Wisconsin’s Best Counties for The Golfing Enthusiast

Kortnee Hass

May 3, 2022

A little birdie told us that golf is sort of a big thing in Wisconsin. From widely known world-class courses like Whistling Straits to some of our favorite little hidden gems spread throughout the 72 counties of Wisconsin, we are truly best with some of the finest places to golf across the country! If you’re a golf enthusiast, then stay with us and learn all about the golfing industry we have here in Wisconsin. 

Sheboygan County

Photo Credit: Whistling Straits Golf Course // Destination Kohler

Sheboygan County specifically is home to Whistling Straits Golf Course but also is known for some of its other beautiful and exciting courses throughout. Whistling Straits lies right along the Wisconsin coastline of Lake Michigan. These scenic and dynamic golf courses are world-class and definitely live up to the expectation of the finest golfers across the world. If you didn’t already know, Whistling Straits hosted the 43rd Annual Ryder Cup in 2022 which had a record-breaking year! 

Another extravagant course that lies in the county is the Blackwolf Run Golf Course. This course is the same glacier-carved river basin as known in the 1800s and is home to The River and Meadow Valley courses on site. Blackwolf Run has one other course, The Baths. This course is a 10-hole par 3 for someone looking for a shorter day out golfing!

If you’re looking to learn more about golf or get more into the game of golf, you can invest in your skillset at the Kohler Golf Academy or at the Kohler Swing Studio. These offer a little bit more of a learning experience as well as a laid-back way to get into the game and really enjoy yourself! 

There are plenty of other options and courses to choose from in Sheboygan County if these aren’t really your style like Evergreen Golf Course, Miller’s Glen, Sunset Hills, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, and more! Learn more about golfing opportunities all throughout the county here. 

Portage County

Photo Credit: SentryWorld Golf Course

Another hotspot happens to be right in the central portion of the state in Portage County. One course you truly cannot miss out on when in the area is the SentryWorld Golf Course. SentryWorld truly offers an experience that is one-of-a-kind in Wisconsin. The course went over large renovations during the last couple of years in order to prepare for the hosting of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open! Not only can you play some world-class golf but you can dine at one of their 2 delicious restaurants on-site or stay at their brand new boutique hotel right on the 18th hole!

Other courses in Portage County include the Stevens Point Country Club, which went under renovations just a few years ago, and the Wisconsin River Golf Club. The Stevens Point County Clubs course is a private course that has bold features and unique natural beauty throughout. The Wisconsin River Golf Club is nestled right along the gorgeous Wisconsin River and has some of the best views you can get in the area! Both courses offer a challenging course that is also enjoyable and entertaining for those looking to just have a good time!

Just outside of Portage County and nestled inside Adams County is Sand Valley, a course that really puts Wisconsin on the map for world-class golf. Sand Valley has three different course options, Mammoth Dunes, Sand Valley, and the Sandbox. These are truly some of the most magnificent courses across the state that you’ll just have to see for yourself!

Washington County

Photo Credit: Washington County Golf Course

Another county with some of Wisconsin’s best golf is Washington County. One of their most well-known golf courses is the Washington County Golf Course and we can’t forget to mention that it is the #1 ranked municipal course in the state of Wisconsin! The course is right in the heart of Hartford and is a par-72 course. 

Not only do they have the #1 ranked municipal course in Wisconsin but the county is also home to the well-known Erin Hills Golf Course. In 2017, Erin Hills hosted the U.S. Open which was the 117th U.S. Open right in Erin, Wisconsin! The course is right in the kettle moraine areas of the county and is unique in all of its own ways. From wetlands, a river, sand, and small rock, you really get a bit of all type of terrain while hitting the course.

Other opportunities to hit the course in Washington County are at the Hartford Golf Club, Fairways of Woodside Golf Course, Kettle Hills Golf Course, and the Hidden Glen at Bentdale Farms. Washington County is home to plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for world-class or a place to just hit off the tee for a bit of fun!  

Sauk County

Photo Credit: Wild Rock Golf Club

Just north of Madison is the beautiful Sauk County. Sauk County is home to some gorgeous terrain and beautiful golf courses, the first being Wild Rock Golf Club. Wild Rock was actually designed by the same duo that created the Erin Hills Golf Club that we previously talked about in Washington County. 

Wild Rock is an 18-hole championship course that was created around and through a quarry. One fun fact about the course includes that they have square tee boxes! On top of that, on the 6th-hole you can see a 30-mile view on a clear day which is something that you won’t want to miss out on!

In Merrimac, is the scenic Devil’s Head Resort. Not only can you slip away there for a golf getaway but there are also full resort amenities and scenic biking/hiking trails to experience as well. The golf course is known for its two championship 18-hole courses and will give any golfer a great time and challenging experience!

The area itself speaks for the beautiful golf opportunities that lie in the area. Some other courses that are exceptional in Sauk County are the Lake Wisconsin Golf Club (nestled along the beautiful lake and bluffs), Fairfield Hills (a family-friendly course), and Lodi Golf Club (a 9-hole course for all levels of play)!

Whether you’re a professional golfer or just a beginner, you can find a large number of opportunities throughout the state of Wisconsin. Be sure to plan your trip throughout the state and all these top-tier courses to your bucket list. But first, we must ask the question… Which county are you most excited to experience as a golfing enthusiast? Let us know in the comments below!

*This article is brought to you with support from the Wisconsin Counties Association.


Kortnee Hass: Social Media Coordinator for Discover Mediaworks. A Wisconsin ‘now & forever’ transplant with a soft spot for squeaky cheese curds, craft breweries, and all things Wisconsin tourism.

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