Milwaukee/North Chicago

[Keith Durrant]

I'm visiting the Mid-west for the first time in early August, based in Milwaukee. I will be staying with the in-laws for a week and the idea crossed my mind of escaping to play a couple of rounds. Any recommendations on golf or other escapist activities, beer or wurst festivals, perhaps?!

[Mitch Hantman]

Keith,

That area has quite a number of very good courses to play, the most obvious being in Kohler.   I am partial to Lawsonia Links and Milw CC.  Let me know how far you are willing to travel from Milwaukee, and if you have access to private courses or not.  I make a trip to Milwaukee every summer, as my in-laws live there as well.

[Joe Hancock]

Lawsonia would be great choice!

Joe

[Gerry B]

milwaukee cc
have not played lawsonia but heard good things
blue mound - a raynor course - not his best but worth a visit
whistling straits is not too far from milwukee
a must play in chicago's north suburbs would be Shoreacres

[Joe Hancock]

Not to beat the Lanford/ Moreau drum too much, but a visit with Mike McGuire at West Bend CC wouldn't be bad either.

Joe

[Dan Moore]

All the above choices and I would add Brown Deer Park where they play the Greater Milwaukee Open.  Fairly traditional parkland course that was designed in the 20's by a park district worker with some changes by Andy North prior to the PGA moving in.  it has held up fairly well over the years.  I played there as a kid when the Jr. twilight rate was someting ridiculous like $5.00.  Today kids can't afford a course like that which is unfortunate.  

[Keith Durrant]

Thanks for the suggestions. Shoreacres sounds wonderful in Ran's review.

How good is the American Club? Is it just another golf resort?Are Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run must-plays? They are a significant investment !

[Mitch Hantman]

You don't have to stay in Kohler to play there.  It's only an hour's drive from Milw.  Straits course is wonderful, as are both at Blackwolf Run.  Meadow Valleys course is underrated, in my opinion - many terrific holes.  Lawsonia is a longer drive, but it's terrific and very reasonable.  Shoreacres is a treat.  Erin Hills sounds like a can't miss!  

[PThomas]

they are both good and both are difficult...and not cheap, as you indicated!

[cary lichtenstein]

Erin Hills
Milwaukee CC
Whistling Straits
River

That should keep you busy and you will like all 4

[Jim Dawson]

Keith,
I live and play in the Milwaukee area.
I would love to show you around and play at my club, Hidden Glen.
Email me for details.
Thanks,
JD

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

I've heard good things about Blue Mound, which is a Seth Raynor design c. 1903.  Anybody know how much Raynor is left here, and what has transpired to the course over the past 103 years?

[PThomas]

ooh yea, forgot Bluemound...a terrific restoration project is almost done there....the punchbowl 8th is worth the trip alone

[PCCraig]

Milwaukee CC is very good, but if you're just looking for a very good public golf course then I have a few suggestions;

1) Brown Deer, good old-school PGA tour quality golf course, and I think durring prime time it's only $75.

2) Thunderhawk GC, a RTJ Jr. design in Beach Park, IL just over the border from WI. The best RTJ design I've played.

3) Can't go wrong with Kohler.

**Milwaukee has some great public city-owned courses, including Brown Deer.

[PThomas]

imho, Brown Deer isn't all that special

[PCCraig]

Brown Deer, I wouldnt call is special, but for $75 and if your in the area I would call it solid. It's a good place to go early morning and play a quick 18.

Not to mention the history there....Tiger's first Professional Tour Event was there back in '96.