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WISCONSIN: AMERICA’S TOP GOLF-CATION DESTINATION
Surprisingly, the heart of America’s golfing scene isn’t in California, Arizona, Florida, or the Carolinas. It’s found in the heartland: Wisconsin, to be exact.
The state boasts over 500 public courses, many of which have received industry acclaim in the form of top rankings, awards, and selections to host championship-level events.
And, earlier this year, Golf Digest ranked Wisconsin No. 1 in the nation for public-access golf.
Wisconsin holds 10 spots on the magazine’s most recent list of America’s Top 100 Public Courses, more than any other state. It also holds eight spots on Golfweek’s 2023 “100 Best Courses You Can Play in the United States.”
Eight courses appear on both lists: Whistling Straits – Straits & Irish courses, Erin Hills, Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Blackwolf Run – River course, Lawsonia Links and SentryWorld, while Golf Digest’s list also includes Blackwolf Run – Meadow Valleys course and The Bull at Pinehurst Farms.
No matter which courses you choose or how you rank them, all 10 of these spectacular tracks–plus hundreds of others, are less than three hours from Wauwatosa and fall within a 150-mile radius of each other. If a traveler wanted to try to hit all of them, the road trip would barely register 500 miles. Can you say bucket list?
WAUWATOSA: YOUR CLUBHOUSE & 19TH HOLE
Staying in Wauwatosa puts you in a prime location to reach any (or all) of these top golf destinations. And even if you’re more of a casual golfer or just looking to get in a quick nine, there are many other public courses in the vicinity, as well as several driving ranges and practice facilities nearby.
Plus, Wauwatosa offers plenty of restaurants and bars at which to refuel and relax after a long day on the links, as well as proximity to shopping and other entertainment options to please the non-golfers in your party and/or round out your trip to America’s #1 Golf-cation Destination.
DISCOVER THE CONVENIENCE, BEAUTY, EXCELLENCE & ABUNDANCE OF WISCONSIN’S GOLF COURSES
And you don’t have to take our word for it. You can check out “The Dream Loop,” a recently-released documentary that follows two golfers on their quest to play the state’s top 10 courses in less than two days.
The self-described “crazy” idea is the brainchild of Wisconsin State Golf Association’s (WSGA) Executive Director, Rob Jansen, who said, “I thought [attempting the Dream Loop] would be a fun way to highlight all the great public golf Wisconsin has and how convenient the travel is.”
A 60-minute visual feast for the eyes, the film offers a captivating visual journey through Wisconsin’s premier courses, capturing their awe-inspiring beauty. Beyond underscoring their abundance, excellence, and proximity, it also does an excellent job of showcasing the variety amongst them.
“The biggest takeaway was just how different the 10 courses were from each other,” noted D.J. Piehowski, one of the players featured in the film.
“The fact that they all exist not only within the same state but within a few hours’ drive of each other is crazy. And it’s not just different views…it’s wildly different styles of golf.”
SO MANY PROS, NO CONS WHEN IT COMES TO WISCONSIN GOLF
Finally, there’s a reason the industry publications designate the top “public” courses and “courses you can play.” Many states boast a variety of high quality, iconic and award-winning golf courses; however, the average golfer will likely find that his odds of getting a hole-in-one are better than, say, getting a tee time at a private course such as Augusta National.
Wisconsin’s golf courses, on the other hand, offer unparalleled accessibility, allowing average golfers to play on par with the pros. For example, Whistling Straits, ranked as Golf Digest’s fourth-greatest public course, has hosted prestigious events like the Ryder Cup.
Wisconsin has also hosted several USGA and PGA tournaments, solidifying its status as a major golf destination.
DISCOVER WAUWATOSA AND WISCONSIN GOLF
As you plan your golfing adventure, consider making Wauwatosa your home base. With its central location and abundance of amenities, Wauwatosa provides the perfect starting point for exploring Wisconsin’s world-class golf courses. Whether you’re seeking a challenging round or simply looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, Wauwatosa offers something for every golfer. So pack your clubs and prepare for an unforgettable golf-cation adventure in the heart of southeastern Wisconsin.