If this is climate change or global warming, well, maybe there are some advantages after all.
OK, to clarify, just kidding to make a point. For the record, we both believe climate change is real and it’s smart to make plans to adapt for our children and grandchildrens’ future.
But it sure was fun to play 2024’s first round of golf on February 26.
It was a twosome, for Bill and younger son John. They teed it up at Evergreen Country Club in Elkhorn and, despite a few errant lost balls, reported satisfaction while knocking the rust off the winter layoff.
Stephanie, by the way, ventures onto a course maybe once or twice a year. She’s much more interested in lifting a tasty adult beverage than a seven iron, and is prone to taking a few holes off to enjoy the cart ride and the beautiful outdoors.
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Which means, readers will not be surprised, that if golf means extra layers or windbreakers against a stiff early-season breeze, she’ll meet the guys in the clubhouse.
Counterintuitive as it seems, here in the northern part of America, Wisconsin is an absolute magnet for golfers. There are nationally famous tracks from Whistling Straits in Kohler, to Erin Hills near Hartford, to the magnificent Sand Valley complex at Nekoosa. These professional-level courses attract serious golfers from across the globe.
Here in south central Wisconsin there are public and private tracks suitable for all skill levels, with literally scores of choices from the Milwaukee metro area across Walworth County and on to Madison, Beloit, Janesville, Monroe and beyond.
The Lake Geneva region ranks high by any scale for visitors and locals alike, and today we’ll focus on those nearby options. Because Bill is the golf fan – not particularly skilled, admittedly, but usually good enough to avoid too much embarrassment – we rely on his experiences. Bill and his regular partners, sons Kyle and John, have played nearly all of the regional courses at one time or another.
Within minutes of downtown Lake Geneva golfers will find public access to the three courses at Geneva National, the Grand Geneva’s Brute and Highlands tracks, and two at Hawk’s View, one of which (Barn Hollow) is a family friendly but still challenging 18-hole par 3 set-up.
Como Crossings is the championship 18-hole layout at Hawk’s View. It’s a great course and the high view from the tees at the par 3 17th may be the best lookout point in the area.
Geneva National is famous for its three course designers – Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player. Each of the three comes with its own character and challenges. A particular favorite is the signature 17th par 5 with beautiful views of Lake Como. A great newer feature is the Dance Floor, an innovative lighted putting layout.
The Brute and Highlands 18-hole courses at the Grand Geneva lie within some of the loveliest natural settings in the area. It’s a green (in the growing season) expanse surrounded by woods, hills and water. Don’t get too distracted, though, because the courses demand your best.
As with all the resort courses – including the 18-hole Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn in Delavan – the key to an enjoyable day is picking the right tee box. Try not to over-or under-estimate your personal ability, and the day will go much better.
Our team of guys has tried several other courses around the region, and they all have their charm and challenge. Compared to the glitzy resorts, outlying courses may offer a bit of price break.
Evergreen in Elkhorn is always a solid choice, with 27 holes of interesting golf. It’s busy but accessible, especially on weekdays.
Nippersink – how’s that for a name – golf course near Twin Lakes is one of the older courses in the region, but it’s an interesting and challenging track rewarding accuracy and shaped shots. In other words, Bill suffered through it.
Lake Lawn’s Majestic Oaks also is an older layout, and well worth the trek for its breathtaking views along Delavan Lake. Various holes parallel the lake – often accompanied by a stiff breeze – to make the day more enjoyable.
Abbey Springs graces the south shore of Geneva Lake near Fontana, with plenty of greenery and forest. Bring your A-game. It’s tight and tough.
Delbrook sits within Delavan and offers 27 holes of golf. Don’t let its age and old-fashioned appearance fool you either. Tough holes await.
There are a host of other tracks – public and private – within an hour or so drive. It would be easy for a golf-happy foursome to plan a month-long vacation and never play the same course twice. No exaggeration: Wisconsin, and our south-central region, is one of America’s premier golf destinations.
So don’t be surprised if you see Bill and the boys out banging balls, especially with this incredible early start to the season.
Stephanie will be holding court in the clubhouse, glass in hand.
Stephanie Klett is the President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva, and the former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Her husband Bill Barth is the former Editor of the Beloit Daily News, and a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame.