your clubs, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the best golf courses in Wisconsin – it has to be one of the finest golf destinations in the United States.

WISCONSIN GOLF: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How many golf courses are in the state of Wisconsin?

We have only picked out the 10 best golf courses in Wisconsin, but on total there are 547 golf courses in the Badger State.

How many Kohler Wisconsin golf courses are there?

There is global attention on Kohler Wisconsin golf courses and with good reason. There are no fewer than four championship courses in Wisconsin’s Kohler Resort, each of the courses offers distinctive qualities that inject drama and excitement into every round, solidifying Kohler’s status as one of the world’s great golf destinations.

Which are the best central Wisconsin golf courses?

If you’re looking for the best central Wisconsin golf courses, it’s hard to look beyond SentryWorld in Stevens Point. As you can read above, it has a wonderful challenging layout and some stunning scenery too.

What about the wisconsin public golf courses, where should I play?

There are more than 500 Wisconsin public golf courses, which is a testament to the embarrassment of golfing riches you will find in the Badger State. If you’re looking for the very best Wisconsin public golf courses, Lawsonia Links and Erin Hills are our top choices, offering exceptional public access and championship-caliber layouts.

Which are the best Wisconsin par 3 golf courses?

If you’re into Wisconsin par 3 golf courses, Vitense Golfland in Madison is a great option with well-designed short holes suitable for all skill levels.

Are there any new golf courses in Wisconsin that I need to play?

For the best new golf courses in Wisconsin, it’s hard to look beyond Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes, two new golf courses in Wisconsin that have garnered attention for their innovative designs, stunning scenery and warm welcomes. Go and check them out.

Which are the best value golf courses in Wisconsin?

If you’re seeking the best value golf courses in Wisconsin then it is worth checking out Brown Deer Park Golf Course in Milwaukee.

Can I find Top Golf in Wisconsin?

While there isn’t yet an official Top Golf in Wisconsin, Luxe Golf Bays in Franklin is about as close as you can get to a Top Golf in Wisconsin with 57 bays, VIP suites and ball tracking.

Which is Whistling Straits nearest airport?

Whistling Straits’ nearest airport is Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, which offers convenient access to this world-renowned golf destination on Lake Michigan.