12 North at Trapper's Turn (WI Dells)

[Buck Wolter]

I drive by the Wisconsin Dells about once a month and have seen the signs for Trapper's Turn which is an Andy North (Wisconsin's own) design. I've never stopped in but have been curious -- can't say I've ever heard a word about it. When I heard that Craig Haltom was doing the work at Lawsonia I did a google search and saw he did a Par 3 (with Andy North?) here that opens in 2022. Looks like it will be a nice place to stop and stretch my legs.




Check out the 5th green!
https://vimeo.com/689350500

[Nate Oxman]

Oh my! I wasn't sure what was so special about it other than what looked like an enormous false front. COVID has forced me to spend way too much time in front of a computer screen and thus my eyesight is fading fast so it took a while for me to see the pin down there on the left. That's when I realized what you were talking about. That green and the course overall look really fun!

[Jason Topp]

I flew kites on the course during a 70 degree March day when the course was closed and we were trying to entertain small kids.  It is a good kite flying course.  Can't really comment on it as a golf course.

[Ronald Montesano]

I love it. Reminds me of the Staple course at PGA National.

[Buck Wolter]

I finally stopped in and played this a few weeks ago.


Positives --
Great setting sitting on a hilltop above the main course -- lots of elevation changes for a par 3.
Amazing greensites, lots of quirk and bold features, huge variations in pin placements. One green I didn't realize was a double green until I played the other hole later.

Negatives
While walkable it is made for taking a cart -- some difficult to impossible walks where you basically have to use the cart path and walk around the direct line
Quite a few forced carries which somewhat limits who this caters to -- much higher 'slope rating' than the sandbox I would guess
Lots of turf for the tees but it was mats only when I played
Relatively similar length holes-- I would guess 10/12 were 80-90 yards though I didn't have a range finder and the greens were huge some probably more variance is possible than the day I played. Playing off the mats limited the variability as well.



Definitely will be stopping again and would highly recommend  -- I had the place to myself and they told me to play as much as I wanted for $40.

[Gary Kurth]

I was able to play 12 North shortly after it opened last summer.  I agree with many of Buck's comments.  I'll add that 12 North is fun.  Very fun.  Especially, when playing with a group of friends.  So many fun betting games can be played.  Our group had more fun playing 12 North than the 18 holes at Trappers before.  That's not a slight on Trappers. 


The greens are very quirky, in a good way.  Hitting off the artificial mats wasn't as bad I thought it would be.  I'd make the 5+ hour trip to play it again.  It's a blast.  Highly recommend it.