Wisconsin - The New Golf Mecca?

[Keith Grande]

There's been recent discussion within my usual group as to the best destination golf area in the US, public access/resort.  If you have 5 or 6 days with a group of friends (GCA-uber and GCA-lite) who like interesting courses within reasonable distance.


The Usual Suspects:


Pinehurst region
Bandon
Kiawah
Pebble Beach/Monterrey
Streamsong


What about Wisconsin entering the picture to challenge these areas? 
Kohler, Erin Hills, emerging Sand Valley, and Lawsonia Links.


Centrally located, excellent variety and wonderful terrain.


Where do you rank these destinations?

[Tommy Williamsen]

Northern Michigan is loaded with courses. They may not all be great but there are plenty of good courses from which to choose. The climate in the summer is extraordinary.

[Keith Grande]

Northern Michigan was another option, but not sure how many are accessible...

[Mike Schott]

You cannot leave northern Michigan out of this sort of grouping. Off the top of my head: Forest Dunes/The Loop, Black Forest, Arcadia, Treetops, Cedar River at Shanty Creek, True North, Belvedere and many more. These may not be Bandon or Monterey quality but they are very nice and far more affordable for the most part.


Sorry, Tommy beat me to it. All of these are resort or public courses except Belvedere which as we know is easy to access.

[Howard Riefs]

You cannot leave northern Michigan out of this sort of grouping. Off the top of my head: Forest Dunes/The Loop, Black Forest, Arcadia, Treetops, Cedar River at Shanty Creek, True North, Belvedere and many more. These may not be Bandon or Monterey quality but they are very nice and far more affordable for the most part.


Sorry, Tommy beat me to it. All of these are resort or public courses except Belvedere which as we know is easy to access.

True North is also private once again. Not sure about access. I haven't played there since 2009.

[PCCraig]

Wisconsin might become second only to Bandon, depending on how good Sand Valley turns out.


Right now:
Bandon
Pinehurst
Wisconsin
Monterrey
Streamsong

[Keith Grande]

I agree Bandon might be the best collection of holes, the only issue is that for those on the East Coast, it's a very tough sell.  It's easier to get to Ireland and Scotland.


Pinehurst also has great courses on sandy terrain (Mid Pines, Pine Needles, #2) but the pricing especially at Pinehurst resort is off the charts. 


Same with Pebble. 


Streamsong is really only viable in fall/winter due to heat.  Also very expensive, though I am looking forward to seeing the Black course.

[Kalen Braley]

I think some basic guidelines should be built into determining what a "destination" is.


Places like Bandon and Monterey, all the courses are right there.  Wisconsin, they're several hours apart.

[Keith Grande]

Reasonable driving distance that can be covered over 5-6 days was what I was getting at.

[Phil McDade]

I think some basic guidelines should be built into determining what a "destination" is.


Places like Bandon and Monterey, all the courses are right there.  Wisconsin, they're several hours apart.

Yes, but many taverns in between.....

[Mark Pritchett]

Myrtle Beach

[Kalen Braley]

I think some basic guidelines should be built into determining what a "destination" is.


Places like Bandon and Monterey, all the courses are right there.  Wisconsin, they're several hours apart.

Yes, but many taverns in between.....

Touche Phil!


But of course you're the DD so you can't partake right.. 

[John Kavanaugh]

5th Major

[Jim Tang]

I'd say the addition of the Sand Valley complex puts Wisconsin right in the mix with the other regions listed.  I feel Bandon is clearly the premier destination in the country, for public golf.


Bandon
Pinehurst
Monterrey
Wisconsin
Northern Michigan
Streamsong

[Keith Grande]

Here are distances -
Erin Hills - Whistling Straits 70 mi
Whistling - Lawsonia 70 mi
Lawsonia - Sand Valley 60 mi

[Kalen Braley]

If we're going with reasonable drives...


We could include a PNW Special


Chambers Bay
Gold Mountain
Wine Valley
Gamble Sands
Pumpkin Ridge
Suncadia Resort

[BHoover]

In terms of number of visitors, I'd think Myrtle Beach has to be considered.

[Keith Grande]

Brian, the key here is best, not most popular....other than a few Strantz, not much in MB to whet my whistle

[Tim Gavrich]

FWIW, SentryWorld belongs in the Wisconsin rota, too. And I quite enjoyed the charming nine-hole Waupaca Country Club, kind of in the center of that area.


You could also loop in the likes of Greywalls and Sweetgrass if you wanted to make a bigger trip.




If you like the nomadic sort of all-over-Scotland trip but aren't interested in making the long trip regularly from the U.S., rambling around Wisconsin a few days makes a convenient alternative.

[BHoover]

Brian, the key here is best, not most popular....other than a few Strantz, not much in MB to whet my whistle

If Mecca means the place where the golfing public is going to visit, then I think MB qualifies. If I asked my friends where they'd choose to go for a golf vacation, chances are they (and most of the average golfing public) would say MB.

[Phil McDade]

FWIW, SentryWorld belongs in the Wisconsin rota, too. And I quite enjoyed the charming nine-hole Waupaca Country Club, kind of in the center of that area.

Sentry World has been getting very good notices since the re-do by Jay Blasi and Bruce Charlton. And Waupaca is one of the better 9-holers in the state. A wonderful little course.

[Frank M]

Based on a peak season itinerary of Erin Hills ($280), Whistling Straits ($410 + $85 for caddie), Lawsonia ($60) and Sand Valley ($175), with just one round at each of those I'm looking at $1010 for 4 rounds not including any accommodations or taking into consideration travel to and from. I wouldn't call that a "golf mecca" as much as an exclusive luxury destination.

I've not been to Wisconsin for golf and love the state, but Lawsonia is the only one that I gravitate towards. If it is a golf mecca, it's one that seems to cater to a very specific type of golfer. Maybe the more accurate title would be the new GCA Golf Mecca?

[Keith Grande]

Not saying it's cheap - but compare prices to Streamsong, Pebble, Pinehurst.  They ain't charging pennies to play...

[Mike Schott]

Not saying it's cheap - but compare prices to Streamsong, Pebble, Pinehurst.  They ain't charging pennies to play...

Another point in favor of Northern Michigan other than Arcadia. Most rounds are $100-$125.00 up north. Belvedere is $79.00 to walk high season.

[Garland Bayley]

I agree Bandon might be the best collection of holes, the only issue is that for those on the East Coast, it's a very tough sell.  It's easier to get to Ireland and Scotland.
...

Portland is $300 round trip on True Blue from NYC. Rent a car and drive on the right side of the road.

How is that harder than Ireland and Scotland?