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There's lots of golf in the metro Chicago and southern Wisconsin region, much of it right along the shores of Lake Michigan, and much of it considered to be the best golf in the United States.
Golf in Sheboygan and Madison, Wisconsin
Start with Whistling Straits - Straits Course along Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The best course in America? Some would say. Extremely difficult? All agree. This course is only available to walkers. The links-style design plus the wind off Lake Michigan give it a distinctly Irish feel. The views along the lake have been called spectacular and sometimes even distracting for those engaged in the serious business of making golf shots. Right next door is the Whistling Straits - Irish Course. Be prepared for the most diverse golf experience in the world. The decisions you'll have to make in this course are critical and endless.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms is the only Jack Nicklaus signature course in the state. Named “America's Best New Daily Fee Course” by Golfweek Magazine a couple years back, this is probably the most challenging course in the state of Wisconsin
A river runs through it - the Sheboygan River that is, which is what gives the Blackwolf Run's River Course its name. The course is scenic and, according to Golf Digest, offers heart-pounding excitement. Walking is required.
The Blackwolf Run Meadow Valleys Course was built on the prehistoric glacier runoff then named after the chief of the Winnebago tribe. The design is quite challenging and the layout gives one the feeling of being isolated, since many holes do not afford views of other holes.
Finally, if you're in the state capital of Madison, you'll want to visit University Ridge, where there's a little bit of everything, from bunkers and water to hills and woodlands. It can be long and it can be short. Power will only get you so far, as tactical skill and accuracy are also important skills if you're to have success at this course.
Golf in Greater Chicago
If you're in Chicago, check out The Glen Club, which provides a rolling parkland-style course and a relaxing environment, just 20 minutes from downtown.
Thunderhawk is a certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary built on forest, marsh, and prairie. Land outside the fairways is considered out of bounds in order to protect endangered plant species. As far as the golf goes, there are a number of severe doglegs, including one of 600 yards on the signature hole 18.
Pine Meadow has been called the best public course in Chicago. Just stay out of the rough and you'll be fine.
If you prefer to challenge yourself with a PGA championship course, try Kemper Lakes, where narrow and flat fairways, as well as lakes and water hazards, are part of the fun and the difficulty.
What was formerly known as the Thunderbird Golf Club, is now the newly-designed Makray Memorial Golf Club. It is beautiful, but long. Enjoy.
Cantigny provides three 9-hole courses that can be combined into one 18-hole course. However you slice it, though, water will be a big part of your design in this area that boasts 12 lakes, two creeks, and one hole with water surrounding the fairway and the green.
Water is a big theme at the Harborside International Port Course, which supports a links-style golf course with many deep sand bunkers. The par 3 15th hole is the course's signature hole. It's designed in the shape of an anchor, which makes sense in consideration of the course's maritime name.
The Cog Hill Golf Club Dubsdread Course is another tough Chicago course. Landing areas are tight and the greens, though large and undulating, are heavily guarded by bunkers. Mistakes are punished, so bring your best game or stay home.
Further north along the shores of the lake is Brown Deer Park. With bunkers on every hole, water hazards on 10 holes, and narrow tree-lined fairways, you'll find a nice, traditional golf course with challenges for golfers of every skill level.
Golf Courses in Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison
Golf
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